New-found focus
Mirror-less technology may be the future of DSLRs. Rahul Saha tests out the latest fullframes
NIKON Z7 A giant leap
Mirrorlesscameras, alsocalledCSCsor compact system cameras, produce a digital preview of images directly from the image sensor without using a mirror. Nikon made a passive try with mirror less technology by launching the 1- series, which was compact and affordable, but these didn’ t farewell compared to mirror less cameras with larger sensors selling at a higher price point. The Japanese giant has now made a come back with two full-frame mirror less cameras—the Nikon G 6 and G 7. I tried the flag ship G 7 and it’ s a hit.
The full-frame CMOS sensor in Nikon Z 7 is similar to the one in D 850. The sensor is upgraded with the latest Ex peed 6 processor, coupled with a new back lit 45.7 megapixel(MP) full-framebuild, more auto focus points and sensor-shift image sta bili sat ion. It does away with the optical low-pass filter, resulting ins harper images. The 493 phase-detection AF points cover most of the image area and works in tandem with a conventional auto focus system. Nikon scores high in this segment and gives good competition to its closest rival, the Sony Alpha series. Another attractionis the in-camera image sta bili sat ion system( IBIS ), which works pretty well.
Nikon Z 7 comes with a 3.69 million-dot O LED panel view finder coupled with a 2.1million dot tilt-angle touch screen monitor. Images can be previewed at an impressive 0.8 X magnification. Daylight visibility as well as colour reproduction of preview images are more or less accurate.
LiketheD850, theZ7handleslow-light imaging competent ly. NikonZ7's4Kvideo recording is offered only in 4 K UH D (3840x2160resolution) withfootage capturedin24p, 25pand30p. Iwouldhave been happier with more recording options.
In many aspects the Nikon Z 7 is a worthy alternative to the Sony Alpha series, which has ruled the full-frame mirror less market for a few years now. While the camera is expensive, at ~269,950( without lenses ), its weather-resistant magnesium alloybody, crispoutput, widerangeof lensesand200,000-shotshutter-life makes it a compelling option for professionals and enthusiasts alike.