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...👌
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.
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"
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 ❤
Thanks Steve. I just took delivery a couple days ago. My primary interest is astrolandscape, and the starlight view mode (along with the high resolution) was a deal maker. Just that is going to be a game changer for me. As much as I love my good old D750 that I've been using for 9 years, I'm really over having to take a bunch of super high ISO shots in the dark to get my composition right. I also love doing the kind of photography you do, as well as regular landscape, other wildlife, and sports. I believe I'm going to be very happy with this camera because, like you said, it promises to be excellent at all these genres.
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 :)
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!
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
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, 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.
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.
For those of us that are happily using a Nikon D500, the advantages of the Nikon Z8 seem to be eye autofocus, increased frame rate, the wysiwyg feature, and, for me, I think I would use the crop DX mode for some of my bird photography, as I am so used to it with the D500. How the Nikon lenses work with the Nikon adaptor is also of interest to me as I have some incredible Nikon lenses, such as the Nikon 105mm DC, which I am in love with, that I want to be able to use on the mirrorless system. So far, as I am thrilled with my Nikon D500, I am going to wait a while and let the inevitable first-year software updates and changes take place before jumping in. Weight wise this camera is far more intriguing than the Z9, as I prefer to handhold to use my 500 zooms . I have been waiting for your first impressions of this camera and will be viewing your upcoming videos. Looking forward to your Z8 photos as well.
Keep in mind that Nikon 105mm DC does not AF with the adapter (as the lens does not have an AF motor as eg an AFS lens). Otherwise, with the lenses that AF with the adapter, usually the results are better and this has to do that usually the need of AF tuning is smaller.
@@stavros.fourfourianakis Thank you for responding. AF is not crucial to me on the 105 DC as I am photographing static subjects. The bokeh it creates is outstanding. I have other Nikon lenses that should make the transition with an adaptor without a problem.
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!
Re battery life, you can get a lot more if you use use VF only - that's why the switch / button is there :) esp. with the (relatively) low resolution EVF in these cams.
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
Thanks Steve -- great to hear your Z9 is back. Agree - the SD card throttles and twin CFE would have been better for a $4k body. NEVER EVER use SD on backup. The fastest OWC V90 achieves 276 MB/s --vs-- Delkin Black 650GB CFExpress-B at 1530 = so less than 1/5th the speed. So not for me except overflow and copy back-up if I need to. Compare the Z8 to other split 2 card bodies - all have the same issue with the slowness of the card in the SD slot. Turn the Brightness of the EVF/LCD down by -1 or -2 to save battery a bit still very bright. AF speed -- perfect results for the lenses I use.
A lot of photographers who will want features in the Z8 will be fine with the performance of the SD card. It seems that so many consider their use case as what everyone needs.
I am also. I always add a vertical grip for ergonomic reasons, and the Z9 is more comfortable than the Z8+grip. When the time arrives, the extra 20% will be worth it.
@@gewglesux I agree. Previous integrated-grip cameras like the D3, D4, and D5 were less comfortable to hold in vertical orientation. Using the grip on the D700/D800/D810/D850 was more comfortable for me. This is the first time it reverses, the Z9 is more comfortable than the Z8 + grip.
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..!!
I have never shot Nikon, canon for 20 years and now Sony for the last 4 years but it's great to see Nikon stepping up again. This Z8 would make an amazing wedding and events camera, my filed of work. I have subscribed, I don't shoot Nikon or wildlife I just love photography and you are one of the best I have watch on TH-cam for a long time.
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).
On battery life, my z6ii is an energy hog when shooting with the 200-500mm. But with the 24-200, I can shoot for days on a single battery. So I think how and what you shoot with really makes a difference.
Thanx for the review, I am waiting for my Z8 that should be here in 2 weeks, I guess the price difference is not that big for those who would worry about card speed or battery life. This camera was built for urban lazy photographers like myself. I do a lot of timelapse so SD card is a good option for me, and 24000 mAh power bank is cheaper than a spare battery. If one can afford a 600mm f4 lens, and needs the high speed buffering, then he should be prosecuted if he buys Z8 rather than Z9 :)
EXACTLY! So many people are whining that it isn't a Z9 for $1500 less. And a few are whining that it's too close to a Z9, but smaller, and they bought the Z9. I guess if Nikon is making both groups angry, they found the right balance?
I really like the fact that that Nikon is using the EN-EL15 with multiple systems. It really makes my travel easier just using one battery type for everything.
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!
My Z6 with a 24-70 f/4 used just 4% battery in 5 hours, with the display timed out and just sitting on a table. So I rarely turn off the power switch, I just let it time out to a blank screen and then press any key to wake it up. (But for your wildlife photography, you probably don't like timed screen timeouts.)
coming from a D850, i had zero hesitation ordering the Z8 the second it launched. Picking it up soon :) am extremely happy to see this review, now my only debate is if i trade in the d850 or sell it or keep it.. i think i might keep it for a while since i still need to migrate all my glass. REALLY looking forward to the potential Z improvements on focus compared to the D850. thanks for the review info, and giving me more confidence that i'm going to be less worried about hiding the Z8 purchase from the significant other until its actually paid off. for me the battery life probably is going to be fine at 2 hours continuous, however thanks for running that test as well. i also gripped my D850 mostly for the 9 FPS, Z8 at up to 20 smokes that so no grip i probably will even tone down the max fps if thats an option.. my first Z camera woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
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.
I think, I´ll stay with my complete F-Gear. D810, 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8, 200-500/5.6, nifty fifty and my good old F3. They work, they do, what I want from them. That´s fine with me. 😊
Yes, thanks. For people that take a lot of long videos, the camera overheats. You can see the tests of that on Matt Granger's channel. The other missing element is the GPS. I will say that, including the risk of a bug, if you have the Z9 and can del with the weight, stay with it, it's simply better.
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.
I think I read somewhere where it said the Z8 is able to focus a little better at longer distances with big lenses, so that might have been the reason for the focus difference with the 800.
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.
Thanks for the video. I have been using a D500 to shoot high school sports for several years and am trying to decide if I should make the jump to the Z8. The football field lighting at most schools I shoot varies a lot from the center of the field to the end zones and having WYSIWYG would be a plus. I have usually bought new bodies and used glass and the $4k for this would be by far the most I've spent on a camera item. It becomes a bit of an economics utility decision with a lot of options competing for those dollars (I am a serious hobbiest shooter but not working for $). Then there is the part of figuring out how to tell my wife I only paid $400 for it. lol
love the insight. i think the comparison is with the D850- as a D850 shooter the SD/CF fits right into my workflow- I know the dual types isnt ideal for everyone but for a run n gun guy like myself its perfect.
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!
That makes sense. I honestly think that for the vast majority of its intended users, this is really just a non-issue that's been blown out of all proportion by the internet megaphone.
One thing I've done with my Z6 and Z7 is shoot to the CF Express card, and then during a break, or some other time when I can plug in the camera, I would just copy from the CFE card to the SD card as a backup. I know it's not the same as writing to both cards at the same time when shooting, but it's the next best thing that won't slow down the camera. But honestly, if you get a good name brand card that's recommended/tested by Nikon then you really don't have to worry about card failure at least with CFExpress and XQD (probably more prone with cheaper SD cards but not realy with the others). The battery thing can be an issue but if you plan ahead and have some spares, you can make do without (or get the grip to get about 2/3 the battery life of the Z9 according to CIPA ratings). But even just picking up a ew spare batteries is far cheaper than buying a Z9 if battery life is a concern. You might miss a few shots while switching batteries but IMO the price point of $4,000 for basically 90% of the Z9 is fantastic. I mean in reality, Nikon could have asked $4500 for this camera and people probably would have still bought it (although for some it may have made justifying the Z9 easier over the Z8). So with that said, can't wait to get my Z8... I will however have to part with the Z6 II (as I want to keep my Z7 II for non-wildlife stuff like landscape where AF speed is not a concern) but then again, I mainly bought the Z6 II to do what the Z8 will be doing (wildlife, and other fast-moving subject matter) so the Z8 will fill that void.
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.
Looking forward to the Z8, preordered right after launch video. It’s going to be a great companion to my Z9, have wanted a second since buying it last year. The Z8 is the answer, same features in a smaller body. There are times where the Z9 is a bit too large, I’ve been using the analogy that having the Z9 and Z8 is like having two different size hammers in your tool box. Both perform the same task but each is better suited to a different job.
I would have probably bought that one but Nikon was too slow to release it and I’m now on a A7R5. Trying to find consolation in the fact that the Z8 is quite bulky and heavy for a mirrorless camera at least for me. I went from Nikon to Fuji mirrorless a few years ago for weight mainly. But the Z8 seems a great camera especially for the price. My R5 was way too expensive for what it is and the Z8 represents so much more value. Anyway, I’m quite hapy with it and image quality is great. I might come back to Nikon in a few years time for my next switching campaign (happens every 6-7 years 😂. The Z8 is what a lot of Nikon shooters were waiting for and Nikon for once deliver at an amazing price point. So enjoy and happy shooting folks !
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...
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.
Finally a Z8 review that’s not casting for clickbait and sensationalism. Thank you!
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!🎉
I’ve decided it’s time to upgrade from the D500 and the Z8 is on order. Thanks for the videos.
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
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.
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 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 :)
🤣
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!
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!
As always Steve is the best teacher!
Thanks Steve! You are the only one I trust on these reviews! You call it the way it is! Thanks for taking me along!
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 ❤
Can wait to get mine, I already have Z9 and I have been waiting for baby Z9 & Nikon Delivered it.
Thanks for the response Steve, I was leaning that way!
Thank you. Helpful! I’m looking forward to the z8 as I couldn’t handle the z9.
Thanks Steve. I just took delivery a couple days ago. My primary interest is astrolandscape, and the starlight view mode (along with the high resolution) was a deal maker. Just that is going to be a game changer for me. As much as I love my good old D750 that I've been using for 9 years, I'm really over having to take a bunch of super high ISO shots in the dark to get my composition right. I also love doing the kind of photography you do, as well as regular landscape, other wildlife, and sports. I believe I'm going to be very happy with this camera because, like you said, it promises to be excellent at all these genres.
fantastic review ; the books steve has written on wildlife photography are a must read .. absolute gems!
Thanks so much!
Your views are always worth watching
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 :)
Thanks Steve, A lot of what people wanted to hear. I'll have mine this week and a busy weekend ahead with it.
Steve - you're a treasure - thanks for all this information.
Always informative. You are a great teacher and photographer. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.
He needs to talk a little faster, lol
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!
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.
Once more you have the best non nuances hands on review from ANYBODY in TH-cam! Thank you Steve!!!
Had been waiting for your video on Z8. Booking mine soon😅
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.
Best bang for the buck: Reviews by Steve Perry. Well done and very trustworthy.
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.
Man you really know how to teach!! 👏🏻🙌🏻
I booked 2 can't wait
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.
For those of us that are happily using a Nikon D500, the advantages of the Nikon Z8 seem to be eye autofocus, increased frame rate, the wysiwyg feature, and, for me, I think I would use the crop DX mode for some of my bird photography, as I am so used to it with the D500. How the Nikon lenses work with the Nikon adaptor is also of interest to me as I have some incredible Nikon lenses, such as the Nikon 105mm DC, which I am in love with, that I want to be able to use on the mirrorless system. So far, as I am thrilled with my Nikon D500, I am going to wait a while and let the inevitable first-year software updates and changes take place before jumping in. Weight wise this camera is far more intriguing than the Z9, as I prefer to handhold to use my 500 zooms . I have been waiting for your first impressions of this camera and will be viewing your upcoming videos. Looking forward to your Z8 photos as well.
Keep in mind that Nikon 105mm DC does not AF with the adapter (as the lens does not have an AF motor as eg an AFS lens). Otherwise, with the lenses that AF with the adapter, usually the results are better and this has to do that usually the need of AF tuning is smaller.
@@stavros.fourfourianakis Thank you for responding. AF is not crucial to me on the 105 DC as I am photographing static subjects. The bokeh it creates is outstanding. I have other Nikon lenses that should make the transition with an adaptor without a problem.
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!
Again, great presentation 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
Re battery life, you can get a lot more if you use use VF only - that's why the switch / button is there :) esp. with the (relatively) low resolution EVF in these cams.
For the test it was viewfinder only. And again it was just a test to see how long the camera would run under continuous use
@@backcountrygallery Nice !
Your videos and books have helped me improve quite a bit, thank you and keep up the great content!!
Thanks! Glad I ordered it then 😀
I love my 400mm f4.5 with the 1.4X tele. Remarkably light weight.
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
Thanks Steve -- great to hear your Z9 is back.
Agree - the SD card throttles and twin CFE would have been better for a $4k body. NEVER EVER use SD on backup. The fastest OWC V90 achieves 276 MB/s --vs-- Delkin Black 650GB CFExpress-B at 1530 = so less than 1/5th the speed. So not for me except overflow and copy back-up if I need to. Compare the Z8 to other split 2 card bodies - all have the same issue with the slowness of the card in the SD slot.
Turn the Brightness of the EVF/LCD down by -1 or -2 to save battery a bit still very bright.
AF speed -- perfect results for the lenses I use.
A lot of photographers who will want features in the Z8 will be fine with the performance of the SD card. It seems that so many consider their use case as what everyone needs.
Great intro to the camera, Steve!
Steve, another very informative video. Looking forward to the detailed set-up video for the Z8!
Excellent info. I have one on preorder.
Thanks Steve, excellent info as usual. My Z8 should be here within a few weeks.
staying with the Z9 when the time arrives! Thanks Steve
I am also. I always add a vertical grip for ergonomic reasons, and the Z9 is more comfortable than the Z8+grip. When the time arrives, the extra 20% will be worth it.
@@UnconventionalReasoning I understand the grip on the Z9 is similar to the grip on the 850.. which i find very comfortable.
@@gewglesux The grip on the Z9 is basically the same in vertical or horizontal orientation. The MB-N12 feels different than the Z8 regular grip.
@@UnconventionalReasoning I've only held a Z9 once. Man o Man is it comfy for such a big body
@@gewglesux I agree. Previous integrated-grip cameras like the D3, D4, and D5 were less comfortable to hold in vertical orientation. Using the grip on the D700/D800/D810/D850 was more comfortable for me. This is the first time it reverses, the Z9 is more comfortable than the Z8 + grip.
Thanks Steve. So glad to hear this as I've already bought one (shoukld arrive in a week or two) 🙂
Thank you so much for this worthful information. I'm really excited to hear more on the z8.
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.
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..!!
I booked this exact combo...Z8+Z400mm f4.5.
Can't wait for it....
Also eagerly waiting for the AF setup for this 🙏🏽
Great video Steve , nice solid info ! Thank you ! I preordered mine in the morning of launch
I have never shot Nikon, canon for 20 years and now Sony for the last 4 years but it's great to see Nikon stepping up again. This Z8 would make an amazing wedding and events camera, my filed of work. I have subscribed, I don't shoot Nikon or wildlife I just love photography and you are one of the best I have watch on TH-cam for a long time.
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).
On battery life, my z6ii is an energy hog when shooting with the 200-500mm. But with the 24-200, I can shoot for days on a single battery. So I think how and what you shoot with really makes a difference.
Probably the VR
@@livejames9374 yes VR
Thanx for the review, I am waiting for my Z8 that should be here in 2 weeks, I guess the price difference is not that big for those who would worry about card speed or battery life. This camera was built for urban lazy photographers like myself.
I do a lot of timelapse so SD card is a good option for me, and 24000 mAh power bank is cheaper than a spare battery.
If one can afford a 600mm f4 lens, and needs the high speed buffering, then he should be prosecuted if he buys Z8 rather than Z9 :)
EXACTLY! So many people are whining that it isn't a Z9 for $1500 less. And a few are whining that it's too close to a Z9, but smaller, and they bought the Z9. I guess if Nikon is making both groups angry, they found the right balance?
Thank you so much for this meaningful review, Steve. First of its kind for me.
Great video, Steve. While largely as expected, it's great to hear specifics.
Thanks Eric :)
Good morning Steve . Thanks for sharing . 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
I really like the fact that that Nikon is using the EN-EL15 with multiple systems. It really makes my travel easier just using one battery type for everything.
They've kept it for over a decade!
So good info as always! I'm waiting for my order to arrive 😍
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!
My Z6 with a 24-70 f/4 used just 4% battery in 5 hours, with the display timed out and just sitting on a table. So I rarely turn off the power switch, I just let it time out to a blank screen and then press any key to wake it up. (But for your wildlife photography, you probably don't like timed screen timeouts.)
coming from a D850, i had zero hesitation ordering the Z8 the second it launched. Picking it up soon :) am extremely happy to see this review, now my only debate is if i trade in the d850 or sell it or keep it.. i think i might keep it for a while since i still need to migrate all my glass. REALLY looking forward to the potential Z improvements on focus compared to the D850. thanks for the review info, and giving me more confidence that i'm going to be less worried about hiding the Z8 purchase from the significant other until its actually paid off.
for me the battery life probably is going to be fine at 2 hours continuous, however thanks for running that test as well. i also gripped my D850 mostly for the 9 FPS, Z8 at up to 20 smokes that so no grip i probably will even tone down the max fps if thats an option.. my first Z camera woooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
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.
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.
I think, I´ll stay with my complete F-Gear. D810, 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8, 200-500/5.6, nifty fifty and my good old F3. They work, they do, what I want from them. That´s fine with me. 😊
Thanks very much Steve. Very useful information.
Bought the book, can’t wait for your update.
Yes, thanks. For people that take a lot of long videos, the camera overheats. You can see the tests of that on Matt Granger's channel. The other missing element is the GPS. I will say that, including the risk of a bug, if you have the Z9 and can del with the weight, stay with it, it's simply better.
I agree I don't know that I would trade Z9 for a Z8, however I think the Z8 makes a nice companion to the Z9 - at least for me :)
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.
That's a dream setup. Thanks for making this, well done 👍👍
As always, an excellent review !! 😊
Sounds like a good camera. Love my D500 so won’t be changing anytime soon.
I think I read somewhere where it said the Z8 is able to focus a little better at longer distances with big lenses, so that might have been the reason for the focus difference with the 800.
Could be - I think I saw that somewhere as well.
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 video. I have been using a D500 to shoot high school sports for several years and am trying to decide if I should make the jump to the Z8. The football field lighting at most schools I shoot varies a lot from the center of the field to the end zones and having WYSIWYG would be a plus. I have usually bought new bodies and used glass and the $4k for this would be by far the most I've spent on a camera item. It becomes a bit of an economics utility decision with a lot of options competing for those dollars (I am a serious hobbiest shooter but not working for $). Then there is the part of figuring out how to tell my wife I only paid $400 for it. lol
Ha ha! Specially if she is an accountant. You might get audited by her
love the insight. i think the comparison is with the D850- as a D850 shooter the SD/CF fits right into my workflow- I know the dual types isnt ideal for everyone but for a run n gun guy like myself its perfect.
yea if you still have F mount lenses, i want to go for the D850 when i have the money for it. z8 z9 is too expensive for me anyway
d850 euro € 2.899,-
Excellent and precise review. Thanks Steve.
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!
Excellent and informative video as always!
Love your passion, enthusiasms and skills!!!
I was at a Z8 coming out party on Friday. The Nikon rep indicated that if they had put 2 CF Express slots in, the camera would be wider and taller.
That makes sense. I honestly think that for the vast majority of its intended users, this is really just a non-issue that's been blown out of all proportion by the internet megaphone.
One thing I've done with my Z6 and Z7 is shoot to the CF Express card, and then during a break, or some other time when I can plug in the camera, I would just copy from the CFE card to the SD card as a backup. I know it's not the same as writing to both cards at the same time when shooting, but it's the next best thing that won't slow down the camera. But honestly, if you get a good name brand card that's recommended/tested by Nikon then you really don't have to worry about card failure at least with CFExpress and XQD (probably more prone with cheaper SD cards but not realy with the others). The battery thing can be an issue but if you plan ahead and have some spares, you can make do without (or get the grip to get about 2/3 the battery life of the Z9 according to CIPA ratings). But even just picking up a ew spare batteries is far cheaper than buying a Z9 if battery life is a concern. You might miss a few shots while switching batteries but IMO the price point of $4,000 for basically 90% of the Z9 is fantastic. I mean in reality, Nikon could have asked $4500 for this camera and people probably would have still bought it (although for some it may have made justifying the Z9 easier over the Z8). So with that said, can't wait to get my Z8... I will however have to part with the Z6 II (as I want to keep my Z7 II for non-wildlife stuff like landscape where AF speed is not a concern) but then again, I mainly bought the Z6 II to do what the Z8 will be doing (wildlife, and other fast-moving subject matter) so the Z8 will fill that void.
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.
Hi, thanks for a very good review. I’ll be purchasing one shortly
As always an informative and well done video. Great photos as usual!
Looking forward to the Z8, preordered right after launch video. It’s going to be a great companion to my Z9, have wanted a second since buying it last year. The Z8 is the answer, same features in a smaller body. There are times where the Z9 is a bit too large, I’ve been using the analogy that having the Z9 and Z8 is like having two different size hammers in your tool box. Both perform the same task but each is better suited to a different job.
I only hope I can get one before my Europe trip (last 2 weeks of June)! :)
Join NPS really quickly!
Hi Steve, thank you for your expertise, tests and honest review!
As always, thank you for this!
I would have probably bought that one but Nikon was too slow to release it and I’m now on a A7R5. Trying to find consolation in the fact that the Z8 is quite bulky and heavy for a mirrorless camera at least for me. I went from Nikon to Fuji mirrorless a few years ago for weight mainly. But the Z8 seems a great camera especially for the price. My R5 was way too expensive for what it is and the Z8 represents so much more value. Anyway, I’m quite hapy with it and image quality is great. I might come back to Nikon in a few years time for my next switching campaign (happens every 6-7 years 😂.
The Z8 is what a lot of Nikon shooters were waiting for and Nikon for once deliver at an amazing price point. So enjoy and happy shooting folks !
The current A7 series is fantastic too. We had a great time with our A74 in Costa Rica a few weeks back :)
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...
Informative as always. Thanks for sharing.
Looking forward to Full Review. Thanks for the update
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.