Here is an overview of the Nikon Z6 vs Nikon Z7: The Ultimate Showdown.
When you are looking for the best DSLR, the odds are high that you will be having to decide whether to get the Nikon Z6 or the Nikon Z7. It can be a challenge to decide whether to buy either the Nikon Z6 or the Nikon Z7 since they are both high-quality devices. The objective of this article is to help you decide which one would be a better fit for you.
Both cameras have a lot of similar specifications. For example, both cameras have an EXPEED 6 image processor, a 3.6 million dot viewfinder, a 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen LCD, 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, magnesium alloy body, full weather sealing, and smartphone remote control.
The Nikon Z6 and Z7 both have the same size and weight along with the same dimensions, same grip, and same button layout. Both cameras are also compatible with Nikon’s Z-mount lenses.
So what are the main differences? The resolution, autofocus, continuous shooting speeds, video recording, and price.
Resolution: The resolution of the Z6 is 24.5-megapixels compared to the Nikon Z7’s 45.7 megapixels. And the Z6 sensor has a low-pass filter while the Z7 does not. This means that the Z7 sensor is able to capture more details and make the pictures sharper. The Z6 still takes very sharp photos, but the Z7 is a bit better.
Autofocus: The Z6 and Z7 have a hybrid autofocus system for the contrast-detect and phase-detect autofocus points. And these autofocus systems have identical 90% sensor coverage along with multiple settings to customize focus areas and for subject tracking. The Z6 has 273 autofocus points compared to 493 in the Z7. This means that the Z7 should have better autofocus.
Continuous Shooting Speed: The Z6 and Z7 have solid continuous shooting speeds. However, the Z6 has 12 fps compared to 9 fps for the Z7. This gives the Z6 an extra advantage.
Video Recording: Both cameras are able to record video 4K UHD at 30 fps and 1080p at 120 fps. But the Z6 is able to shoot full-frame video, but the Z7 can’t. The Z7 actually shoots 4K UHD video with a crop. I would recommend looking more at the Z6 if you are primarily interested in using the camera for video.
Price: The price is one of the biggest factors for deciding whether to get the Nikon Z6 or Z7. The Z6 is priced at about $2,000 and the Z7 is priced at about $3,400. At a $1,400 difference, it can really make or break the decision one way or the other.
Here are the straight comparisons in terms of the specifications to help you decide:
Sensor
Nikon Z6: 24-megapixel
Nikon Z7: 45.7-megapixel
Sensor Type
Nikon Z6: BSI CMOS
Nikon Z7: BSI CMOS
Image Stabilization
Nikon Z6: 5-axis
Nikon Z7: 5-axis
Image Size
Nikon Z6: 6048 x 4024
Nikon Z7: 8256 x 5504
Image Processor
Nikon Z6: EXPEED 6
Nikon Z7: EXPEED 6
Viewfinder Type/Resolution
Nikon Z6: QVGA / 3.6 million dots
Nikon Z7: QVGA / 3.6 million dots
Built-In Flash
Nikon Z6: No
Nikon Z7: No
Flash Sync Speed
Nikon Z6: 1/200s
Nikon Z7: 1/200s
Storage Media
Nikon Z6: 1x XQD
Nikon Z7: 1x XQD
Continuous Shooting Speed
Nikon Z6: 12 FPS (12-bit RAW, no AE) and 9 FPS (14-bit RAW, no AE), and 5.5 FPS (with AE)
Nikon Z7: 9 FPS (12-bit RAW, no AE), 8 FPS (14-bit RAW, no AE), 5.5 FPS (14-bit RAW ane AE)
Max Shutter Speed
Nikon Z6: 1/8000
Nikon Z7: 1/8000
Base ISO
Nikon Z6: ISO 100
Nikon Z7: ISO 64
Low-Light Sensitivity
Nikon Z6: -3.5 - 19 EV
Nikon Z7: -2 - 19 EV
Video Max Resolution
Nikon Z6: 4K @ 24/25/30 fps, 1080p @ 120fps
Nikon Z7: 4K @ 24/25/30 fps, 1080p @ 120fps
HDMI Out / N-LOG
Nikon Z6: 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes
Nikon Z7: 4:2:2 10-bit HDMI Output / Yes
Low-Pass Filter
Nikon Z6: Yes
Nikon Z7: No
Touchscreen
Nikon Z6: Yes
Nikon Z7: Yes
Wi-Fi Built-In
Nikon Z6: Yes
Nikon Z7: Yes
GPS
Nikon Z6: No
Nikon Z7: No
Bluetooth
Nikon Z6: Yes
Nikon Z7: Yes
Battery
Nikon Z6: EN-EL15b
Nikon Z7: EN-EL15b
Battery Life
Nikon Z6: 310 shots (CIPA)
Nikon Z7: 330 shots (CIPA)
USB Version
Nikon Z6: Type-C 3.1
Nikon Z7: Type-C 3.1
Weight
Nikon Z6: 20.7 oz. (585g)
Nikon Z7: 20.7 oz. (585g)
Dimensions
Nikon Z6: 5.3 x 4.0 x 2.7″ (134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm)
Nikon Z7: 5.3 x 4.0 x 2.7″ (134 x 100.5 x 67.5mm)
LCD Size
Nikon Z6: 3.2” Diagonal LCD
Nikon Z7: 3.2” Diagonal LCD
MSRP
Nikon Z6: about $2,000
Nikon Z7: about $3,400
Want to buy the Nikon Z6 or the Z7? You can find some options here:
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