Nikon Z7 II

Nikon's Z7 II is a high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera, released in 2020. The sensor puts the emphasis on detail, leaving generous room to crop tightly or print large.

The body measures 134 x 101 x 70mm and weighs 705g. An electronic viewfinder gives a sharp view while you compose, and the 3.2-inch rear screen flips and responds to touch.

Everything runs on the Nikon Z mount, so lens choice draws on Nikon's Z lens range. Dual card slots and in-body stabilisation are fitted as well.

The Z7 II's strength is its 45.75MP full-frame sensor. That resolution gives files plenty of detail and underpins an Optics score of 86 that is exceptional, placing the camera in the top 2% of cameras in our database for Optics.

The sensitivity range starts at a base ISO of 64, which can help when using wide apertures in bright light, and extends to ISO 25600.

Sensor-shift stabilisation is built into the body, so it works with every lens you attach. It reduces camera shake, helping handheld shooting of static scenes, but it won't freeze a moving subject.

You get 439 autofocus points to choose from when placing focus. The maximum burst of 10fps is a top figure, not a promise for every mode. The 1/8000s top shutter speed can help with fast lenses in strong light, and the electronic viewfinder's 3.69 million dots give a crisp view for checking focus before you shoot.

Video tops out at 4K resolution, which covers everything from web delivery to large screens. Frame rates reach 120fps, allowing slow-motion footage without external gear. Since those are separate maximums, check which modes combine them if you need both at once. The video score of 91 is very good.

The score reflects full points for the maximum frame rate, with 4K resolution the only field dropping points. Recordings come in MOV or MP4, giving a choice of file format for the footage you shoot.

A built-in timelapse function handles interval shooting in-camera. Live view and the flip screen make framing and monitoring a sequence straightforward, whether the camera sits at eye level or low on a tripod.

At the back is a 3.2-inch TFT LCD with 2.1 million dots and touch control. The resolution keeps menus and playback sharp, and touch makes setting changes and image review quick.

The screen also flips, which helps when you compose over a crowd or shoot from low down. Live view lets you frame on the screen instead of the electronic viewfinder.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, so the camera can connect wirelessly to other devices. Weather sealing protects the body against dust and moisture outdoors, though it does not make the camera waterproof.

Lighting comes from external flash units since there is no built-in flash, and there is no GPS for automatic location tagging. The features score of 87 is very good.

Two card slots are fitted: one takes SD cards, including UHS-II, and the other takes CFexpress Type B or XQD media. That puts two card formats in one body, so either type of media can serve a shoot.

Battery endurance is where the section score of 71, good overall, takes its main hit. The EN-EL15c carries a 420-shot rating, a figure that is not a promise of everyday battery life.

USB charging is supported, handy for topping the battery up between shoots. It doesn't follow that every power bank or charger will work, or that you can charge while shooting, so plan around spares for heavy days.