Nikon Z7 II Review: Professional Mirrorless Excellence

Overview

The Nikon Z7 II represents the Japanese manufacturer's refined take on high-resolution mirrorless photography. Building upon the original Z7, this second generation addresses key criticisms whilst maintaining the exceptional image quality that made its predecessor a favourite amongst landscape and studio photographers.

At its core lies a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor paired with dual EXPEED 6 processors—a significant upgrade from the single processor in the original. This combination delivers noticeably improved performance, particularly when shooting bursts or recording video.

Priced at approximately £1,600 for the body only, the Z7 II targets serious enthusiasts and professionals who prioritise resolution and image quality over high-speed action photography. The robust build, dual card slots, and professional feature set justify the premium positioning.

Image Quality and Sensor Performance

Exceptional Resolution and Dynamic Range

The 45.7-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor produces images of outstanding quality. In good lighting, photographs exhibit remarkable detail, vibrant colours, and impressive sharpness from corner to corner when paired with quality Z-mount lenses.

The dynamic range proves excellent, preserving detail in both highlights and shadows even in challenging high-contrast scenes. This capability makes the Z7 II particularly appealing for landscape photography where capturing detail across the entire tonal range proves essential.

The low ISO performance ranks amongst the best available, with ISO 64 delivering virtually noise-free images with exceptional colour depth. Image quality remains excellent through ISO 800, with only minor noise appearing at higher sensitivities.

Image Quality: 9.5/10

For photographers who demand maximum resolution and exceptional image quality, the Z7 II's sensor performance rarely disappoints. The combination of high resolution, excellent dynamic range, and low-light capability delivers professional-grade results.

Build Quality and Handling

Professional Construction

The magnesium alloy body feels substantial and reassuringly solid. At approximately 615 grammes (body only), the camera possesses enough weight to feel professional without becoming burdensome during extended shooting sessions.

Weather sealing throughout protects against dust and moisture, allowing confident use in challenging environments. The deep grip provides secure handling even with larger lenses attached, though some users with smaller hands may find the camera slightly large.

Controls are logically positioned, with dedicated buttons for frequently accessed functions. The customisable buttons allow photographers to tailor the camera's operation to their shooting style. Build quality matches expectations for a professional camera at this price point.

Build Quality: 9.0/10

The construction quality instils confidence for professional use. Every element feels precisely engineered, with no flex or loose components detracting from the premium feel.

Autofocus System

Fast and Reliable in Good Light

The hybrid autofocus system employs 493 phase-detection points covering approximately 90% of the frame. In good lighting conditions, autofocus proves fast, accurate, and reliable for both stills and video.

Face and eye detection works well for portraiture, reliably tracking subjects even when they move within the frame. The system locks onto eyes quickly and maintains focus accurately in most situations.

However, autofocus performance in low light doesn't quite match the latest offerings from competitors. In dim conditions, the camera occasionally hunts for focus, particularly when tracking moving subjects. This limitation won't trouble landscape or studio photographers but may frustrate sports and wildlife photographers working in challenging light.

Autofocus Performance: 8.0/10

For most photography disciplines, the autofocus system performs admirably. The limitations in low light prevent a higher score, though most users will find the system entirely adequate for their needs.

Shooting Speed and Buffer

Improved Performance with Dual Processors

The addition of a second EXPEED 6 processor significantly improves shooting speed compared to the original Z7. Continuous shooting reaches 10fps with the mechanical shutter—a welcome upgrade that expands the camera's versatility.

The buffer depth has also improved, allowing longer burst sequences before the camera slows. When shooting RAW files to fast CFexpress cards, photographers can capture approximately 50 frames before the buffer fills. This proves sufficient for most situations, though sports photographers might wish for greater capacity.

The dual processors also accelerate menu navigation and image review, making the camera feel more responsive in everyday use. Startup time is quick, and the camera wakes from sleep almost instantly.

Shooting Speed: 8.5/10

The improved shooting speed and buffer depth make the Z7 II noticeably more versatile than its predecessor. Whilst not matching dedicated sports cameras, the performance suits most photographic disciplines admirably.

Viewfinder and Display

Excellent Electronic Viewfinder

The 0.5-inch quad-VGA OLED electronic viewfinder displays 3.69 million dots with excellent clarity and colour accuracy. The large, bright image makes manual focusing easy, whilst the high refresh rate ensures smooth tracking of moving subjects.

The viewfinder provides comprehensive shooting information without feeling cluttered. Photographers can customise the display to show only essential data, maintaining clear visibility of the composition.

The 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD proves sharp and bright, remaining visible even in direct sunlight. The touch interface works well for selecting focus points and navigating menus, though the screen doesn't articulate fully for awkward angles or selfies.

Viewfinder & Display: 9.0/10

Both the electronic viewfinder and rear display deliver excellent quality. The only criticism concerns the limited articulation of the LCD screen—a fully articulating design would enhance versatility.

Video Capabilities

Professional 4K Recording

The Z7 II records 4K video at up to 60fps, delivering high-quality footage with excellent detail. However, shooting 4K at 60fps applies a significant crop factor. Full-frame 4K recording is only available at 30fps maximum—a limitation that may disappoint videographers.

The 10-bit output via HDMI allows external recording with full colour depth, appealing to serious video producers. Internal recording uses 8-bit colour at 4:2:0 sampling, which proves adequate for most purposes but lacks the flexibility of the external option.

The in-body image stabilisation proves valuable for handheld video work, though panning movements can occasionally trigger noticeable corrections. Manual controls are comprehensive, and focus peaking assists manual focusing during recording.

Video Performance: 7.5/10

The Z7 II delivers good video quality, though the crop factor in 4K 60fps and lack of internal 10-bit recording prevent it from matching dedicated video-focused cameras. For photographers who occasionally shoot video, the capabilities prove entirely adequate.

Dual Card Slots and Storage

Flexible Storage Options

The inclusion of dual card slots addresses one of the major criticisms of the original Z7. Photographers can now shoot with backup redundancy or segregate RAW and JPEG files to different cards.

The camera accepts both CFexpress Type B cards (faster, more expensive) and SD UHS-II cards (slower, more affordable) in the two slots. This flexibility allows photographers to choose their preferred balance between speed and cost.

For maximum performance, particularly when shooting bursts or recording 4K video, CFexpress cards prove worth the investment. However, the SD card slot provides a cost-effective backup option or allows using existing SD cards.

Storage: 9.0/10

The dual card slot implementation provides excellent flexibility. The combination of CFexpress and SD card support accommodates various workflows and budgets effectively.

Battery Life

Impressive Endurance

The EN-EL15c battery delivers approximately 420 shots per charge according to CIPA standards—impressive for a mirrorless camera with a high-resolution sensor. In real-world use, particularly when reviewing images sparingly, photographers can expect significantly more shots.

The camera charges via USB-C, allowing convenient charging from portable power banks or laptop USB ports during travel. An optional battery grip accepts two batteries, effectively doubling shooting capacity for extended sessions.

Battery life proves particularly impressive when using the electronic viewfinder predominantly, as the rear LCD consumes more power when active. Photographers shooting all day should carry at least one spare battery for security.

Battery Life: 9.0/10

The excellent battery life removes anxiety about running out of power during important shoots. Combined with USB-C charging, the Z7 II proves practical for travel and extended shooting sessions.

Value Proposition

Premium Price for Premium Performance

At approximately £1,600 for the body only, the Z7 II positions itself firmly in the professional segment. This price reflects the camera's capabilities, build quality, and target audience—serious photographers who prioritise image quality.

The investment extends beyond the body, as high-quality Z-mount lenses command premium prices. Photographers transitioning from F-mount DSLRs can use existing lenses with the FTZ adaptor, though this compromises some of the mirrorless system's size and weight advantages.

For photographers who need 45.7 megapixels, excellent build quality, and professional features, the Z7 II represents fair value. However, casual enthusiasts or photographers who don't require such high resolution may find better value in lower-resolution alternatives.

Value for Money: 7.5/10

The Z7 II delivers professional performance justifying its premium price. However, the expensive body, costly lenses, and limited lens selection compared to established systems mean photographers must carefully consider whether the capabilities justify the investment.

Comparisons

vs Nikon Z7 (Original)

The Z7 II offers dual processors (faster performance), dual card slots (backup security), improved buffer depth, 10fps shooting (vs 9fps), and better video specifications. These upgrades make the Z7 II worth the premium over the original for professional use.

vs Nikon Z6 II

The Z6 II offers 24.5 megapixels versus 45.7, costs approximately £400 less, and provides marginally better low-light autofocus. Choose the Z7 II if you need maximum resolution; the Z6 II delivers better value for general photography and video work.

vs Sony A7R IV

Sony's 61-megapixel sensor offers even higher resolution, faster autofocus, and a more extensive lens selection. However, the Z7 II provides better ergonomics, more logical menu systems, and excellent image quality that satisfies most photographers' resolution needs.

Our Verdict

The Nikon Z7 II earns its 8.8/10 rating through a combination of outstanding image quality, professional build, and well-executed refinements over the original Z7. The 45.7-megapixel sensor delivers exceptional resolution, dynamic range, and colour depth that satisfies demanding photographers.

The improvements—dual processors, dual card slots, 10fps shooting, and better buffer—address the original's key weaknesses whilst maintaining its strengths. The robust magnesium alloy construction, excellent weather sealing, and logical controls make it a pleasure to use professionally.

However, limitations exist. The autofocus system, whilst capable in good light, doesn't match the latest offerings in challenging conditions. The 4K 60fps crop factor disappoints videographers, and the premium pricing restricts accessibility.

For landscape photographers, studio shooters, and professionals who prioritise resolution and build quality over high-speed performance, the Nikon Z7 II represents an excellent choice. The exceptional image quality alone justifies serious consideration.

Wedding and event photographers may prefer the Z6 II's lower resolution but better low-light performance. Sports photographers should explore options with faster autofocus systems and deeper buffers.

If you demand maximum image quality, need robust professional construction, and can accept the premium pricing, the Nikon Z7 II delivers outstanding results that justify the investment.