Nikon
D6
Nikon flagship sports DSLR with 14fps and the most advanced DSLR autofocus.
$6,499
Released Feb 2020
Sony
Alpha 7 IV
33MP hybrid all-rounder with 10-bit 4K 60p and AI-powered subject tracking.
$2,499
Released Oct 2021
Alpha 7 IV is 1.7 years newer.
Wins
D6
Wins
Alpha 7 IV
2 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher IBIS effectiveness (5.5 stops vs 0 stops)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 105)
- AD6 has higher Battery life (CIPA) (3580 shots vs 580 shots)
- AD6 has higher ISO max (native) (102,400 vs 51,200)
- BAlpha 7 IV has higher 4K max frame rate (60 fps vs 30 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
D6
160 × 163 × 92 mm
1270 g (2.80 lb / 44.80 oz)
Alpha 7 IV
131 × 96 × 80 mm
658 g (1.45 lb / 23.21 oz)
D6 is 29mm wider, 67mm taller, and 12mm thicker than Alpha 7 IV.
D6 is 612 g heavier than Alpha 7 IV.
Depth (front-to-back): 92mm D6 · 80mm Alpha 7 IV
Sensor size, to scale
D6
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Alpha 7 IV
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D6
Nikon F
270+
native lenses available
Alpha 7 IV
✓ more lensesSony E
350+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
D6
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 160, 163, 92
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, CFexpress Type B / XQD
Battery life (CIPA)
3580 shots vs 580 shots — higher is better
ISO max (native)
102,400 vs 51,200 — higher is better
AF low-light limit
-4.5 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
14 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
10.5 fps vs 10 fps — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 7 IV
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I…
IBIS effectiveness
5.5 stops vs 0 stops — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131.3, 96.4, 79.8
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A, SD UHS-II
AF points / zones
759 vs 105 — higher is better
Eye AF
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only Alpha 7 IV supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D6
Pros
- ✓14fps flagship
- ✓Pro build
- ✓Best DSLR AF
- ✓Dual CFexpress
Cons
- –20MP
- –DSLR platform
- –Very expensive
Alpha 7 IV
Pros
- ✓33MP — more detail for cropping and print
- ✓10-bit 4K 60p (Super35 crop) / 4K 30p full-frame
- ✓Full-size HDMI port
- ✓759 phase-detect AF points
Cons
- –4K 60p requires Super35 crop
- –10fps burst lags behind R6 II at 40fps
- –Complex menu system
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for vlogging, D6 or Alpha 7 IV?
Alpha 7 IV scores 8.0/10 versus 2.0/10 for D6 — Fully articulating screen — see yourself while filming.
What's the resolution difference between the D6 and Alpha 7 IV?
D6 is 20.8 MP and Alpha 7 IV is 33 MP, so the Alpha 7 IV captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D6 and Alpha 7 IV have in-body image stabilization?
D6 does not have IBIS, while alpha 7 IV has 5.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D6 or the Alpha 7 IV?
D6 reaches 14 fps mechanical. Alpha 7 IV reaches 10 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D6 and Alpha 7 IV?
D6 weighs 1270 g and Alpha 7 IV weighs 658 g, so the Alpha 7 IV is 612 g lighter.
Do the D6 and Alpha 7 IV record 4K video?
D6: 4K up to 30p. Alpha 7 IV: 4K up to 60p.
Are the D6 and Alpha 7 IV weather sealed?
D6: Yes. Alpha 7 IV: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 3,580 shots (CIPA) for the D6 and 580 shots for the Alpha 7 IV, giving the D6 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D6 launched at $6,499 and Alpha 7 IV at $2,499. The Alpha 7 IV is $4,000 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Sony press materials.