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Nikon Z7 Vs D800: Which Is The Better Full-frame Mirrorless Camera?

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 and D800 are two of the most popular cameras on the market, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities.
  • The Nikon Z7 is a mirrorless camera with a compact and lightweight body, while the D800 is a DSLR with a more traditional design.
  • The Z7 is the better choice for photographers who want the latest and greatest in mirrorless technology, while the D800 is a more affordable option for photographers who prioritize low-light performance and dynamic range.

The Nikon Z7 and D800 are two of the most popular cameras on the market, each offering a unique set of features and capabilities. In this blog post, we’ll compare the two cameras head-to-head, looking at their key specs, performance, and image quality, and helping you decide which one is right for you.

Sensor and Resolution:

The Nikon Z7 features a 45.7-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, while the D800 has a 36.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor. While the Z7 has a slightly higher resolution, the D800’s sensor is known for its excellent low-light performance and dynamic range.

Autofocus and Speed:

The Nikon Z7 boasts a hybrid autofocus system with 493 phase-detection points and 90% frame coverage, while the D800 has a 51-point autofocus system. The Z7’s autofocus is faster and more accurate, especially in low-light conditions. The Z7 also has a faster continuous shooting speed of 9 frames per second (FPS) compared to the D800’s 4 FPS.

Viewfinder and Display:

The Nikon Z7 has a 3.69-million-dot electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a magnification of 0.80x, while the D800 has a 3.2-inch LCD screen with a 921,000-dot resolution. The Z7’s EVF provides a more immersive and realistic shooting experience, while the D800’s LCD screen is larger and easier to view in bright conditions.

Video Capabilities:

The Nikon Z7 can record 4K UHD video at 30 FPS or 1080p Full HD video at 120 FPS, while the D800 can record 1080p Full HD video at 30 FPS. The Z7 offers more video features and customization options, including focus peaking, zebra stripes, and time-lapse recording.

Build and Design:

The Nikon Z7 is a mirrorless camera with a compact and lightweight body, while the D800 is a DSLR with a more traditional design. The Z7 is weather-sealed for added durability, while the D800 is not. The Z7 also has a more modern and sleek design, while the D800 has a more classic and rugged look.

Price and Availability:

The Nikon Z7 is currently available for around $1,999, while the D800 is available for around $1,499. Both cameras come with a variety of lens options and accessories.

Which One Should You Choose?

The Nikon Z7 is the better choice for photographers who want the latest and greatest in mirrorless technology, with its high-resolution sensor, fast autofocus, and excellent video capabilities. The D800 is a more affordable option for photographers who prioritize low-light performance and dynamic range, and who are comfortable with a DSLR form factor.

The Verdict:

The Nikon Z7 and D800 are both excellent cameras, but they offer different strengths and weaknesses. The Z7 is the better choice for photographers who want the latest and greatest in mirrorless technology, while the D800 is a more affordable option for photographers who prioritize low-light performance and dynamic range.

Information You Need to Know

Q1: Which camera has better low-light performance?

A: The Nikon D800 has better low-light performance due to its larger sensor and higher ISO range.

Q2: Which camera has faster autofocus?

A: The Nikon Z7 has faster autofocus, especially in low-light conditions.

Q3: Which camera is better for video recording?

A: The Nikon Z7 is better for video recording, offering 4K UHD video at 30 FPS and 1080p Full HD video at 120 FPS.

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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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