Nikon Z7 II Review - Another great camera from Nikon!

The Nikon Z7 II has the same great ergonomics as the Z7, but has more processing power, dual card slots, 4K/60p video, improved autofocus and more. We show you why it's a solid choice for many shooters.
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[@jessejohnson638]

Finally, weather is cold enough so canon R6 doesn't overheat

[@endrocahyo15]

Sick burn... Regardless of the weather

[@jpdj2715]

There's a KZbin video of a guy who modified his overheating cannon. ("DIY Perks" IIRC.) It illustrates that the overheating is by design and designers have been so cheap to use a timer function instead of a thermal sensor. Irrespective of the real inside temperature, the camera shuts down because of overheating. The video shows the guy opening the camera and how an active CPU cooling enables the camera to record movies forever. This leads him to a very simple modification of the way heat inside the camera is dissipated to the camera's outside back, passively. From there on, with the camera case closed again, a simple fan and folded away display are enough to keep the camera recording. I guess in English environmental temperatures - it may not work in the tropics. I cannot believe this is by-design "stupidity", but rather suspect it was done to protect the stake in a market segment of much more expensive video cameras.

[@xWood4000]

@@jpdj2715 You're kind of correct. It was initially a timer, but DIY perks updates his firmware in order to make the camera temperature sensitive. After that his solution works well

[@jpdj2715]

@@xWood4000 - true. Thank you for explaining how he was able to get more time. Basically, the firmware update adds a bit of time in England's very moderate climate.

[@bohouss3622]

You are so funny, thank you very much for such interesting and rich information!

[@robbie154]

I owned the RIV before switching to the Z7II. The Z7II blows the EVF away of the RIV. It is not all about numbers. The color, contrast, etc is all better on the nikon. Many people have stated this about the nikons EVF.

[@ghas4151]

These guys shouldn’t be allowed to see the spec sheet before reviewing these cameras. The Nikon cameras have superior optics in front of the EVF, which makes a bigger difference than pixel count. They also miss the fact that the refresh rate on Sony EVFs drop significantly when the shutter is half pressed, while this doesn’t happen on the Nikon’s.

[@robbie154]

@@ghas4151 I feel like they even said this before themselves on a past Z review. Could be wrong and maybe a different reviewer. Either way they can keep this EVF for as long as they want it would be my last complaint. Never opposed to an even better one either. I have noticed less “glitching” with my Nikon EVF which may be that Sony rate change. Wasn’t aware of that but now that would make sense why.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@ghas4151 Seems to be somewhat subjective. I find the evf on the Nikons just as bad as the ones on the older Sony cameras. The a7r IV is looking slightly better, but gets somewhat clunky in use. The a9 II, S1R and R5 all have much, much better evfs than the Nikon, in my view.

[@jacobh5817]

When switching from Fujifilm, I’ve tried a few high-res FF cameras for a longer period end of last year. I shoot fashion and (make-up) portraits. The A7RIV, the S1R and the SL2 are all great cameras with excellent results, but when I tried the Z7 I was really impressed. The IQ is stellar at lower ISOs and in terms of tonality, color and fine details is actually close to my Hassy. Next to that the Z7 handles great with a perfect sized grip. The EVF might not have the highest pixel count and refresh rate but in terms of color and contrast it easily outperforms the A7RIV. It’s a large and beautiful natural viewfinder. The LCD is visibly much better than the Sony. I’m now eagerly awaiting my backordered Z7II along with some glass, which is another reason to seriously consider the Z-platform. The primes are stellar as are the f2.8 zooms, but even the f4 zooms are great quality at very reasonable prices. Nikon was slow at the game, but have created step-by-step an incredibly solid platform. Kudos to Nikon.

[@gabefernandez1]

Would it not make more sense to film this with the Z6 II?

[@MrMinitown]

I want Jordan to shoot an episode on film!

[@user-vy8jn9mc6g]

Maybe even BW.

[@MMarin1983]

@@user-vy8jn9mc6g Lighthouse: DPReview TV Edition "Yer fond of me 35mm ain't ye? I seen it - yer fond of me 35mm! Say it! Say it. Say it!"

[@HokgiartoSaliem]

IMAX?

[@user-vy8jn9mc6g]

@@MMarin1983 Tried to watch that. Not my cup of tea. Schindler"s list is one of my all-time favorites though.

[@MMarin1983]

@@user-vy8jn9mc6g No doubt it's not for everyone, but it certainly looked gorgeous. Almost like every shot was an old photograph from 19th century.

[@RickMentore]

Fantastic review as usual! I am eagerly await the high resolution shoot-out, I appreciate how much work such a video requires! Thanks DPeview.

[@jortx]

I've used DP Review and watched your videos for a long long time. Thanks for the contribution and good luck on 300k.

[@traveloguesbyshone2457]

Shoot a whole episode with noct 58 that'd be fun

[@Crispy_Bee]

@Photo Bunny iesh... so with 3-4 stacked ND filter :-D

[@Whois2th]

Thanks dpreview for these in depth videos

[@markshirley01]

Like the Z6 II review - you missed the importance of the photo/video button. It makes hybrid work so much easier. It isn't on the latest Sony and Canon cameras. I really think it needs mentioning.

[@LaveaFirmis]

On my A7 III I have custom video modes set on custom 1 and 2, right next to manual on the dial so I can change very quickly between the 3, manual photos, 4K and 120fps 1080p videos much quicker than my Z6 II. The Z6 II switch is fine but I prefer the stronger custom controls without EVER having to use a menu (especially Sony’s ha ha). Nikon don’t let me set anything I’d like to custom buttons only what they think that button should be and it’s means I end with buttons that are switched off. My A7 lets me change any button to anything. (Obviously this is just my use case and opinion, it’s just the fact the Nikon’s 2 modes limit me more than the Sonys 3)

[@markshirley01]

@@LaveaFirmis its a flick of a thumb on the Z dont even need to look up to turn a dial. 👍 see Taylor Jackson's A73 review.

[@xWood4000]

It's maybe a bit easier than the control dial, but I don't think it's a huge thing as long as the settings stay separated, which they do on the A7S III

[@markshirley01]

@@xWood4000 I shoot hybrid on stages its a huge difference in speed believe me. Ive used the A73 and worked next various people using them and they struggle to switch as fast. I change instantly, and believe me I have to to get the clips and photos I need. Im not even a technically quick thinking operator. I'm at the coal face on this one. If you watch Taylor Jackson on this topic he confirms what Im saying. Its 2 clicks (my shutter is set to photo and video) 1 click to switch 2 shutter to take the shot/clip, all without taking my eye from the evf or off the back of the screen.

[@LaveaFirmis]

@@markshirley01 Yeah so its about the same then with the A7 for me. I don't look at the dial but its one click from photos to 4k video and two clicks from photos to 1080 120. My Z6 II is slightly slower because if I want to switch the FPS I've got to go into the menu for the Z6 so not so good (not aware of a way to speed it up). If I'm switching stills to 4k is virtually the same speed wise for me. Granted out the box its way slower on the A7, it takes quite a bit of setting up to get the custom modes sorted when you first buy it, I never use the dedicates movie or S&Q modes on it. The Z6 out the box switching between the one movie made and stills is certainly better. I just wish I had the customisation on the Z6's buttons including changing the grid from quarters to the rule of thirds. Clearly its just me but I never want the grid in quarters, not sure why Nikon thought that was better to leave that out when my D500 has it.

[@ghas4151]

These guys shouldn’t be allowed to see the spec sheet before reviewing these cameras. The Nikon cameras have superior optics in front of the EVF, which makes a bigger difference than pixel count. They also miss the fact that the refresh rate on Sony EVFs drop significantly when the shutter is half pressed, while this doesn’t happen on the Nikon’s.

[@shodan2958]

Can see why that place is one of your favourite haunts, some absolutely gorgeous shots in this video. 👍

[@jairtzinio]

I've been waiting for this review.... Thank you

[@peter78354wtbds]

I recently upgraded from a D7200 to a Z7ii and am definitely enjoying my woodland photography shots much more with the resolution, colours, and dynamic range. It's also encouraged me to get back into video after an 8 year hiatus and I've been having a lot of fun shooting and cutting together family home videos.. My question is did you guys notice any practical differences if the Z6ii was any better at grabbing and keeping focus in really low light compared to the Z7ii when using eye-detect AF? Great video guys!

[@sols9449]

Gonna give a heads up to all watching this video. This is not a joke especially if you shoot weddings or studio work. This camera has the D850 sensor and it has the best colors of any modern nikon with OCF. please do not comment you shoot Raw all pros know what I’m talking about. Easier editing on the skin tones with mixed lighting. D850 one of the best in the market and now this camera will do the same! Love the colors here. I think may even rival Canons best.

[@mahfuzulhoque3465]

Canmore is my favourite too..amazing review guys...your channel is my Netflix...

[@GlebLapham]

Looking forward to seeing the comparison video. You guys always have perfect timing 😁

[@kjltube]

As others have written here. Viewfinder experience is not just digital resolution but OPTICS and refresh as well. Please consider this in your group test...

[@joshardle317]

My z7ii is coming tomorrow and I can’t wait to get my hands on it!

[@IdleSummer]

Dope Stalker reference man, I was immediately thinking that but still surprised to hear you say it

[@niccollsvideo]

One of my favourite movies! There is so much captivating imagery in that film one can't help but see connections everywhere.

[@danleo6837]

but it's pronounced "Stal Ker" ... well, that's how the Russians pronounce it ... outside of an English class ...

[@rws531]

@@danleo6837 someone always gotta complain I guess

[@dudemanismadcool]

Glorious scenes on this shoot!

[@splak_5624]

subbed for the tarkovsky shoutout, you are a true hero of the revolution chris stalker and solaris in particular are 2 of my favorite movies ever

[@corrbox2]

I appreciate all your details gentlemen. Fine review with lots of great points of the features ofg the new Nikon Z7II, in a fairly brief review. As always, bravo! 👏 📸 🙏

[@DrZirdrz]

Damn! Wanna see that D7000 review again! You got a sub.

Yes! First reviewer on youtube that also want a tilting screen in portrait mode on the Z cameras. So it’s not only me. 5:02

[@ziginox]

I've been wishing that Sony would steal Fuji's flipout screen from the XT2/XT3. I can't count how many times I could have used it for ground-level portrait orientation shooting. Instead, I had to sit ninety degrees to my subject with the screen flipped 'upwards', which was very confusing for framing.

[@theyetiinoz1478]

Can’t believe you guys don’t already have more subscribers. Hands down the best reviewers on KZbin.

[@amitshekhawat1863]

Good review. Great to know Pros and Cons clear & unbiased 👍

[@SKgeostrat]

Your videos are just getting better all the time! Thank you again for showing off the Nikon Z7II. With the Z9 now coming, what a wait for the D850 replacement. Could it be the second wonder camera announced by Nikon?

[@karenwalter5784]

Waiting for mine in Michigan. Moving up from the D750! Shoot mostly landscapes and wildlife.

[@Sebabarrossierz]

This channel deserves 1M+ subscribers

[@seantomlinson3320]

Very nice as always. I'm going to buy one this year.

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Good to see Nikon catching up. They now have a very solid system for landscape photography.

[@drycin]

Beautiful episode.

[@IPGAuto]

Just an amazing camera. It wasn't marketed for speed, but we know when the Z7 III comes out, they'll put that Expeed 7 in it. Game changer when Mark III is coming

[@r4mps]

With fast burst shooting, it would be nice to have an option to write sequentialy on each card, one photo on sd1 one on sd2; then give the option to write to both as a backup when needed, just like raid1 and raid0 for storage.

[@c73w]

That’s good that you put the videos in the top of your webpages

[@TheNorang]

Good ol Canmore! I spent my middle school and highschool there!

[@sookohhoong4891]

Happy New Year Chris and Jordan

[@MartianCitizen]

Another awesome video you two....

[@ElGrecoDaGeek]

Great review. The consummate photography and videography reviewers on the internet today.

[@etidona676]

Your reviews are always enjoyable, love you guys! I wish you focused more on the hybrid/video side. Mentioning and maybe testing out things like external video raw and resolution/ pixel binning against the little sister. Also we want to see more of that Jordan Drake's face 😜 Oh, before i forget, I wish Jordan to shoot 4 episodes on 16mm film!

[@shangqijian6655]

If I could subscribe to your channel 10000 times I would. You review cameras that no other camera reviewers will.

[@Anmolbrian]

Thank you for showing me one of the greatest movies ever made. I watched Stalker today.

[@aussie8114]

Shooting a Nikon review using a Canon. But always good to see a great review.

[@HEARTISTWORLD]

In a imperfect world you photographers and reviews continue to want the perfect camera. Humans complain too much and everything. I bet this camera is just what you need

[@billyjunks]

Winter is the only time of the year you can use the R6 safely ♨️

[@ChristianThueringer]

It's funny cause it's true

[@morgan6792]

Thank you such helpful information!

[@dieseldavey]

Excellent video. Thanks

[@dentaltv]

Keep up the great work !!

[@nocturnus009]

WAIT!!! I’m a happy Nikon D7000 user. I would love to see some episodes talking about the D7k. It would be a great homage to all those great DigitalrevTV Kai Wong videos with what became the painted pink D7000.

[@jgmier]

Thank you for this great review !!!!! I will be switching from my D7500 to this Z7 ii camera , and I´m really exited !!!!!

[@camilo8cheryl]

Just save some money and go up to the Z9..the focusing of the z7ii still has hiccups..should have waited for the Z9😕

[@tumtum821]

Beautiful location!

[@RichardoBrit]

Beautiful photos. I miss Canmore!

[@hingng9772]

Thank you. For the info. Thinking of getting 7ii or z8

[@airjaff]

The evf acctually looks better than the competition, I don't acctually know why. Maybe because it seems bigger, I really don't know

[@robbie154]

Better glass in front of the monitor

[@smack9x]

Their evf is the last thing they need to improve

[@Gynra]

I have used a 5 million dot EVF and the EVF in my Z7 stands up to it really well. I can't see much difference. I could see the pixels in the 2 million dot EVFs in some older cameras, but not in the Z6 and Z7 viewfinders, which are excellent. I think it is just number fixation. With the Nikon EVFs we are already at the point of diminishing returns.

[@sebastienmorere6925]

thanks for the raw files, I will be able to test the dynamics at 64 iso and the noise at 6400 iso with different software. I have a Z6 and I am very interested in the Z7 II

[@stefanpangratz]

Hey, Thx for the awesome video! Really like your reviews and your style of doing it! What's about the autofocus compared to the Z6ii? Is it as fast as the Z6ii? Or are they at the same level now? Regards Stefan

[@brianaddison2828]

Great detailed review! How effective is modifying the AF Tune option for how tenaciously it tracks a subject (stickiness during obstructions, etc. I guess?)? On the Z7i this is under the first batch of AF settings, but I haven't played with it. It's set to 3/5 by default for slow to fast, so there seem to be some room for flexibility.

[@hankroest6836]

1:40 Great Stalker plug! Here here! And then of course: Andrei Rublev...

[@danieldougan269]

I wish it would occur to one of the camera manufacturers that is using dual card slots that they could use the faster card to clear the buffer and then back up the slower card from the faster card afterward so to minimize the time when the user cannot shoot again.

[@ChristianThueringer]

I'm already subscribed, but I want a special with Jordan crying on the floor while Chris yells at home Nikon in Japanese.

[@NL0Gwenster]

Great review, bought mine in December; finally upgraded from a D810. i only was able to take it out twice so far. This damn pandemic sucks. I currently use a SD card in it (lexar`s fastest) You can still get a good burst off without it slowing down so it's not too bad really for if you wanna "cheap out" in the 1st few months of switching to a Z II camera and not instantly have to buy a super expensive CF express card.

[@stevejones5999]

which particular lexar card is it? if I do get this camera I don't want to end up with a poor card!

[@vadymkolesnyk8764]

Thanks for the video

[@neonyao2217]

PLZ review Nikon Z 50mm f1.2 S

[@willorwell]

vs Canon RF 50/1.2

[@maorvaknin769]

@@willorwell yes

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Does its photo tracking work well with a subject in an uncluttered scene? (plane in the sky) Does the AF fall on its face again during raw video?

[@seanimal3]

Everyone should subscribe! Easily my 2 favorite reviewers on KZbin.

[@pedro777]

Question. I was amazed at the detail pulled into the raw files from the shadows in the two samples shown. Which program do you use? Do I need Lightroom/Photoshop, or could it be done to the same level of detail with Photoshop Elements 2022?

[@alwinbenjamin]

Thank you sir.

[@MKVD]

How about the Canon 1d4, the first Canon with video capabilities iirc?

[@quite1enough]

While you mentioned cameras, my suggestion for Jordan is trying different vintage lenses with interesting characteristics, maybe even possible some antique or x-ray lenses. I remember one video where guy mounted large format lens with bellows onto Sony a7s or something, the large format look for video was quite unique.

[@techtt6213]

Mathieu Stern probably

[@quite1enough]

@@techtt6213 nope, it's different guy

[@kjltube]

Given that the 4K60p crop is smaller on the Z7II compared to the Z6II and that both can now shoot raw video I'm not so sure the Z6II is the default choice for video out of the two cameras now... Yes the files from the Z6II are sharper due to the sensor sampling but by how much? Nobody seems to have done a proper comparison yet on this aspect (at 4k 30p). Scrap that comment, the video comparison tool on the Z6II review actually shows the difference in sharpness between the Z6 and Z7, and the Z6 is definitely sharper by a noticeable margin.

[@aaloaalo]

One realy important feature that nobody talks about, are the medium raw images sharp? Unlike on the d850 where my medium and low raw files are terrible in sharpness :( did the fixed that on the z7 II ?

[@paulbourdin5477]

Hi Chris and Jordan, i'd like to see next episodes filmed with the Nikon D 7000...😀🙃😉

[@snowbike8032]

Great review! When you tilted the camera low to the ground and vertical orientation you mentioned that the screen was black. Could the screen be pulled out and still shoot vertically with the camera tilted? OR does the screen automatically go black when it's turned on it's side?

[@hongsitu3429]

Ok subscribed. Panasonic TZ1! I'm sure Jordan can still work his magic.

[@CelsoMollo]

Another great video

[@boonwahphua2246]

Hi all, need help to decide between Z6 II and Z7 II for video and landscape. Read online that Z6 II 4k has a crop of 1.5x while Z7 II has a crop of 1.08x. However, the choice online seems to favour Z6 II for video work. This is something I am unable to understand why Z6 II is better for video. Please advise. Thanks.

[@shang-hsienyang1284]

Nikon D7000 is my first DSLR, it would be fun to see a video shot on it.

[@thecoreelementsmoto]

Cool t shirt Jordan! Stillwater is just up the road from me

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The lower native ISO sos very important.

[@orshanti]

looking forward to next weeks show! and i think it might just be a good idea to do a camera givaway to ckrank up the subs substantialy... as always rrealy love waching your show'! cheers :)

[@Islhopr]

The last line helped push the decision as I am that old guy with the D750 needing to replace it lol

[@josephchan4198]

I want the staff for great content over the years.

[@CZOV]

Good review. Canon shooter here.

[@jagerardi]

I got it- A Ricoh GR III. I remember how much he raved about it in the review!!! Chris: "Now Jordan will talk about the video," Jordan: "No, I'm good!" ..Joe

[@Camrographer]

Any thoughts about the the color accuracy and exposure metering? I don't know if it was a bad copy but when I went from the D810 to the D850 I found it to be all over the place in terms of color and exposure. I think that if I have to fix images simply to put them in the approximate color and exposure range then the automatic functions become useless. the D850 was so bad that I had to return in. So now I'm considering what my next camera will be.

[@berniestang2616]

One amazing thing , ISO performance on the Z7ii …. IS FANTASTIC!!!!!

[@MichaelLaing71]

fingers crossed you can get the 300k subscribers. Camera I would suggest for shooting. Go with the first, the original, the Nikon D90. The first DSLR with video capabilities. Just watching Jordon crying would be worth the watch.

[@rodrigo4379]

still using my D750 with the big 14-24 nikon lens, best setup for me :D

[@petemitchellcatanaoan3555]

This made me subscribe to the channel. Hope we get that 300k subs.

[@martysender5539]

i had a Canon t2I. And it was a GREAT camera until it died. shoot episodes with DJI Pocket 2. I think Jordan will be pleased given its size, price, and best stabilization

[@ReginaldEsque]

I realllly wish each episode was shot on the camera that they are reviewing... I know its not always possible, But can still wish.

[@Samuel.Andersen]

If subscribers goal is reached, make Jordan shoot with a older style GoPro and external audio recording 💥💥💥💪🏼. With bonus episode with “how it’s made” ☺️☺️

[@Tropfl]

Chris’s winter coat (beard) filling in nicely

[@jpdj2715]

8:45 - about video sharpness. I don't shoot video, let alone raw, but read elsewhere that "raw" video from a Z camera might have different levels of sharpening applied depending on some profile setting. I had - naively - assumed that profile settings did not impact "raw" but in video there is no real native raw, apparently. Set to a "flat" or "neutral" profile, there was less sharpening and this was done in post by that writer.

[@FILMFRAT]

Hey really love your content this is awesome . What is your preferred editing software you use for filmmaking, I'd love to have a conversation and maybe even collaborate on different methods in telling stories through film!

[@GeoffKirby]

Great video dude, But was Gloves do you use? Cheers G

[@Ebenzification]

Hi, as per my observation, image quality of D810 is better than Z7 II. I used 70-200 f2.8 lens on both the bodies. F mount lens adapted on to Z mount with adapter. I strongly believe there is an image quality difference.

[@koolkutz7]

Nice review as always. The files coming out of the camera look really good; nice colours, contrast and sharpness. If you hit 300K subscibers I would like Jordan to use a Panasonic FZ300/330 bridge camera. I use it to film wildife and it is pretty decent in good light. It can shoot 4K 30p, has a microphone port and focus peaking etc so no excuses!

[@terrywbreedlove]

Maybe Jordan can find the granddaddy of Video capable DSLR cameras. The one that started it all the Nikon D90. And the one that followed but with a FF sensor the Canon 5D. I think I got the names right it has been a long time.