Nikon
Nikon
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.
I've been a Nikon D850 user when the camera was first introduced and mainly photograph landscape, architecture and occasionally people and wildlife. The D850 is an awesome camera but decided to move into the mirrorless world when the Z7 II came out. I traded my D850 and F mount lenses in at ACE Photo and got a good trade in. I've been out photographing with the Nikon Z7 II several times and must say this camera is awesome. I like that you can place the AF anywhere in the viewfinder unlike the D850 which is limited. I also like that I can make all my changes in settings through the viewfinder without having to look at the LCD and go through the menu. The camera works extremely well in low light and the Z lenses are super fast in focusing. I have the 14-24mm f/2.8 S, 24-70mm f/2.8 S, and 70-200mm f/2.8 S. Going from the D850 and F mount lenses to the equivalent Z lenses has cut my weight down by 2 pounds. All three Z lenses not only have function buttons on them that can be allocated to perform functions, they also have a lens control ring which can be programmed for four functions. I have mine set to change ISO. I've read where it may not be the best for photographing fast moving wildlife (birds) but that was not a deal breaker for me since I don't do a lot of wildlife photography. I do not miss the lighted buttons on the Z7 II since I use the viewfinder to change my settings. No need for lighted buttons. I found it strange that the accessory slot for a remote shutter release is on the opposite side of the camera grip which means you need to be careful if attaching one and photographing in the portrait mode with an L-Bracket. I am using the delay timer function and set to release the shutter after 3 seconds so not sure if I am going back to a remote shutter release by Nikon. This method works very well for me. For what I photograph, the Z7 II is a better camera than my D850 and F-Mount lenses. The flange on the Z7 II is larger than the flange on the D850 and the Z lenses sit closer to the sensor meaning less light refraction. I'd recommend switching over to the Z lenses if you opt to buy the Z7 II. I've kept my 80-400mm lens for now until Nikon comes out with the longer Z lenses. Do I miss my D850...No...it is a excellent camera but mirrorless was a better path for me. I think that is where the camera manufactures are putting their R&D dollars in right now.
