Blog Capturing the Moment with the Nikon Z7: A Comprehensive ReviewKeywords: Nikon Z7, Camera, Review, Features, Performance, Image QualityBlog

Are you looking for a camera that can capture those special moments with precision and clarity? Look no further than the Nikon Z7. With its advanced features and superior performance, this camera is a game-changer when it comes to image quality. In this comprehensive review, we'll take a deep dive into the world of the Nikon Z7, exploring its top features, performance, and overall value.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon Z7 article cover photo

Key Features

Aug 23 2018

Announced

46 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor TypeFull frame
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight675g
MSRP$3399USD

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Overview of the Z7

Are you in the market for a new camera that can truly capture the moment? Look no further than the Nikon Z7, an advanced mirrorless camera that's taking the photography world by storm. Not only does the Nikon Z7 boast a range of features that make it stand out among its competitors, but it also delivers unrivaled image quality that will leave you breathless. But what exactly sets the Nikon Z7 apart from the rest? In this comprehensive review, we'll explore the top features and benefits of the Nikon Z7, as well as its overall performance and value. Whether you're a professional photographer or just someone who loves to take great photos, the Nikon Z7 is sure to impress.

Nikon Z7 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon Z7 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

45.7 megapixel full-frame sensor
Fast autofocus system
Large EVF and high-resolution LCD screen
In-body image stabilization
Robust weather sealing
Convenient user interface and customization options
Exceptional dynamic range
Compatible with F-mount lenses using adapter

Cons

Pricey compared to other mirrorless cameras
Single XQD card slot
Limited battery life
No built-in flash
Relatively heavy and bulky
Limited lens selection for Z-mount
No 4K 60 fps video recording
Electronic viewfinder may not be preferred by all photographers.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon Z7

Weather sealed
Dimensions134 x 101 x 68mm
Weight675g
Thickness68mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Nikon Z7 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Z7 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution2,100k dots
Body typeSLR-style mirrorless

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.20" screen, with a display resolution of 2,100k dots. This makes the Nikon Z7 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. The camera also features a touch screen, which adds to its ease of use.

Viewfinder

Z7 includes a electronic viewfinder with 3,690k dots of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.8x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon Z7 has a 46MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 46 pixels. Nikon Z7 has a native ISO range of 64 - 25600 which can be boosted to 32 - 102400. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Aug 23 2018

Announced

64 - 25600

ISO Range

SensorFull frame
Extended ISO32 - 102400
Max resolution8256 x 5504 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

99 / 102

Color Depth

26.3 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

14.6 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

2668 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon Z7 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain medium amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is below average, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Z7 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: Full frame

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageXQD card
Battery Life330 shots
Battery ModelEN-EL15b
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon Z7 supports XQD card with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon Z7 uses the EN-EL15b model of battery pack. This is rated for 330 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon Z7 does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon Z7 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon Z7 includes two autofocus (AF) systems: contrast detection and phase detection, with 493 number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon Z7?

The Nikon Z7 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Nikon Z7 weather sealed?

Yes the Z7 does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon Z7 announced?

The Nikon Z7 was announced on Aug 23 2018

Does the Nikon Z7 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Z7 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon Z7?

The Z7 has a native ISO range of 64-25600, which can be expanded to ISO 32-102400 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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