Improved processing, greater versatility, but familiar in design, the Nikon Z 7II takes everything that was great from the original and ups its capabilities even more. Sporting a high-resolution 45.7MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor and dual EXPEED 6 image processors, the Z 7II is clearly aimed at the detail-obsessed image-maker.
The sensor's design omits the optical low-pass filter for greater detail recording capability and the sensor supports a native sensitivity range down to ISO 64 for lush, rich capture. Updated processing also yields faster speeds, including a quickened 10 fps continuous shooting rate and deeper buffer for working with moving subjects. UHD 4K 60p video is supported, too, with the option to record externally in 10-bit using N-Log or HLG (HDR) modes). The sensor also incorporates a 493-point phase-detection AF system, which now supports Eye-Detect AF in Wide-Area AF modes and during movie recording, and permits focusing in low-light down to -4.5 EV. Additionally, 5-axis in-body Vibration Reduction helps to reduce the appearance of camera shake with any mounted lens.
Balancing the imaging, the Z 7II retains its overall physical design, however it has been updated with a new dual memory card slot interface to hold one CFexpress Type B card and one SD UHS-II card for more flexible storage. Both a high-res 3.6m-dot OLED EVF and rear 3.2" 2.1m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD lend versatility to image composition and playback, and SnapBridge wireless connectivity can be used for remote camera control, image sharing to a mobile device, and even over-the-air firmware updates.
Improving upon their initial efforts, Nikon has revised the Z 7 platform to offer more speed, faster processing, and greater versatility without sacrificing the beloved qualities of the original camera.
A 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor is used for high-resolution shooting, impressive low-light quality, and fast readout speeds to benefit continuous shooting, movies, and time-lapse recording. The back-illuminated design of the sensor affords noticeably clean high-sensitivity output and reduced noise when working at high ISO values, up to a native ISO 25600, as well as vivid and smooth quality at sensitivities as low as ISO 64. The sensor's design also omits the conventional optical low-pass filter in order to achieve the greatest sharpness and resolution from the sensor. Benefitting the sensor are dual EXPEED 6 image processors, which affords a wealth of speed throughout the camera system, including the ability to shoot continuously at 10 fps for up to 50 consecutive frames.
Utilizing the sensor and processor attributes for more than just still imagery, the Z 7II is also a more-than-capable multimedia camera. UHD 4K video recording is possible up to 60p and Full HD 1080p video recording is also supported at up to 120p for slow motion playback. Video files can be saved to the in-camera memory cards or as an uncompressed file to an optional external recorder via HDMI out.
Advanced video functionalities have been added with the Z 7II, including the N-Log gamma for capturing flat-looking footage that maximizes dynamic range and HLG (HDR) for recording HDR-ready footage. Other additions are the ability to output high-quality 10-bit data over HDMI and an Electronic VR function for smooth handheld shooting. Focus Peaking can be used to benefit manual focus control and a Zebra Stripes option is also available to help detect over-exposed areas within the frame. Audio recording can be handled using the built-in stereo microphone or an optional external mic can be added via the 3.5mm stereo jack for greater control over quality, and live monitoring is possible via the headphone jack.
Located on the sensor is an array of 493 phase-detect autofocus points covering 90% of the image area both vertically and horizontally. This provides fast and accurate focusing for both stills and video and with a wide coverage area, subject tracking will work out to near the edges of the frame. Hybrid AF is available for video, which will automatically switch between phase- and contrast-detect systems to provide smooth focus during shooting. Additionally, the latest NIKKOR Z lenses are optimized for silent operation.
In-body 5-axis sensor-shift Vibration Reduction compensates for up to 5 stops of camera shake regardless of the Z-type lens being used. This system also works with adapted F-mount lenses, when using the optional FTZ Adapter, where 3-axis stabilization is used.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Camera Format | Full-Frame (1x Crop Factor) |
| Pixels | Actual: 46.89 Megapixel Effective: 45.7 Megapixel |
| Maximum Resolution | 8256 x 5504 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 4:5, 16:9 |
| Sensor Type | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | 35.9 x 23.9 mm |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| Exposure Control | |
| ISO Sensitivity | Auto, 64 to 25600 (Extended: 32 to 102400) |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Front Curtain Shutter 1/8000 to 900 Seconds Bulb Mode |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Matrix, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Auto, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -3 to 17 EV |
| White Balance | Auto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade |
| Continuous Shooting | Up to 10 fps at 45.7 MP for up to 50 Frames |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay |
| Video | |
| Recording Modes | H.264/MOV/MP4 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/59.94p Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 23.976p/25p/29.97p/50p/59.94p/100p/119.88p |
| External Recording Modes | 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Recording Limit | Up to 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds |
| Video Encoding | NTSC/PAL |
| Audio Recording | Built-In Microphone (Stereo) External Microphone Input |
| Audio File Format | AAC, Linear PCM (Stereo) |
| Focus | |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF (C), Full-Time Servo (F), Manual Focus (M), Single-Servo AF (S) |
| Autofocus Points | Phase Detection: 493 |
| Viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder Type | Electronic |
| Viewfinder Size | 0.5" |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3,690,000 Dot |
| Viewfinder Eye Point | 21 mm |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% |
| Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 0.8x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +2 |
| Monitor | |
| Size | 3.2" |
| Resolution | 2,100,000 Dot |
| Display Type | Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Flash | |
| Built-In Flash | No |
| Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Curtain/Slow Sync, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/200 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Dedicated Flash System | iTTL |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Interface | |
| Memory Card Slot | Slot 1: CFexpress Type B / XQD Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Internal Memory | None |
| Connectivity | 3.5mm Headphone, 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI C (Mini), Nikon DC2, USB Type-C (USB 3.0) |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi Bluetooth |
| GPS | No |
| Environmental | |
| Operating Temperature | 32 to 104°F / 0 to 40°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0 to 85% |
| Physical | |
| Battery | 1 x EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion |
