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
| Feature | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z7 II |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | BSI CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | Dual EXPEED 6 |
| Still Frame Rate (RAW) | Up to 20 fps | Up to 10 fps |
| Maximum Continuous Rate (JPEG) | Up to 30 fps | 10 fps |
| High Speed Crop Rate | Up to 120 fps | Not supported |
| Autofocus System | Z9-level AF | Advanced AF |
| EVF Refresh Rate | 120 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Video Resolution Max | 8K 60 fps | 4K 60 fps |
| Video Frame Rate (4K) | Up to 120 fps | Up to 60 fps |
| LCD Articulation | 4-axis tilt | 3-axis tilt |
| USB Ports | Dual USB-C | Single USB-C |
| HDMI Port | Full-size Type-A | Mini Type-C |
| Remote Port | 10-pin remote terminal | Accessory port |
| Dimensions (Approx) | Larger body | Smaller body |
| Autofocus Recognition Types | Humans, animals, birds, vehicles | Humans, animals, cats/dogs |
| Low Light AF Limit | Lower EV for AF | Higher AF limit |
| Buffer Size (Capacity) | Larger buffer | Smaller buffer |
| Body Controls | More programmable buttons | Fewer buttons |
| Price | Check Nikon Z8 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z7 II |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Sensor Resolution | 45.7 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Sensor Format | Full-frame | Full-frame |
| Image Stabilization | 5-axis in-body IS | 5-axis in-body IS |
| Autofocus Points | 493 points | 493 points |
| Phase-Detect AF | Yes | Yes |
| Eye Detection AF | Yes | Yes |
| Face Detection AF | Yes | Yes |
| Electronic Viewfinder | OLED EVF | OLED EVF |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69M dots | 3.69M dots |
| Rear LCD Size | 3.2-inch | 3.2-inch |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Memory Card Support | CFexpress Type B | CFexpress Type B |
| SD Card Support | UHS-II SD | UHS-II SD |
| Battery Model | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | Yes |
| USB Charging | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Wi-Fi | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Check Nikon Z8 Price | Check Nikon Z7 II Price |
FAQ
Is the Nikon Z8 a direct replacement for the Nikon Z7 II? Do the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z7 II produce the same image resolution? Can the same Nikon Z lenses be used on both cameras? Do both cameras have in-body image stabilization? Are the batteries interchangeable between the Nikon Z8 and Z7 II? Do both cameras support CFexpress cards? Do both models also support SD cards? Is the viewfinder quality similar on both cameras? Do both cameras support eye and face detection autofocus? Are the Nikon Z8 and Z7 II weather-sealed? Can both cameras be charged via USB? Do both cameras have built-in wireless connectivity? Is the rear screen size the same on both cameras? Are both cameras suitable for professional photography work? Which camera is better for someone upgrading from an older Nikon Z body? |