Nikon Z7ii review and is it still worth it?
Nikon Z7ii review three years of use later.
Hello and welcome to my Nikon Z7ii review where I will be talking you through my experiences with the Z7ii over the last few years covering everything I love and hate about this camera.
This review is actually more relevant today than it was last year or the year before, yes, camera equipment has moved on since but the Z7ii is still holding its own in a lot of ways. Especially when you consider the price it retails for now today. This camera is a very underrated model and yes even though I own a Z8 I will still pick the Z7ii before the Z8 (review here) for certain shoots.
Before we get into that though I just want to say these are my own personal experiences with this camera and it’s important to remember you might use your camera completely different to me so please do keep that in mind.
Nikon Z7ii Price and release date.
The Nikon Z7ii was released on the 14th of October 2020 as an upgrade to the original Nikon Z7. The Z7ii offered some notable improvements and refinements, like the second card slot for example which for me was the main reason why I didn’t buy the Z7 all along.
This upgrade was what finally got me to move from my beloved D850 over to mirrorless, or should I say that’s what started my journey anyway.
The price on release was certainly a lot higher than it is today with copies being available now for nearly half the price. If you want to check the up to the minute pricing then check the links below for the best pricing possible.
So come on let’s get into the pros and cons of using the Z7ii for over three years now as a professional photographer.
Positive Aspects
1. Image Quality:
The Z7 II boasts a 45.7 MP full-frame sensor, which delivers outstanding image quality. The color reproduction is superb, with rich tones and accurate skin tones. Dynamic range is incredible, so much so that this camera has the best dynamic range out of the current Nikon mirrorless lineup and that includes the Z8 and Z9. High-resolution landscapes, studio shoots and detailed portraits all look crisp and sharp with minimal noise, even at higher ISOs.
2. Autofocus System:
The autofocus system has improved on the original Z7. It now features 493 AF points, which cover 90% of the frame, making it significantly faster and more reliable in tracking subjects. Eye detection is good for portrait photographers but it’s not as good as the cameras fitted with the newer Expeed 7 processor.
I’ve found it to perform reasonably well in low light situations, but again the newer models have an edge here. The same goes for fast moving scenes, it does work and that’s not up for debate but it’s just not as good as the newer models.
In my video below I run you through how I setup and use the Z7ii’s autofocus system to get the best results possible.
3. Build and Ergonomics:
Nikon did a fantastic job with the ergonomics on this camera. The grip is deep, which makes the Z7 II more comfortable to hold, especially for longer shoots or wen using longer focal length lenses. The body feels solid and well-balanced with the 24-70mm f/2.8 S or the 70-200mm f/2.8 S. With larger lenses I would say this camera still balances out nicely.
It’s weather-sealed, so you can take it out in harsher conditions without worrying too much about the elements. I would always stress water resisitent or weather sealed is nowhere near waterproof.
4. Dual Card Slots:
This is a huge win. The Z7 II comes with dual card slots (one CFexpress and one SD UHS-II), which was a major omission in the original Z7. As a professional, having dual card slots is essential for backing up photos in real-time, especially for weddings, events, or any other important work.
5. Dual Processors (Expeed 6):
The Z7 II features dual processors, which result in faster processing speeds, more responsive performance, and the ability to handle more complex tasks like 4K video and high-speed bursts with greater ease. It’s a noticeable improvement over the original Z7, especially when shooting at high frame rates or processing large image files.
6. Video Capabilities:
For videographers, the Z7 II offers 4K UHD at 60p, which is a welcome upgrade from the 30p max in the original Z7. While I primarily use this camera for stills, the video performance is certainly a plus for those who want a hybrid camera for both photo and video.
Negative Aspects
1. Buffer Limitations for Continuous Shooting:
While the Z7 II has improved burst shooting performance (up to 10 fps), the buffer can still be a bit limiting, especially if you’re shooting RAW files. After a few bursts, you’ll find that the camera slows down as the buffer fills up. This could be a problem for sports or wildlife photographers who need fast, continuous shooting with minimal interruptions.
2. Battery Life:
While the Z7 II’s battery life is decent (around 400-500 shots per charge), it’s still not as long-lasting as some DSLR models, especially in colder weather. If you’re doing a full-day shoot, I would recommend carrying extra batteries. Mirrorless cameras in general are still behind DSLRs when it comes to battery longevity.
3. Autofocus in Low Light (with some lenses):
The autofocus is overall excellent, but I’ve noticed that with certain lenses in extremely low light (especially in very dim settings), the system can occasionally hunt or struggle to lock on a subject. The Z7 II’s low-light performance is still a step behind some other mirrorless systems, particularly those from Sony, which might be a concern for shooters in dim environments like concerts or certain event work.
4. Price:
At its original price point, the Z7 II was sitting at the high end of the mirrorless market. Today you can get it for around the same price as the Z6iii so in my eyes for certain types of photographers this camera is a real bargain now.
While you get excellent performance, build quality and image quality for your money, it’s still a significant investment. For photographers on a budget or those looking for an entry-level option, it may be tough to justify the price.
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Conclusion:
The Nikon Z7 II is a fantastic mirrorless camera for professionals looking for high-resolution imaging, excellent autofocus, solid build quality and great dynamic range. It performs exceptionally well in most areas and the improvements over the original Z7 are noticeable, particularly the dual card slots, better autofocus, and faster processing.
However, it is getting slightly dated now in late 2025 especially when you compare it to the awesome Nikon Z8 and Z6iii (review here) cameras.
It struggles against those cameras when it comes to its burst rate buffer, low-light autofocus performance, AF tracking, video performance.
Ultimately, if you’re a professional photographer who needs a versatile, high-performance camera for both stills and video, the Z7 II is now again a top contender. But if you require blistering fast burst rates or are strictly a sports or wildlife photographer, you might want to look elsewhere.
See you out there,
Kieran.
Nikon Z7ii review and is it still worth it? Kieran Hayes Photography
Hello and welcome to my Nikon Z7ii review where I will be talking you through my experiences with the Z7ii over the last few years covering everything I love and hate about this camera.
4.18
Pros
- Brilliant image quality
- Great build quality
- High Dynamic range
- Cheap for what you get.