Nikon Z7 Gets 99 Points Overall Score at DxOMark
DxOMark published their Nikon Z7 full frame mirrorless camera sensor review and test results – Nikon Z7’s 45.7Mp full-frame CMOS sensor achieved an excellent overall DxOMark sensor score of 99 points (just 1 point behind the Nikon D850 and Sony A7RIII), with a combination of 26.3 bits color depth, 14.6 EV dynamic range, and 2668 ISO low-light score.
Nikon Z7 Key Features:
- 45.7MP FX-Format BSI CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine
- UHD 4K30 Video; N-Log & 10-Bit HDMI Out
- 493-Point Phase-Detect AF System
- Built-In 5-Axis Vibration Reduction
- 0.80x 3.6m-Dot EVF with NIKKOR Optics
- 3.2″ 2.1m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- 9 fps Continuous Shooting; ISO 64-25600
- Top-Panel Dot-Matrix OLED; XQD Card Slot
- 8K Time-Lapse Mode; Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Because of its pixel count, build quality, and range of features, Nikon has referred to the Z 7 as a “mirrorless D850.” And our testing bears this out: for the sensor, the Z 7 comes very close to the D850, just falling 0.1 bit behind with its (Portrait) color depth score and 0.2EV behind with its (Landscape) dynamic range score. And at 2668 vs. 2660, the Z 7’s low-light ISO (Sports) score is effectively the same as the D850’s.
As the table below shows, the 45.7MP Nikon Z 7’s scores are very close to those of the 42.4MP Sony A7R III. While the Z 7 leads for color depth and dynamic range, the A7R III copes better with low light.
Low-light ISO is the one measurement for which the 24MP Nikon Z 6 outperforms the Z 7, and this is because of the Z 6’s larger photoreceptors. Conversely, the higher resolution of the Z 7 helps it achieve a better score for color depth.
Conclusion from DxOMark:
It’s interesting that the Nikon Z 7’s sensor produces results that are similar but not identical to the D850’s. It’s possible that some of the differences can be attributed to the presence of phase-detection autofocus pixels on the imaging sensor.
The Z 7 performs well across the board, and the combination of a high pixel count (which enables it to record a lot of detail) and the sensor’s excellent color depth means that it is capable of producing images that are very pleasing to the eye. Factor in the excellent dynamic range, and the Z 7 looks like a good choice of camera for landscape photographers, wedding photographers, and keen amateurs alike.
Nikon Z7 body: $3,396.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Nikon Z7 with 24-70mm Lens: $3,996.95 at Amazon, B&H, Adorama.
Read more: Best XQD Memory Cards for Nikon Z7
You can read the full review at DxOMark.