The Nikon Z 7II takes everything that was great from the original and ups its capabilities even more. The sensor also incorporates a 493-point phase-detection AF system, which now supports Eye-Detect AF in Wide-Area AF modes and during movie recording, and permits focusing in low-light down to -4.5 EV. Balancing the imaging, the Z 7II retains its overall physical design, however, it has been updated with a new dual memory card slot interface to hold one CFexpress Type B card and one SD UHS-II card for more flexible storage. Updated autofocus now includes Eye and Face Detection for both humans and animals in the Wide-Area AF mode, for both photo and video recording. Dual memory card slots offer more flexible file storage capabilities; one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II slot permit overflow, segregated, and repetitive saving options.

Support for HDR (HLG) mode when recording externally gives instant HDR-suitable video files for immediate playback. N-Log is also available for enhanced control during post-production and grading, too. The SnapBridge wireless connectivity can be used to update the camera's firmware, instead of relying on a memory card-based system of updating. There is also a Focus Shift mode for recording up to 300 sequential frames with the focus position shifted between exposures for focus stacking applications.

 The sensor's design also omits the conventional optical low-pass filter in order to achieve the greatest sharpness and resolution from the sensor. Video files can be saved to the in-camera memory cards or as an uncompressed file to an optional external recorder via HDMI out. Other additions are the ability to output high-quality 10-bit data over HDMI and an Electronic VR function for smooth handheld shooting. Audio recording can be handled using the built-in stereo microphone or an optional external mic can be added via the 3.5mm stereo jack for greater control over the quality, and live monitoring is possible via the headphone jack. This provides fast and accurate focusing for both stills and video and with a wide coverage area, subject tracking will work out to near the edges of the frame. 

This system also works with adapted F-mount lenses, when using the optional FTZ Adapter, where 3-axis stabilization is used. The screen has a tilting design to benefit from working from both high and low angles, and it is also a touchscreen for more intuitive operation, navigation, and settings control. The top panel of the Z 7II is configured with a dot-matrix OLED. This low-energy display provides quick access to important camera settings. A robust magnesium alloy chassis is both clouds of dust- and weather-resistant to benefit working in harsh climates and inclement conditions. BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) and Wi-Fi enable communication between the camera and a smart device and, additionally, the mobile device can remotely trigger the shutter and display a live view image from the camera to enable working from a distance. 

The use of nearly any Nikon F-mount lens on Z-mount mirrorless camera bodies, the FTZ Mount Adapter is a sophisticated means for expanding the range of usable lenses. The adapter fully maintains the auto-exposure function for D-type lenses, but autofocus is not supported. The adapter is built from magnesium alloy and is weather-sealed, and also incorporates a 1/4"-20 mount on the base to provide a more balanced means for working on a tripod with longer, heavier lenses.