Its been a few months now since I first got my hands on Nikon’s first mirrorless offering. So I thought it was about time I put together my Nikon Z7 review.
Table of Contents
Compact size
Nikon has managed to make the Nikon Z7 much smaller than its pro DSLR range such as the D5 & D850. But it still feels great to hold in your hand. The Z7 has retained the ergonomics of its DSLR range perfectly. This was important to me as I spend a lot of hours holding a camera so it helps to be comfortable. Other brands smake great cameras but they don’t feel as nice to hold as the Nikon Z7.
The compact size means less weight which is a real bonus for travel and location photographers. I can easily carry two Z7 bodies all day without feeling it in my back the next morning. I used to only take one DSLR out on a days shoot with me and leave the back up in the hotel or van. I’ve never actually had a Nikon fail me on a shoot. So its never been a problem but one day it’s bound to happen and now the Z system has eliminated that issue for me.
You can use your old lenses
This is quite possibly the most important part of my Nikon Z7 review and one of the main reasons I took the plunge. I have a range of top quality lenses that I have acquired over the years that I don’t want to and can’t afford to replace. Lots of these lenses still haven’t been produced in the S range (Nikon’s Mirrorless lens line). But I still need them for my work.
The FTZ adaptor that came with my Nikon Z7 works perfectly. The same can not be said for a almost all third party adaptors. I’ve never been a fan of adaptors but the FTZ is changing that. The new feel of the camera does take a little bit of time to get used to.
The digital viewfinder doesn’t feel digital
Like all mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z7 uses an EVF viewfinder (Electronic viewfinder). This has always been a sticking point for me and many of my colleagues. Nikon has listened to the public and done everything possible to avoid the digital look of most mirrorless viewfinders. In fact, it’s so good that when I first looked through it I didn’t realise it was EVF at all.
High ISO capabilities
With my D850 I have always been reluctant to go over 800 ISO or at an absolute most 1250 ISO. But with the Z7 that has all changed. I was on assignment in Japan in April and had to shoot a museum that was almost completely dark. Apart from a few lights, there was no other light source. To make it harder tripods were not permitted. The Z7 allowed me to bump the ISO to 6400 handheld and still give me a shutter speed fast enough to shoot hand held.
Z Mount & S lenses
I have only had the chance to use the 24-70 mm f4, 24-70mm f2.8 and 35mm f1.8 lenses, but Nikon has yet again excelled itself with these lenses. They are sharp, fast, quite and the distortion control is fantastic. I don’t think I have used a nicer 24-70 mm lens than the S 2.8 and I believe this has set a new benchmark for standard zooms.
Build quality
The build quality is as you would expect. It’s weather sealed and built to withstand the tough conditions pros and amateurs alike put their gear through. Nikon has stuck with the same menu and navigation system from other pro and semi pro DSLRs. such as the D5, D850 and D750. So it’s nice that you don’t need to learn how to use the menu system again. I was also glad to see that Nikon had kept the digital screen on the top plate of the camera. This is particularity useful for me and anyone who shoots on a tripod a lot.
Nikon Z7 review conclusion
I pretty much love everything about this camera and would highly recommend it. The image, build and lens quality are all superb. The other major benefit is that it comes at a very reasonable price for such a high end camera. The only issue I had with the camera is that the memory card opening is also the thumb rest. I fear that after prolonged usage and pressure on this latch it could possibly get loose or even break. Hopefully, I’m wrong but only time will tell.
So that’s my Nikon Z7 review. I hope you have found it useful and if you have any questions please let me me know in the comments below.
Please note that the author’s review is completely honest and unbiased and based on our first-hand impression and experience of the product. He has not been paid, received a discount or provided with Nikon cameras for the sake of this positive review.
Jordan Banks is a successful travel photographer with almost 20 years of experience shooting assignments and campaigns for some of the world’s leading brands and companies. If you would like to learn more, why not join one of his London Photography Workshops.
This review of the Nikon Z7 and images are subject to copyright. Words and photos by Jordan Banks (That Wild Idea). Copying or reposting of photos or article elsewhere is strictly forbidden. Please contact us if you would like to use this feature on your website.