Nikon Z7 has a
46.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Expeed 6 processor. On the other hand, Nikon Z6 II has a
25.0MP Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Dual Expeed 6 processor.
Nikon Z7's sensor provides 21MP more than Nikon Z6 II's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Another difference between these two cameras is that Nikon Z7's sensor lacks anti-alias (Low-Pass) filter. Removing anti-alias filter increases the sharpness and level of detail but at the same time, it increases the chance of moiré occurring in certain scenes.
Below you can see the Z7 and Z6 Mark II sensor size comparison.
Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6 II have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Nikon Z6 II has 86% larger pixel area (35.25µm2 vs 18.88µm2) compared to Nikon Z7, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
Both Nikon Z7 and Nikon Z6 II sensors have been tested by DxoMark. DxoMark scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Of the two cameras that we are comparing, Z7 has scored 99, 5 points higher than Z6 Mark II.
Model |
Overall |
Color Depth |
Dynamic Range |
Low-light ISO |
Nikon Z7 |
99 |
26.3 bits |
14.6 Evs |
2668 ISO |
Nikon Z6 II |
94 |
25.0 bits |
14.4 Evs |
3303 ISO |