Nikon Z7 Detailed Review

See all images of the Nikon Z7

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In additional Z7 was introduced by Nikon in August 2018. It belongs to the Mirrorless Cameras category.

Nikon is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Nikon.

Brand Nikon
Category Mirrorless
Date 08/2018
Sensor Properties

The Z7 has a Full frame CMOS sensor with size of 36 x 24 mm² (1.41″ x 0.94″).

Picture of Z7’s sensor compared to popular format.

Infographic: Z7 comparing sensor sizes

The 1-Euro coin has a diameter of 23.25mm.

The Z7’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 46 megapixel. The resolution is far above average and will easily be sufficient for years to come. Photos with this resolution can easily be printed in A2 size or larger, even if unwanted parts of the photo have to be cropped.

The Nikon supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Nikon’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

The Z7 features a mechanism for automatic sensor cleaning.

Format Full frame
Sensor area 35.80 x 23.90mm²
(1.41″ x 0.94″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 46.89 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 45.70 megapixel
Pixel size 20.00 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 9 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable lens
Mount Nikon Z Mount
Viewfinder Properties

The Z7 uses an electronic viewfinder with a resolution of 3.68 megapixel, an excellent value for a viewfinder like this which makes the camera a joy to use.

The magnifcation is c. 0.80x, an excellent value for an electronic viewfinder.

Type Elektronic
Coverage 100%
Magnification 0.80x
Resolution 3.68 megapixel
Dioptric correction
Shutter

The Z7’s shutter speed varies from 1/8000s to 30s.

Max. shutter speed 1/8000s
Min. shutter speed 30s
Sensitivity Properties

The Z7’s sensitivity is from 64 ISO and 25600 ISO.

Also, Nikon’s sensitivity can be boosted to 102400. Therefore, ISO boosting will lead to growth noise.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 64 ISO
Max. sensitivity 25600 ISO
Boost 102400 ISO
Exposure Modes

The Z7 supports all general exposure modes.

The Nikon allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The Z7’s auto focus processor uses 493 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. when panning the camera).

Manual focus is also possible with the Nikon, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

Type Phase Detection, Contrast Detection
AF points 493
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The Z7 doesn’t feature a built-in flash. That is not unsusual in this camera category.

A flash or a trigger for remote flashes can be attached to the Nikon’s hotshoe.

Built-in
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The Z7 features a monitor with a diagonal of 80.00mm (3.1 in.) and a resolution of c. 2.10 megapixel. A resonable value that will make it easy to evaluate images directly in-camera.

The camera’s display is articulated, a plus for selfies and other challenging situations.

The Z7’s monitor can work as a touch screen, just like a smartphone. That can be very useful, for example to pick AF points, but keep in mind that touch screens usually don’t work when wearing gloves.

Display characteristics at a glance:

Type LCD
Size 80.00mm (diagonal)
(3.1 in.)
Resolution 2.10 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

Z7 video supported the resolution with 3840 x 2160 pixel.

Also the camera is equipped with an external microphone.

Nikon Z7 Video parameters:

Max. resolution 3840 x 2160 pixel
…with frame rates 24 frames/second
25 frames/second
30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

The Z7 has Wifi connectivity already built-in. Use Wifi to transfer images to a smartphone or computer and to remote control the camera. With NFC, camera and smartphone can be paired without the need for passwords.

For photo transferring users may use Bluetooth option.

Eventually, if the wifi connection is disabled the wired connection may be used.

Connect the Nikon to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

USB 3.0 is already supported by the Nikon. USB 3.0 greatly speeds up transferring images and videos to the computer.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory
The Nikon does not support SD cards.

XQD Cards can be used, too.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards XQD
Battery

The Nikon Z7 has a EN-EL15B LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 330 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Z7’s battery battery parameters:

Type EN-EL15B LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 330 photos
Size

The Nikon Z7’s size is 134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm³. (5.3″ x 4.0″ x 2.7″). That dimensions are without lens. The weight of camera is 5.3″ x 4.0″ x 2.7″ grams (675 oz.) without lens weight.

Here is front and top view of the Z7:

Dimensions Comparison

For a better idea of the size of the camera, takes a look off camera and ID card comparison image.

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