Nikon Z8: Six Months Later
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- #nikonz8
I've had the Nikon Z8 camera for 6 months now. I think it's time to give my thoughts on the Z9's little brother.
Gear used to make this video:
Nikon Z9 camera (B&H) bhpho.to/3mT38iY
Nikon Z8 camera (B&H) bhpho.to/3HZhIja
Nikon Zf Camera (B&H) bhpho.to/3PO3bew
Nikon NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S Lens (B&H) bhpho.to/3FsQ8Kp
Nikon Z6 camera (B&H) (discontinued)
(Available option) Nikon Z6II camera (B&H) bhpho.to/3kvpxAK
Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8S lens (B&H) bhpho.to/3GWtfxv
TASCAM DR-60DmkII DSLR Audio Recorder (B&H) bhpho.to/31Jfli7
Røde Wireless Go (B&H) bhpho.to/3qiyK3J
Røde Lavalier Go (B&H) bhpho.to/308f1Jf
Røde NTG2 Condenser Shotgun Microphone (B&H) bhpho.to/3H5wxhO
Aputure Amaran MC (B&H) bhpho.to/3o6MonS
Aputure Amaran H528W (Similar, updated light @ B&H) bhpho.to/3F0SsFk
Godox UL60 Silent LED Video Light (StrobePro): bit.ly/3PfDBge
Godox UL150 Silent LED Video Light (StrobePro): bit.ly/3hg8dSo
Godox UL60 Silent LED Video Light (B&H) bhpho.to/3iUQiBr
Godox UL150 Silent LED Video Light (B&H) bhpho.to/3iP4hJa
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Chapters
Intro: 0:00
Photo examples: 1:25
Missing features? 1:56
Bonus features: 3:17
FTZ: 5:39
The Hudson Henry view: 5:50
Cost factor: 6:26
Fanboy: 6:50
Z8 teething trouble: 7:34
FUD: 8:48
Battery grip: 11:03
Timelapse: 11:17
My Zed history: 12:21
Overheating reprise: 14:02
Zeez in my bag: 14:40
Nikon market: 14:52
Trickle down factor: 15:24
Zed Zen Kogaku: 16:15
Outro: 16:59
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I hate clickbait and fear spreading videos ::: I do enjoy honest videos like these
Glad you enjoyed this, Obed.
I felt your video is very genuine and you spoke the truth and not just to rack up the ratings. ❤ thank you for that.
I appreciate that! Thanks.
Absolutely agree with the clickbait stuff. There was a time when the "Don't buy until...." headline pulled me up short, out of curiosity and self-doubt about my purchases. Very soon it was obvious what was going on. Now, I nevr go near those video, whoever's it is.
I'm surprised the Z8 is considered a prosumer camera, which means Nikon only ever has one current Pro camera on the go at anyone time. Have I got that right?
I think a strategy that puts all but the pro stuff into a smaller body, is a great one. Sales are bound to rocket. I bought my D700 - I thought it was a beautiful camera at the time - because it was reckoned to be all but a D3. Back then cameras didn't have 25% of the features they have today. But, features are one things and, mostly in my experience and use case as a pro, largely unnecessary, such that think I don't even use 25% of what is on offer. However, if burst rate is what you need from a D9, then you get an awful lot of extra stuff thrown in. Of course, significant additional and differentiating value will be found at the real core of the higher speced models. Plus, the D9, for example, it will double up as a mallet it you forget yours on a camping trip!
But I do have a question - I wouldn't mind an opinion. I use a Z7ii and a Z6ii for pro work: events, classical concerts, weddings, lifestyle, but not sport, and rarely video.
The main challenges I have are when working quite often in very dimly lit situations (poorly lit stage, candlelit dinners, etc) that focus acquisition and noise are still challenging).
I have good, fast Z-mount lenses.
I also travel with documentary style in mind. My minimal gear is the Z6ii (supposedly better in low light vs Z7ii), Nikkor Z 14-30 f4, and 24-120 f4 S. These are very good, compact, fit into my man bag, not the 'fastest', but less expensive to lose than my other kit.
I feel the Z8 should be a noticeable improvement for focus acquisition, and an equal contender, at least, in terms of low light performance, although a larger form factor.
My Z7ii/Z6ii is a very sweet working combo in general.
If I got a Z8, would it be a dream come true?
Then, which of the now ageing, therefore less £valuable, Z6ii/Z7ii should I retain as a second 'pro' camera, which would also double up for travel? Given I really ought to use one of them as part-exchange.
Of course, were I to get a Z8, a Z8ii would be announced the following week!
And what of the Zf, about which I hear so much good?
And then, I don't think the ultimate turnout of my images taken 10 years ago, compared with today, is necessarily worse in any way, other than in the cameras were harder work, and to be honest, often the high megapixel count is overly 'aggressive'. Taking composition and experience as a given, getting the shot quickly and without camera let-down is key.
Apologies for the long comment....
P.S. I think your delivery and crafting of words, which bring nuance and accuracy, is some of the best!
just upgraded to the Z8 from my D750. is coming in the mail. can't wait!
Thanks, Ray. I always enjoy your perspective!
I appreciate that!
Raymond, I enjoy listening to your comforting voice talking about my favorite cameras. You don't get in a hurry and you provide excellent information. Thanks for sharing.
Awesome, thank you!
Terrific six month review, Ray. Having commented previously that I’ve still been living happily in the DSLR world with my D6/D850 for years now and primarily as a wildlife photographer, that changed yesterday with my order of the Z8. I have long felt that any acquisition of camera kit needs to help me achieve something I can’t currently do with what I have and, accordingly, I have been slow to move. Of course, the AF ability of the Zed system, specifically the Z8/9, is probably the single biggest leap over what I now have and I’m excited to see what I can do with it. An FTZ II adapter will be coming with it so all my F-mount glass will continue to see service. With a prospective Z-body purchase I always wondered what my first Z lens might be and I’ve speculated on that endlessly since the Z9 was launched. Well, I answered that yesterday too with the accompanying addition of a 100-400 f4.5-5.6 VR S (again, a modest product gap in my kit now filled). I still think a Z9 or its successor will find its way to my bag but in the meantime, my mirrorless journey begins. Your sober analysis, along with some select others leaves me very comfortable in my decision. I’m excited to start learning the Z8 next week. Cheers.
Great news, Marcus. Enjoy your new mirrorless journey!
Well done Ray!
Thank you very much much! I just ordered a Nikon Z8 after many years photographing with a DSLR Nikon D810 . So your video gives me trust, specially using the FTZ II adapter for my F lenses. Have a happy new year and best regards from Bogota, Colombia.
Glad it was helpful! I traded my last D800 on the Z9. I think you'll be pleased with the Z8; it's a superb camera. Happy New Camera! I've also been happy with adapted F-mount lenses, though I've traded most of them now for Z-mounts. Welcome to the world of mirrorless!
Excellent video thanks!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Superb and Merry Crimbo to you and 'er indoors (who really is not I am sure)! Happy New year too.
And a Jerry Krimble to you and yours! 🎄
Thank you for your review, Ray, and in my favourite favourite city. I am loving my Z8, and shot in Victoria for a few days in August.
Hardly took my 100-400 off, except for a few portraits with the 105 1.4, and some full moon shots down at Cattle Point.
Cattle Point! ❤️
This was a great video. Very informative. I respect your theory 100%. Yes I will subscribe , very refreshing thank you.
Thanks and welcome!
Great job!
Thank you! Cheers!
Ray great video and commentary on the 'forced negatives' we sometimes see out there. :)
Cheers, Matt! I doubt my commentary will stem the tide of FUD but there was a certain amount of satisfaction in expressing it. 😀
And very well expressed, might I add !!! :) @@RaymondParkerPhoto
Subscribed, great video!
Thanks for the sub! Welcome!
One of the best after six month reviews I ever saw. Thx a lot but why you have only few followers? Now +1
Well, I'd sure like to be able to answer your question ... but thanks for the sub 👍 and welcome aboard! Hoping to grow more in 2024.
@@RaymondParkerPhoto easy answer Ray... you tell the facts leading to the truth and have no 'FUD' (that's 'Useless Drivel' in my world) and no click-bait like a lot of frizzy-hairedbaldmarried masterklickbaters 😉! Actually the really sad bit is that they get the baited to sub! Amazes me... ho hum... Kerry Mrimbo to you both. Thinking of the great Ansel Adams - I don't think he had many subscribers either and I know his stuff is quite well revered.
I agree with you, you don't have to be negative and try so hard to bring up things you don't like to be perceived as credible, all these negativity from other channels feel like they are forcing themselves to find negative things to say so they are not labeled as fan boys as you said... If we are genuinely happy and enthusiastic, why do we have to bring up negativity unnecessarily? Thanks for keeping this review positive, the Z8 is an amazing camera, and I'm really in love with with it, is it perfect, no, does that matter if you love it, no. The problem these other channels have is they keep comparing everything Nikon releases with the competition as if they have stocks in the company or as if this was a horse race lol... Nikon will do what is best for themselves and at their pace.. For the most part I am not desperate for Nikon to release the z6iii as I have the Z8 but I can understand why others need it but I think something amazing is coming soon if have some patience. Great things coming. Cheers!
Great to hear you're loving your Z8!
Well Stated Sir💯💯
Hi Ron! Thanks!
Human nature is like a fire, it's never satisfied.
I just bought a mint Z7ii for $1500, Hoping some Z8's hit the used market next year. The Z8 looks like an amazing camera.
Good plan!
A decent take on the camera.
nice retrospective on the Z8. I've taken a somewhat similar path, going mirrorless about 4 years ago after using the Nikon D750 and D850, I traded the D750 for a Z6ii, then several months later trading that body for the Z7ii (I'm probably a resolution-snob.). I traded the Z7ii for the Z9 and that spoiled me. When the Z8 was announced, I traded the very fine D850 for the Z8. I am very content with both the Z9 and Z8 (I have the allegedly inelegant Nikon battery grip for the Z8 and use it when I'm shooting thousands of frames in a day with both cameras equipped with complimentary lenses according to the day's need.). I guess I have questionable taste, but I'm not offended by the Z8 battery grip aesthetics - I also had the Nikon battery grip for the D850 as well. The Z8 with the battery grip works great, feels very much like the Z9 when I'm using both cameras in the middle of a shoot, and it has eliminated my battery use anxiety. On that note, I should mention the battery for the Z8 is quite good, and I've shot over 3000 frames without changing batteries but then I compose via the EVF and often shoots 15fps bursts in my use case. The Z8 is my travel, hiking, grab-and-go camera while the Z9 gets the heavy duty assignments when I'm using both cameras. The battery life on the Z9 is insanely great. Keep up the good work. After watching several of your videos, I've finally subscribed. I'm not sure why it took me so long as I like your style and straight-forward views.
John, thanks very much for your useful first-hand experience here, and welcome aboard! Thanks for subscribing.
Agree the EN-EL 15C batteries are very good (glad the Zf got it) and, to be honest, I really have nothing against the Z8 battery grip. My grip gripe was more a case of searching for something to criticize ... like the nitpickers I condemn in this video! 😀 I'd really have no problem buying the MB-N12.
Great to hear your Zs are working so well for you. They are superb cameras.
Z8 is my primary body now and I can honestly say it is hands-down the best camera I’ve ever used. I’m considering the Zf as my secondary / daily carry but I’m really on the fence about holding out for the Z6III. Help me decide 😆
I feel the same. It's a keeper.
I'm using the Z9 & Z8 and waiting for the info on the Z6ii before I decide on the Zf too ...🦘
I’d suggest waiting unless the Zf has particular appeal to you. I expect that the ergonomics of the Z6iii will make it more versatile as a daily carry. The only reason I’m considering NOT waiting is that I expect to use the Zf as my dedicated vintage lens camera and, if funds allow, pick up a Z7iii or Z6iii as my daily carry once they are released.
I bought the Z8 a month ago and I'm loving the experience! There was a deal when I bought the camera that got me an extra battery and cf express card included. It finally feels like I have a Nikon mirrorless camera that just works the way it's supposed to. Low light AF for events has been great compared to my (now secondary body) Z6II.
One thing I learned that no one really talks about is when formatting the cf express card, there's a new option to do a full format or quick format. Full is good for the first format of a new card but quick should be used on the regular. You're not able to recover fully formatted photos from cf express once they're gone. I took photos at a friend's bday without a backup card. Edited the photos that night while still being drunk then fully formatted the card, went to sleep then realized the next day I only imported half of the photos I took. I tried 3 photo recovery programs with no luck. The other half of the photos I took were gone!
Ouch! That hurt. Yes, I'm aware that full format is indeed full ... well, I guess you could more accurately say *empty*.
Sorry to hear your story but thanks for sharing as a cautionary tale.
As you say, and so did I, the Z8 is a great experience. Cheers!
This is from Angel bird. I asked what type of format should I use. They told me that I should use full format, if I don't want issues with speed or corupt files.
@@MadManTnT that’s interesting to think they give us an option that can cause those issues to our cards
if you use it from time to time it is fine, but don't make a habit out of it.@@ITSPYR0N
I always do the FULL as I want to ensure no corruption
.
Just be yourself . You are doing great .
Thanks Julie! Can't be anyone else.
Z8 will be my back-up gear soon....
Great video; thanks. Just received my Z8 few weeks ago (said goodbye to my D850) and gave it a good workout yesterday (Christmas) at daughter's house with lots of stills and a 1/2 hour of video using ProRes 422 HQ. You say you film using Flat. Would you be kind enough to just give me a few works on what you do in post. I use "Standard" so don't have to do too much in post. Am I losing much by using Standard? BTW, I subscribed to your channel. I agree, doesn't make much sense for second slot to be SD so I just avoid second slot altogether. What FINALLY made me go to the Z8 was the magnificent auto focus. Just blows me away compared to the great D850 of its day. Again, thanks.
My pleasure! Most of the time (especially for YT) I do very little in post; maybe a bit of adjustment with colour wheels. Profiles are a personal choice. I, and most of the people I'm in contact with prefer Flat as a starting point.
From an Aussie, it's definitely ZED.
I love my Z8. It was enough to keep my Z6ii and modify it for Astro but now it's not great for daytime photos. The Z8 is a do all camera but will need something like a Z50ii soon for my travels. Oh well it's real first world problems. Wish we had that bird 🦅 firmware update though.
Yes, Ben, it will be interesting to see what else trickles ... well, both ways: Z9 to Z8 and vice versa. I wonder if they'll keep some things separate, like, say, the bird recognition? I'd sure like it in my Z8 and, as I said, skin softening in the Z9 ... I need it! 😀
One correction - at 4:39, you say "dual Expeed chips". I think you're harkening back to the Z7II and Z6II, or maybe referring to the dual stream as dual processors? Nice presentation, though, of the differences between the Z 8 and Z 9.
Hi Neil, thanks for the comment. I'll admit to being unclear on this technology. I should have maybe referred to the "dual pipelines" that are part of what I understand to be chips on chips, according to my research, not personal knowledge of such things.
For me after nearly 40 years using Nikon gear I returned the Z8 and leaving Nikon. The gear is just to big for me as a general camera. Now to the drawing board.
Hmmm. Agreed the Z8 isn't the smallest camera out there. But after more than 40 years (43) happily using Nikon gear, I also bought the Zf, which, for me, is the perfect balance between size, weight and pro build -- not to mention functions. If I was looking for something smaller and lighter I'd consider the Z50, a camera I hope they update next year.
I've been a Nikon user starting in the DSLR era and I love them (D750, D850, and D500) then I bought the Z6II and while it was OK, I still feel like I lost out in terms of AF. Mostly because its competition was running circles around all of the Z-Cameras. I'm sure the Lenses are great but until now I've not had any reason to buy them. I'm glad the Z8 is here but why didn't it hit the market three years ago? I'm a bit gunshy with Nikon though I'm sure I'll still remain a Nikon user.
Personally, I was enthusiastic about the Z System from day one, with the original Z6 (I still own 2). They rarely let me down. I live in the now, with those originals, the Z8, Z9, Zf and a collection of incredible Z glass.
Looking forward to more innovation from Nikon in '24!
My Z8 is ordered >> black Friday Price !! Just couldnt afford the Z9 .. it arrives next week>> at last I will be able to get Wild Life AF like I couldnt get on my now Sold Z7
What a great deal, you wisely avoided the “early adopter’s fee” unlike me 😆 Congrats, you’ll absolutely love it 👏🏻
Exciting! Congrats!
Z8 and Z9 are the same price now, what would be the decision then between the two?
I don't know where you are but here in Canada there's still $1700CA difference between the Z8 and Z9. They're 2 quite different cameras, differentiated by technical, build and ergonomic factors: battery, vertical grip, card slots (and related performance), etc. Much will depend on what you need in those regards what decision you make.
Proving you're "fair" or "balanced" doesn't extend to the behaviour of some of the reviewers whose rather poisonous and uncalled for comments completely turned me off. I don't think "trolls" have any role to play, in the review of products. While it might amuse the authors, its potential to damage companies, their employees, their shareholders, their suppliers, their retail outlets and their customers outweighs their self-interest by a country mile! I much prefer a more balanced discussion, like yours, thanks Raymond. On the subject of overheating which you touched on briefly, I think another part of the solution is choice of cards - ANYTHING pushed to the limit can hit the crash bars, and I suspect a lot of those "negative" comments came from 'togs who simply overdid video on their Z8. But I've also found that some cards - like Delkin or ProGrade - operate around body temperature, which Ireally camn't complain about - while some of the others hit operating temperatures around 85 degrees centigrade - hot enough to make a cup of coffee with! Which is clearly NOT the fault of the camera.
Cheers Richard! Definitely cards play a major role. I've had good luck with the ones I've tested for the Z9, Z8, and most recently Zf.
I don't understand why some people feel compelled to act the way they do. As you say, there a contingent that find it amusing. If so, I'm missing the joke. Yes, it has consequences.
Sadly, yes it does, Raymond. And with 99% of photos these days being taken on cellphones, I am have been genuinely worried about the future of the camera industry. I am more concerned about securing my supply of photographic gear that suits my photography, than I'm EVER likely to be, about the facetious or sarcastic comments of a small minority who seem to think they can say whatever they want to, with no regard to consequences. In fact, I've been so underwhelmed by them that I've already put a "block" on two of them, so that I am spared any further exposure to their unpleasant remarks. It saddens me - but I just don't like "arguments" and neither of them understand the difference between having a conversation and - instead - having an "argument". I didn't even try to call them out - I merely asked if they had considered "Y", instead of "X". And you could just about measure the rise in temperature that that produced!
Cmon Ray… we aren’t allowed to genuinely like anything! You know the rules!
LOL! Call me an outlaw! 😀
What is a zed
Correct way to say ZEEEEEEE😛😛😛
I disagree with his classification of the Z8 being just a prosumer camera. It is essentially the same camera as the Z9. The Z6II and Z7II are prosumera cameras. The Z8 is pro all the way.
You're essentially correct. The build and functions of the Z8 *are* pro class. But it's not a flagship. It doesn't quite equal the Z9 as far as weather-resistance and ultimate robustness. The Z9's double CFExpress also sets it apart.
Having said that, as I've mentioned in a number of my videos, the Z9 is my first true flagship; I relied on prosumer cameras, starting with an FM, for 4 decades of professional use.
I bought the z8, I don't like the button layout. the screen is small. I have to juggle between the CFexpress and SD card to avoid limiting the performance of the device. It's very expensive. In the end, it is the lenses which determine the quality of the image and not the body
I agree lenses are critical, but bodies do matter for many use cases. If you’re hitting the buffer in the Z8, it could be your card speed(s)? I write RAW (HE*) to cfe and jpg (L / Fine*) to sd, I never hit the ceiling, even when I expected to. ProGrade Cobalt or Delkin Black cards 👍🏻
@@csc-photo That seemed interesting to me. What card duo are you using exactly? no slowdown?
I can't comment on the screen and layout; if you don't like it you don't like it. But cards matter. I linked 2 tests at the end of this video.
Zed.
Yeah you really need the latest high tech pro camera to make shitty images like that.
Down to Earth, Unpretentious, Practical and Easy to understand. Not like "Fan Boy" 🤣. I've seen enough reviews, this is different. You just got a new subscriber My Z8 is back order
Welcome aboard! Hope you get your camera soon. 👍
Love the Z8 - Hate the SD slot...🦘
It's no bother to me. As I've discovered in my various tests, enough speed for what I do.
A decent take on the camera.