Verdict
At launch , this was one of the ok television camera Nikon has ever made and a real alternative to Sony ’s A7R III , the Z7 more than outstrip our expectations of its first full - skeleton mirrorless camera .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
When the Nikon Z7 launched back in 2018 it was n’t only an incredibly high - resolving camera , but it was also one of two releases that mark Nikon ’s first maraud into the full - physical body mirrorless camera space .
The Z7 launched alongside theNikon Z6 , offering a similar aim but with some differentiation in the specs . This included a eminent - result 45.7 - megapixel sensor and a superior 493 - item AF system of rules compared to the Z6 , making the television camera apotheosis for landscapes , weddings and still life photography .
The Z6 , meanwhile , appeal to enthusiast due to its much more affordable price point .
At launching , the Nikon Z7 get comparisons to the more constituted 42.4 - megapixelSony A7R III . However , five years have passed since these cameras first go head - to - oral sex . Sony ’s later A7R Vnow sports a 61 - megapixel detector , while Nikon has select to stick with the same 45.7 - megapixel sensing element for the Z7 ’s successor , theNikon Z7 II .
However , that does n’t mean the Z7 and the Z7 II are n’t still fabulously secure performers . In fact , when the Z7 first launched , we called it one of the skillful camera Nikon has ever made . Keep reading to learn more about our experience with the television camera .
Design and handling
First , the big question – will you be happy moving to the Z7 from a DSLR ? For most people , the answer is yes – Nikon has basically contrive a slightly miniaturised DSLR . In fact , it might not even be considered that miniature if you ’re used to using one of Nikon ’s smaller , entering - degree eccentric body .
hit the conclusion to keep the Z7 nice and chunky means that it feels both reassuringly weighty and well - build in the hand . We ’re recount it ’s construct to the same problematical criterion as theNikon D850 , so it should withstand a exhibitor or two , as well as the odd smash or scrape .
The Z7 is also a little larger than its closest rival , theSony A7R III . The outcome of that is that the buttons finger much better spaced and are singly larger than on the Sony , resulting in a much less cramp finger that you often get when shooting with an A7 series camera .
There ’s a deep grip , while the array of release circumvent will again be familiar to anybody who has used a Nikon DSLR . There ’s the familiar feel of a duple dominance dial at the front and rear of the grip to adjust shutter speed and manual , while a control stick at the back can be used to shift the focus point around the human body , or move through menus .
To take a shortcut to certain features , you hit the “ i ” button and either use the forcible buttons or tap the projection screen to make change . flesh out off the button set is a navipad , menu button , drive style push button , enlargement buttons , an AF - On button ( useful for back - clitoris - focusing ) , and a show clitoris . All but the playback and delete buttons are grouped on the right hand side of the body .
Move back to the camera ’s top - plate and you ’ll see a mode dial , which is relatively simple to habituate . You ’ve got all your semi - automatonlike and manual modes , as well as a fully - automatic mode and room for custom groups of mise en scene . Whether the pro that this is aim at will want to use a fully reflex mode is questionable , but at least it have in mind that anybody can pick it up and start shooting straight forth .
to boot , there ’s a top - scale LCD where you may see all the main setting , such as shutter speed , ISO , stay space on the memory menu , and so on .
Speaking of memory cards – now for the controversy . The Z7 is compact just one remembering card slot , and it ’s XQD . Not only is that spoilt news for anybody who wants to apply a 2nd expansion slot for backup or overflow , but XQDs are also not the gaudy to buy , especially considering you ’ll in all probability require to buy a reader too .
For now , at least , anybody buying a Z7 will be provide with a free XQD card . There is right reason for choosing this format – it ’s quicker than SD , and some would say , it ’s more robust too . When you ’re talking about shooting quickly at super mellow resolution , speed is most definitely what you need . carry to see lot of complaints from naysayers , though .
The camera ’s successor , the Z7 II , has gone even further to include two computer storage lineup slots . That ’s one for SD cards and another for XQD and CFexpress cards .
Screen and Viewfinder
This being a mirrorless camera , the Z7 has a 3.6 - million loony toons view finder , with 0.8x overstatement . It ’s quite plainly one of the best electronic ones on the market place , and should even be enough to win over the most fervent optical dice - hard that electronic is the way forward .
The ‘ viewfinder is joined by a 2.1 - million dot , tilting touchscreen . The tilting mechanism is ready to hand for write from awkward angles , and come into period of play when shooting discreet , street - type shots .
The sieve ’s touching sensitivity has clearly been very well thought through too , unlikeSony ’s A7 IIIoffering . Not only can you set the focus breaker point and fire off the initiation via a tap of the screen , but you’re able to also expend it to voyage around the quick and full menus , as well as swipe through double in playback and tapdance to exhibit an enlarged view of the shot .
Some may complain that the screen does n’t fully articulate – or habituate a clever pivot innovation like the Fuji X - T series , as a tilting screen is redundant if you want to scud portrait format . But tilting is safe than nothing and in some situations is quicker and less awkward to use . Which you prefer is likely to be down to your single predilection , but it ’s unlikely to be a deal - breaker either direction .
Image quality and performance
With a setup that is very similar to the Nikon D850 , we were hoping to be met with superb images and first-class focusing from the Z7 .
Happily , on the whole we have not been disappointed . effigy are extremely elaborated , show great color and , especially when using the fresh S series lens system , very sharp indeed .
In our laboratory tests , the image detail naturally lower as the ISO is call forth , but it remains higher than most other cameras on the market . Even at ISO 12,800 , resolving is at the gamy you ’ll get from a 24 - megapixel television camera . The Z7 performed commendable in our noise test too , with its ISO 1600 envision almost as good as its unbelievable , noise - spare jibe at the basis ISO 64 mise en scene .
Most of the time focusing is quick and precise , but when using the tracking autofocus option ( launch in the Auto - domain AF option ) , it scramble ever so slightly to keep up with temperamental and tight - moving subjects . In fact , we ’ve found its gaudy brother , theNikon Z6 , to be slightly safe at tracking quick subjects . Needless to say , the Z7 wo n’t be causing the Sony A9 any watchful night , but then again , the Z7 is not really plan as a summercater and legal action camera .
rather , you tend to get better solution from using continuous focus with either Single Point or Wide - area AF selected , something which is easier to do with relatively predictable sport or action .
Leaving the Z7 in ground substance metering modality results in well - poise exposures in all but the most ambitious of high - contrast scenarios . robotic white residual does well when shooting under contrived light , but it can be a little on the coolheaded side in daytime or overcast conditions – switching to a white balance preset of your option is a practiced way to get around that .
One of the most important advantage the Z7 bring over something like the D850 is the improver of in - body image stabilisation . This work very well with the native electron lens , as well as F - mount lenses via the adapter , to help you fritter hand-held and still be left with sharp shots – a real bonus for down in the mouth - light and telephotograph workplace .
barrage living is a bit more standard – the Z7 ’s CIPA valuation is 330 shots from charge , though it ’s fair to say that ’s a little bourgeois . During my testing I filled a 32 GB card and it only went down to 71 % . For most enthusiast users it should last a twenty-four hour period , but pros should decidedly enthrone in at least one spare bombardment ( which will set you back £ 69.99 ) .
Handily , the shelling can be charged in the tv camera via a USB - snow charger , though this wo n’t work if you ’re using an old EN - EL15a battery from an existing camera .
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Should you buy it?
The Z7 was a brilliant first step for Nikon ’s full frame mirrorless line - up .
If you ’d like a 2d card time slot ( and a more up - to - day of the month offer ) , you should learn out this camera ’s successor , the Nikon Z7 II .
Final Thoughts
When we first review the Z7 , it was one of the good eminent - resolution , full - frame camera you could purchase . Rather than attempting to protect its DSLRs , Nikon went all - out to make a professional mirrorless camera that felt like a traditional Nikon – and in most ways , it succeeded .
If you ’re an existing Nikon DSLR owner – specially one who owns a higher - end model like the D850 – you ’ll be capable to pick up the Z7 and habituate it in almost exactly the same fashion that you ’re used to . That get it very likable for those who are keen to pick up all the advantage of a mirrorless model , but are a little cautious about make the transition .
Nikon has since come out with a newer simulation , the Z7 II , along with the mellow - endNikon Z9 . Both option come with gamy - resolution sensors , advanced autofocus systems and dual card slot with CFexpress support , though the Z9 admit a stacked sensor and 8 K picture support . It also comes at twice the toll .
It ’s rightful that for recreational improvers , the Z6 and theZ6 IIare far more suitable Nikon mirrorless options . In many ways , the Z7 ’s material body is more suitable for keen amateur photographers , particularly with that individual wag slot and slightly limited battery biography .
Still , one menu slot aside , this is close to being the perfect first stone’s throw in what has since become the future for Nikon and its competitor .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every camera we retrospect exhaustively . We use set tests to compare features properly and we use it as our main gadget over the revaluation full point . We ’ll always tell you what we see and we never , ever , accept money to reexamine a mathematical product .
FAQs
Yes , the Nikon Z7 has a full frame sensing element .
The camera weighs 675 g admit the barrage fire and memory menu .
Full Specs
Features
