First Week With The Z8: Don't Buy One Until You See THIS!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 พ.ค. 2024
- I've had the Z8 for just over a week and there is a LOT to talk about! With the shipment date getting closer all the time, here's what YOU need to know before your camera arrives!
In this video, I'll talk about how the Z8 has performed over the past week or so, as well as spill the beans on AF tests, buffer tests, and battery tests! If you're thinking about a Z8, this is the ONE video you absolutely must see!
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Finally a Z8 review that’s not casting for clickbait and sensationalism. Thank you!
I'm mainly an event photographer and went from a Z6 (used since it was released) till last week and got the Z8 and boy, I'm in love!
No surprises there for me. This is the camera I've been waiting for since it was announced. Battery life is taken care of with a stack of 15C's that I have for the Z6II and the other issues really don't bother me. Thanks for a great and informative video Steve...👌
Same. I'd rather carry a couple of spare EN-EL15c in a pouch for quick change. Camera is lighter without grip. Great review Steve.
@@andhibbought it!🎉
Good to hear that my preordered Z8 is exactly what I hoped for. I rented the Z9 a year ago and loved it, but wanted a smaller body, so I waited.
Thanks Steve! You are the only one I trust on these reviews! You call it the way it is! Thanks for taking me along!
Outstanding review. I got my hands on the body last weekend and I LOVED the feel of it. I LOVE my Z9 but in a world where I want to travel lighter, I am VERY attracted to the lower profile of this camera body! Thank you for such a great open review!
Thanks Steve, A lot of what people wanted to hear. I'll have mine this week and a busy weekend ahead with it.
I’m shooting the Z8 for 3 months now and I agree: a perfect allround camera. Yeah some minor trade-offs but all in all I am really happy with mine
As a D850 shooter. I think these cameras in this same range are about perfect for me. My shooting is wildlife and scenics did and a little street.
Once again Steve, thanks for your objectivity, expert knowledge, and pedagogy in explaining complex things in a simple way. Your books are a must read and videos a must watch for those who are serious about photography in general and the wildlife genre in particular. Keep up the good work!
As always Steve is the best teacher!
Thank you, Steve. Great teaser for the camera. Can't wait to get mine and will make sure to get your Z9 &Z8 book. BTW, I loved your Secrets to the NIkon AF system.
Steve, another very informative video. Looking forward to the detailed set-up video for the Z8!
Thanks for the response Steve, I was leaning that way!
Your videos and books have helped me improve quite a bit, thank you and keep up the great content!!
Thank you so much for this worthful information. I'm really excited to hear more on the z8.
Hi Steve, thank you for your expertise, tests and honest review!
Once more you have the best non nuances hands on review from ANYBODY in TH-cam! Thank you Steve!!!
Ok!.. that did it for me. I shoot birds with a D500 and I love it. After being educated by you I placed the order.
Steve - you're a treasure - thanks for all this information.
Great video Steve , nice solid info ! Thank you ! I preordered mine in the morning of launch
I booked 2 can't wait
Bought the book, can’t wait for your update.
Your views are always worth watching
Looking forward to Full Review. Thanks for the update
Excellent and informative video as always!
Love your passion, enthusiasms and skills!!!
As always, thank you for this!
Thanks Steve, excellent info as usual. My Z8 should be here within a few weeks.
As always an informative and well done video. Great photos as usual!
Excellent and precise review. Thanks Steve.
Thank you for testing AF speed on the 500mm pf lens with the adapter. I’m migrating upward to the Z8 from my D850 - the Z8 looks like the “Z850” I’ve been waiting for - and, before I picked up my OM1 + 150-400 4.5TC combo, the D850 + 500 pf was my primary bird and wildlife kit.
It will be interesting to compare the Z8 against my OM1 for birds and wildlife. I find the OM1 to be a fantastic camera, except in very low light where the sensor can’t match my full frame.
Great job as always Steve - and I’m ordering your Z9/Z8 book.
Thank you. Helpful! I’m looking forward to the z8 as I couldn’t handle the z9.
So good info as always! I'm waiting for my order to arrive 😍
Great video!!. Thank you for sharing!. As for the battery, let's hope Nikon will come up with a newer and upgraded one to replace the EN-EL15C. I'm definitely getting this camera as soon as I get a chance!
Can wait to get mine, I already have Z9 and I have been waiting for baby Z9 & Nikon Delivered it.
As always, an excellent review !! 😊
I booked this exact combo...Z8+Z400mm f4.5.
Can't wait for it....
Also eagerly waiting for the AF setup for this 🙏🏽
Great intro to the camera, Steve!
Had been waiting for your video on Z8. Booking mine soon😅
That's a dream setup. Thanks for making this, well done 👍👍
Thank you for this hands-on, practical deep-dive. I'm still waiting for Nikon to deliver on the promise on their 200-600.
The price on this lens will be interesting
Lens coming in August!
Thanks! Glad I ordered it then 😀
Thanks Steve. So glad to hear this as I've already bought one (shoukld arrive in a week or two) 🙂
Excellent info. I have one on preorder.
Thank you. I appreciate your videos, to the point and covering exactly what I needed to know about this new camera (without camera specs that are easily looked up on the Nikon website).
Thanks for your honest review!!!
Always informative. You are a great teacher and photographer. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.
He needs to talk a little faster, lol
Again, great presentation Steve.......
Thank you for the video. Just love it. Very informative. I learned a lot from your book. Hope you will have video about Fujifilm cameras.
thanks Steve, i have placed order to upgrade my D7100 that i bought in year 2014 to this Z8. I do shoot birds most of the time plus insects, sunrise, sunset and milky way. this Z8 is perfect to me. i got F mount Nikkor 50mm F1.8 and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary to start with the Z8 and will wait for discount on Z 14-24mm, Z 85mm f1.2 and Z 70-200mm plus 2xTC.
Thank you so much for this meaningful review, Steve. First of its kind for me.
Great upload Steve, as a Z9 owner this video hurts a bit; read: money & weight. I comfort myself with the fact that the Z9 is a far better door stopper.. Keep it up man ❤
Best bang for the buck: Reviews by Steve Perry. Well done and very trustworthy.
Main reason why im learning on this. Same habit as I always turn off the camera when on idle mode or waiting for my next shot. The response time when turning on is instant like dslr compare to other mirrorless brand :)
I’ve decided it’s time to upgrade from the D500 and the Z8 is on order. Thanks for the videos.
fantastic review ; the books steve has written on wildlife photography are a must read .. absolute gems!
Thanks so much!
Hi, thanks for a very good review. I’ll be purchasing one shortly
Informative as always. Thanks for sharing.
As a sports shooter, I appreciate that the Z8 has the SD card. When you're trading out cards for people who are doing media posts of a game in progress, everyone has the capability to read an SD card but those having the ability to read a CFE card is a much smaller group.
Thanks a million for the awesome video... As always... I have been looking for someone to do the focus speed test... And you did it... Thanks a million once again for the information and effort you have put in the video...
That 400 4.5 on the Z8 looks nice and light, can't wait to try this combo out!
You wildlife photographers have an odd sense of the word, "light". 💪💪💪 For portraits, the Z7II and 85mm f/1.8 are light!
Great video as usual Steve! I like that you are showing us the test methods you are using, it gives a good understanding on how it will perform in the field. I must say the Z8 is temptingas a backup camera for my Z9, but as for now I use my Z9 all time so it is hard to see where I would use the Z8. Though it is good to see Nikon really stepping up the game. Again thank you Steve!
Thanks very much Steve. Very useful information.
Thanks Steve for your accurate information. 👍
Man you really know how to teach!! 👏🏻🙌🏻
Very simple solution for buffer for “backup” shooters: set to overflow, but use the internal file copy feature in the menu to periodically back your CF ExpressCard up to SD, that way you are maximizing buffer AND routinely keeping your files backed up. The back up is quite fast.
This is ideal, thanks! And for paid event gigs, I’ll just write RAW + JPEG for instant backup, since I don’t need the endless buffer in that scenario 👍🏻
Good point!
Quick question: Do you know whether this feature is z8/z9 specific, or is it available on the z7ii too ? If so I haven't found it, yet.
@@siras2 On Z9 it's under Playback, very bottom option is "copy image(s)". I want to say it was on the Z7ii as well.
assume this cannot work for video?
Very compelling review! 😊
Wonderful work. You are a truly gifted teacher. Some of my Yale professors could’ve learned a lot from you on how to connect with students.
Wow, thank you!
Great video again Steve. I always heard (and never really believed) the theory that the pro bodies had some effect on focus on big glass, due to the extra power from the larger battery. Glad you've put that one to bed
I can't speak for all pro bodies but in this case I don't see any difference.
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍🤗
Good morning Steve . Thanks for sharing . 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
Awesome review 👍👍
Very informative video, Steve! I already purchased the Z9 book (have read it twice now) and will be purchasing the Nikon autofocus book in the near future. Have already preordered the Z8 and I know I will hit the ground running because of your informative and well presented setup guide. You are a gifted and talented teacher who is a great asset to the community of wildlife shooters. Keep up the great work!
Great review.
Marvelous, trusted absolutely
Thanks Steve for the great video again! cant wait for my Z8 to come next week! and I will start reading your book in the meanwhile. questions regarding the battery, have you tried the PD port to see the charging speed? would Z8 run on a power bank?
I have used the PD port for charging however I am not time to compare to the normal charger.
Nice video steve. Z8 looks like a banger of a camera. I know the spot youre at :30 I love that whole area for photography. Im there nearly every week. Take care and stay safe out there bro. Happy birding.
Great video, Steve. While largely as expected, it's great to hear specifics.
Thanks Eric :)
THANK YOU so much for the video!!!!! I am used to my Fuji cameras, yet, this camera for wildlife birding might be so good! Best from Uruguay. By the way, I can't get your book into Uruguay, is there a kindle copy as well ? Thanks again.
Great video Steve! I have already preordered the Z8 and your book. I only wish the title of the video would have been "If you've already ordered the Z8 you'll be glad you did"
Ahh, that would have been good :)
🤣
Excellent video Steve, great to hear your experience. The Z8 is a little way off for me but for now I’ve got a Z6II, which I use for product photography, video, and hobby landscape/hiking photography and astrophotography. Going on a big road trip to the southwest later this year and I’d like to pick up a zoom lens with a decent range but not so huge that I couldn’t hike with it. Any Z lenses you’d recommend?
just a thought I had, you could check on renting a lens you like or have considered purchasing. I would love to shoot with the Nikon 400mm 2.8 TC. can't buy one, probably couldn't even rent one.
It’s a little crazy when you consider reviewers already say the Z9 competes very well against the Sony A1, for less, and now you have the Z8 which should also compete against the A1 for $3999. Nikon is being very aggressive, even if it means they will be selling many less Z9s now.
They really have been aggressive. I feel like they could have gotten a lot more for the Z9 and it's probably more for this one too. To get a stack sensor at this price is fantastic.
Don't forget the price of equivalent lenses. You can get a used f mount 400mm 2.8 for 1/5th of a Sony equivalent. Sony lenses are *extremely* cost prohibitive, and whilst they are releasing a 300 2.8 soon, it won't be cheap.
Excellent review. My second card is always in overflow and I don't mind changing batteries so those are not issues for me. I don't specialize in wildlife photography. I do lots of landscapes, urban street stuff, macro, etc. as well. Sounds like a great camera for an eclectic shooter like myself. Using a d610 and d500 right now.
Very cool. Thanks.
Steve, your content is really good and we always look forward to seeing your videos. I would absolutely love to see a head to head tracking/acquisition test between R5, Z8 and A1 - I hear so many conflicting opinions about the AF system for all three cameras, it would be great to put that discussion to rest.
The discussion will never be put to rest. The internet prohibits that! 🤣
I tried R6 II against this. Nikon has more keeper photos. Even my z6II is better than R6 II in terms of keeper photos.
Thanks for the info very useful
Thank you for the information!!
Sounds like a good camera. Love my D500 so won’t be changing anytime soon.
Completed my pre-order. Will be a huge upgrade for me, as I was waiting for a great economic mirror-less from by DSLRs(5300, d500) and 200-500mm, 500PF..
Getting an ftz and another 15c as well..! That would give me 3 extra batteries as I already have extra 15c..!
Cheers to you and waiting for your tips for setting up for birding using the z8..!!
Excellent video Steve. Thanks for the info regarding battery life. I just ordered the Z8 last week to compliment my two Z9 bodies that are as heavy as brick but at the same time build like a tank. I wonder how’s the weather resistance of Z8 compare to Z9 because the Z9 outperforms Sony A1 and Canon R5 in crazy rain for me so far and I can live with the weight lol. Btw I’m starting TH-cam and have a lot to learn from you.
Thanks so much! I've heard mixed things from Nikon and others. The consensus seems to be that it's somewhere between D850 level and Z9 level. I'm going to try to get an official answer from Nikon for the main review. :)
Personally, I think the camera can handle whatever we throw at it. Also, good luck with your channel - I just subbed :)
@@backcountrygallery yay that means a lot. Now pressure is on and I gotta do more videos. Z8 specs is almost too good to be true. With the same AF, image sensor etc but a lot lighter and $1500 less it’s crazy lol. Thanks once again for the great video.
Awesome information can i please request what gimbal head are you using please if that can also be set up straight on a super clamp from Monfroto please... thank you
I love my 400mm f4.5 with the 1.4X tele. Remarkably light weight.
Steve: Excellent review, as always. I have most of your books love all your videos. I shoot wildlife, birds, and landscapes and occasionally sports cars, using a D850 and a variety of quality Nikon glass. When you do your next video on the Z8, can you address the differences, pros and cons, of the Z8 and the D850 for hobbyist DSLR photographers like me? I don't think I have the budget to go all in on mirrorless glass. In short, should D8950 users like me upgrade from to Z8 and why?
Thanks for the informative review, Steve. Always enjoy the candid and thorough reviews you do. Been considering the Z8 as a back-up to the Z9, or just an alternative for a lighter set up on occasion. I have a question regarding LR editing of Z9 files, and by extension, Z8 files and hoping you may be able to provide some insight. I've found that Lightroom renders Z9 files with a lot of noise. It's to the point that even images shot at 100-200 ISO have a lot of noise in the shadows and you're forced to apply 3rd party denoise software to clean them up. At least you can now also do it within LR, but the point being that you shouldn't have to at those ISO levels. I have not had the same issues on my D850. I don't know if it's that Nikon's files from the Z9 sensor are noisier, or if it's how LR renders them. I've heard that other editing software, such as Capture One and NX, does not result in noisy images, but I don't know if maybe they're incorporating noise reduction as part of the importation process. Have you had similar results and if so have you found any options to help mitigate?
I do find some times that the files are noisy or that I like. However I think part of that is just the nature of using these higher resolution sensors. I do know that the Nikon software does render them better however I do believe they are also adding some noise reduction as they do it. It also helps if you use the masking tool in light room under the sharpening panel to make sure you're not sharpening background noise. I think that's a big contributor.
@@backcountrygallery Thanks Steve. Yeah, wasn't sure if just due to size of sensor or not since in my D850 i don't see this level of noise. Maybe it's more due to the type of sensor.
nice video steve
I dont shoot Nikon but if you do this is the guy with the truth, looks to me like a top tier camera and I could care less what others on tubeyou say
Thanks Steve, as always very informative. I do have a lens question, I'm looking to upgrade my Sigma 150-600mm. What are your thoughts on the 500pf vs 200-500? Unfortunately, the Z glass is out of budget right now!
I had both but once I got the 500PF that was my go-to. I seldom used the 200-500 unless I knew I needed a zoom.
Hi nice post thank u. Z8 is $6K in Australia. D500 is $900 for excellent condition second hand. So we pay additional $5K for another 10 vs 20 FPS, moderately higher ISO capability and eye detection AF. For us bird shooters where reach is paramount unless money no object I’ll be sticking with d500 for while and I know most by Birdo friends doing same here in Oz
Excellent Video..waiting for detailed review..thanks
Thanks, for this Video, I am contemplating to upgrade my z6II as I have a 500 PF lens and 100-400z, I am a serious wildlife hobbyist.
You seem to have the easiest contemplation in the comments.