Nikon
D810
36MP full-frame DSLR workhorse prized for landscape, studio, and commercial stills.
$3,299
Launch priceReleased Jun 2014
Sony
Alpha 1 II
50MP stacked flagship with 30fps RAW, 8K video, and Sony's fastest hybrid performance.
$6,499
Launch priceReleased Nov 2024
Alpha 1 II is 10.4 years newer.
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Wins
D810
Wins
Alpha 1 II
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF resolution (9,437,184 vs 3,690,000)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher EVF refresh rate (240 Hz vs 120 Hz)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher RAW buffer depth (200 frames vs 120 frames)
- BAlpha 1 II has higher AF points / zones (759 vs 493)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareD810
146 × 123 × 82 mm
980 g (2.16 lb / 34.57 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Alpha 1 II
136 × 97 × 83 mm
743 g (1.64 lb / 26.21 oz)
D810 is 1mm thinner than Alpha 1 II but it is also 10mm wider and 26mm taller.
D810 is 237 g heavier than Alpha 1 II.
Depth (front-to-back): 82mm D810 · 83mm Alpha 1 II
Sensor size, to scale
D810
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Alpha 1 II
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
D810
Nikon F
270+
native lenses available
Alpha 1 II
✓ 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
D810
AF low-light limit
-8.5 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 146, 123, 82
Subject recognition
Adds Vehicle
Battery life (CIPA)
640 shots vs 520 shots — higher is better
Reasons to choose
Alpha 1 II
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 136.1, 96.9, 82.9
EVF resolution
9,437,184 vs 3,690,000 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds XAVC HS, XAVC S, XAVC S-I
AA filter
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Subject recognition
Adds Insect, Car/Train, Airplane
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Internal RAW video
Only Alpha 1 II supports it
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type A
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Max video bit rate — Both 150 Mbps
- ✓In-body stabilization (IBIS) — Both support in-body stabilization (ibis)
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
D810
Pros
- ✓36MP no OPLF
- ✓Excellent dynamic range
- ✓Pro F-mount ecosystem
Cons
- –Superseded by D850
- –Slow live view AF
- –Heavy
Alpha 1 II
Pros
- ✓50MP stacked sensor
- ✓30fps blackout-free burst
- ✓8K 30p video
- ✓Best Sony AF
Cons
- –Very expensive
- –Complex menus
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the D810 and Alpha 1 II at major authorized retailers.
Nikon D810
Sony Alpha 1 II
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, D810 or Alpha 1 II?
Alpha 1 II scores 9.5/10 versus 6.0/10 for D810 — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the D810 and Alpha 1 II?
D810 is 36.3 MP and Alpha 1 II is 50.1 MP, so the Alpha 1 II captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the D810 and Alpha 1 II have in-body image stabilization?
D810 has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while Alpha 1 II has 8.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the D810 or the Alpha 1 II?
D810 reaches 20 fps electronic. Alpha 1 II reaches 30 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the D810 and Alpha 1 II?
D810 weighs 980 g and Alpha 1 II weighs 743 g, so the Alpha 1 II is 237 g lighter.
Do the D810 and Alpha 1 II record 4K video?
D810: 4K up to 60p. Alpha 1 II: 8K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the D810 and Alpha 1 II weather sealed?
D810: Yes. Alpha 1 II: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the D810 and 520 shots for the Alpha 1 II, giving the D810 the edge.
How much does each cost?
D810 launched at $3,299 and Alpha 1 II at $6,499. The D810 is $3,200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way D810 vs Alpha 1 II vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon and Sony press materials.