The Nikon Z7 II and Z8 in some ways seem very much the same. Both are full-frame, 45-megapixel Nikon Z cameras with similar control layouts. But in reality, they are quite different cameras. The Z7 II is an excellent all-purpose camera whereas the Z8, with its stacked CMOS sensor and state-of-the-art autofocus system, is better suited for action. Which one of these cameras is right for you?
Nikon Z7 II vs Nikon Z8 Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z7 II | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | October 2020 | May 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | Dual EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 45.7 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 8256×5504 | 8256×5504 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 4.35µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 64 | ISO 64 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 25,600 | ISO 25,600 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 32-102,400 | ISO 32-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 10 FPS | No mechanical shutter |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 10 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 12-bit raw at 10 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 9 FPS) | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 77 frames (10 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 493 | 493 |
| Low-Light AF Sensitivity (f/2 Lens, ISO 100) | -4 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 (12 with paid upgrade) | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | No (Yes, externally, with paid upgrade) | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.08x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 90 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Dual Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x | 0.80x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 360 frames | 330 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 420 frames | 340 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 440 frames | 370 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 705 g (1.55 lbs.) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 134 x 101 x 85 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.3″)1 | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)1 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $3000 (Check Current Price) | $4000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Z7 II Used Prices (eBay Partner Program affiliate link) | Nikon Z8 Used Prices (eBay Partner Program affiliate link) |
| 1The Nikon Z7 II and Z8’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the depth measurement of the Z7 II and 5mm to the Z8 in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
In many situations, the Z7II and Z8 will work equally well. Both are capable cameras with the same resolution, and both can use exactly the same range of Nikon’s excellent Z lenses. Yet, the one thing that sets the Z8 apart is its speed: It has a stacked sensor with all the autofocus capabilities of Nikon’s flagship Z9.
The difference in autofocus capability between the Z7 II and Z8 is fairly great, and it’s not all reflected in the spec sheet above. The Nikon Z8 has Nikon’s top-of-the-line autofocus system shared with the Nikon Z9, which we have found to be much better at tracking subjects compared to the Nikon Z7 II side-by-side. For people who photograph subjects like sports, birds in flight, and other fast-moving situations, the Z8 is a much better choice over the Z7.
The Z8 is also a much more capable video machine, with its 12-bit internal recording up to 8K 60p raw video. The Nikon Z7 II is no slouch for video; it’s more than capable for typical project. But by comparison, the Z8 is clearly ahead.
As for the other features, most of the Z8’s remaining benefits are also action-oriented. It has a bigger buffer, a pre-release burst mode, voice memos, and a higher burst rate of 20 FPS (raw). That said, the Nikon Z7 II has the substantial benefit of price – it’s much less expensive than the Z8, especially if you buy it used or on sale. If you’re not shooting fast-moving action, the Nikon Z7 II could be more than enough camera for you.
