The Nikon Z7 is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera that jointly launches the Z-system alongside its more affordable, faster but lower resolution sibling, the Z6. The Z7 gives you 45 Megapixels, phase-detect AF across most of the frame, built-in stabilisation, 4k video up to 30p, 9fps bursts and Wifi with Bluetooth. In terms of image quality, it’ll essentially match the highly-respected D850 for resolution and noise, not to mention dynamic range in all but the most extreme cases. The embedded phase-detect AF transforms the video experience over previous Nikon cameras and the movie quality, especially in the DX format equals the best of its rivals too. The Z7 will also continuously focus fairly well at its top speed of 9fps, but the lack of effective live feedback even at the lower speed of 5.5fps coupled with a limited buffer mean it’s not best-suited to action photography, especially compared to Sony. Arguably the biggest downsides though are the lack of twin card slots and a modest selection of native lenses at launch, although the FTZ adapter does a respectable job at autofocusing recent Nikon DSLR lenses, easing the transition for existing Nikon owners. If you’re not committed to the Nikon system, Sony’s A7r III provides a compelling and slightly cheaper alternative with a decent selection of native lenses right now, not to mention twin card slots, eye detection, a pixel-shift composite mode and more successful performance for action. Ultimately the Z7 is an impressive start to the Z-system and one that’s very satisfying for a version-one product. Nikon’s hit the ground running with a camera I greatly enjoyed using and can easily recommend, particularly if you own existing F-mount lenses.
Nikon Z7 review
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Written by Gordon Laing
In depth
The Nikon Z7 is a high-end full-frame mirrorless camera aimed at enthusiasts and professionals, featuring 45 Megapixels, built-in stabilisation, 493 embedded AF points and 9fps burst shooting. Announced in August 2018 alongside the more affordable, faster but lower resolution Z6 model, both cameras launch Nikon’s long-awaited full-frame mirrorless ‘Z’ system.
The Z-system employs a brand new Z-mount, designed for optimal quality and the chance to more easily accommodate ultra-wide or very large aperture lenses. A 58mm f0.95 Noct lens is promised in 2019, but for now the system launches with three lenses: a 24-70mm f4 ‘kit’ zoom, along with 35mm f1.8 and 50mm f1.8 primes. There’s also the FTZ adapter that lets you use any F-mount lens with 93 models supporting autofocus, and if a lens has optical VR, it works alongside the body-based VR to enhance the stabilisation. Along with the 58mm f0.95, a Z-mount lens roadmap promises native 20mm f1.8, 85mm f1.8, 24-70mm f2.8, 70-200mm f2.8 and 14-30mm f4 lenses in 2019, while in 2020 promises native 50mm f1.2, 24m f1.8 and a 12-24mm f2.8 models.
To celebrate the launch of this new system, I’ve decided to publish a different kind of review, so instead of my usual pages of text, I’ve packed everything I know about the Z7, including all my tests, into two video reviews below. The first covers the body and controls, lenses, focusing, burst and shooting modes, while the second video takes an in-depth look at image quality, video and the SnapBridge wireless capabilities. I still have my full quality results and samples page as well as my final verdict too, but to kick-off, settle back and enjoy my two videos below!
Check prices on the Nikon Z7 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama, or Wex. Alternatively get yourself a copy of my In Camera book or treat me to a coffee! Thanks!
