Nikon released its best quality camera under the name of "Nikon Z7" in October 2020. It can be considered as Nikon's highest end considering its cost and its several distinctions. Nikon released the Z7 mark II version as the continuation of its previous Z series. Therefore, Nikon worked on several specifications of the already released version and improved it in the Z7 II edition. On its release, this camera edition was sold at the rate of $3600 (body only). We can certainly see the fact that it's not a cheap camera. Later, they reduced the price to fit in the market competition of cameras.
Many other companies like Sony, Fuji, Panasonic, and Canon were giving tough time to Nikon in the mirrorless camera market upon the release of Z7. But Nikon changed the game by releasing the Z7 II. It is currently their best mirrorless camera on the market. Although other camera companies are trying to provide the maximum specs at a lower price range, Nikon Z7 II is a tough competition for them.
The fact that Nikon come later on the mirrorless camera market in compare to Sony or Canon it is facing huge competition from them. But it is trying to achieve mainstream success at a very high pace by constantly improving its specs. Basically, we will cover these aspects in this review, like how Nikon Z7 II is better than its previous edition? What other distinctions does Nikon Z7 II provide to the user and many more? Read the whole review to acquire the maximum knowledge about Z7 II.
Specifications of Z7 II
Nikon Z7 II provides its users several specs, which are perfect for capturing high-resolution pics and videos. According to an article written in a famous photography blog called "photography life," these are the specs offered by Nikon Z7 II:
Sensor Resolution: 45.7 MP
Native ISO Sensitivity: 64-25,600
Sensor Type: BSI CMOS
Sensor Size: 35.9 × 23.9mm FX sensor
Optical Low Pass Filter: No
In-Body Image Stabilization: Yes
Image Processor: Dual EXPEED 6
Viewfinder: EVF, 100% coverage, 0.8× magnification, 3.6 million dots
Built-in Flash: No
Storage Media: 1 CF Express, 1 SD (UHS-II)
Max Continuous Shooting Speed: 10 FPS with 12-bit lossless compressed RAW; 9 FPS with 14-bit lossless compressed RAW
Buffer Capacity: 77 shots (12-bit lossless compressed RAW)
Electronic Shutter: Yes
Shutter Speed Range: 1/8000 to 900 seconds
Focus System: Hybrid On-sensor phase detect with 493 autofocus points
Video Maximum Resolution: 4K up to 60 FPS, 1080p up to 120 FPS
LCD Type: 3.2″ touchscreen, up/down tilting, 2.1 million dots
Battery Life: 360 shots (CIPA)
Weight: 705 grams (1.55 pounds) body only, includes battery and card
Dimensions: 134 × 101 × 70 mm (5.3 × 4.0 × 2.8 inches)
MSRP, Body Only: $3000
The Improvement from Z7 to Z7 II
As a sequel to Z7, Nikon tried to modify and upgrade some of the specs to provide a better experience to the users. They did the changes in the new edition:
The image processor advances from EXPEED 6 to DUAL EXPEED 6 in Nikon Z7 II.
They introduced a second slot for memory cards (SD-UHS-11 compatible) in the sequel.
EVF Viewfinder Blackout was improved in the latest edition.
Nikon Z7 II provides a 10-fps burst rate which provides a better result than the 9-fps of the Z7.
Z7 II also provides vertical grip, unlike Z7.
The camera buffer and shutter speed were increased from 23 to 77 and from 1/8000 to 30 secs to 1/8000 to 900 secs, respectively.
They installed the Eye AF in Wide-Area AF and Eye AF in videos too.
The video resolution in Z7 was 4k @ up to 30p, while in the new edition, they upgraded it to 4k @ up to 60p
Nikon Z7 II also provides firmware updates via snap bridge55. This spec is not supported by Z7.
Battey life (CIPA) has been increased from 330 shots to 360 shots.
Video battery life has also been upgraded to 105 mins, unlike Z7, as it could go for only 85 mins.
Battery grip controls are installed in Z7 II.
It also supports continuous external power, unlike Z7.
Even with all these advancements, the price of Z7 II was lower on its release date ($3000) than Z7 ($3400).
Nikon Z7 II Controls
Nikon Z series is famous for its excellent controls. They continued the same controls in the second generation. The control grip is comfortable and won't make you tired even after using it for a whole day. You can use a heavy lens like Nikon Z 70-200mm f/2.8. And still, it won't cause any sort of burden. Nikon also pursued the use of U1, U2, and U3 user modes as built in expensive DSLR. This setup is preferred by the majority of photographers. Despite it, all the other controls on the top panel are self-explanatory.
Image Quality
Nikon Z7 II is specially designed for landscape photography as it delivers high levels of detail. It provides 45.7 MP resolutions without any anti-aliasing filters. The low base ISO provides unparallel details. Besides resolution, dynamic range is also an important factor when it comes to photography. The extraordinary ISO base of 64 provides a wide dynamic range. It helps to eradicate the negative effects of shadows on your image and do it better than any of its competitors. The image files extracted from the Z7 second edition are very flexible and can be edited more efficiently.
It consists of AS-F focusing characteristics which also give it an immense advantage over its competitor. They have also advanced the accuracy and speed of autofocus in the second generation of Z7. Z7 II also provides its users with "Low light AF," which helps them to capture high-detailed images even in low light.
Lens Build
Compared to the launch day of the first Nikon Z serie body, the lens park got bigger. In 2018 they launch the first Nikon Z7 with only a few lens, but today the Z series lens can cover all your need
The lens build of the Z7 second generation is almost as same as of the first generation. It provides a smooth and deep control grip. It has self-explanatory and well-placed buttons embedded on the panel. We can easily read the top display and, it comes with a satisfying click mode dial.
Final Thoughts
Nikon Z7 II has been getting a lot of positive reviews from critics. They loved its distinctive properties. DXOMARK has given it a perfect 100 score for its great performance. That’s we recommend you to buy yourself a Nikon Z7 II if you are searching for a phenomenal camera for your photography career.
We have mentioned all the salient specifications of Z7 II. If you still have any questions regarding its performance, feel free to drop them in the comment section.
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