Nikon Z7

Great 10-bit full-frame 4K video ; In-body stabilization ; Wide choice of lenses with adapter ; Good ergonomics ; Excellent image quality

Mediocre autofocus subject tracking ; Single card slot uses non-standard XQD format ; Touchscreen display doesn’t flip around

So who won the debut mirrorless full-frame camera shootout between Nikon and Canon? I'd have to give the initial trophy here to Nikon. Discounting the higher resolution and price, the Z7 is a better all-around camera. It's easier to shoot with, has...

45.7MP full-frame image sensor. ; 90 percent autofocus coverage. ; 9fps continuous drive. ; In-body stabilization. ; Tilting touch LCD. ; Superb EVF. ; Works with Nikon SLR lenses and accessories. ; 4K video. ; Weather sealing. ; Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Autofocus could be better. ; Lens control ring system is too sensitive. ; Single memory card slot. ; Omits PC sync socket.

The Z 7 is the best full-frame mirrorless camera for photographers invested in the Nikon system, but some quirks prevent it from attaining class-leading status.

Superb electronic viewfinder Effective sensor-based VR system Very responsive in use Noise well suppressed in high-ISO images Plays well with third-party lenses Very good dynamic range

Relatively shallow buffer depth AWB can be neutral in daylight XQD cards still pricey Expensive next to Z6 Battery life far from class leading No DCI 4K – only UHD 4K

The Nikon Z7 may not be the prettiest camera, and it's certainly not cheap either, but it's still a formidable debut model in the Z system. With excellent image quality, great videos, lovely handling and a wonderful EVF, together with much-appreciated...

45.7MP full-frame image sensor. 90 percent autofocus coverage. 9fps continuous drive. In-body stabilization. Tilting touch LCD. Superb EVF. Works with Nikon SLR lenses and accessories. 4K video. Weather sealing. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Autofocus could be better. Lens control ring system is too sensitive. Limited native lens selection at launch. Single memory card slot. Omits PC sync socket.

Bottom Line: The Z 7 is the best full-frame mirrorless camera for photographers invested in the Nikon system, but some quirks prevent it from attaining class-leading status.

The relevant sections of this review, including the scoring, have been updated to reflect the AF behavior and performance of Firmware V3.0, released Feb 2020.