Nikon L21 vs Nikon Z7 II

The following is a extensive analysis of the Nikon L21 vs Nikon Z7 II, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless and both are built by Nikon. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and Z7 II (46MP) and the L21 (1/2.3") and Z7 II (Full frame) posses different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The L21 was revealed 11 years prior to the Z7 II which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Nikon L21 being a Compact camera and the Nikon Z7 II being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the L21 grades vs the Z7 II in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix L21 and Nikon Z7 Mark II. The full galleries are available at Nikon L21 Gallery and Nikon Z7 II Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon L21 provides physical dimensions of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Nikon Z7 II has dimensions of 134mm x 101mm x 70mm (5.3" x 4.0" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 705 grams (1.55 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon L21 vs Nikon Z7 II in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the L21 versus the Z7 II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the L21 and Z7 II is 93 and 61 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions simply by viewing a spec sheet. The picture below should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the L21 and Z7 II.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The L21 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Nikon Z7 II will render greater detail because of its extra 38MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged L21 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.