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Home → Cameras and Lenses

Nikon Z6 II vs Z7 II

By Nasim Mansurov 32 Comments
Last Updated On May 26, 2021

Now that Nikon is on its second generation of mirrorless cameras, our readers might be wondering how the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II compare in terms of features and image quality. While these cameras are quite similar in many ways (even having identical control layouts and the exact weight), there are plenty of differences under the hood. If you are thinking of buying either the Z6 II or Z7 II, this article will help you understand the pros and cons of each.

Nikon Z6 II vs Z7 II

Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II Specifications Comparison

Before I talk about image quality, let’s first discuss what these cameras are used for, and show their differences in terms of key specifications. While the Nikon Z6 II is targeted as a general-purpose mirrorless stills and video camera with its 24 MP sensor, 14 FPS continuous shooting speed, and 273 focus points, the Nikon Z7 II is a more specialized offering with a high-resolution 45.7 MP sensor. Both cameras offer hybrid autofocus systems, with on-sensor phase-detection and contrast-detection AF, capable of actively tracking subjects when recording high-quality 4K videos.

Ergonomically, there are practically no differences between the first and the second-generation Z6 and Z7 cameras. However, Nikon added quite a bit of horsepower in the second generation cameras with dual EXPEED 6 processors, in addition to significantly increasing camera buffer. A secondary SD UHS-II compatible memory card slot has been added, and now both cameras can be used with a real battery grip that features buttons and dials.

Let’s take a look at the specifications of the two cameras in more detail:

Camera FeatureNikon Z6 IINikon Z7 II
Sensor Resolution24.5 MP45.7 MP
Low-Pass FilterYesNo
Sensor TypeBSI CMOSBSI CMOS
Base ISOISO 100ISO 64
Native ISO SensitivityISO 100-51,200ISO 64-25,600
In-Body Image StabilizationYes, 5-axisYes, 5-axis
Sensor Size35.9 x 24.0mm35.9 x 23.9mm
Image Size6048 x 40248256 x 5504
Image ProcessorDual EXPEED 6Dual EXPEED 6
EVF Type / ResolutionQVGA / 3.6 Million DotsQVGA / 3.6 Million Dots
EVF Coverage100%100%
EVF Magnification0.8x0.8x
Built-in FlashNoNo
Flash Sync Speed1/200s1/200s
Storage Media1x CFe / XQD + 1x SD UHS II1x CFe / XQD + 1x SD UHS II
Continuous Shooting Speed14 FPS (12-bit RAW), 10 FPS (14-bit RAW)10 FPS (12-bit RAW), 9 FPS (14-bit RAW)
Camera Buffer (12-bit Lossless)12477
Max Shutter Speed1/80001/8000
Min Shutter SpeedUp to 900 secUp to 900 sec
Electronic Front-Curtain ShutterYesYes
Exposure Metering SensorTTL metering using camera image sensorTTL metering using camera image sensor
Autofocus SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF
Focus Points273493
Low-Light Sensitivity-4.5 to +19 EV (-6 to +19 with low-light AF enabled)-3 to +19 EV (-4 to +19 EV with low-light AF enabled)
Focus Peaking / Peaking Colors / LevelsYes / Red, Yellow, Blue, White / 3Yes / Red, Yellow, Blue, White / 3
Video Maximum Resolution4K @ up to 60p, 1080p @ up to 120p4K @ up to 60p, 1080p @ up to 120p
4K Video Crop1.0 (30p), 1.5x (60p)1.08x
HDMI Out / N-LOG4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes
HLG / HDR OutYes / YesYes / Yes
Zebra StripesYesYes
Audio RecordingYesYes
Articulating Touch LCDYes, TiltingYes, Tilting
TouchscreenYesYes
LCD Size / Resolution3.2″ / 2.1 Million Dots3.2″ / 2.1 Million Dots
GPS / Wi-Fi / BluetoothNo / Yes / YesNo / Yes / Yes
Intervalometer + Timelapse MovieYesYes
Firmware Update via SnapbridgeYesYes
BatteryEN-EL15cEN-EL15c
Battery Life (CIPA)340 shots360 shots
Weather Sealed BodyYesYes
USB VersionType-C 3.1Type-C 3.1
Weight (with Battery and Card)705 g (1.55 lbs)705 g (1.55 lbs)
Dimensions134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.8″)134 x 100.5 x 69.5mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 2.8″)
MSRP As Released$1,999 (check for sales)$2,999 (check for sales)

As you can see, while both Z6 II and Z7 II offer very similar features, there are some differences that might make one camera more preferable over the other, depending on your needs. Are you primarily interested in the video features of these cameras? If so, the Z6 II is arguably a better choice than the Z7 II, since its 4K video is downsampled from the full width of the sensor at 1.0x crop. Sensor resolution is the main difference between the cameras, with the Z6 II featuring a 24 MP sensor, while the Z7 II has a much higher resolution 45 MP sensor. For some photographers, lower resolution images are preferable, since they take up less space and don’t require as much computing power to work with. Others, who primarily engage in landscape, architecture and product photography will prefer 45 MP in order to make larger prints.

Interestingly, Nikon decided to go with a slightly higher-end autofocus system on the Z7 II, which has a total of 493 focus points, while the Z6 II is limited to 273 focus points. However, these numbers don’t mean much in the real world, because the autofocus performance of the two cameras is very similar. In fact, when shooting in low-light situations, the autofocus system on the Z6 II has better AF detection range of -4.5 EV to +19 EV, while the Z7 II has -3 EV to +17 EV. In addition, the Z6 II has a faster continuous shooting rate of 14 FPS compared to 10 FPS on the Z7 II. Add a large buffer that can accommodate 124 RAW images (vs 77 on the Z7 II), and it appears that the Z6 II is better suited for fast action photography – that’s 8.9 seconds of continous shooting vs 7.7 before the buffer fills up.

In short, if you don’t need more than 24 MP of resolution and if you shoot lots of video content, the Z6 II is a better choice, especially considering that it is $1000 cheaper. However, if you do the type of work that could benefit from high-resolution images, then the Z7 II is the way to go.

Next, we will take a look at how these two cameras differ in high ISO performance, side-by-side.

Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon Z7 II High ISO Performance Comparison

Nikon did not update the sensor technology on its second-generation camera bodies, so we can expect the two to be identical in their performance to their predecessors. Let’s take a look at how the two differ at ISOs above 800. In order to compare 24 MP versus 45 MP side-by-side, I downsampled the Z7 images to match the Z6’s resolution. The Z6 is on the left, and the Z7 is on the right:

NIKON-Z6-ISO800NIKON-Z7-ISO800

Although both cameras look great at ISO 800 and 1600, we can already start seeing differences in noise performance, with the Z6 looking a little cleaner.

NIKON-Z6-ISO1600NIKON-Z7-ISO-1600

At ISO 3200 and 6400, the Z6 clearly looks better than the Z7. This is especially noticeable in the red and pink swatches. Although the Z7 is still the sharper file at both ISOs, I am starting to prefer how the Z6 looks. But especially at ISO 3200, it is a bit of a toss-up:

NIKON-Z6-ISO3200NIKON-Z7-ISO3200

NIKON-Z6-ISO6400NIKON-Z7-ISO6400

The Z6 starts pulling away at ISO 12,800. Pay attention to the green, pink, red, and gray swatches. Although the Z7 still shows reasonable performance, and remains slightly sharper, the Z6 performs better overall at this ISO:

NIKON-Z6-ISO12800NIKON-Z7-ISO12800

By ISO 25,600, it is clear that the Z6 is ahead in noise performance, and the extra noise in the Z7 has essentially eliminated the sharpness advantage. The better file here is definitely the Z6’s:

NIKON-Z6-ISO25600NIKON-Z7-ISO25600

And at ISO 51,200, the Z6 not only wins in noise but also detail and sharpness, leaving the Z7 clearly behind:

NIKON-Z6-ISO51200NIKON-Z7-ISO51200

Lastly, at ISO 102,400, the Z6 is far ahead of the Z7 in every way, including brightness. However, both images are pretty much unusable:

NIKON-Z6-ISO102400NIKON-Z7-ISO102400

The takeaway here is that the Z6 is the better camera in noise performance at high ISOs, while the Z7 is better suited for lower ISOs.

Which Camera Should You Get?

Unless you really need the extra resolution of the Z7 II, the Nikon Z6 II is clearly a better choice for most photographers out there. It is significantly cheaper, has better autofocus and continuous shooting capabilities, a large buffer that fits more images (since files are smaller), and it performs better in low-light situations. Keep in mind that 24 MP is a sweet spot for most types of photography including portraiture, wedding, travel and event photography, so if you primarily shoot in these genres, go with the Z6 II and don’t look back. If you have an extra $1K laying around, put it towards an excellent Nikon Z prime like the Z 50mm f/1.8 S.

However, if you find 24 MP to be limiting for larger prints or client work, then the Z7 II has its place as well. It will give you a very clean image at ISO 64 with plenty of detail and dynamic range.

If you find this article useful, please consider checking out other comparisons of the second-generation Nikon mirrorless cameras:

  • Nikon Z6 vs Z6 II
  • Nikon Z7 vs Z7 II

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Filed Under: Cameras and Lenses Tagged With: Nikon Mirrorless, Nikon Z6 II, Nikon Z7 II

About Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Read more about Nasim here.

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jeff
jeff
December 16, 2022 7:45 am

Very helpful and concise.

0
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Rich
Rich
December 13, 2022 9:09 am

A very helpful discussion . Do you anticipate any significant improvements that nikon will make to the Z6II or Z7II that would be worth waiting for. I do a lot of landscape photo and do not print any thing larger than 18X20. Would the Z6II be adequate for this?

2
Reply
Luis
Luis
April 21, 2022 2:58 pm

Thank you very much for this information. I been using a Crop sensor and wanted to move on with a full frame. Not having all the information need it, my favorite choice was a D850. Now is clear for me to make a clear decision. I am not ready to jump with a Z9 and Nikon is having also supply chain issues as well. Been looking almost everywhere for this type of information, simple and concise. Z6ii will be my next step before any Z9ii will come out. Besides, that 1000$ will go along a nice glass or batteries lol. Thanks again.

Cheers,

1
Reply
Rohinton Mehta
Rohinton Mehta
February 14, 2022 11:55 pm

Thank you for explaining all the differences between the Z6 II and the Z7 II. We can clearly see that in the digital noise department, the Z6 II is the clear winner. However, I have a query. Assuming I am ready to put the Z7 II files through Topaz DeNoise AI, then what would your recommendation be? I understand that putting every file through the NR software is a pain, but let’s say, I am willing to do that. Would you then consider the Z7 II over the Z6 II? Basically, my first choice is landscapes, followed by wildlife photography.
Hoping to hear from you. Thanks in advance.

6
Reply
Abby
Abby
May 22, 2021 7:44 pm

Thank you for the practical in-depth article as ever. I am an amateur and recently upgraded from D5100 to Z6II. I had started getting fond of bird photography due to my present location and the new mirrorless was a good compromise. Coming from an entry-level crop body I love the improvement. I use Z6II with Nikkor 200-500 f5.6 (F-mount with adapter)

However, I find it difficult to focus mostly in one particular scenario where a small bird is sitting on an electric wire. Auto focus areas in AF-C such as Wide area small, dynamic and even single point don’t work at times.

So, I have to go to AF-S pin point or try to find the nearest electricity pole in the same focal plane and once I acquire focus I go back to the bird. Then the AF-C seems to work better. But this means that I often lose my shots as small birds tend to be restless and keep hopping in quick succession.

Do you have any specific advise for how to acquire focus in such a scenario from your experience.

Thanxs
Abby

5
Reply
Apu
Apu
April 24, 2021 1:10 am

Excellent article, thanks so much! I am torn in 2 though, coming from a D800E. I do not ever shoot video and shoot Resorts. However, I am best at people photography strange as that may sound! For low light situations, I generally use ISO 100 and longer exposure times. My clients print an occasional hoarding but mostly use the images online and for brochures / single page ads. I therefore feel the Z6II is the wiser choice. I would welcome any advice, thanks in advance 🙏🏽😊

1
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Joe
Joe
February 18, 2021 6:43 pm

How about the crop factor and color image quality, when the Z6 ii is recording at 4K 60 fps, versus the non-cropped Z7 ii at 4K 60 fps ? The Z7 isnt cropped in 4K 60 fps, correct ? I find that cropped images have worse color ? I’ve seen this in youtube videos.

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Aditya
Aditya
January 30, 2021 2:54 am

I am a dual D750 and D810 shooter. I am now in a dilemma. I have much invested in Nikon Glass, both fast primes as well as zooms from 15-500 mm and I am locked into the Nikon system. I’d like to upgrade my bodies but I can’t for the life of me figure out the next step. I do travel, landscape, wildlife, family portraits. Perhaps selling the D750 and getting the Z6 II is the way to go, although I wanted the D850 for wildlife at some point along with a Nikon Mirrorless and a IR converted body. In that scenario, I am unsure whether converting the fabulous D810 into IR would make sense. No clue what combination to go with. Have some deep soul searching and researching to do while I am saving up.

0
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Randy Jacob
Randy Jacob
Reply to  Aditya
March 23, 2021 11:05 am

They make an FTZ lens converter for the Z series to be able to use all F mount lenses. You lose 2 axis of stabilization (retaining 3 of the 5 points), but AF and everything else works just like it would on your D750 and D810!

2
Reply
Oded Shopen
Oded Shopen
December 22, 2020 4:28 pm

Thanks for the review.
I have a D800E and I still love it. I think I’ll keep it as the main stills camera and use the Z6 II as a backup camera mainly for video (and “vlogging”. Would love for a recommendation for lenses to shoot at the 35mm focal length). I don’t need another high-res sensor, and the video quality is not as good on the Z7 II. I’m excited for the 10Bit 4:2:2 ProRes output! This makes this little camera a true pro-grade cinematography tool.

0
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Pom
Pom
December 4, 2020 12:02 am

I feel not only for big prints but also for digital crop that 45mp will be of great help. Even for bird photographer and or landscape photographer. For wedding photographer z6 ii might be a better choice as it’s good in video capabilities but if someone in modelling then again Z7II will be the winner. That extra detail upon crop will make a big change in your image .

2
Reply

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