Nikon
Z7
Original high-res Z body with 45MP for detail work.
$3,399
Launch priceReleased Aug 2018
Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Launch priceReleased May 2023
Z8 is 4.8 years newer.
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Wins
Z7
Wins
Z8
7 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- AZ7 has higher Burst (mechanical) (9 fps vs 0 fps)
- BZ8 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 9 fps)
- BZ8 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 30 fps)
- BZ8 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- AZ7 has lower Weight (585 g vs 820 g)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareZ7
134 × 101 × 68 mm
585 g (1.29 lb / 20.64 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
Z7 is 10mm narrower, 18mm shorter, and 16mm thinner than Z8.
Z7 is 235 g lighter than Z8.
Depth (front-to-back): 68mm Z7 · 83mm Z8
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z7
134 × 101 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z8
144 × 119 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z7
134 × 68 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
Z8
144 × 83 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z7
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Z8
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z7
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Z8
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z7
Burst (mechanical)
9 fps vs 0 fps — higher is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 100.5, 67.5
Weight
585 g vs 820 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
Z8
AF low-light limit
-9 EV vs -4 EV — lower is better
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 9 fps — higher is better
Subject recognition
Adds Birds, Dogs, Cats…
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
4K max frame rate
120 fps vs 30 fps — higher is better
Animal / bird AF
Only Z8 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only Z8 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Resolution — Both 45.7 MP
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 64
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 493
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓1080p max frame rate — Both 120 fps
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z7
Pros
- ✓45MP
- ✓IBIS
- ✓Z mount
Cons
- –Single slot
- –Older AF
- –Superseded
Z8
Pros
- ✓45.7MP stacked CMOS from Z9 — class-leading
- ✓8K 60p N-RAW internal
- ✓No mechanical shutter wear — fully electronic
- ✓20fps at full 45.7MP resolution
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 340 CIPA shots
- –No built-in grip (unlike Z9)
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Z7 and Z8 at major authorized retailers.
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z7 or Z8?
Z8 scores 10.0/10 versus 4.5/10 for Z7 — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z7 and Z8?
Both cameras share the same 45.7 MP resolution.
Do the Z7 and Z8 have in-body image stabilization?
Z7 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization, while Z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z7 or the Z8?
Z7 reaches 9 fps electronic. Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z7 and Z8?
Z7 weighs 585 g and Z8 weighs 820 g, so the Z7 is 235 g lighter.
Do the Z7 and Z8 record 4K video?
Z7: 4K up to 30p. Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z7 and Z8 weather sealed?
Z7: Yes. Z8: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 330 shots (CIPA) for the Z7 and 340 shots for the Z8, giving the Z8 the edge.
How much does each cost?
Z7 launched at $3,399 and Z8 at $3,999. The Z7 is $600 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Z7 vs Z8 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed July 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.