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 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 Feature | Nikon Z6 II | Nikon Z7 II |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Resolution | 24.5 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Low-Pass Filter | Yes | No |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 64 |
| Native ISO Sensitivity | ISO 100-51,200 | ISO 64-25,600 |
| In-Body Image Stabilization | Yes, 5-axis | Yes, 5-axis |
| Sensor Size | 35.9 x 24.0mm | 35.9 x 23.9mm |
| Image Size | 6048 x 4024 | 8256 x 5504 |
| Image Processor | Dual EXPEED 6 | Dual EXPEED 6 |
| EVF Type / Resolution | QVGA / 3.6 Million Dots | QVGA / 3.6 Million Dots |
| EVF Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| EVF Magnification | 0.8x | 0.8x |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| Flash Sync Speed | 1/200s | 1/200s |
| Storage Media | 1x CFe / XQD + 1x SD UHS II | 1x CFe / XQD + 1x SD UHS II |
| Continuous Shooting Speed | 14 FPS (12-bit RAW), 10 FPS (14-bit RAW) | 10 FPS (12-bit RAW), 9 FPS (14-bit RAW) |
| Camera Buffer (12-bit Lossless) | 124 | 77 |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/8000 |
| Min Shutter Speed | Up to 900 sec | Up to 900 sec |
| Electronic Front-Curtain Shutter | Yes | Yes |
| Exposure Metering Sensor | TTL metering using camera image sensor | TTL metering using camera image sensor |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Focus Points | 273 | 493 |
| 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 / Levels | Yes / Red, Yellow, Blue, White / 3 | Yes / Red, Yellow, Blue, White / 3 |
| Video Maximum Resolution | 4K @ up to 60p, 1080p @ up to 120p | 4K @ up to 60p, 1080p @ up to 120p |
| 4K Video Crop | 1.0 (30p), 1.5x (60p) | 1.08x |
| HDMI Out / N-LOG | 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes | 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes |
| HLG / HDR Out | Yes / Yes | Yes / Yes |
| Zebra Stripes | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Articulating Touch LCD | Yes, Tilting | Yes, Tilting |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| LCD Size / Resolution | 3.2″ / 2.1 Million Dots | 3.2″ / 2.1 Million Dots |
| GPS / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | No / Yes / Yes | No / Yes / Yes |
| Intervalometer + Timelapse Movie | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Update via Snapbridge | Yes | Yes |
| Battery | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (CIPA) | 340 shots | 360 shots |
| Weather Sealed Body | Yes | Yes |
| USB Version | Type-C 3.1 | Type-C 3.1 |
| Weight (with Battery and Card) | 705 g (1.55 lbs) | 705 g (1.55 lbs) |
| Dimensions | 134 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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
And at ISO 51,200, the Z6 not only wins in noise but also detail and sharpness, leaving the Z7 clearly behind:
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:
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:
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… Read more »
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 🙏🏽😊
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.
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… Read more »
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!
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.
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 .
Something else to consider is lens/sensor resolution combinations. I have not bought a mirrorless yet, but when I do, it will be the Z7 ii. The reason is that the 24mp sensor cannot always resolve the fine detail resolved by the highest end Nikon lenses, as I am just beginning to understand. I currently own a D750 (or at least my daughter does, now) and a D850. I am a professional studio photographer, but also do a lot of scenic, nature and macro work, as well as candid and environmental portraits. I learned in the film era, as a photojournalist, and I do very little post-processing outside of my product photography marketing work, so the highest quality lenses and filters… Read more »
Hey Nasim! So im torn between the z6ii and z7ii. Im looking to do mainly landscape and astro photography. Will the z6ii be as good as the z7ii at night? Will pictures be noticeably more clear with the z7ii? also i wont be printing anything huge at all. I was leaning towards the z7ii bc of the bigger sensor/more mp but i could also go the other way with the z6ii and spend the extra $ on new glass! Please help!
Does anyone know if the depth of field preview above f/5.6 whilst zoomed in issue been resolved?
I have a Z6 I’m about to trade in to Nikon for the Z6 II. I know there is very little difference between the two generations, but the limited single memory card slot for XQD was a horrible design in gen 1. I’ve only shot about 1000 images on my Z6. Nikon is offering $1275 on the tradein, which pretty much pays for half the upgrade. I’m going to take advantage of the tradein value while the Z6 can pull a decent tradein amount.