The Nikon Zf and Nikon Z7 II are two full-frame Z-mount cameras from Nikon. The two biggest differences are that the Zf has a retro-design and a 24MP sensor whereas the Z7 II has a more traditional design and a 45.7MP sensor. Which one is right for you?
Nikon Z7 II vs Nikon Zf Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z7 II | Nikon Zf |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | October 2020 | September 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | Dual EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 45.7 MP | 24.5 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 8256×5504 | 6048×4032 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 5.94µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | Yes |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 64 | ISO 100 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 25,600 | ISO 64,000 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 32-102,400 | ISO 50-204,800 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | Yes |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 10 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 10 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 12-bit raw at 10 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 9 FPS) | 14 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 77 frames (10 FPS) | Over 200 frames |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 493 | 273 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -4 EV | -8.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | No |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 10 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 (12 with paid upgrade) | 10 bits |
| Raw Video | No (Yes, externally, with paid upgrade) | No |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.08x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | SD (UHS-II) |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | Micro SD (UHS-I) |
| 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 | Fully Articulating |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | 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 1 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 360 frames | 360 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 420 frames | 380 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 440 frames | 430 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 705 g (1.55 lbs.) | 710 g (1.57 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 134 x 101 x 85 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.3″)1 | 144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $3000 (Check Current Price) | $2000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices (Affiliate) | Nikon Z7 II Used Prices | Nikon Zf Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z7 II’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z7 II’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Nikon Zf’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 10mm were added to the Zf’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
It may seem like the Z7 II is a superior camera in most ways. And indeed, for many people, it will be. It’s got a higher resolution sensor and an more ergonomic body. So it seems like the Zf is more for those who just want a retro design camera.
But that ignores the fact that the Zf has a later generation image processing unit—the EXPEED 7 over the dual EXPEED 6 processors of the Z7 II. And, since the Zf was released after the flagship Z9, it’s got some autofocus features like more subject recognition modes that are lacking in the Z7 II.
In practice, the Zf does have noticeably better autofocus than the Z7 II. So, if you are shooting more challenging situations where autofocus is pushed to its limits, the Zf would be a better choice (although the Nikon Z6 III would be a better choice still).
Nevertheless, the Z7 II is a great camera, and if you’re doing slower styles of photography such as landscape photography, the Z7 II would be a nicer camera due to its higher-resolution sensor, lack of AA filter, and base ISO of 64. If you really won’t miss the newer AF capabilities of the Zf, the Z7 II could be a really great deal.
What does the Nikon Z7 II offer over the Nikon Zf?
- 1.87 times more megapixels (45.7MP vs 24.5MP)
- Base ISO 64
- More ergonomic design
What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Nikon Z7 II?
- Better autofocus
- Much lower price, costing $1000 less—you could get a second camera!
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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Thanks for this informative article. What camera do you use for wildlife photography?
I use the D500 and Z6. Libor uses the Z9 though.