You can find plenty of good cameras out there but our choices will not always be the same and even similar cameras from the same product line are usually quite different from each other such as between Nikon Z7II Vs Z6II. These cameras are great for almost all applications but one of them is slightly better at delivering the performance or more all-rounded to be versatile. If you are considering any of these cameras too, let’s see what they can offer below.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What to Consider in Your Camera
- What are Nikon Z7II and Z6II
- How are the Design of Nikon Z7II and Z6II
- How are the Specs of Nikon Z7II and Z6II
- How are the Autofocus of Nikon Z7II and Z6II
- How are the Video Recording with Nikon Z7II and Z6II
- Nikon Z7II Vs Z6II
Buying a New Digital Camera
When it comes to cameras, we are sure most people are familiar with this device already because they are everywhere and even our compact smartphones have one. Chances are you will be able to capture any interesting event or memorable moment with them in an instant but, if you are more serious about image quality as well as want to get more professional results, we highly recommend getting a dedicated camera. While a professional camera won’t make you a pro in a day, it will help the process.
One aspect that we have to consider when choosing a camera is their usability because all cameras need to have the proper controls that you will be using all the time. Control is related to each camera’s system and menu so if possible try holding the camera and see what knobs or buttons are available on the unit. The better options usually will provide each control with various functions that we can access on the fly as well as some programming function or assigning a button to a certain function you want.
Another external quality that is often missed by people when they are buying a new camera especially for first owners is the handling. This can be a bit tricky because it is also subjective but in our opinion a thicker grip is better than those minimalist. At least the camera should provide the space to hold when they are shooting handheld. It also provides a stable weight for the lenses you will attach including the room where you can place the finger between grip and lens.
If this is your first camera, there are three settings that work together and will play a huge role in deciding the image quality. ISO is the first one and is the sensitivity of the camera itself to light. It used to be called film speed and can be adjusted as needed. Higher ISO means brighter image but it is achieved by digitally amplifying the information collected during your exposure. It is, however, prone to errors which cause discoloration and noise; typically larger sensors will be more capable at producing better images in low light conditions.
Aperture is the f-number scale and the lower the number the larger the aperture. Wide apertures carry unfocused light rays that result in a shallow depth of field, meaning the camera will focus on what’s closest to the lens while blurring the rest. Shutter speed is simply how long the camera spends collecting light. It is measured in fraction of a second and higher shutter time means the camera uses less time to capture the image; the key for getting blur-free action shots.
| Nikon Z7II | Nikon Z6II | |
|---|---|---|
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| Product Dimensions | 5.28 x 2.74 x 3.96 inches | 5.28 x 2.74 x 3.96 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 1.9 pounds | 1.36 pounds |
| Best offer | Check price | Check price |
About Nikon Z7II and Z6II
You can go well with almost any popular camera in the market and if budget is never a problem then we do think spending on newer professional cameras from well-known names is a great choice because the tech is often different from those they have released earlier whether it is just a redesigning or with new firmware. But, of course not all of us can do so and personally we advise to always buy the one that matches with your application or purposes.
For example, if this is a beginner or casual-enthusiast camera, any affordable options like Canon Rebel SL2 Vs T7i will be two amazing options but if you are seasoned users or want to upgrade from this type of entry-level cameras, we will need to invest more. Among those that carry some of the most interesting cameras in the market, Nikon is always one of your best bets to consider. Not only for their long experience but also for their dependable camera system.
As it has been mentioned above, the ISO level is affected by the camera sensor and if advantages like better image quality in low light condition is what you are aiming for then we will recommend to consider Nikon Z7II and Z6II that are released at the same time to renew their respective line. Both of them are two interesting additions to the family but the core differences are also still the same to what their predecessors are having and in comparison, the Z7II is your high-end, high resolution option.
Not only on the price point, they are also different from the inside and what’s most interesting is probably what’s put or what’s improved in these cameras. It is by no means the Z6II is an inferior camera because it is just equally capable in our opinion but, there are some differences that may affect your decision such as the 10-bit which is not possible in Z7II highest resolution and highest frame rates.
Nikon Z7II and Z6II Design
While being close siblings and manage to look very similar as well, the Nikon Z7II and Z6II are not only look alike but identical in terms of form factor. These cameras are about 134mm wide, 101mm tall, and 68mm thick. The setup of both of them are the same as well. For example you can find two main knobs at the top; one of them is not labeled. Since they have a quite thick handle, there are some functions including ISO button and power button too here.
What we are not very fond of is their rear display because they are the folding type, meaning while we can adjust the angle vertically, it is very limited and due to this we don’t think they are as suitable for content makers who will be recording themselves. As far as build quality, they are very robust and durable with weather sealing.
Nikon Z7II and Z6II Specs
Now for the most interesting part, let’s see what Nikon Z7II and Z6II can offer starting from the core of these cameras first. The basic difference is their sensor because even though they are equally full-frame, the Z7II is also carrying a high pixel count at 46MP and 24M. In addition, the latter has an anti-aliasing filter unlike the former. This slight difference may result in Z7II being the option for professional, studio photography while also having a bit better low light capabilities.
These cameras are housing the dual XP processor and in terms of speed, the Z6II can capture up to 14 frames per second while the Z7II is up to 10 frames per second. But, bear in mind that these numbers will fall lower quite a bit when you want to metering and adjusting the autofocus while shooting.
Nikon Z7II and Z6II Autofocus
Next is for the autofocus performance which used to be not as reliable as what Nikon have improved for the Nikon Z7II and Z6II. In most cases you will find them very useful but, when it comes to tracking we don’t think any of them can be as great as the Sony’s new cameras and Canon’s high end similar choices yet. We have seen them struggling to keep in focus in tracking mode which makes it a bit annoying if you are an outdoor shooter who prefers animals or people as the subject.
Nikon Z7II and Z6II Video Recording
Lastly we want to talk about the video ability of these cameras and the first thing we want to mention is the ability of Z7II which is already capable of recording 4K at 60fps, making it one of the most capable cameras in the full-frame, high-res collections while on the other hand the Z6II is 30fps out of the box. We heard that the little brother will have the same recording mode as well along with the new firmware upgrade so they should be more equal.
Another difference between Nikon Z7II and Z6II is the former can’t record at 10-bit, n-log output over HDMI at 4K60 so we have to shoot at 8-bit internally and this means it captures less colors as well as being less convenient to work with. The Z6II is oversampling while the former is using pixel binning and this is why side by side the little brother is better at producing the video.
Nikon Z7II vs Z6II
Both Nikon Z7II and Z6II are good cameras that you may want to have or upgrade the older camera with. The overall differences are focusing on the pixel, ISO, and video capabilities of which the Z7II is very high resolution and in comparison when used in the very low ISO, the level of details you get with this camera is amazing. On the other hand, the overall video ability of the two are comparable but the oversampling is better than pixel binning in comparison.
Conclusion
You can go well with any of them based on which seems to fit you the most but with a price gap of around $1,000 currently, we highly recommend saving some by getting the Nikon Z6II since this little brother is just equally as capable with a far more affordable price tag.