Nikon Z7 II Review
- 45.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- Dual-core EXPEED 6 processor
- ISO range of 64 to 25,600
- 4K video at up to 30p, or 60p with a crop
- 3.69m-dot EVF with 100% coverage
- 3.2” tilting touchscreen with 2.1m-dots
- 10fps burst mode
- 493-point hybrid phase/contrast AF system
- Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- 1.55 lbs
- 410-shot battery life
Nobody will stop talking about the impending release of the Nikon Z7 II. In comparison with the original Nikon Z7, the Nikon Z7 II isn’t a total departure from the Nikon Z system. In fact, the two cameras are far more alike than they are dissimilar. However, for Nikon Z shooters, this is definitely a good thing.
The Nikon Z7 II is directed at full-frame mirrorless shooters that are at the enthusiast or professional levels. It’s definitely not your grandma’s camera.
As I mentioned, the Nikon Z7 II hasn’t come out yet. Though Nikon Rumors believed the Nikon Z7 II was supposed to be released in late December to photographers all over the world, thanks to the pandemic, this release date obviously didn’t pan out. Unfortunately, nobody really knows when the Nikon Z7 II will officially be released. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t purchase a Nikon Z7 II on pre-order.
For information about the Nikon Z7 II preorder, as well as more information about the Nikon Z7 II specs, read our Nikon Z7 II review below.
Nikon Z7 II Specs
The Nikon Z7 II features an impressive 45.5MP full-frame sensor, uncropped 4K video at up to 30p and cropped 4K video at up to 60p, and a 493-point hybride phase/contrast AF system.
If that wasn’t enough, the camera also has a nice ISO range of 64 to 25,600, for all of your low-light shooting needs, a 3.2” tilting touchscreen with great resolution, for all of your videography needs, and a 10fps burst mode, for all of your “can’t miss a moment” needs.
If you’re paying attention, this means that the Nikon Z7 II has an improved burst mode, as compared to its predecessor, and it also has a much better autofocus system.
Though this isn’t technically a Nikon Z7 II spec, I’m going to count it as one… As compared with the number of lenses that were available for the Nikon Z7 in 2018, the Nikon Z7 II has far more options in terms of lenses. And I personally believe that any camera with a 45MP sensor deserves a wide range of shooting options.
Other Nikon Z7 II Specs Include:
Nikon Z7 II Build & Handling
The Nikon Z7 II build is nearly identical to the Nikon Z7 build, which Nikon Z7 shooters are thrilled about.
For instance, the camera still features a mostly magnesium alloy body and is weather-resistant. You can also expect the camera to last for at least 200,000 shots.
Similarly, if you didn’t like the aesthetic of the Nikon Z7, then you won’t like the aesthetic of the Nikon Z7 II. It looks clunky and outdated, but not in a fun vintage way.
As for the few changes, the new camera now features more than just the single XQD card slot that was present on the Nikon Z7. The Nikon Z7 II comes with a dual SD UHS-II slot, as well as a XQD card slot. Since XQD cards are so expensive, those who are worried about the original price of the Nikon Z7 II were very relieved to find this out.
Additionally, the Nikon Z7 II comes with a much better battery set up. Whereas the old Nikon Z7 vertical grip could only carry one battery, the new one carries two. This means that you can shoot with the Nikon Z7 II for far longer. You can expect to get 410 shots out of a single charge.
When it comes to the Nikon Z7 II handling, you can expect this to be similar as well. The camera features an incredibly deep grip, which keeps it feeling comfortable in your hand, it also features a control layout that is well sorted (but more on that later).
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Nikon Z7 II Body & Design
The Nikon Z7 II design hasn’t changed but for a few details. But, I personally believe that most of the changes have been improvements.
For example, most of the physical buttons and digital features have remained unchanged, except for the face-eye detection which is now grouped in with other AF modes.
Some people were disappointed to see that the Nikon Z7 II didn’t come with an upgraded screen or EVF. While the tilting touchscreen is nice, it would have been far preferable for the camera to come with a vari-angle touchscreen (especially for the videographers that this camera seems to be marketed towards). Likewise, the EVF isn’t as impressive as it used to be.
I mentioned the renewed grip in the previous section, but I should note here that the new grip does more than allows you to hold two batteries at once. It also comes with control buttons so you can shoot exactly as you would in portrait format.
Nikon Z7 II Video Performance
Thanks to Camera Jabber for the Nikon Z7 II video performance test above.
This camera shoots 4K video at up to 30p with no crop, but it also shoots 4K video at up to 60p with a crop. You can also shoot Full HD video at 120p.
The camera also comes with a 5-axis image stabilization already, but it also features an electronic stabilization while shooting video.
The camera also features a microphone jack and a headphone jack and allows you to create time-lapsed footage. You can only shoot a 29 minute and 59 second video.
Transitioning from stills shooting to video shooting with this camera should be easy enough since it uses Picture Controls in both shooting modes.
I was recently reviewing the Nikon Z6 II, which comes with animal and human eye-detection AF that works in video. You’ll be happy to know that this camera comes with the same feature.
You can either record to a memory card with 8-bit video or you can use an external storage device and get 10-bit video.
Nikon Z7 II Price
As you may have guessed, the Nikon Z7 II price definitely isn’t in everyone’s price range. You can currently pre-order the Nikon Z7 II on B&H Photos for $2,997. This price, unfortunately, is just for the body. If you want the 24-70mm f/4 kit lens, you will pay an additional $600 for a grand total of $3,596.
While this is obviously pretty steep for just about every photographer, there are some ways you can fanangle a new Nikon Z7 II for just a bit cheaper.
One of my friends, for instance, is planning on selling his old Nikon Z7 in order to upgrade and I have an inkling that a lot of Nikon Z7 owners are planning on doing the same thing, especially considering how beloved the original Nikon Z7 is.
If you’re planning on selling your old Nikon Z7, you can do so on MPB. MPB basically takes all of the work out of selling your old gear. You don’t have to hassle with buyers. You don’t have to hassle with shipping. All you have to do is fill out a valuation form. If you like the quote you receive, then MPB will send you a shipping box and that’s about it.
If you want to learn more about why we recommend MPB to our photographers, you can read the full MPB Review in the learn more links below.
