The Nikon Z7 II was released in late 2020, which means more photographers are questioning whether they should opt for the newest version of Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless camera lineup.
When it comes to the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II debate, you have to recognize that you are comparing two fully capable mirrorless cameras. In fact, unless you are a high-end professional photographer, either one of these models will work perfectly for your business.
However, sometimes it’s fun to have the most features and the Z7 II definitely brings more to the table.
In this Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II review, I’m going to compare the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II features, the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II build, and finally the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II video performance.
Let’s get started.
Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II Specs
Nikon Z7
So, as I already mentioned, the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II debate is one that isn’t exactly fruitful, if only because both of these cameras are going to do more for you than any other camera you’ve ever owned.
In comparing the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II specs, it’s important to note that a lot of them overlap. For instance, both of these cameras feature a 45.5MP full-frame CMOS sensor, they both feature an EXPEED 6 processor, and they both feature 4K video (though the Z7 II does shoot 4K at up to 60p with a crop, whereas the Z7 only shoots 30p).
So, where do the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II differ?
Nikon Z7 II
For starters, the Z7 II features a slightly faster burst mode. Whereas the Z7 only offers a 9fps burst mode, the Z7 II features a 10fps burst mode. However, this spec alone is hardly worth the extra cost. The Z7 II also features dual card slots. Since the Z7 received almost perfect feedback aside from its single slot, it’s nice to see that Nikon has listened to this request.
The Z7 II also features a better battery life than the Z7. The Z7 is rated for 330-shots on a single charge and the Z7 II is rated for 420.
Other Nikon Z7 Specs:
- 46MP full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO range of 64-25,600
- Nikon Z Mount
- 3.2” tilting touchscreen with 3.69m-dots
- 9fps burst mode
- 4K video at up to 30p
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 330-shot battery life
- 1.48 lbs
Other Nikon Z7 II Specs:
- 46MP full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO range of 64-25,600
- Nikon Z Mount
- 3.2” tilting touchscreen with 3.69m-dots
- 10fps burst mode
- 4K video at up to 60p with a slight crop
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 420-shot battery life
- 1.55 lbs
Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II Body & Design
Nikon Z7
Both the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II design are nearly identical.
So, I’m going to focus on the difference between the battery grip that is available for both cameras. The Z7 offers a MB-N10 battery grip that is fairly simple, whereas the Z7 II offers a MB-N11 battery grip that comes with all of the regular controls of the camera, like shutter release and an AF joystick.
The Z7 II battery grip is also more helpful because it can fit two batteries, while the Z7 grip can only fit one.
Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II Build & Handling
Nikon Z7 II
Here is yet another part of the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II debate where there isn’t much to be said. Nikon realized that their original Z7 build was excellent and, for the most part, stuck with it.
The Nikon Z7 weighs 1.48 lbs and measures 5.3” x 4.0” x 2.7”, while the Nikon Z7 II weighs 1.55 lbs and measures 5.3” x 4.0” x 2.7”. If you’re looking at either of these cameras dead on, it is almost impossible to differentiate between the two of them.
Both of these cameras feature weather sealing, so you don’t need to worry about shooting in inclement weather, and they both feature 3.2” tilting screens.
Pretty much the same can be said of the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II handling. The only true difference is the fact that the Z7 II offers a longer battery life. To me, this is a huge deal.
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Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II Video Performance
Thank you to Camera Gear for the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II comparison above.
As I already mentioned, there has really only been a few slight improvements with the Z7 II when it comes to its video capabilities. Whereas the Nikon Z7 shoots 4K video at up to 30p without a crop, the Nikon Z7 II can shoot 4K video at up to 60p with a 1.08x crop.
Additionally, the Z7 II features Hybrid Log Gamma footage so that you can immediately output your video to a TV. This could be a helpful feature for videographers and photographers who are working with clients on a set or in a studio.
Lastly, the Z7 II comes with dual card slots so that you can use UHS-II SD cards and XQD/CFexpress cards. This is extra helpful since you can use your second card as a backup or as an overflow card.
Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II Price
Nikon Z7
When it comes to the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II price, you pretty much know what to expect. The Z7 is older, so it is going to be far cheaper. However, both of these cameras aren’t exactly budget friendly.
You can find a Nikon Z7 on Amazon for around $2,300. Keep in mind that this price is only for the Z7 body. If you want any lenses with that, the price only goes up from there.
Nikon Z7 II
Conversely, you can find a Nikon Z7 II on Amazon for around $3,000. So, you can expect a $700 price difference between the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II if you’re planning on buying either of them brand new.
However, since both of these cameras have been out for a while now (2 years for the Z7 and a few months for the Z7 II), you can get a better deal if you shop for either of them on the used marketplace.
In fact, the used prices for the Z7 almost make the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II debate obsolete because you can get all of the Z7 features for under $2,000.
I just looked up the pricing on the Z7 on MPB, which is my favorite used camera marketplace. There are currently 4 different used Z7 bodies available on MPB. They are all in either “excellent” or “like new” shape, and they start at just $1,829.
I’m a fan of a great deal and MPB has them. You can expect any cameras that you buy from MPB to be accurately graded and less expensive than used bodies you would get from their competitors. MPB also allows you to trade in your old camera gear and use the money you make off of it towards your new purchase.
If you still have your heart set on the Z7 II, you don’t need to worry. MPB has a Nikon Z7 II page as well. The only issue is that, as of the publication of this article, they don’t have any available. However, they rotate through literally hundreds of products everyday. So, keep checking back. They’re bound to get one sooner rather than later.