Nikon Z7 II
full-frame · 2020
Nikon Z9 · Body only
full-frame · 2021
Nikon Z9 · Body only takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z7 II lands at 89 and Nikon Z9 · Body only at 94. That puts Nikon Z9 · Body only ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon Z7 II if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Pick Nikon Z9 · Body only if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Nikon Z9 · Body onlyCompared on the photo sub-score
Nikon Z9 · Body only leads on photo (94 vs 89).
Autofocus
Nikon Z9 · Body onlyCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Nikon Z9 · Body only leads on autofocus (92 vs 87).
Video
Nikon Z9 · Body onlyCompared on the video sub-score
Nikon Z9 · Body only leads on video (90 vs 85).
Value for money
Nikon Z7 IISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nikon Z7 II more score per dollar ($2,999 vs $5,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon Z7 II | Nikon Z9 · Body only |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Release year | 2020 | 2021 |
Nikon Z7 II
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
Nikon Z9 · Body only
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Nikon Z7 II vs Nikon Z9 · Body only
Which is better, Nikon Z7 II or Nikon Z9 · Body only? +
Nikon Z9 · Body only scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon Z7 II worth the price? +
At $2,999, Nikon Z7 II delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in photo.
Is Nikon Z9 · Body only worth the price? +
At $5,499, Nikon Z9 · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in photo.
Does Nikon Z7 II or Nikon Z9 · Body only last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photo, Nikon Z7 II or Nikon Z9 · Body only? +
Nikon Z9 · Body only — leads on photo (94 vs 89). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Nikon Z7 II or Nikon Z9 · Body only? +
Nikon Z9 · Body only — leads on autofocus (92 vs 87). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.