The Nikon Z7 was Nikon’s first mirrorless 45MP camera with the Z mount, and the Nikon Zf is a newer, retro-style 24MP full-frame camera. The Zf has many improvements over the Z7, although the Z7 might still be better for some. Which one should you get? Read on to find out!
Nikon Z7 vs Nikon Zf Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z7 | Nikon Zf |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | August 2018 | September 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | 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 | 4.4µ | 5.9µ |
| 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 | 30 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 9 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 9 FPS | 14 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 12-bit raw at 9 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 8 FPS) | 14 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 23 frames (9 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 | 30 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | 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 | 1 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | SD (UHS-II) |
| Slot 2 Type | N/A | 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 | 0.80x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | 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-EL15b | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 330 frames | 360 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 400 frames | 380 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | N/A | 430 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 675 g (1.49 lbs.) | 710 g (1.57 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 134 x 101 x 83 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.2″)1 | 144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $3000 (Discontinued) | $2000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Z7 Used Prices | Nikon Zf Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z7’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z7’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
When I compared the Nikon Z6 to the Nikon Zf, I concluded that the Zf is an upgrade to the Z6 in almost every way. I can say almost the same thing about this comparison with the Z7: the Zf will give you better autofocus and better video than the Z7.
But if you’re deciding between a used Z7 or Zf, then the choice is a bit more difficult because the Z7 has that beautiful 45.7MP sensor whereas the Zf only has 24MP. The Z7 also has a base ISO of 64 rather than the base ISO of 100 of the Nikon Zf, which really shows that the Z7 will give you a bit more landscape-photography power.
In other words, if you need resolution and aren’t too concerned about autofocus, the 45.7MP Z7 will still be a better camera. In fact, even as a wildlife photographer, there are some situations where I’d take the Z7 over the Zf, simply because the Z7 has good enough autofocus for static scenes or slower animals and the additional resolution does make a difference.
But if you’re not too concerned about resolution, the Zf is a better camera. And let’s not forget that 24MP is already quite a nice number of pixels and should suffice for almost everyone.
What does the Nikon Z7 offer over the Nikon Zf?
- 1.87 times more megapixels (45.7MP vs 24.5MP)
- Lighter weight (35g lighter. It’s not a lot, but every bit helps.)
What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Nikon Z7?
- Better autofocus and better video
- Two card slots, which is better for redundancy and backup
- 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!
Photography Life is part of the eBay Partner Network and B&H’s affiliate program. When you make a purchase through the affiliate links in this article, we can be compensated with a percentage of each sale. If you found this comparison useful, buying anything through these links allows you to support Photography Life at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting our efforts!