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Nikon Z7 Vs Fuji Gfx: A Detailed Comparison For Budget-conscious Photographers

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively...

What To Know

  • The Nikon Z7 has an advantage in frame rates, allowing slow-motion recording at up to 120 frames per second in Full HD, while the Fujifilm GFX is limited to 60 frames per second.
  • The Nikon Z7 has a comfortable grip and intuitive controls, while the Fujifilm GFX offers a larger grip and customizable controls for personalized handling.
  • The Nikon Z7 has access to a growing selection of native Nikon Z-mount lenses, as well as F-mount lenses via an adapter, providing a wide range of options.

In the realm of mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z7 and Fujifilm GFX stand as two formidable contenders, each boasting unique strengths and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these two mirrorless powerhouses, exploring their specifications, features, image quality, performance, and more, to help you make an informed decision.

Image Quality: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Color Reproduction

Resolution:

  • Nikon Z7: 45.7MP
  • Fujifilm GFX: 51.4MP

The Fujifilm GFX holds a slight edge in resolution, offering 51.4 megapixels compared to the Nikon Z7’s 45.7 megapixels. This advantage translates to larger, more detailed images, particularly beneficial for landscape and architectural photography.

Dynamic Range:

  • Nikon Z7: 14.5 stops
  • Fujifilm GFX: 15 stops

Both cameras offer impressive dynamic range, with the Fujifilm GFX slightly surpassing the Nikon Z7. This allows for capturing scenes with both bright highlights and deep shadows, preserving details in both areas.

Color Reproduction:

  • Nikon Z7: Natural, accurate colors
  • Fujifilm GFX: Film simulation modes for unique color renditions

The Nikon Z7 produces natural, accurate colors, while the Fujifilm GFX excels in color reproduction, featuring various film simulation modes that emulate the look and feel of classic film stocks.

Sensor Size: Full-Frame vs Medium Format

Nikon Z7: Full-Frame Sensor

The Nikon Z7 utilizes a full-frame sensor, a common size in many DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. It offers a good balance between image quality, low-light performance, and portability.

Fujifilm GFX: Medium Format Sensor

The Fujifilm GFX, on the other hand, boasts a larger medium format sensor. This sensor size delivers exceptional image quality, particularly in terms of resolution and dynamic range, but it comes at a cost of increased size and weight.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Eye-AF

Nikon Z7: Hybrid AF System

The Nikon Z7 employs a hybrid AF system that combines phase detection and contrast detection autofocus. It offers fast and accurate focusing, even in low-light conditions.

Fujifilm GFX: Contrast Detection AF System

The Fujifilm GFX relies on a contrast detection AF system, which is generally slower than phase detection AF. However, it provides precise focusing, especially for still subjects.

Eye-AF:

  • Nikon Z7: Advanced Eye-AF with subject tracking
  • Fujifilm GFX: Eye-AF available in select lenses

Both cameras offer Eye-AF capabilities, with the Nikon Z7 having a more advanced Eye-AF system that can track subjects‘ eyes even when they move.

Video Capabilities: 4K Recording, Frame Rates, and Slow-Motion

4K Recording:

  • Nikon Z7: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps
  • Fujifilm GFX: 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) at 30 fps

Both cameras offer 4K UHD video recording at 30 frames per second.

Frame Rates:

  • Nikon Z7: Up to 120 fps in Full HD
  • Fujifilm GFX: Up to 60 fps in Full HD

The Nikon Z7 has an advantage in frame rates, allowing slow-motion recording at up to 120 frames per second in Full HD, while the Fujifilm GFX is limited to 60 frames per second.

Slow-Motion:

  • Nikon Z7: 120 fps in Full HD
  • Fujifilm GFX: 60 fps in Full HD

The Nikon Z7 offers more flexibility for slow-motion capture with its 120 fps recording capability in Full HD.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Ergonomics

Build Quality:

  • Nikon Z7: Magnesium alloy body, weather-sealed
  • Fujifilm GFX: Magnesium alloy body, weather-sealed

Both cameras feature robust magnesium alloy bodies with weather sealing, ensuring durability and protection against harsh weather conditions.

Ergonomics:

  • Nikon Z7: Comfortable grip, intuitive controls
  • Fujifilm GFX: Larger grip, customizable controls

The Nikon Z7 has a comfortable grip and intuitive controls, while the Fujifilm GFX offers a larger grip and customizable controls for personalized handling.

Lens Selection: Native Lenses and Adapters

Nikon Z7: Nikon Z-Mount Lenses and F-Mount Lenses with Adapter

The Nikon Z7 has access to a growing selection of native Nikon Z-mount lenses, as well as F-mount lenses via an adapter, providing a wide range of options.

Fujifilm GFX: Fujifilm G-Mount Lenses and Adapters

The Fujifilm GFX has a dedicated selection of Fujifilm G-mount lenses, with limited compatibility with other lens systems via adapters.

Price and Availability

Nikon Z7:

  • Body Only: $1,999
  • Kit with 24-70mm f/4 S Lens: $2,799

Fujifilm GFX:

  • Body Only: $4,999
  • Kit with GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR Lens: $6,499

The Nikon Z7 is more affordable than the Fujifilm GFX, making it a more budget-friendly option for photographers.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

The Nikon Z7 and Fujifilm GFX are both excellent mirrorless cameras with their own strengths and weaknesses. The Nikon Z7 offers a good balance of image quality, performance, and affordability, while the Fujifilm GFX excels in resolution, color reproduction, and medium format sensor advantages. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and preferences as a photographer.

What You Need to Learn

Q: Which camera has better image quality, the Nikon Z7 or Fujifilm GFX?

A: The Fujifilm GFX has a slight edge in image quality due to its higher resolution and wider dynamic range.

Q: Which camera is better for low-light photography, the Nikon Z7 or Fujifilm GFX?

A: Both cameras perform well in low-light conditions, but the Nikon Z7 has a slight advantage due to its larger full-frame sensor.

Q: Which camera is better for video recording, the Nikon Z7 or Fujifilm GFX?

A: The Nikon Z7 offers more flexibility for video recording, with higher frame rates and slow-motion capabilities.

Q: Which camera has better autofocus, the Nikon Z7 or Fujifilm GFX?

A: The Nikon Z7 has a more advanced autofocus system with faster and more accurate focusing, especially in low-light conditions.

Q: Which camera is better for landscape photography, the Nikon Z7 or Fujifilm GFX?

A: The Fujifilm GFX is better suited for landscape photography due to its higher resolution and wider dynamic range, which helps capture more detail and colors in vast landscapes.

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Lindsey

Lindsey is a photographer based in Los Angeles. She has over 10 years of experience as a professional photographer specializing in portraits and events. Lindsey started her career with DSLR cameras but made the switch to Nikon's line of Z mirrorless cameras in 2020. Since then, she has been extensively testing and reviewing Nikon's latest mirrorless cameras like the Z5, Z6, Z7 and Z50 on her blog. Through her writing on lindseyshoots.com, Lindsey aims to help other photographers make the transition from DSLRs to mirrorless. She shares detailed hands-on reviews, comparisons between different mirrorless camera models, tips for beginners, and photo tutorials. When she isn't testing cameras, Lindsey enjoys landscape, street and travel photography. Her work has been published in several magazines and online publications. Lindsey is also a member of the Nikon Professional Services program.
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