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Nikon Z8 vs Z7ii – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Nikon Z8 & Nikon Z7 II share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Nikon Z8 rather than the Nikon Z7 II.

Why Do I Recommend The Nikon Z8?

  • The Nikon Z8 has a stacked CMOS sensor for faster readout speeds and reduced rolling shutter during action and electronic shutter shooting, while the Nikon Z7 II uses a non-stacked BSI CMOS sensor.
  • Nikon Z8 comes with the EXPEED 7 image processor to deliver faster autofocus calculations, improved subject recognition, and higher overall responsiveness, whereas the Nikon Z7 II uses dual EXPEED 6 processors.
  • It supports up to 20 fps RAW continuous shooting for capturing fast-moving subjects with higher keeper rates, while the Nikon Z7 II supports up to 10 fps continuous shooting.
  • The Nikon Z8 features advanced subject detection for people, animals, birds, and vehicles for more reliable autofocus tracking across diverse shooting scenarios, whereas the Nikon Z7 II supports more limited subject detection modes.
  • Nikon Z8 supports internal 8K video recording to enable high-resolution video capture and greater flexibility for cropping in post-production, while the Nikon Z7 II is limited to 4K video recording.
  • It includes a 120 Hz electronic viewfinder refresh rate for smoother real-time viewing and improved subject tracking during fast movement, while the Nikon Z7 II uses a 60 Hz viewfinder refresh rate.
  • The Nikon Z8 comes with a 4-axis tilting rear LCD for easier composition in both horizontal and vertical orientations at difficult angles, whereas the Nikon Z7 II uses a more limited 3-axis tilting screen.
  • Nikon Z8 has a larger buffer capacity for extended high-speed burst shooting without slowdown, while the Nikon Z7 II has a smaller buffer that fills more quickly during continuous shooting.

Maybe the Nikon Z7 II can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Nikon Z8. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureNikon Z8Nikon Z7 II
Sensor TypeStacked CMOSBSI CMOS
Image ProcessorEXPEED 7Dual EXPEED 6
Still Frame Rate (RAW)Up to 20 fpsUp to 10 fps
Maximum Continuous Rate (JPEG)Up to 30 fps10 fps
High Speed Crop RateUp to 120 fpsNot supported
Autofocus SystemZ9-level AFAdvanced AF
EVF Refresh Rate120 Hz60 Hz
Video Resolution Max8K 60 fps4K 60 fps
Video Frame Rate (4K)Up to 120 fpsUp to 60 fps
LCD Articulation4-axis tilt3-axis tilt
USB PortsDual USB-CSingle USB-C
HDMI PortFull-size Type-AMini Type-C
Remote Port10-pin remote terminalAccessory port
Dimensions (Approx)Larger bodySmaller body
Autofocus Recognition TypesHumans, animals, birds, vehiclesHumans, animals, cats/dogs
Low Light AF LimitLower EV for AFHigher AF limit
Buffer Size (Capacity)Larger bufferSmaller buffer
Body ControlsMore programmable buttonsFewer buttons
PriceCheck Nikon Z8 PriceCheck Nikon Z7 II Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Lens Mount: Both cameras use the Nikon Z mount, ensuring full compatibility with Nikon’s expanding lineup of Z-mount lenses and adapters for F-mount lenses.
  • Sensor Resolution: Each model features a 45.7-megapixel sensor, allowing photographers to capture highly detailed images suitable for large prints and extensive cropping.
  • Sensor Format: Both cameras use a full-frame (FX) sensor, providing strong low-light performance, wide dynamic range, and shallow depth-of-field control.
  • Image Stabilization: Each camera includes 5-axis in-body image stabilization, helping to reduce blur from camera shake when shooting handheld with both stabilized and non-stabilized lenses.
  • Autofocus Points: The shared 493-point autofocus system provides wide frame coverage, making it easier to focus on off-center subjects.
  • Phase-Detect AF: Both models use on-sensor phase-detect autofocus, enabling fast and accurate focusing for both still photography and video.
  • Eye Detection AF: Each camera supports eye detection autofocus, improving focus accuracy for portraits and human subjects.
  • Face Detection AF: Face detection is available on both cameras, helping maintain focus on people in dynamic or crowded scenes.
  • Electronic Viewfinder: Both cameras feature an OLED electronic viewfinder, offering a bright and detailed preview of exposure, color, and depth of field before capturing an image.
  • Viewfinder Resolution: The shared 3.69-million-dot EVF resolution ensures clear composition and precise manual focusing in both models.
  • Rear LCD Size: Each camera includes a 3.2-inch rear display, providing ample space for image review, menu navigation, and live-view shooting.
  • Touchscreen: Touchscreen functionality is present on both cameras, allowing intuitive focus selection, menu control, and image playback.
  • Memory Card Support: Both models support CFexpress Type B cards, enabling high-speed data transfer and reliable performance for large image files.
  • SD Card Support: UHS-II SD card compatibility on both cameras provides flexible storage options and backup recording configurations.
  • Battery Model: The shared EN-EL15c battery allows easy battery swapping between bodies and compatibility with existing Nikon chargers and accessories.
  • Weather Sealing: Both cameras are weather-sealed, offering protection against dust and moisture for reliable outdoor and professional use.
  • USB Charging: Each model supports USB charging, making it convenient to power the camera while traveling or shooting for extended periods.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi connectivity is available on both cameras, enabling wireless image transfer and remote camera control via compatible devices.
  • Built-in Bluetooth: Bluetooth support on both models allows constant low-energy connections for seamless pairing and background image transfer.

Common Features

FeatureNikon Z8Nikon Z7 II
Lens MountNikon Z mountNikon Z mount
Sensor Resolution45.7 MP45.7 MP
Sensor FormatFull-frameFull-frame
Image Stabilization5-axis in-body IS5-axis in-body IS
Autofocus Points493 points493 points
Phase-Detect AFYesYes
Eye Detection AFYesYes
Face Detection AFYesYes
Electronic ViewfinderOLED EVFOLED EVF
Viewfinder Resolution3.69M dots3.69M dots
Rear LCD Size3.2-inch3.2-inch
TouchscreenYesYes
Memory Card SupportCFexpress Type BCFexpress Type B
SD Card SupportUHS-II SDUHS-II SD
Battery ModelEN-EL15cEN-EL15c
Weather SealingYesYes
USB ChargingYesYes
Built-in Wi-FiYesYes
Built-in BluetoothYesYes
Price Check Nikon Z8 Price
Check Nikon Z7 II Price

FAQ

Is the Nikon Z8 a direct replacement for the Nikon Z7 II?
The Nikon Z8 is not a direct replacement for the Nikon Z7 II, even though they share the same resolution. The Z8 is positioned closer to a flagship hybrid camera with stronger speed and video capabilities, while the Z7 II remains a high-resolution stills-focused model.

Do the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z7 II produce the same image resolution?
Both cameras use a 45.7-megapixel full-frame sensor, so their maximum image resolution is the same. This makes either camera suitable for large prints, commercial work, and heavy cropping.

Can the same Nikon Z lenses be used on both cameras?
Both cameras use the Nikon Z mount, allowing full compatibility with all Nikon Z lenses. F-mount lenses can also be used on both models with the FTZ adapter.

Do both cameras have in-body image stabilization?
Yes, both cameras feature 5-axis in-body image stabilization. This helps reduce blur from camera shake when shooting handheld, especially in low-light situations.

Are the batteries interchangeable between the Nikon Z8 and Z7 II?
Both cameras use the EN-EL15c battery. This makes it easy to share batteries and chargers if you own or upgrade between these models.

Do both cameras support CFexpress cards?
Yes, both the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z7 II support CFexpress Type B memory cards. This ensures fast write speeds for high-resolution photos and video recording.

Do both models also support SD cards?
Both cameras include support for UHS-II SD cards. This provides flexibility for backups, overflow recording, or using existing SD cards.

Is the viewfinder quality similar on both cameras?
Both cameras use an OLED electronic viewfinder with the same resolution. This provides a detailed and accurate preview for composition, exposure, and manual focusing.

Do both cameras support eye and face detection autofocus?
Yes, both models support eye detection and face detection autofocus. This makes them well suited for portrait photography and general people photography.

Are the Nikon Z8 and Z7 II weather-sealed?
Both cameras are weather-sealed to protect against dust and moisture. This makes them suitable for outdoor, travel, and professional shooting environments.

Can both cameras be charged via USB?
Yes, both cameras support USB charging. This is useful for travel, extended shoots, or powering the camera with external battery packs.

Do both cameras have built-in wireless connectivity?
Both models include built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows wireless image transfer and remote control using compatible devices and apps.

Is the rear screen size the same on both cameras?
Both cameras use a 3.2-inch rear LCD screen. This provides ample space for image review, menu navigation, and touch control.

Are both cameras suitable for professional photography work?
Yes, both the Nikon Z8 and Z7 II are professional-grade cameras. The choice mainly depends on whether the user prioritizes speed and video performance or a more traditional high-resolution stills workflow.

Which camera is better for someone upgrading from an older Nikon Z body?
Both cameras are strong upgrades, but the best choice depends on shooting needs. The Z7 II suits photographers focused on landscapes, portraits, and studio work, while the Z8 is better for users who also need fast action performance and advanced video features.