Nikon Z8 - Thoughts After 16,000 Shots
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 31 พ.ค. 2024
- #knightsweekends #nikonz8 #review
After spending several weeks using the Z8 almost exclusively for a variety of photo and video work, I have formed my initial opinions about this camera.
Is it a baby Z9? Who is it for? Does it have any problems? What's new about it? - Those were the questions I tried to answer, at least as much as one can after only a few weeks of use.
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A follow-up video that addresses some comments and questions raised here, as well as more testing with the hot card warnings can be seen here: th-cam.com/video/GSyTphlRCUs/w-d-xo.html
Watched so many Z8/Z9 reviews, this is really one of the most useful.
Barely anyone tested video recording outside in the real world. If it overheats at 4k so quickly, I’m worried.
With the better battery life and GPS support, I think Z9 it is.
Thank you for the video. Another group who will be very interested in this camera are people like me, a current Z7ll shooter. The Z8 is the camera we have been waiting for, with the guts of the Z9, but in a smaller body. I have never needed or particularly wanted the Z9, but this camera is miles ahead of the Z7ll in every way. My pre-order is in, and I will trade in the Z7ll, with a lens or two that I rarely use.
Thank you again
Indeed - the Z8 is a BIG step up from the Z7II (which I also have). The AF system and options alone are worth the upgrade, IMHO.
I got the Z8 to be my primary coming from a Z6ii. My first astro session went fantastic. The star light feature and backlit buttons made it easy to use as the buttons vary from the Z6ii. What I really appreciate is the weight savings. It does not over load my Move Shoot Move rotator like a Z9.
Big step up in features from the Z6ii for sure. Once you get used to the new button placement I think you'll prefer it.
Hey, Steve, can I ask you a few questions? What rotator do you have exactly? (Rotator only, pointer, polar scope...?) And how did you decide on the MSM rotator? Did you get to try other brands? Just wondering how you decided on this particular brand, how long you've been using it for, and whether you like it or not, or if you'd pick something else if you had to buy one now. Thanks in advance.
The Z8 and the new 180-600 really made the Z system the "most complete" mirrorless system for my needs.
Canon has the right camera for me, but no appealing lenses at my price point, while Sony has the amazing 200-600mm, but no interesting cameras at my price point, considering the low burst rate or resolution of most of their bodies. Now out of nowhere within a couple of weeks Nikon has both, an amazing camera and an affordable 600mm zoom, I ordered both yesterday, finally upgrading from my Fuji X system, which of course wasn't ideal for wildlife.
While certainly not "inexpensive", I agree that the Z8 combined with the 180-600 will be a fantastic system for a lot of wildlife photographers and still at a reasonable budget point. I preordered the 180-600 and am looking forward to thoroughly using and reviewing in late summer.
Good points indeed! I too, moved from the very nice Fujifilm X System to the Nikon Z System and haven't looked back. Plus, with the Z8, you can easily switch between FX and DX mode, if you want to extend the reach of your telephoto lenses, while maintaining very high image quality.And just FYI, the main reason I switched systems was not that I was unhappy the image quality from the Fuji X-System (I was not.). It was that I started printing large (30" x 40" and up), and realized that a larger sensor (FF v. APS-C) would require less enlargement, thereby providing better image quality at higher magnifications. A simple physics choice really.
Thanks, Dave. I have been looking at reviews and thinking it may be time to upgrade our D750. I was a bit shocked to see it was purchased 8 years ago, but my wife still loves it. I haven’t done much photography in a while, but since retiring, I am ready to get back into it. The overheating and battery issues shouldn’t be a problem, since I wouldn’t do much video, or 8k if I did. I will probably do some wildlife and landscapes. I think the Z8 would be great, and with a converter I can use one of the lenses we have until I decide what I want. What interesting times we are living in.
The FTZ adapter is a great way to keep using all your F lenses until you start to acquire the new Z versions.
@@KnightsandWeekends A tip for potential FTZ Adapter users who shoot on a tripod...Please don't waste your money on the original FTZ Adapter. Rather, get the newer FTZ II Adapter instead! Reason: The tripod "foot" on the older FTZ Adapter interferes with lens removal when the camera is on a tripod! One must physically remove the camera from the tripod before being able to remove/change lenses! I learned this the hard way, and have since gotten the FTZ II Adapter, which works flawlessly on or off a tripod.
Unlike many, I don't see this as any kind of substitute for a Z9. Rather, I view it as a good horizontal move to mirrorless for any D850 conversion holdouts. I think it is a good match for D850 shooters who have been waiting for something comparable in mirrorless. A lot of similarities in physical feel, menus and buttons and dial layout. I started with the Z7-II but found a lot of physical memory issues. The Z8 is like a mirrorless D850, in my opinion. So, while everyone views this camera as a smaller substitute to the Z9, I find it a perfect switch from the D850, which was my favorite camera. When the price comes down in a year or so, I will definitely get a second Z8 as backup.
I agree completely.
When comparing the Z9 to the Z8, the vast differences for a small price difference made getting the Z9 a simple choice. The greater battery life, the 2 high speed card slots (allowing backup recording and no need to buy 2 different kinds of cards), the GPS and logging is huge, the smaller size of the Z9 when the Z8 is equally gripped, the top command dial, the extra programmable control buttons, the built in vertical grip, the secure card slot cover, and the better video performance without overheating. Plus I find the Z8 too small to hold comfortably so it would be ideal for people with small hands.
Excellent narration and very helpful. Can you please comment on Z8/Z9's autofocus tracking of flying birds. Thanks.
Hi Dave, I'm Ray. I like your concept of a back up body. Never thought of it that way and I agree with you 100%. As a Z9 user I don't see the appeal of the Z8. If I was going to get a second body it'd be another Z9. I do understand that many newcomers may see the more affordable feature packed Z8 as a gateway to the Z system and that's a good thing. These cameras are incredible. Thanks for your video!
Nice review Dave!
Thanks!
Just happened on the video while considering moving from 850 to Z8. Good info, but I wanted to say hello because I’ve watched so many of your reviews on Justin Opinion!
I’ve always found them helpful.
Thanks, and hello back! Thank you for the comment and for watching BOTH channels! I am always pleased when there others that share both interests!
WOW this is the first time i saw one of your videos. And i am Deeply impressed. A great explanation and good examples told by a voice that is nice to listen to. I'm still in doubt between the z8 or the r5. Thanks for the video, I'll be sure to subscribe. Thanks for the video and Greetings from the Netherlands
Thank you for the kind words! Good luck with your decision - I hope you settle on which is best for your needs and budget.
Thanks for the video. I sold my Z9 and have since bought a Z8 as for me it is the more suitable camera. Main reason is the size. I shoot video and stills and will use PD power for video. The Z8 will be better balanced on a gimbal and be more suitable for rigging out. Love what Nikon is bringing to the market right now.
Yep - you are definitely the person I was thinking of for best use-case for the Z8. I feel like I might be coming across heavier than intended on the "downsides" but I'm seeing so much about people expecting it to be an exact-Z9-only-smaller that I wanted to inject some reality in there. This one may very well become my in-studio video camera as long as heat isn't an issue.
I have both, and love them for different reasons.
Good answer!
I have a Z7ll and I love it. Grabs planes trains and automobiles. You are the first one who said they bought it. The others, well there loaned. The camera getting hot is what keeps me from getting one. Nikon needs to step up more on their focusing. This is my first time here. Good job.
Agreed, nice video review.
Glad you enjoyed it
Sir, thank you for this most interesting and informative video! As a "non-pro" landscape, product and ocassional wildlife (stills only) photographer, I use the original Z7 and a Z8. I find the image quality very close between these 2 cameras, though the Z8's files seem to be a tad more "vibrant", and even very slightly more detailed, using exact same settings, lighting, exposure, tripod, 10-second timed release, etc. Regarding battery life, I do carry 3 of the "C" variant batteries, and don't really have an issue, maybe because I don't shoot video. Though my Z8 is on the list of bodies with a potential Z mount issue, I have yet to experience it, and I change lenses often between NIkkor S and non-NIkkor lenses, mainly the ultra-sharp Laowa 100 f/2.8 Ultra-Macro lens. I'm also quite surprised to read about a possible issue with the strap lugs, though I don't carry the camera that way, using it on a tripod for 99.9% of my images. Thanks again for your excellent video!
Thank you so much! This video relieves some of my gear anxiety. I am currently looking into upgrading into the Z lineup, and am considering whether to go low and get a dx model for fun and personal use (I currently have a D7100 which I love to death and a nice collection of modern dx and vintage fx lenses) or go all in, save up for the rest of the year and jump into Z fx. The Z8 seemed like the perfect candidate for my actual needs since it does 8k unlike the 7-series, but since I do studio work with musicians that overheating problem will be hell on wheels with hot lamps and having to roll continuously. I am currently filming with a D600, which can be fitted with a 4k adaptation module, and it has proven to be very reliable (except for the 30 min shooting limit). It has the upside of having an amazing look that keeps stunning people when it’s paired with 80’s manual glass and proper lights, and since the z9 is ages out of my current budget I’ll stick to that and go for something smaller! Thanks again!
Glad that my perspective was of use. Going to mirrorless is a big step for many. The good thing is that all your F-mount glass will work beautifully vial the FTZ adapter, should you decide to stick a toe in the water! I still have some old glass that I'll probably never part with. I'll try to keep things updated regarding Z8 performance and heat, etc. Thanks for watching!
Hey, amazing review. I want to step in to Profesional photography & filming. I was thinking about Z8 but I see the differences. What I'm afraid is overheating... In Z8 & big size of Z9.
Please do it comparison between them.
Now Z9 with 4.0 update & Z8.
Long & in depth review, cover up everything. That will be great, thank you :)
As a concert shooter with a Z9 and a Z6ii, I was toying with the idea of replacing my Z6ii with the Z8. However, I realized that I need the mechanical shutter of the Z6ii when I'm in venues with crappy LED lighting. I wouldn't replace my Z9 with a Z8 because of the Z8's mixed card pairing, and I really like the ergonomics of the Z9 with its built-in vertical grip. So ... given the cameras I already have, I don't feel the Z8 would be used all that much.
C'mon Nikon - either bring the mechanical shutter back to the flagship (I know it ain't happening - but i can wish, right?) or give us a global shutter. ;)
Why has TH-cam not recommended this channel sooner? Can’t wait to watch some of your other vids?
It's a huge conspiracy! Thanks for finding me and watching!
Thanks for the review! I don't understand why you say the battery grip is essential for you. Besides the fact that the Z8 grip is optically a total failure, the Z8 incl. grip is bigger and bulkier than the Z9. As an other reviewer said, if you want to have a vertical grip on your Z8 buy a Z9 and that reflects totally my thoughts.
Good question! I guess much of it goes back to my early days when you had grips for the F3, FM2, etc. I got to where I couldn't work well with a small body except maybe in a studio environment. But I think my main point here comes from the battery life. I tend to be out all day shooting, and while I do usually have an extra battery around for my Z9s, I rarely need to use it. I may try a day out with the Z8 sans grip (with extra batteries close at hand) and see if it changes my perception and opinion. Like everyone - I have biases and sometimes need to step outside the box.
6:08 what stuns me is the beauty of the video image (in particular when the camera is static) on the Nikon Z8 and Z9.
That footage was shot in 4K at 120fps and slowed to 29.97fps in post. The camera was on a tripod which gave it good stability. I agree with you completely - Nikon's video quality is superb, and the colors are fantastically rendered.
As a Z6 nature and bird photographer (mainly not in flight !) I’m upgrading to the Z8 and 180-600 mm combo. I see this as a natural progression since I need more reach from my lens, and bird id/higher mp count from the camera. From my research I sense that this camera will be the go-to camera for Nikon nature shooters because of its smaller and lighter form factor over the Z9. Nikon are also supporting firmware updates in this direction. The excellent Z prime and tele lenses that are best in class make staying with Nikon a no brainer for my use case
Agree that carrying the Z8 and 180-600 combo is a great lightweight and versatile solution. When I can't be stationary or am unsure of my subjects, I consider that the best option.
Somewhat surprising that you spent that amount of time on an airplane setting while reviewing a new camera.
I had means and opportunity. Also, no one was talking about it, and I was genuinely curious about what was different. No point doing the same stuff everyone that got advance loaners has done.
Curious if the hot card/overheat issue was only with 8K or 4K as well?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings on the Z8 compared to the Z9....I haven't considered moving over to the mirrorless gear yet but I am always interested to hear opinions on Nikon gear...I still shoot with D500 as a hobbyist....the overheating of the Z8 worries me otherwise it looks & sounds a great upgrade.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊
If you plan on shooting 12bit raw it is a concern. Otherwise the pros far outweigh the cons.
Excellent vlog. Did you also tried (if it is possible) to detect the subject (airplane) in the middle of the airplane /fuselage instead of cockpit-detection? Detecting (photographing) an entire flying airplane in the air will be more difficult if just the cockpit is used as detection-system?
I have yet to have a good opportunity to shoot airplanes in flight, but hope to in the near future.
@@KnightsandWeekends OK, but this does not answer my question. Or do you mean you did not have the opportunity to take airplane pictures and don't know if the detection system is able to focus on the fuselage instead of the cockpit. You wil check this out soon. Please go on making such vlogs. 👍👍👍
Perhaps you will do this in a future video, but I don’t believe you mentioned, the cost of the extra grip that can be added to the Z8 to get the extra battery life. We all can look that up, of course, but in comparing cost to the Z9, this is also a factor to take into consideration! Very good video comparison, and quite helpful! In my case, I did choose to purchase the Z9!
I left that out on purpose. I do have the extended grip and got it at the same time I got the Z8, but I wanted to review the camera without the extra expense and power, etc. Thanks for the comment - and congrats on the Z9!
Does the red square in the af mean that it’s not in focus?
Thanks very much. I am not a pro and consider myself a Still photographer. I am using a Z 7 ll . I love it. No problems and the results are great. It was used and low shutter count. I am on the thoughts of why. Should I plan to upgrade. Dose the Z 8 overheat when in the still mode. I love the FTZ adapter for some third party lens and of course AFS and P lens. The question is. Should I go for a Z8 or keep my Z7 ll. Also some are recalled due to lens not mounting on the z 8. I would love your thoughts
First, it sounds like you are content with what you have and are getting the results you desire. I would never recommend upgrading just for its own sake - even though that goes against the consumerism culture we all live in. The Z8 does offer many advantages for still photography over the Z7II, such as fully electronic shutter, state of the art AF system, and stacked sensor - as well as the processor which is many times faster. I have not experienced, nor heard of any overheating card issues when just doing still photography - but if you want the high frame rates (another Z8 plus) you will want to ensure you have a fast card. Thank you for watching, and for your questions.
Dear Mr. C, thanks for your down to earth reviews on top camera's and lenses. As a long-time amateur, I would like to move to mirrorless, but the Z9, Z8 are a bit out of my capabilities and budget. In my current situation, and discussing with friends and family members, mirrorless is the way to go. If not the Z8, could you recommend mirrorless cameras (the Nikon range or others) that can somewhat mimic the best in class for sports photography but a bit less in the budget range? Fast moving subjects; birds, aircraft, sports, etc. I have a Nikon 18-200mm lens from way back and understand I would need the converter to reuse the lens. Just a nudge. Your videos and the work to produce them are greatly understood and appreciated.
I have to admit much less knowledge of the other brands, because I've been a Nikon shooter all my life - but for action (sports/wildlife) the Z7II and Z6II are not on the same plane as the Z8/Z9. Sony or Canon are more likely to have that intermediate range covered better at this point in time (until Nikon makes a D500 equivalent in mirrorless). But keep in mind that the camera body is the tip of the iceberg. Top quality glass is where the real money gets spent.
@@KnightsandWeekends Thanks for the advice!
Thanks for the video, very helpful. But regarding the battery, is there any real, noticeable difference between, say, the Z8 and the Z7 (which use the same battery) if you only shoot stills (no video involved)? I'd imagine there wouldn't be a big difference.
I haven't done a quantifiable test, so I won't try to guess and mislead anyone. I think the answer for still is likely correct - but the video capabilities are much higher and more power-hungry with the Z8, so it would depend on many variables. I'd be a nervous wreck if I was out somewhere with the Z8 and only one battery, but the grip with two does make it a viable option.
@@KnightsandWeekends Thank you so much for getting back to me. I have four extra EN-EL15c batteries (plus the one that comes with the camera), but I don't like the battery grip, so I usually just change batteries on the fly as they get depleted. I recently bought a Z8 (upgraded from a Z7), and was wondering about the stills front (I don't shoot video, so it's not really all that relevant to me). I thought maybe you might have an opinion on this after 16k shots. But it's ok, I mean, I'm sort of leaning towards the belief that there isn't a big difference between the Z7 and the Z8 in terms of battery usage for stills specifically. Nothing that five EN-EL15c batteries won't manage, at least? Or am I being naive? I mean, I can always let 'em recharge during the night once I'm back at the hotel when I'm traveling, so all I need is to get through the one day, really. Never had an issue with my Z7, I'm thinking it will be ok for the Z8 too? Anyway, thanks, man, I appreciate you getting back to me on this.
Now you can find Nikon Z9 for $3,468.00 with 24-70mm lens included in this price. This makes the deal incredibly good. But I personally prefer to stay with the Olympus brand because of the size, functionality and very low price.
Thanks for the real world use reflections. As the owner of both a Z9 and Z8, I can't disagree with any of your conclusions. To me, the Z8 is almost a perfect replacement for my old D850. Better burst, better autofocus, I love the EVF, and it's much quieter in burst mode which makes me less noticeable to my use case subjects. The one thing I might deemphasize was the "Hot Card Warning" concern that you voiced. It's a little bit confusing where you mention that normally you shoot some 4k and some 8k video, but you don't delineate whether you were shooting 4k or 8k when you got the Hot Card Warning. I believe that in the testing that Matt Irwin did a couple weeks ago, he received a hot card warning shooting 8k way before he actually got a shutdown (albeit at a comfortable 70 degrees F). So, the Hot Card Warning is certainly annoying, but not doomsday from what I hear. Honestly, I shoot next to no video anyway with my use case, so that wouldn't sway any purchase decision for me. I did shoot 10,600+ frames last weekend over 3 days (stills only, and most of it in burst mode). I did about 4600 with the Z8 and 6000 with the Z9. Personally, I found little difference in switching cameras though I was not using them concurrently. I would shoot with one for two or three hours, then switch for no special reason. By the way, the first day of shooting I took 3291 frames with the Z8 and used less than 50% of the battery charge. If I was faced with buying two cameras and both the Z9 and Z8 were available, I'd probably buy two Z8's. That has more to do with my use case (mostly dog movement shots at conformation dog shows), and the fact that video holds little interest for me. I do have the new Nikon battery grip for the Z8 for days when I may be shooting over 5000 frames and will use up the smaller battery of that camera. I plan on keeping both cameras and tell myself to give video a try on occasion. I really do like your down to earth style. Please keep it coming!
Yes, I should have been specific. I was shooting 4K/120 at the time I got the hot card warnings. The camera never shut down, and I had the warning level set to the default setting. I don't mention it to be an alarmist or dramatize it - but it happened in the field and I would be very remiss not to include that in a review.
I would like to see a Z8 tested shooting 4K 120fps, and 8K 60fps, using a few of the CFE cards that are supposed to be the fastest and also the coolest of the CFE cards,Temp-wise. Also, tested with the Battery-Grip, and without it.
I hadn't thought of the "with and without the grip" aspect of it - that makes sense to test too.
I decided to rent a Z8. It only cost about $250 for a week. The temperatures should be about mid 80s.
Hi. I took up photography about 18 months ago, and currently have a Z7ii, via a couple of Nikon ASP-Cs and two Z6iis. I'm wrestling with the decision whether to trade in for the Z8. I don't shoot any video or sports, and only very very rarely BIF, so improvements in those capabilities are more or less irrelevant for me. The improved AF would certainly be welcome, but that alone wouldn't be worth the additional cost for my use case - mostly landscape, woodland and seascape, plus occasional macro. The main attraction of the Z8 for me is the reportedly much better IBIS, to combat constant shakes and tremors from arthritis, plus additional bonuses like the lack of mechanical shutter, the inclusion of a sensor curtain, and the overall more robust build, along with really nice touches like illuminated buttons. I've seen a few brief positive mentions of the better IBIS, but nothing in depth , so I'd like to know if you notice a distinct improvement in the Z8 IBIS, compared to that of the Z7ii? I should point out that, from many years experience, additional weight often actually helps damp down the tremors, (a full pint of Guinness is easier to hold still than a half), so the extra mass of the Z8 should work in my favour. Thanks.
Curious to hear his thoughts on that as well. As far as IBIS is concerned, it seems that z8 also supports 'Synchro-VR' with Z VR lenses like the z9 but that only provides half/full stop advantage compared to body only VR. So still 5.5 or 6 stops of IBIS.
@@AbhinavYadav-zm7ut Yes, that's pretty much what I'd gathered, but someone, (Matt Irwin, maybe?), made a glowing offhand remark about how much better the Z8 IBIS is, and that's prompted me to try to find out what's what. After 40 years of the shakes, I don't expect a camera to solve all my difficulties, but if the 8 is distinctly better than the 7, then it could make all the difference for me. In particular, I'd hope that I'd be able to significantly improve my keeper rate with my largest VR lens, the Z100-400 - which is kind of going to waste as things stand, since I'm losing so many otherwise good shots to shakes I can't control. And, just to be clear - I'm strictly an amateur and enjoy photography as a pastime, albeit one I take halfway seriously, and I just can't abide all the palaver of faffing around with tripods and ballheads, which drains the pleasure out of it, so I shoot 99% handheld.
The Z7II if I recall, publishes "up to 5 stops" of VR in combination with a Z-mount lens - but I think the actual IBIS part (in-body only, say with an older F-mount lens attached) is expected to be around 3 stops. I always find these numbers fantastically subjective because there are so many (pardon the pun here) moving parts. The manufacturer will always publish the highest number they feel they can back up with quantified results, and in real life that might be hard to achieve. I will confirm that the Z8 has the same Syncro-VR as the Z9 and I can't tell the difference. I routinely handhold the Z 600/4 VR S lens, and the stabilization is amazing. When the TC is engaged and I jump into DX mode, just breathing should cause a visibly jittery image in the EVF, but it appears steady as a rock most of the time, and I rarely get any motion blur unless I screw up. I've shot handheld with the 800 PF lens down to 1/30th sec and about 80% of the images were quite good for publishing. A lighter body can help a lot if you're struggling to hold a heavy body steady - but there are some times when the added weight is actually a plus to help balance out a heavy lens, for example. I would urge you to try and get hands on one to test with a good Z-lens and see if it makes a difference for you. If not, I'd say stick with your Z7II for the time being.
@@KnightsandWeekends Ok, thanks, that makes sense, and it's good to know that the Z8 stabilisation is on par with the Z9, and therefore an improvemnt over the Z7ii, if not necessarily in every circumstance. I'm fairly certain that the additional weight of the 8, held close to myself, will act as that extra bit of ballast I reckon I need to nudge things in the right direction, but I'll try to get to a camera shop this week and test it out with an actual Z8 - if I can find one. In the meantime, I'll try attaching 205g (the difference between Z7 and Z8, inclusive of batteries) of weights to my Z7ii, and see what difference that makes, if any. Not rigorously scientific, but it should give me a reasonable approximation. I do like the Z7ii, and have fewer difficulties with physically shorter lenses because my arms aren't extended so far, but if the Z8 stabilisation really is an improvement then I'll hopefully be able to keep my Z100-400 - which I'd likely have to sell if I stick with the Z7ii. Anyhow, thanks for taking the time to reply.
What are your thoughts on the Sony Tough cards and 8K 60p?
I have a Sony Tough card, but I don't think I've tried it with 8K video. You've just given me an assignment, I think.
@@KnightsandWeekends Just tried 8K 60p HQ and NLog and I got 11 seconds before card error.
just bought one and whole set Kase filters for it. Hope it's worthy.
Let me know how you like those filters. I don't do much in the way of landscape, but I've been interested in their filters for some time.
I think you were pushing it a bit with the aeroplane shots. It's for taking photos of aircraft in the air.
Certainly entitled to your opinion, but finding an airplane in the air is not so difficult a task for even a 1985 AF system. I wanted to test its ability to distinguish airplanes from other vehicles. Trucks, cars, boats, and bicycles are harder to find in the air with airplanes in flight.
I shoot with a Z9. Love it and see no reason for anything else.
I can't argue with that.
How about a swap?, your Z9 for my fart?
Nice review. About your question, I'm interested in AF setting regardless camera customization and tecnique for best use in vario scenario. Many thanks.
If you would use it with battery grip what’s the point of buying small camera. I think it’s bigger than Z9 with the battery grip.
I use it with and without the added grip. I tend to like a larger body and don't mind the weight. When I feel I want to go smaller or lighter, it's easy to remove. You're not wrong - but I think it's okay to have the option.
Nobody expected the Z8 to be identical to the Z9 in capabilities, certainly not battery life.
I bought a Z8 as a second body to my Z9 for stills and video. It's just perfect, they are super close.
I don't find the battery life to be a problem at all. Oveheating shooting video with the Delkin black cards has been a non issue for video.
So, when you say "nobody" - you mean nobody in your house? Nobody at your local club? Because the Internet is full of people that expect the Z8 to be identical to the Z9.
@@KnightsandWeekends I am talking about internet, the world, the known universe. Expecting a battery twice smaller to have the same capacity with everything else being equal is just totally unreasonnable.
@@bernardlanguillier7970 I think we're saying the same thing differently. I agree completely - but there are still people out there complaining as if it should. This is part of my point that one shouldn't expect the Z8 to be a Z9 in a smaller body.
Nice video. 🙂🙂🙂For me the Z8 works well along side the Z9 when being used together. But that’s what’s cool everyone has what works best for them. On its own the Z8 I is a joy when you don’t want or need the “ bulk” of the Z9. The Z8 on a strobe frame dose not feel bulky, t the Z9 dose.
My thoughts. Are having both in your kit is like having two different size hammers in your tool box. Both do the same job but each is better at different ones..
Enjoy
That's a good perspective, I don't disagree.
The National Museum of the United States Air Force; cool beans.
Yeah I don't know about choosing the Z9, if you look at the buy and sell forums around .. there's a whole lot of Z9's for sale now that the Z8 is released. I think the size/weight is too much for most people hiking through the woods with a telephoto lens. People are offering straight trades Z9 for Z8 ... the people have spoken.
If you decide to shoot a simple talking review in 60Hz, please at lest get a better led light in the background - the constant flashing light is so distracting :(
But in general, I would recommend the lower end of the frame rate for this kind of videos
I was mostly trying to show off the bokeh of the Z 50mm f/1.2 lens that I was filming with - but agree it turned out to be a bit obnoxious. I appreciate the suggestion.
I hope that they update the firmware like they did on Z9. Z9 with latest firmware is far superior than Z8.
I have no doubt that they will continuously update firmware. But the question will be - will all features (like the new Auto Capture) be included in Z8 firmware, or will Nikon create some separation between the cameras by offering more functionality in the Z9?
All the camera tech input on the screen is annoying. Can that be turned off while shooting ??
There are many options for what the user sees in the EVF or back screen - and yes, blank is one. "All the camera tech input" was deliberately captured here because most viewers would want to see that information in context with the narrative.
With a Z9 one could easily go old school. If one were to use Auto on Subject Detection, and assuming, like myself, I have the shutter setup to focus/shoot and have my back AF button set to 3D. If I aimed at a planes cockpit, half pressed on the shutter and pressed on the 3D button it would reliably lock on the planes cockpit or anything else on the plane I locked it on. So while those who love cameras that do their auto modes well (Sony and Canon) leaving one in full control like on a Z9 isn't a bad thing. I enjoy being in control. So I"m not the least bit bothered by the fact the Z8 has that Airplane setting. I have NO doubt the next Firmware update will add it to the Z9
In fact, at 120FPS jpeg mode you can shoot 16,000 shots in 2 minutes 😂
Im jealous of you guys/gals with such nice cameras
When I was young starting out in photography, I could not afford the professional equipment and made do with less expensive and older gear for a long time. In many ways, that helps you to hone your skills and learn photography - not just how to operate the latest camera. Keep your eyes open for used equipment in good condition, as often there are good deals to be had that way. Not saying this to sound pompous - it is nice when the business of photo/video can pay for better gear. If that is your goal - go after it! Best of luck!
I'm sure there airplane mode is for airplanes flying in the sky....
And it is to help separate them from .... what? It will likely improve AF performance by putting the bias on the nose/cockpit area which is usually where the photographer will want it. But as I stated - 15 year old AF technology can find a plane in the sky.
@@KnightsandWeekends Separate them from other subjects in the composition.
Really?; I thought the airplane mode was for photographing farts in flight?
I listened to most of this -- and I have some comments: 1) Try using your vertical handgrip to reduce overheating issues; and 2) None of your photos showed me what I wanted to see -- namely: How well does the no-mechanical-shutter work under (flickery) LED light sources?
A stills only yes. If video is a big part of your shooting the z9 all the way. The sd card is a no go for video and dont want to eat up cfexpress cards with video leaving only the sd for stills. Also the heat is an issue. Pro shooters dont want their shooting slowed down because mirroring to a sd. the SD is really only good for overflow if you happen to run out of cfexpress room in the middle of a shoot and cant get the card switched out fast enough.
Great video and content but I found the flickering Bokeh directly behind your head distracting and annoying.
I appreciate that feedback. I sometimes just try stuff. I noticed the flickering when I was doing post - the lights were static, so it must have been the shutter speed I was using with the video. I need to do some tests to remedy that. Would they be as annoying without the flickering? I paid like $7 for those lights, man - I'm invested!!
i dont get why this thing is still so big and the battery being so tiny
Good that you addressed this issue, the Z8 battery could have been bigger.
Oh of horror of having to take less than a minute to change batteries. Remember 35 shots for a roll of film............ I do.
Your grandmother may have churned her own butter - that does not mean that your expectation of today's products should be set according to the technology she had. I shot my first assignments with FM2 and F3 bodies, but I have cleverly moved on to modern gear and with it, higher expectations.
Totally disagree with you, even though I don't have any of these monster cameras. A camera made at a price of 4K in 2023 must have many advantages compared to an old flagship, but no TH-camrs see it, just us regular customers who buy it in bulk.
Please can everyone do a go-fund-me to lelp me get this camera.😅😅
I already have my own lens to go with it
If you want an all arounder for casual stills and video, the Z8 can work for that. However, that would be a horrible waste of money for a casual use camera, and the extra size, weight, and larger MP's/less low light capability are actually rather big cons vs other options for that role. In the high end use role, the Z9 has several major advantages over the Z8. The far less battery capacity, far worse memory card setup, for worse thermal design, and less ruggedness/overall reliability are major nerfs on the Z8, and no amount of hope-ium or future firmware updates are going to change those facts. From a hardware perspective it is what it is on day 1 the same as it will be on day 1000.
If I had no camera today and I wanted an all arounder, I would get the Z6II or wait for the Z6III. If I wanted a sports action wildlife/high end use camera, I would get the Z9. In terms of cost the Z6II is priced rather well at $1700, the Z8 is a pricey at $4000, and the Z9 is a steal at $5500. I think a Z8 with this many major nerfs for sports action wildlife/high end use and cons for all around use would have been a lot more compelling in the $3200-$3400 range. But Nikon priced it at $4000 because its only true competitor, the Sony A1, is ridiculously overpriced at $6500.
While Canon R5 has better AF and now with 400mp pixel shift. My z7ii is so bad at AF. Can’t even track my dog, and animal eye focus tracking doesn’t work well. No way am I upgrading to the z8 or even the z9 as the AF doesn’t seem to be much better. Canon or Sony in the future.
It makes no difference to me what you do or do not buy or use, but comparing the Z7II AF system to the Z8/Z9 AF system is apples and oranges. For your own sake, you should do more research before spending large sums of money.
Agreed, nice video review.
Thanks!