Nikon Z7 II vs Nikon Z8 In Depth Comparison
In certain aspects, the Nikon Z8 and Z7 II appear to be extremely similar. These are 45-megapixel full-frame Nikon Z cameras with comparable control panels. However, these are actually very distinct cameras. While the Z8 is more suited for action, the Z7 II makes a great all-around camera because to its stacked CMOS sensor and cutting-edge autofocus mechanism. Which camera from this selection is best for you?
Detailed Specs Sheet
| Feature | Nikon Z7 II | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | October 2020 | May 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | Dual EXPEED 6 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 45.7 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 8256×5504 | 8256×5504 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 4.35µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 64 | ISO 64 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 25,600 | ISO 25,600 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 32-102,400 | ISO 32-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | No | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 10 FPS | No mechanical shutter |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 10 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 12-bit raw at 10 FPS (14-bit raw is available at 9 FPS) | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | 77 frames (10 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 493 | 493 |
| Low-Light AF Sensitivity (f/2 Lens, ISO 100) | -4 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 8 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 (12 with paid upgrade) | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | No (Yes, externally, with paid upgrade) | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.08x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:0, 4:2:2 (External) | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 30 min | 90 min |
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Single Axis | Dual Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x | 0.80x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | No | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.1 | Type C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 360 frames | 330 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 420 frames | 340 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 440 frames | 370 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 705 g (1.55 lbs.) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 134 x 101 x 85 mm (5.3 x 4.0 x 3.3″) | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″) |
| Price (Body Only) | $3000 | $4000 |
Conclusion
Both the Z7II and Z8 will function as well in many circumstances. Both are competent cameras that have identical resolutions and are compatible with the entire lineup of Nikon's superb Z lenses. The Z8 is unique, though, in that it is incredibly fast because to a stacked sensor that possesses all of the AF features of Nikon's flagship Z9.
The spec sheet above does not fully represent the significant autofocus capabilities difference between the Z7 II and Z8. When examined side-by-side to the Nikon Z7 II, we have determined that the Nikon Z8's superior autofocus technology performs far better at tracking subjects. This system is also shared by the Nikon Z9. The Z8 is a far better option than the Z7 for those who enjoy to take pictures of fast-moving objects such as sports, birds in flight, and other such scenarios.
With its 12-bit internal recording system capable of capturing 8K 60p raw video, the Z8 is also a far more powerful video powerhouse. When it comes to video, the Nikon Z7 II is more than capable for the average project. However, in contrast, the Z8 is noticeably superior.
As for the other features, most of the perks that are still available for the Z8 still center around action. It features a larger buffer, voice memos, a pre-release burst mode, and a higher burst rate of 20 FPS (raw). But the Nikon Z7 II is far less expensive than the Z8, particularly if you buy it used or at a discount. For photographers who don't shoot a lot of moving action, the Nikon Z7 II might be more than adequate.