Nikon Z7II vs Z6II hands-on comparison - Which Nikon mirrorless camera is right for you?

In this video I compare the Nikon Z6 II with the Nikon Z7 II. I own the Nikon Z6 II and rented the Z7 II so I could get a feel for both cameras and the images and video they are able to reproduce.

As such I discuss the different sensors and image quality, operation, accessories and which camera might be right for which photographer.

Video is given a specific focus, as the Z6 II and Z7 II both being hybrid photography and videography devices means some of you will specifically choose them for their video features. As such I cover options such as shooting 4k60 alongside aspects such as autofocus and overall picture quality.

These two cameras look almost identical, so it's interesting to me that there is so much variation in operation and results - but not in a bad way.

Equally this includes low light comparisons, showing how far sensor technology has come in the last decade or two.

I hope you enjoy!

Don't forget to like the video and subscribe!

Chapters for this video:
0:00 Introduction to the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II
0:22 Key Difference: Sensor Comparison
0:54 Performance and Low-Light Capabilities
1:30 Video Features: 4K, N-Log, and ProRes RAW
3:00 Autofocus: Improvements and Tracking
4:20 ISO Range and Low-Light Performance
5:40 Image Stabilization and Lens Considerations
6:50 Lens Options and Nikon’s Growing Ecosystem
8:20 Choosing Between the Z6 II and Z7 II
9:30 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

[daveclark]

Great video and thanks for sharing. I was on the fence between the Z7ii and Z6ii and the information here has been invaluable.

[TVPALOTINA]

z7ii or z6ii. which of the two cameras has better ibis?

[antonoat]

Interesting review as always. These cameras prove more can be less and less can be more! Loving my Z6, it's a very versatile and very useful camera. Looking forward to seeing the Z9 in the not too distant future. cheers.

[reginaldogarcia]

Thank you for your review of the Z 6ii and 7ii. I have a Z5 and good Z-S glass and am saving to add a 6ii or 7ii. Although I will watch other comparative reviews, yours is quite persuasive in favor of the 6ii to match my interests.

[babyboy]

I recently got a Nikon Zf and I'm looking to aquire a second backup body, that's affordable and takes my Z mount lenses. Honestly, I’m leaning towards the Nikon Z5, but with the recent price drops the Z6ii is not much more and is appealing also. Nearly everyone I've spoken to who actually owns a Z6ii (or Z5), LOVES it. I love my Zf, but I want something that will act as a more ergonomic and compact backup, with similar menus. I shoot portraits and headshots and an occasional family session or engagement. No events, sports or wildlife. I don't need speed, and I don’t plan on doing video with this backup. I played with a Z5 and a Z6ii in the camera store recently and they both felt really nimble and great to use. In use, I couldn’t really tell much difference between the Z5 and Z6ii. Both really nice.

Would you recommend the Z6ii as a backup to my Zf? If I get the Z5 I can afford more glass, but maybe the better body is a wiser choice?

[thomashourigan]

Hi I just purchased a z6ii for videoing ballroom dancing . please tell me what lens would be good. I have a nikon 2470 vr but I think the dancers would be too far away. Should I use my Nikon 70200 flvr lens is that good for video ? Should I use a gimbal or tri pod ? Thank you very much !

[MJSylvesterNJ]

Really appreciate this review. Finally made me confident to stick with my z6ii and wait for a z8 or another higher megapixel nikon mirror less camera that doesn’t weigh so much

[ChrisBoland]

This is such a great review and brilliant presented. Thanks for the help in deciding between the two cameras :-)

[ronmortimer]

If there's a problem with holding the Z7ii steady how are we going to go with the Z9 which is rumoured to be in the 60+ mp range? I'm rethinking my decision to wait for one now. Currently using a D7100 so would be a big step up I suppose.

[DesiDadReviews]

I am really impressed that the Z6ii is able to shoot video and audio as well as it does, especially in your lowlight stills. I thought there would be a much larger difference in favor of the Z7ii. I'm hopeful they add some of these features like the in body stabilization to a next generation of Z50.

[reubencana]

Great comparison and thanks for the video. I am currently planning to upgrade from my D810 and mainly I shoot landscape and Wildlife. Also Photography is a hobby for me. Can you tell me which one I should go for as I also want to use my F mount lenses (hopefully I will not see any sharpness issues 24-70 / 70-200 2.8 and 200-500). Also if I were to get a Z lens which one will you recommend? Thanks

[chriswilko]

I wish more "reviewers" on YT were like you. None of this backwards cap, RGB light backgrounds and obnoxious 'WHAT'S UP IT'S YOUR BOI" trash. This is what we really want.

[franciscosanchezgavier]

Good afternoon, First of all, congratulations on your reviews, they are the best that can be found on the Internet. I bother you because I have a Nikon d7500 and I wanted to upgrade to a model I was thinking of a z6ii or a z7, I tell you that I only take macro photography exclusively, , , I wanted to know what you recommend, , , thank you very much

[BlackVelvetMagazine]

Any thoughts on which is the best for low light concert photography? I'm contemplating buying one.

[dammitjim]

Great review!! Can you tell me if the CFExpress card is significantly faster than the XQD card on the Z6ii?

[genewhitney]

Thanks for another nice review, Chris. You have a very reasoned approach that I appreciate very much. Despite claiming otherwise, some reviewers simply conclude that the best camera is the one with the "better" tech specs. I agree with you that the Z7II is superior to the Z6II for certain kinds of photography and photographers, but the Z6II would be the preferred camera for many people for the reasons you stated. I currently own the Z7 and may switch to the Z6II for the kind of shooting I do. I look forward to your comparison of EVFs with the Sony and Canon offerings. Cheers.

[ACE]

Great review as always! It’ll be very interesting to see how these EXCELLENT cameras compare to Z8 & Z9 IF and when they come out!

[MrARRMP]

This was really informative, thank you for the effort and dedication :)

[TheDude-vxwn]

Great review. Any feedback with using none z nikon lenses on the Z6 camera?

[lexnaturae]

Very helpful review. But I wasn't clear why the Z6II would be sharper in some cases than the Z7II.