The Big Picture – a review of the Nikon Z7 camera is by John Slaytor:
To focus solely on individual components of a camera is very like not being able to see the wood for the trees.
In the numerous Nikon Z7 reviews that I have read, no one seems to have appreciated the camera’s Gestalt. Individual components of the camera are compared with the Nikon D850 and the Sony A7 series with Nikon inevitably being criticised for being late to the party.
However, I think the camera is groundbreaking because it feels so complete and intuitive. If the Nikon D850 is a Range Rover (it can go anywhere in comfort but everyone knows that you’re coming) then the Nikon Z7 is a Porsche (useless off road but unbeatable on the tarmac). Small and perfectly formed, controls are exactly where you want them. In comparison, when I played with a Sony A7III, it felt like a cheap plastic toy with uncomfortable buttons.
For the first time ever for Nikon, the Series S 24-70mm F4 lens is completely integrated with the body. What do I mean by this? Being able to customise the focus ring and turn it into a seamless exposure compensation dial, is, for me, revolutionary. I have left a world which necessitated bracketing to one where I can secure images with confidence.
Backlit images are not a problem thanks to the brilliant exposure compensation ring on the lens
In good light the camera’s focusing is a marvel. Images almost instantaneously shimmer into being. In contrast, with my Nikon D850, I can watch images as they come into focus. The relative slowness of focusing is a distraction when I use the Nikon D850.
