Having shot with Nikon for nearly two decades, it’s safe to say I’ve grown pretty attached to their cameras. My first experience with a mirrorless camera was the Nikon Z7, and what an incredible first impression it left. I took that camera with me on trips to Oslo, Moscow, and Istanbul, and it didn’t let me down once.
In fact, I still consider the Z7 to be one of my favorite cameras of all time. It wasn’t just the performance but the feeling of carrying a compact, full-frame, mirrorless camera that could do it all—from landscapes to portraits and everything in between.
But, as time goes on, so do camera models. Enter the Nikon Z7 II, which is a follow-up to the original, which brings several upgrades and new features. At first glance, these two cameras may seem almost identical. In fact, they share the same body design and, surprisingly, the same image quality. However, the devil is in the details. The Z7 II focuses on improved performance and usability, and that’s where it really starts to pull ahead.
In this article, I’ll break down those differences in a friendly but informative way to help you decide which of these cameras might be better suited for your photography adventures.
Table of Contents
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Design and Build Quality
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Performance Upgrades: Processing Power
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Video Capabilities: 4K at 60 FPS vs 30 FPS
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Storage and Memory Cards
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Battery Life and Power Management
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Autofocus and Timelapse Features
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Image Quality Comparison
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Price and Value
- Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: So, Which Camera Wins?
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Design and Build Quality
Nikon Z7
From a distance, you’d be hard-pressed to tell the Nikon Z7 and Z7 II apart…
Both cameras feature the same robust, weather-sealed bodies that feel substantial in your hands without being too bulky. Whether I was in the rainy streets of Oslo or the dusty alleys of Istanbul, the Z7 held up like a champ. The Z7 II continues that legacy, with the same dependable build quality.
Nikon Z7 II
However, where the Z7 II steps up is in usability. Nikon finally listened to user feedback and added an MB-N11 battery grip with actual controls—thank goodness! Unlike the old MB-N10, which was really just a glorified battery holder, the MB-N11 features real buttons and dials, making vertical shooting a breeze. Plus, with the addition of dual USB-C ports, you can now charge the camera while using it, which is a fantastic feature for long shoots.
So, while they look the same, the Z7 II adds subtle yet meaningful improvements in ergonomics and handling. There are other differences, too:
Now, this is a truncated chart–there are many other differences. However, this chart gives you a quick overview of some of the primary differences between these two cameras.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Performance Upgrades: Processing Power
Nikon Z7
This is where the Z7 II really starts to differentiate itself from the Z7. While the original Z7 had a single EXPEED 6 processor, the Z7 II comes packing not one, but two EXPEED 6 processors. What does that mean in real-world usage? Well, quite a bit.
For starters, the buffer size is a huge improvement. The Z7 could handle about 23 RAW images before it started to slow down, but the Z7 II blows that out of the water with a buffer that can handle 77 RAW images. That’s a 3.3x increase! Whether you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or any fast-paced action, that extra buffer can make all the difference.
Nikon Z7 II
The continuous shooting speed also gets a slight bump—up to 10 FPS compared to 9 FPS on the Z7. It may not sound like much, but when paired with that larger buffer, you can shoot continuously for nearly eight seconds before the Z7 II slows down, whereas the Z7 would lag much sooner.
For anyone who needs a camera that can keep up with rapid action, the Z7 II’s dual processors make it a clear winner.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Video Capabilities: 4K at 60 FPS vs 30 FPS
If you’re a hybrid shooter who dabbles in both photography and videography, the video upgrades on the Z7 II will definitely catch your eye. As discussed by Engadget in the video above, the original Z7 was capped at 4K video at 30 FPS, which, at the time, was fine. But the Z7 II ups the game by allowing 4K at 60 FPS, albeit with a slight 1.08x crop. This might seem like a minor upgrade, but for anyone serious about video, the ability to shoot 60 FPS in 4K opens up new creative possibilities, like smoother slow-motion footage. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal to have.
As Manny Ortiz discusses in the video above, another fantastic feature exclusive to the Z7 II is the ability to output HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) and HDR video through the HDMI port. If you’re into color grading or want to capture footage with a wider dynamic range, this is a big deal. None of these features are available on the original Z7, making the Z7 II the clear choice for videographers.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Storage and Memory Cards
Nikon Z7 II
One of the biggest criticisms of the original Z7 was the single memory card slot. Nikon got a lot of flak for this decision, and for good reason. Professionals (myself included) rely on dual memory card slots for redundancy, especially when shooting important events or gigs. Losing images due to a card failure is the stuff of nightmares.
Thankfully, Nikon took the feedback seriously and gave the Z7 II dual memory card slots. The first slot can take CFexpress or XQD cards, while the second supports UHS-II SD cards. This setup allows you to configure the slots for overflow, backup, or even splitting RAW and JPEG files between the two. For those of us who rely on robust storage solutions, the Z7 II’s dual slots are a game-changer.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Battery Life and Power Management
Nikon Z7 II
Both cameras use Nikon’s EN-EL15 battery series, but the Z7 II ships with the newer EN-EL15c, which offers slightly more power. In terms of real-world usage, the difference in still image capacity is marginal, going from 330 shots per charge with the Z7 to 360 with the Z7 II.
However, the extra juice really shows up when you’re shooting video—an extra 15 minutes of continuous video shooting can make all the difference. Seriously though, you should always have at least one or two spare batteries with you regardless!
The Z7 II also introduces USB-C power delivery, meaning you can charge the camera while shooting, which is a huge bonus for long time-lapse or video sessions. Add in the MB-N11 battery grip with real controls, and you’ve got a setup designed for extended, professional use.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Autofocus and Time lapse Features
As SJ Square Photography discusses in the video above, when it comes to autofocus, the Z7 II takes another leap forward, thanks again to its dual processors. The original Z7 wasn’t exactly sluggish, but the Z7 II improves both tracking and subject detection in stills and video. I’ve found that the eye-detection autofocus is faster and more reliable on the Z7 II, which makes shooting portraits or fast-moving subjects much easier.
The Z7 II also introduces a new timelapse feature that lets you capture images for a timelapse while simultaneously creating a video from those files. The original Z7 couldn’t do this, so if you’re into timelapse photography, the Z7 II is the better choice.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Image Quality Comparison
Taken with a Nikon Z7. Photo by Bernardo Lorena Ponte on Unsplash (license).
Here’s the thing—when it comes to image quality, the Z7 and Z7 II are nearly identical. Both cameras feature a 45.7-megapixel sensor, and there’s no difference in high ISO performance or dynamic range. I’ve shot at ISO 3200, 6400, and even 12,800 with both cameras and the results are virtually the same, at least from where I’m sitting. The dynamic range is also fantastic on both models, allowing me to recover shadows and details with ease, whether I’m shooting landscapes or cityscapes.
So, if image quality is your only concern, you’re not missing out on much by choosing the Z7 over the Z7 II. Many of you know that I shoot predominantly landscapes; if you are the same, either of these cameras is remarkable.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: Price and Value
Nikon Z7 II
When the Z7 II launched, I was pleasantly surprised by its price tag. At $400 less than the Z7’s original launch price, the Z7 II came in at an unexpectedly reasonable price point. Considering all the performance upgrades, I was expecting Nikon to bump the price up. The fact that they didn’t make the Z7 II an even better value for anyone looking for a high-resolution mirrorless camera.
That said, because the Z7 has been out longer, it’s available at much lower prices on both the new and used markets. If you’re on a budget, the Z7 is still a fantastic camera, especially if you want to invest in better lenses instead of a new body. I would suggest checking out the used market on this camera with retailers like MPB.
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Z7 II: So, Which Camera Wins?
Nikon Z7
In the battle of the Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II, the real question comes down to your specific needs as a photographer or videographer. If you’re looking for improved autofocus, a larger buffer, better video capabilities, and dual memory card slots, the Z7 II will have you singing winner-winner chicken dinner. For those of us who shoot both photos and video, the upgrades in the Z7 II make it a no-brainer.
That said, if image quality is your only concern, the Z7 still holds its own, and with its lower price tag, it’s a fantastic option for budget-conscious shooters. Personally, having shot with the Z7 for some time, I can vouch for its reliability and image quality. But with the Z7 II, Nikon has taken a great camera and made it even better.
Nikon Z7 II
Speaking of being budget-conscious…
Buying quality used gear is a great way to upgrade your kit without paying top dollar for new stuff. I’ve saved a lot of money over the years working with online platforms like MPB to buy, sell, and trade gear, and I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Part of what sets MPB apart from the crowd is the detailed descriptions they provide for each item. Not only that, but each item is photographed, so you can learn all about it and see the item you’re interested in before pressing the buy button. And, just to be safe, most items have a six-month warranty and a seven-day return window, just in case the item that arrives at your door isn’t what you expected.
I’ve bought lenses and cameras from MPB over the years, and sold and traded in old gear I no longer needed. In each instance, the experience couldn’t have been better. So, if a Nikon Z7 or Z7 II is in your future, consider buying a used one. No matter which one you choose, you’re getting an incredible camera—one that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed shooting with over the years.
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