วีดีโอ

If you are a landscape shooter on Nikon, there is no right camera. That's my point.

For landscape photographers, some things are effectively broken. And "Landscape Photography" is right in the title of this video, so I'm not sure why you watched if you don't shoot landscapes. Nikon hasn't innovated much over the last 6 years when it comes to landscape photography. Over that same time, they've done a ton for wildlife shooters. I'm invested in Nikon tens of thousands, so it isn't easy to switch brands. And many other landscape photographers are in the same boat. The point of my review is to help landscape photographers make informed decisions and to signal to Nikon that they could be doing more.

Cameras today are indeed complex, and I agree that people should read the manual and work to understand their gear. But I wonder if your comment is directed towards me. None of the points I cover could be fixed by changing a setting. "Dark LCD" during automated stacking is not a setting; it's how focus attacking works on the Z8. And, of course, you can reset Custom Settings Banks. But you have to reset ALL settings-there's no option to reset just one bank.

I appreciate the interest in a dedicated settings video! I've hesitated to create a dedicated video because settings are so personal. However, due to the high demand, I'm considering making one soon. Stay tuned!

I'm thrilled to hear it was helpful! It's such a simple but effective way to discover new locations and plan your shoots. I hope it leads to some amazing photos for you!

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate you finding the critique helpful. The specs overview at the beginning might seem like simple vendor bashing, but my intention was to provide a quick reference point before diving deeper into the specific features and shortcomings that are more relevant to landscape photographers.

I'm so glad to hear that the video helped you in your search for a geared head! They're definitely a game-changer for precision adjustments in landscape photography. Leofoto makes some fantastic gear, so I'm sure you'll be happy with your choice!

I completely agree! The fully articulating screen is a fantastic feature for landscape photography, and Sony's implementation is top-notch. Seems like the camp is pretty split on this one, so I doubt we'll see this on a Nikon anytime soon.

@@JamesLPhoto yeah i dont think its patented. Or maybe nikon can make a nifty new mechanism.

Yes, you're absolutely right. The stacked sensor design does come with some trade-offs, and the slightly lower resolution is one of them. My point is that Nikon has prioritized speed and autofocus in recent years, which benefits wildlife and sports photographers, but hasn't shown the same level of innovation for landscape photographers.

That's awesome! It's great to see others using this technique. And the calendar idea is brilliant - even if you don't make it to the locations this year, it's great to have that seasonal look at where to go for your future trips. Cheers.

Thanks for the suggestion! I'll definitely check out the Leofoto PR-60. I'm always looking for new gear to test and share with my audience. If it seems like a good fit, I'll consider adding it to a future comparison!

Thanks for sharing your experience! It's great to hear from someone who also uses a variety of camera systems. I agree that the Z7 II and Z8 are both excellent cameras, each with its own strengths. And I respect your preference for tilting screens - it's all about finding what works best for your workflow!

I haven't had a chance to test the R5ii yet, but from what I've heard, it's just a modest upgrade from the original R5, not a groundbreaking one. Sorry for the delay and wish I had more solid info for you.

@@JamesLPhoto no worries, I ordered an R5 as for what I shoot I don’t need stacked AF etc, so I saved the money and bought quality glass instead

@@Uisci81 Sounds like a wise decision. Happy shooting with your new camera!

Higher resolution doesn't create more diffraction, it simply reveals the diffraction that's already present at smaller apertures. More megapixels provides the flexibility to capture incredible detail, crop creatively, and produce large, stunning prints that showcase the beauty of the scene. While a faster sensor is certainly advantageous for certain types of photography, sacrificing resolution and dynamic range for speed feels like a missed opportunity for landscape shooters.

Thanks so much! I'm glad you found it inspiring. Happy shooting!

I see your point, but I'd argue that my video shows more than just brand differences. It's about understanding the different types of tripod heads and how they impact your workflow.

Glad you liked it!

Haha, it's easy to miss some of the hidden features and quirks. That's why I wanted to make this video, to help people get a better understanding of the Z8's strengths and weaknesses.

The OM-1 is a fantastic camera, and it definitely punches above its weight in certain areas. While the Z8 has its strengths, it's important to recognize that other brands are innovating and offering compelling features that Nikon could learn from.

I appreciate the thoughtful comment! It's great to hear that the video resonated with you. I agree that many of the challenges I highlighted could be addressed through better software engineering. Manufacturers seem overly focused on autofocus advancements while neglecting other crucial aspects of the photography experience. Features like improved dynamic range, intuitive live view displays, and streamlined focus stacking and bracketing can make a world of difference for those of us who are passionate about capturing the beauty of the natural world.

You're welcome! I'm glad you found the review valuable. Honest and balanced feedback is essential for making informed decisions about gear, especially when it comes to significant investments like the Z8.

I appreciate the interest in a dedicated settings video! I've hesitated to create a dedicated video because settings are so personal. However, due to the high demand, I'm considering making one soon. Stay tuned!

You're right, lens choice is a crucial factor in any camera system decision. I've been a Nikon shooter for years and had amassed a collection of F-mount lenses that I've been slowly offloading. While the Z glass is undoubtedly superior in many ways, it's still frustrating that Nikon's current mirrorless options don't fully capitalize on the potential of those lenses.

Wow, thanks for the kind words! I'm so glad you found it helpful. I put a lot of effort into making it comprehensive, so it means a lot to hear that it's appreciated!

I appreciate the kind words! I'm curious to hear how your shoot went by the river. Did you try any of the techniques from the video? Hopefully, you were able to capture some stunning shots even in the bright sunshine!

​@@JamesLPhoto Sorry to only just now get round to answering...! I did indeed try out some of the techniques, though in the end, it wasn't all bright sunshine as forecast (is it ever as forecast...?!?). I tried out the multiple exposure, but that is going to need some more practice! (What setting do you use for the multiple exposure - I was working with 'average', but I will try with 'additive'.) I've enjoyed ICM before, and was pleased to be reminded of it for these conditions - it works well! Nad I had a great time photographing the reflections on the water - I got some nice abstracts. Thanks again!

Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad you found the review helpful. The F2 was a classic, wasn't it?

Thanks for sharing your journey! The Z8 definitely fills a gap for those who found the Z9 too bulky.

Thanks for your kind comment. I understand your journey! It sounds like you've been navigating the mirrorless landscape and trying to find the right balance of features and portability. Hopefully things are going well for you with your Sonys. It'll be interesting to see what Nikon has in store for the future of the Z series.

@@JamesLPhoto As I get older for travel I’ve even gravitated to the new smaller Sony compact C bodies like the A7CR and A7CII with smaller lenses. I think this is a segment that Nikon should also enter. Size wise reminds me of my Nikon FM2N that I still have except it has a rangefinder type viewfinder.

I appreciate your feedback! It's great to hear that the video helped you make an informed decision. It sounds like Fuji is doing a great job in addressing the needs of photographers with features like a user-friendly DOF preview and customizable settings. It's a testament to the importance of creating cameras that prioritize user experience and cater to different shooting styles.

I appreciate your perspective, but I believe you're missing the core of my critique. The Z8 was meant to be the mirrorless replacement for the D850. And the Z8 was indeed marketed towards landscape photographers, with Nikon emphasizing its versatility and capabilities in various genres. However, it falls short in several key areas that are crucial for landscape photography, making it less than ideal for this specific niche. Let's be real: Nikon didn't "create" the Z8 as much as they stripped away a few features from the 1.5 year year-old Z9 and put them in a smaller body. There has been no improvement in image quality in any of Nikon's cameras over more than 6 years. That lack of innovation and decision to focus on speed at the cost of image quality is what I'm critiquing. While it's true that stacked sensors offer welcome benefits for speed and video, the trade-offs in dynamic range and resolution are significant for landscape photographers. Nikon has historically offered distinct camera lines catering to different genres, like the D800 series for landscape and the D5 series for sports. The Z7 also does not improve on image quality, despite it being "designed from the ground up." And the Z7 is missing several pro features that even the D850 had. In addition to image quality stagnation, the lack of innovation in features like focus stacking, split-screen view, and depth of field preview, is a legitimate concern for many landscape photographers.

@@JamesLPhoto I think it's a great conversation to have but I just don't think that's accurate. The Z8 is a completely new product line that has branched off from the Z9 to provide hybrid shooters the option of the top of the line flagship functionality in a smaller package suitable for gimbal use and other smaller builds. The 7 series seems very clearly the successor from the start of the D850 replacement. They obviously did have to make some compromises since they were dead last in the mirrorless compared to the competition, but in fact, the Z7 and Z7ii both map 1:1 with the DR curve of the D850. It gave up some features but also offered a great deal more flexibility and features by doing so with a mirrorless offering at a higher megapixel density. But I think its very clear that the Z8 is an entirely new category of camera for Nikon and not a D850 replacement as you'll see the Z8 line always feature their top of the line video features while the Z7 line will continue to be more photo focused with highest DR.

@@JamesLPhoto And I think Nikon realizes how important the new Z8 product line is as it will be primarily the answer to Sony's A7R line. Canon is a little funny this way because they never bothered to split product lines this way and the R5 line is a clear hybrid focused camera that's not focused on winning on megapixels but doing everything else exceptionally well, except thermal management.

​@@MojoPapiFPV You make a good point that the Nikon product line is evolving, and their mirrorless line is branching away from their DSLR lineup. My principal argument is this: the landscape photography community was impressed by the D850, but it's now been over 6 years, and there has yet to be much substantial improvement, whether in the Z7 or the Z8. This lack of progress is particularly disappointing when compared to the significant strides made by other manufacturers, like Sony, in specs and features that matter to landscape photographers. Yes, Nikon has clearly chosen to prioritize speed and video. Just think about the differences between the D5 (2016) and the Z9 (2021)...over that five-year timeframe, there were HUGE improvements. Significant upgrades occurred even between the D6 (2020) and the Z9 (2021)! But for the features that matter to landscape photographers (image quality, focus stacking, DOF preview, split screen, etc.), there's been no change, or it's worse. To me, and many other landscape photographers, that is unacceptable.

@@JamesLPhoto Very true. My guess is they made and focused on the changes they needed to prioritize to be competitive and stay alive as a company when they're far behind in marketshare and until the Z9 had little to offer *most* photographers to set them apart. I think they made the right choices and are clearly reaping the benefits financially. There are tons of things that annoy me about my Zs and I wish I had an ear at Nikon. But I also get to week after week work in advertising and editorial environments with Fuji, Canon and Sony and can list shortcomings and complaints I have about every single camera. Photography is about compromise. You want low ISO? You're going to have to give up shutter or aperture, etc. I definitely can't pretend to know anything about what it's like to be a landscape photographer or the niche things that may require but I would guess its a very small percentage of the customer base for Nikon which makes it even tougher. I would think brands like Olympus would be a much better fit community-wise and also in terms of DoF with a far smaller sensor - but then we get to compromises again and you're forced to sacrifice a couple of stops of DR. Again, without being in that space I would also imagine that this niche is more "print" focused which would lead me to suggest Fuji w/ 16bit color and 100MP files for anyone going down that path. Like I said, the conversation is super interesting to me and I'm curious to see what Nikon will do and improve on the Z7iii whenever that lands. I would hope the jump to Sony's 60MP sensor, since I doubt there's much more headroom in DR to achieve on 35mm sensors for some time. Seems like we haven't cracked the 12-stop mark yet and the direction of the tech might indicate less focus on trying to get there than possibly incorporating a global shutter in the next flagship (acquisition of Red + Sony's A9iii). Selfishly, I want this more than anything because of the endless possibilities it affords me and other photographers in portraiture, fashion and advertising. Either way I'm excited to see how it all plays out. BTW, the only time I've been on a job with focus stacking (watch company), they were using Helicon for that and not relying on the camera to do it. From my understanding, this is still the "standard" for whatever that's worth. As far as DR, if you're waiting on that, I would say move to Fuji now. You'll get 50% more light (.5 stop) increase in DR but only at base ISO. By ISO 200 on the Fuji GFX 100 series you're already in Nikon/Sony territory. If you find yourself shooting above base ISO for most of your landscape, don't bother unless its about the Megapixels or color depth for you.

I understand your point about accepting a camera's limitations and mastering its use. However, reviews and critiques are essential for driving innovation and improvement. Simply accepting the status quo doesn't encourage manufacturers to push boundaries and create better tools for photographers. Just like a musician might desire a more responsive instrument or a chef might prefer a sharper knife, photographers seek cameras that enable them to express their creativity more effectively and efficiently. My review aims to provide constructive feedback, not to complain for the sake of it. I never claimed that you can't make good photos with the Z8. In fact, I've produced stunning images with it. But that doesn't negate the fact that there's room for improvement, and those improvements could significantly enhance the experience and workflow for landscape photographers.

@@JamesLPhoto Your point is understood. The question is did it help anyone? Are the changes you desire going to come to fruition as a result? Did it get to the people that could enact those changes? Would a hundred photographers share those same views? What if Nikon chooses to make a different photographer's wishlist come true? All cameras are a compromise of all the possibilities to make the widest number of people happy. A wider view of camera models that followed show the direction of development. What ever anyone chooses represents one point in development. So, I work with what I chose and know the future will have different options. It's not a status quo thing, it's the best tool at the time thing.

@@stevebogucki6236 While it's true that my review might not directly lead to immediate changes, it's part of a larger conversation that can influence future camera development. By sharing my experiences and feedback, I'm contributing to a dialogue between photographers and manufacturers. In fact, I was just contacted by Nikon USA, who assured me they've forwarded this feedback to Nikon Japan. And while it's impossible to please everyone with a single camera, Nikon has a history of catering to specific genres with different models. It's my hope that they will continue this tradition and create a camera that truly addresses the needs of landscape photographers.

@@JamesLPhoto I'm glad to hear Nikon took notice! Peace and have a good day!

@@viktorpaulsen627 great call out. Thanks for your feedback!

I appreciate the interest in a dedicated settings video! I've hesitated to create a dedicated video because settings are so personal. However, due to the high demand, I'm considering making one soon. Stay tuned!

Thanks for the comment! I appreciate the humor and the support for improving focus stacking.

@@gunsentry8349 yes, that's correct. But this does not work while magnifying (in the viewfinder, not the lens), which is my critique.

Thanks for sharing those tips! I'm aware of the dial navigation in the i-menu, but it still doesn't replace the convenience and speed of a dedicated mode dial for switching custom settings. I appreciate your insights on the sensor and screen design choices, and I agree that the DOF preview needs improvement.

Haha, maybe in 30 years we'll have cameras that can read our minds and perfectly execute our creative visions! But until then, I guess we'll just have to keep pushing for innovation and improvements in the cameras we have today. I know one thing: Nikon is thrilled there are so many loyal fanboys who are happy with the status quo and don't see the need for further development. They should be paying you.

Really that bad, huh?