Z 7

So far, this camera is almost all it says it is. The controls and menus are much improved and streamlined (I've upgraded from a D700) and the body itself feels more like an old friend (my FM2). The image quality using my current lenses with the FTZ II adapter is as good as always, and in fact, may be improved by the larger resolution on the Z7, although I have no way to actually measure this. What buyers of this camera need to know, however, is that it is almost unusable out of the box if you don't buy a Z lens with it. The firmware is outdated and does not recognize the FTZ II adapter. In order to update the firmware, you need to have a card reader to download the update(s) to the memory card. And that can be problematic if you bought a CFexpress card, because the existing firmware won't recognize it either. You must buy an XQD card in order to upgrade the firmware so that it recognizes CF express cards, and the FTZ II adapter. None of this is clearly stated anywhere that I could find on Nikon's website. Once I was armed with the correct information, card, and card reader, it was a quick and simple operation to update the firmware and start using my new camera. So far it's been charming.

Generally the el cheapo - bluff model. Banding can show up very easily, especially when exposure blending with luminosity masks. Avoid. A dumbed down D850 with significant flaws.

Photography is a hobby. I've only had the Z7 a few weeks and I'm still getting used to it. This week I was photographing butterflies and hummingbirds. Of course, they don't hold still and pose, so I did the typical "spray and pray" and hoped to find a few nice images when I got home. I was thrilled to find every photo was in focus! Now I can't wait until my next outing.

I'll be straight and honest about this camera and I'm not going to sugar coat anything. When I initially received this camera back in 2018, I was a bit disappointed with its AF performance. The AF tracking was clunky and tedious to enable and it wasn't on par as far as performance goes with my D850 as I was initially expecting. However, that didn't make me give up this camera. I didn't let the handicaps hinder my passion for taking shots with it. I tried to find a work around on some functions that wasn't working for me. Sometimes we as photographers got so spoiled with technology that we forget the skills we acquired because we mostly let the camera do most of the work for us. In the beginning of photography our fore-fathers never had such luxuries as what we enjoy today. But they were able to use their cameras despite the lack of technological help. I'd like to think this camera as that, however as time goes, I'm enjoying this camera more and more. It brings me back to the basics and allows for me to improve my craft. And as Nikon continually supports and provides firmware upgrades to further improve this camera, it is making it more compelling to use. I'd like to compare it to wine; as it ages it becomes better and better. So the question is: should you buy this camera? My answer is: An absolute YES!

I have bought my Z7 over 8 month ago and I have been extremely happy with the camera. it is wonderful to use, feels great in the hand, and fantastic image quality. I owned the D 810 before and I do not regret switching to the Z7. Love it.

As a retired traveller I found myself in Australia and New Zealand recently armed with a D3300 kit I received as a Christmas present a few years ago. Taking photos to remember that trip gave me many memorable shots but left me wondering what it would take to make spectacular images on my future trips. After spending considerable time researching the capabilities of the D3300 I discovered the capabilities of the Z series and decided, why not. I now own a Z 7, FTZ, and 24-70mm f/2.8 S, they are in addition to several FX lenses from prior cameras. It´s a steep learning curve but I´m finding the challenge rewarding. The camera and lens are remarkable and I´m enjoying learning about the features and wandering around town practicing. I have a number of cruises planned for later in 2020 and also in 2021. I don´t shoot sports or active wildlife so this camera is a match for what I experience, interesting places around the world.

I though a lot about switching from my beloved D850 and I have to say, as of now I don't miss it at all. The quality is just amazing and I'm loving the new Z lenses, how ever, this camera paired with my favorite 105mm 1.4 gives me amazing images! I love this camera and I highly recommend it!

I though a lot about switching from my beloved D850 and I have to say, as of now I don´t miss it at all. The quality is just amazing and I´m loving the new Z lenses, how ever, this camera paired with my favorite 105mm 1.4 gives me amazing images! I love this camera and I highly recommend it!

For me, I have always felt photography is like receiving a personal gift from someone I don´t know. A total stranger who allows me to enter their world with my camera and capture a moment in time with them. Without that opportunity, without their permission, I would never have the chance to get those interesting photographs and mingle in worlds that are strange to my own. My hope is my pictures can solicit change through the use of photojournalism and get my subjects voices to be heard. The Nikon Z7 camera system helps me succeed in this. I traded in my new D850 and struggled with the entire process. I´m a photojournalist and a NatGeo book author and image quality and picture accuracy is important to me. My compelling factor for change was the smaller size and overall better lens design of the S line. Out of the gate, I decided on the Z7 and the 24-70 2.8 S Line lens. The combination of technology has proven a excellent choice. Yes there was a bit of a learning curve to the camera, but the benefits of the mirrorless technology have proven exceptional for me. My final thought is centered around the single memory card. No big deal. Nothing is perfect in our world but the reliability of the CF Express and XQD memory cards are superior. I off load my camera images to a Gnarbox frequently during my day to insure they are backed up and secure. I´m heading for a 150 mile Camino hiking pilgrimage in Spain this May and my Z7 has found a secure home on the front of my backpack strap. Nikon please keep updating the firmware! Keeping this camera rich with improvements only solidifies the Nikon commitment from your customers.