Nikon has embarked on a new chapter in their imaging journey with the introduction of the Z7 Mirrorless Camera, renowned as “The Perfectionist,” and the groundbreaking Z System. This remarkable FX-format camera sets the stage for excellence with its high-resolution capabilities and unveils the Z Mount, a design that combines a large diameter with a short 16mm flange distance. This innovative approach empowers Nikon to create compact yet powerful cameras and push the boundaries of optical performance. The Z7, among the pioneering models in this series, incorporates a 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine, ensuring exceptional image quality and speed, with a native sensitivity range spanning from ISO 64 to 25600.
Harnessing the power of the sensor, the Z7 features an advanced phase-detect autofocus system with 493 points, covering a staggering 90% of the image area. Additionally, the sensor is equipped with 5-axis Vibration Reduction technology, enabling stabilization for both photos and videos, regardless of the lens used. This cutting-edge hybrid AF system significantly enhances video recording capabilities. The Z7 offers UHD 4K recording at up to 30p, allowing users to unleash their creativity and explore cinema-quality video production using the N-Log gamma profile and the camera’s 10-bit HDMI output. Furthermore, the camera’s high-resolution sensor allows for captivating 8K Time-Lapse mode.
Like other mirrorless systems, the Z Series embraces a more compact form factor compared to traditional DSLRs. The Z7 exemplifies this trend with its slimmed-down design and lightweight construction, while retaining Nikon’s renowned weather sealing and ergonomic principles. To facilitate ease of use, the camera is equipped with multiple displays and screens. This includes a 0.80x 3.6m-dot EVF with NIKKOR optics and a Fluorine coating, ensuring crystal-clear viewing. On the rear, a 3.2″ 2.1m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD provides flexibility for shooting from various angles, while the top panel incorporates a dot-matrix OLED display for convenient access to essential settings. Moreover, the Z7 is equipped with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless connectivity.
Nikon Z System
Nikon’s full-frame mirrorless Z mount system is dedicated to delivering unparalleled image quality and optics in a compact package. The Z mount itself plays a pivotal role in achieving this goal, boasting a 17% larger inner diameter compared to the F mount. This larger diameter enables the utilization of more advanced optics and lens designs, including ultra-fast f/0.95 options. In addition, the Z mount features a 65% shorter flange distance, measuring just 16mm, which contributes to the dramatically reduced size of the camera bodies. The larger mount also facilitates faster and more efficient communication between the camera body and lens, leading to enhanced overall performance throughout the system.
45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor and EXPEED 6 Processor
The Z7 employs a remarkable 45.7MP BSI CMOS sensor, excelling in high-resolution photography, low-light performance, and rapid readout speeds for continuous shooting, movies, and time-lapse recording. The sensor’s back-illuminated design significantly reduces noise at high ISO values, delivering cleaner high-sensitivity output up to native ISO 25600, as well as producing vivid and smooth quality at sensitivities as low as ISO 64. To complement the sensor, the camera incorporates the powerful EXPEED 6 image processor, ensuring high-speed performance throughout the entire camera system, including the ability to shoot continuously at 9 fps in RAW format.