Nikon Z7 Review
A formidable entry in the camera market, the Nikon Z7 has a lot going for it. The debut model in the Z category, the Z7 is the first version of a full-frame high-resolution mirrorless camera that Nikon released in 2018. Nikon definitely took its time to launch its iteration of mirrorless cameras but the patience of Nikon fans has been well rewarded. Along with the Z7, Nikon launched the Z6, which seems like overkill but when you see that Sony and Canon are experienced players, you can understand Nikon wanting to launch two models at one go.
The fact that Sony, Canon, Fujifilm, Olympus, and Panasonic have had their hands in the mirrorless camera sector for so long has been a factor in Nikon’s launch. It can get several models or upgrades for a company to hit the sweet spot with new technology. Launching a new system is always a risk and Nikon had to ensure it had a steady supply of F mount lenses to be used with the new cameras. That’s why Nikon launched three Z-mount lenses along with the Z7.
The Nikon Z7 has a 45.7 MP (effective) pixel count similar to the company’s most loved and popular D850 DSLR. Both sensors have a backside-illuminated (BSI) design to help with light capture, together with no anti-aliasing filter for better detail capture. The sensor in Nikon Z7 is remarkably different, it contains 493 phase-detect AF pixels to help with focusing.
There is a new lens mount which accepts three native lenses. Nikon has assured photographers that it intends to launch many lenses slowly over the next few years. The flange depth measures just 16mm and the diameter of the lens mount is a wide 55mm. It bodes well for high-quality lenses with wide apertures.
One of the most significant changes between the Nikon Z7 and it’s DSLR siblings is that Vibration Reduction (VR) is located inside the camera, rather than inside the lens. This system is said to be effective for up to five stops and can work over five axes: roll, pitch, yaw, and X an Y shift. The main advantage of this VR system is for old Nikon users. Their older non-stabilized lenses can benefit from the new technology in the Nikon Z7. The optional FTZ adapter allows F-mount lenses to be mounted on the Z7. AF and auto-exposure will be maintained with approximately 90 or so lenses. And just AF will be maintained for 360 lenses in total. If you use an optic with VR included on the Z7, the two systems are built to join forces and work together coherently.
Images from the Nikon Z7 are output at a maximum resolution of 8256 x 5504 and tend to weigh around 17-31 MB, depending on what you are capturing, ISO setting etc. The Nikon Z7 can capture 14-bit raw files, in either compressed, losslessly compressed, or uncompressed formats, and you can also output TIFFs straight away if you need to.
Nikon has chosen to debut the Log shooting function in the Z7. Dubbed N-Log, this is bolstered by features such as zebra patterning, focus peaking, and timecode. An electronic version of the company’s Vibration Reduction can be called upon to steady recordings. You can do on its own or in conjunction with the sensor-based system. You can hook up a microphone and set of headphones through ports at the camera’s side for audio monitoring and recording respectively.
With a deep grip and viewfinder chamber that stands on the top plate, the Nikon Z7 is designed more for function than fashion. Choosing to focus on form, function, and operation, Nikon has given it a basic, sturdy built that makes handling easy and flexible. Keeping the design similar to its DSLRs meant that Nikon users will find it familiar yet with little twists and additions. Plenty of rubber is used around the grip and the backplate, and the hump on the side of the body allows you to open the card compartment.
The proximity of the Z7 ‘s sensor to the front of the lens mount means that the rear of the lens is shallow, so are the corresponding rear lens caps. This makes it a bit awkward and clumsy to remove the lenses. Initially you may not find it an issue but once you start building a collection of different lenses, you could have trouble changing them.
For a first attempt, Nikon has got a lot of things right. The design, the handling and ergonomics, lag-free high-resolution electronic viewfinder, effective in-body image stabilization, solid build quality, wonderful image quality, and high ISO performance are just some features that make the Nikon Z7 a great and innovative experience for photographers. With regular firmware upgrades and updates to fix issues, Nikon has shown its commitment to enhancing the full-frame mirrorless camera experience.