• 35mm 858.0mm2
  • 45.7 megapixels
  • ISO 64 - 25,600
  • 35mm 847.3mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 51,200

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Differences

Nikon Z7 advantages over Panasonic S5 II

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • More pixels
    45.7 vs 24.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Panasonic S5 II advantages over Nikon Z7

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Tilt-swivel vs tilt-only
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Slower slow-motion
    180 fps vs 120 fps
    Supports slower slow-mo
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.93 vs 4.35 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • High resolution composite
    Yes vs No
    Combine multiple shots to form a super hi-res version
  • Newer
    2 years vs 6 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    30.0 fps vs 9.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    200 vs 26 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 102400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Focus peaking
    Both provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoot 4K video
    Both provide
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Both provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Both provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Both provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Top deck display
    Both provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Both provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Both provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

User reviews

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Review Excerpt

  • Familiar design in a compact form; Rugged build quality; Gorgeous EVF; Excellent image quality; Good autofocus; In-body image stabilization; Good 4K video recording.

  • Single card slot; Not as good at subject tracking as some Nikon DSLR cameras; Limited native lens selection (although adapter works well); Limited buffer depths.

The Competition

Compared to Sony A7 III

Nikon Z7
Sony A7 III
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
  • $1531
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 II
Sony A7 III
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1531
  • 35mm
  • NFC
  • On-sensor phase detect

Compared to Nikon Z6

Nikon Z7
Nikon Z6
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • More pixels
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z6
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
  • $1396
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Canon EOS R

Nikon Z7
Canon EOS R
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $1494
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Tilt-swivel screen
Panasonic S5 II
Canon EOS R
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1494
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels

Compared to Nikon Z5

Nikon Z7
Nikon Z5
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • Top deck display
  • More dots on screen
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels
Panasonic S5 II
Nikon Z5
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • High resolution composite
  • $1097
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Has anti-aliasing filter

Compared to Panasonic S5 IIX

Nikon Z7
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2147
  • 35mm
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • More pixels
  • $2200
  • 35mm
  • Tilt-swivel screen
  • Slower slow-motion
Panasonic S5 II
Panasonic S5 IIX
  • $2000
  • 35mm
  • $2200
  • 35mm
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