SOUNDIMAGEPLUS: Nikon Z7

When the Nikon Z7 was first announced it got a hard time. No second card slot and the fact that said slot only used expensive XQD cards was the main problem. Well yes, those are legitimate complaints and I didn't take kindly to paying for such a pricy memory card, no matter how reliable they are supposed to be. But once I got past that I realised that this is an excellent camera.

Fabulous 45MP sensor. Virtually the same as the D850.
OLED viewfinder.
Same battery as the D850.
Excellent video.
Lightweight yet feels robust.

So it fitted in nicely with my Nikon D850 DSLR and buying it secondhand meant that I was spared the somewhat high price when it was released. It has some longevity too. If Nikon release an all singing, all dancing alternative to the Canon R5, then I doubt those 45MP will be increased, so it would still be a high res camera.

Regular readers will know that I have a lot of time for Nikon gear. I have used their cameras and lenses for years. And for me it's reassuring to pick one up. They don't always get it right, but in general these are well made and optically good. Nikon is a name that is synonymous with professionalism and quality. For me their cameras are more aesthetic and better handling than Canon, though I've used a lot of their gear as well. But now I'm using Nikon exclusively, because I have interchangeable lenses on my three cameras. Fanboy? Well not really since my choices are determined by 'bang for my buck' and in my current circumstances this is what gives me best value.

I also have to say I'm impressed by how the camera feels. I enjoyed the results from my Canon R, but after use I found it to be too heavy for what it was. For mirrorless to work for me there has to be some gain in weight and size and for me it seems that Nikon have got mirrorless more right as opposed to Canon.

I'm not going do a serious review of the camera, because there are plenty of those around and like the majority of Nikon cameras I've bought and used, I just picked it up and started using it. Nikon have used the same menu layout for years and there seems little difference for mirrorless. It is what it is, a well constructed efficient image creating machine. My only real complaint is that the XQD card is difficult to get out of the camera.

I'm glad I bought it and I'm sure It will serve me well for as long as I have it. And there's not a lot else to say.