Nikon Z8 - Overkill for Landscape Photography? My REAL WORLD REVIEW for Landscape Photographers
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 มิ.ย. 2024
- 🔥📷 My Nikon Z8 REAL WORLD REVIEW is here! Is this the best Nikon full frame mirrorless camera for landscape photography? In this video I'll talk about -
⭕ Nikon Z8 specifications for landscape photography
⭕ Why I bought Nikon Z8
⭕ What I like about Nikon Z8
⭕ Some of the things I don't like about the Nikon Z8
⭕ Why I'll be using the Nikon Z8 for video
⭕ Some of the other things I'll be using the Nikon Z8
⭕ The one (small) problem I have with the Nikon Z8 (and it's not overheating!)
⭕ Plus I'll show you some of the landscape photographs I've been capturing with the Nikon Z8.
You can see those photographs in more detail here - julianbaird.com/blog/2023/6/2...
And I’m going to be doing all this on location from Dartmoor in Devon!
🎞️ Watch my other Nikon Z8 related videos - • My Nikon Z8 Review Ann...
My Nikon Z8 kit
🛒 Nikon Z8 Digital Camera Body - tidd.ly/3WEo4us
🛒 Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S - amzn.to/33BNagO
🛒 Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S - amzn.to/339Gv2I - video review - • Nikon Z 24-120mm f/4 S...
🛒 Nikon MC-36A Multi Function Remote Cord - amzn.to/44uNVYv
🛒 Hähnel ProCube 2 Charger for Nikon - amzn.to/43T0Set
🛒 3 Legged Thing QR11 2.0 Universal Camera L-Bracket - amzn.to/3MwAFLo
🛒 ProGrade Digital 165GB CFexpress Type B Memory Card (Cobalt) - amzn.to/3MYB6j7
🛒 ProGrade CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II Dual-Slot Memory Card Reader | USB 3.2 Gen 2 - amzn.to/3BY5S5f
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00:00 - Introduction to my Nikon Z8 review video
02:06 - What you can expect in this Nikon Z8 review
03:10 - What NOT to expect in this Nikon Z8 review
04:13 - Check out my Nikon Z8 playlist for all my Nikon Z8 videos!
04:57 - Nikon Z8 specifications for the landscape photographer
06:52 - Capturing Dartmoor landscape photographs with the Nikon Z8
09:33 - Continuing the journey with the Nikon Z8 across Dartmoor
10:56 - Things I LOVE about the Nikon Z8
16:14 - Some things I don't like about the Nikon Z8
18:09 - The video features I love about the Nikon Z8
23:00 - Other types of photography I'll be using the Nikon Z8 for
24:39 - My summary of the Nikon Z8 plus the one small problem I have with it
29:40 - Thanks for watching!
#nikonz8 #nikon #JulianBairdPhotography #LandscapePhotography
🎞 Watch my other Nikon Z8 related videos - th-cam.com/video/b6_ZUyAF1n0/w-d-xo.html
Great video Julian. Probably my favorite on the Z8 as I'm searching for more information before I make the purchase. Liked and subscribed. One day I'll get back over there.... amazing landscape/background. I'm really liking that 14-30mm lens also. Thanks!
Thanks so much Alan, that's great to hear! (Especially when there are so many Z8 videos out there). :-) Hopefully you'll make it back over here soon...perhaps with a Z8!
Thanks for sharing mate. Great content. Nice images.
Thanks for watching and glad you liked it. :-)
I enjoyed the video as usual.
The slow mo was excellent.
The slow mo of you jumping across the burn and when you landed i thought you were going to end up in the drink lol.
All the best mate.
And I enjoyed reading a comment from you as usual! Now that I have slow mo maybe I should use it more frequently in my videos! lol
Thanks for a great review you know your stuff 👍
Thank you, most kind! :-)
Great balanced review for the Z8, you are very good presenter and quality production… subscribed 👍
Thanks Pete, you are too kind! Welcome to my channel. :-)
great video like youre opinion about this camera .
wish you the very best Peter from Thailand
Thanks Peter, glad you liked it! :-)
please do more video! well done! Thank you!!
Thank you! Will do!
My digital journey has taken me from the D70s to the D7000 to the D500 and now to the Z8. I primarily shot birds and Landscapes. I also get paid work such as food, events and concerts. I’m now 58 years old. I can’t see he I’d ever want to buy another camera in my life. 🤷♂️
Yep, that's my thinking as well. So it will be interesting to see what cameras look like in the next 2 to 5 years. :-)
Good video. I'm in the keep the Z7 camp.
The Z7 is a really rugged, well built, weather sealed landscape camera with the same IQ and 300 grams less in weight. Some of the menu options and bells and whistles of the Z8 would be nice, but not worth another 300 grams and a few thousand dollars.
Of course if you're doing professional video or wildlife the Z8 blows the doors off the Z7.
I still think the Z7/Z7ii is the best all round landscape photography camera at any price point. I could have gone with the Z8 but bought a 100-400 S instead.
Can't argue with that. And as I said in the video, everyone's milage will vary on if the Z8 is worth it. If you need a 100-400 then new glass is normally always a better choice than a new camera. :-) Thank you for watching.
Excellent pictures. I wish I’d live anywhere close to such an extraordinary landscape.
Thanks Hans, I definitely feel lucky to have Dartmoor on my doorstep! :-)
Thanks!
Thank you!!! I very much appreciate that. :-)
Hi Julian, great video and some fantastic points made as to why you purchased the Z8 and what you love about it. I changed from the Z7II to the Z9 and the comment you made that resonated with me the most was the tech side of photography. I love photography, but one of the buzzes I get, is using the equipment and trying to get the most out of it, plus I wanted to move into other genres of photography and the Z9 seemed like the best choice because it covers everything really. Only downside is the size and weight, but I can live with that :)
Thanks Steve and great to hear from another lover of camera tech!! You're right, there is the fun of trying to get the most out of a camera isn't there. And with the Z8 and Z9 there are lots of things to challenge our photography. There can't be much you can't do with the Z9. Auto-capture in firmware 4.0 looks like it will open up all sorts of creative options!
Hey Steve, appreciated your comments here. Question for you. Did you end up keeping your Z7ii after getting the Z9? I have the Z7ii now, and really love it, but these little things on the Z8 is really pushing me towards that one, like the tilting screen to use in portrait on tripod, shutter guard, and i have a wireless remote that uses the 10 pin (had it for 850). Im just curious what the Z7ii is for you now. Thanks in advance
informative video on Z8.
Thank you! :-)
What I have been wanting for a couple of decades is better high ISO performance. I shoot wildlife in the edges of the day so need higher shutter speeds even when it is dusk. I notice that Nigel Danson and Thomas Heaton both went to the Z8, also. Mostly for those small details like the sensor shield and flip out screen, but also for the occasions where they shoot something other than landscape.
Thanks for watching. I'm at the other end of the ISO scale. I'd like even lower ISOs with more dynamic range! :-) There was no doubt Nigel would get one but it was interesting to see Tom get one (I watched his video last night).
You might be asking for too much. Light is quantized. So the question is how close are the pixels to the limitations imposed by detecting individual photons.
The future may be the z8 features but in smaller lightweight packages as carry anywhere cameras.
Helpful review Julian. 🙏😀
Thanks Doug, glad you found the video useful. I'd like to see something a bit smaller as well. It wouldn't need all the bells and whistles of a Z8, but something like a more powerful Z fc would be nice. :-)
Would love to see you do a video for astrophotography, love the shots!
You are too kind! They were OK for some first attempts! I'll try and include some astro content in my next wild camping video. :-)
Thanks for your video and candor, Julian. All the features of the Z8 in the size of the Z7 should be Nikon's next push. I've gotten too accustomed to the brilliant compact package of the Z7 to change. Rumor has it that the Z7iii will be that new package for landscape photographers. Until then, better to spend more time with composition and the art from vs. the new stuff. I like the new tech too, but like the focus on better pictures and new content, more.
Thanks for watching David. :-) It will be interesting if they do a Z7 III, and if they do, I think we'll be waiting for it. That won't stop the rumour sites talking about it though! But your point about taking better pictures is well put. You can have the best camera in the world, but if you can't compose a shot it will still be a rubbish photo.
Menu d15. Grid Type give you the 5:4, 1:1 and 16:9 box over the full frame to let you see the crop but get the entire FF RAW file. That met my needs with that crop issue.
Double thumbs up for that tip!!!! I don't know why I didn't think of that. You're a genius. :-) I added D15 to the quick menu, and made sure that grid lines was one of display options. Now I can quickly visualise a different aspect ratio but always capture the full frame. Thank you so much!
Thanks Julian for another great video! Been on the fence here with purchasing the Z8 or getting the ZF. I currently have Z7ii since i mainly do landscape. But I also do wildlife which i relegate to my D500 still :-). I had invested in the Fuji system to get a lightweight retro camera to do travel and look into street. But I sold that system when Nikon came out with ZF. Anyway, the things that bugged me on the Z7ii are what you mentioned with the tilt screen (huge for me, as I like to do portrait landscape shots on tripod) Then there is the shutter guard and now a new one you mentioned that i didn't even know! The 10 pin in the front for shutter release options. I kept my old wireless remote from my D850, and now I can use it again!. I have commented on some of the others here wondering what to do with the z7ii though. I love it, and hate to sell it, but just curious what you and others have done with the Z7 series. Thanks again! Keep up the great work!
Thanks watching and taking the time to leave a comment. What to do with the Z7? Cameras are tools, and I rarely develop an attachment to them so I see no point in keeping gear that I won't use. I sold my Z7 as soon as I got the Z8. In fact, I traded in the Z7 against the cost of the Z8. That's something I always do as I probably couldn't afford the new gear if I didn't. Trade in/sell the previous camera to pay for the new one. :-)
Beautiful landscape shots again, Julian! Haven't visited Dartmoor but during my two trips to the British Isles in the mid-1990s midges certainly managed to make their presence felt! As to the direction Nikon might be headed in: I think global shutter, 16 stops of dynamic range, 4K 960 fps in video with C-AF and tracking, and audio for all the geeks who love shooting slow-mo of hummingbirds and such, 9Mpx EVF, multi angle (flippy and rotating) back LCD... By the way, have you checked the serial number on your Z8? There's been a service advisory issued by Nikon recently for some Z8 cameras (it has to do with certain lenses not properly locking onto the mount). Happy shooting!
Thanks, and glad you liked the images! An interesting list of suggestions there! :-) Yes, I did check my serial number and it is one of the cameras that need a service. However, I'm not experiencing any issues so I'll be holding off sending it in for service. No hurry and I've just got the camera!
Thanks
Thank you so much Michael! That's very much appreciated. :-)
Thanks for this informative video - In regards to what I would like to see in Nikon cameras in the future - I feel it could do with a new flip out screen & viewfinder as the current ones are no different to cameras made 10 years ago by Nikon, & it would also be amazing if the camera could be more compact & lightweight. Besides this, I can't fault the camera - I've always liked Nikon's true to life colours in particular!
Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts. :-)
Nice video. well done! I am not coming from having a Z camera, I have a D700 and D800 and am happy I waited. At my age this might be the last camera I will buy. LOL, that is a good thing. This is a wonderful do everything camera.
Thanks. I'm expecting the Z8 to last a good few years as well. You're right, it is a do everything camera. :-)
Excellent vlog Julian, could you not attach a small vlog monitor on your hot shoe so you can what your recording especially when talking to camera??
All the best and looking forward to seeing more videos in the future.😁😁
Thanks Andy. Absolutely I could use a monitor, but it's more kit to carry, plus cables, and batteries. A flippy out screen like on the Z fc is much easier. But as I won't be using the Z8 too much for the type of video where that's needed, it's not the end of the world. :-)
Great video on the Z8 for landscapes....did you test the battery life on a landscape shoot? I'm curious to know how many hours you were able to shoot on one charge.
Thanks. So far I've needed to change the battery on a landscape shoot. Not even close. I shot a 1000 shots at a concert and still didn't need to change the battery - th-cam.com/video/MXgPymOYmAI/w-d-xo.html
some great shots there mate.. interesting vid! if I'm being honest with myself, I'm pushing the Z8 further away the more i see of it.. the lack of mech shutter.. slow second card slot.. video to one card.. low res evf and the afc not being anywhere close to the canon r5 makes me question the 4k big time.. its so frustrating as the z6&7ii just aren't good enough for pro work AFC wise... a used r5 is 2500.. i cant see me going canon, but the z8 needs some firmware updates before (if) i get it..
good vid mate.. :-)
Cheers mate, always nice to see a comment from you. :-) I'll let you have a play when we go wild camping next....that might change your mind. Nothing like holding one in your hand. :-)
Weird thing to say considering the Z7ii was released as a stills/landscape camera. In that regard it does amazingly well, I never had any issues focusing in anything regarding landscapes and even in the studio for portraits the AF works perfectly. it seems people try to do stuff with the z7ii which the camera was not designed for. Also regarding your comments about the EVF, mate pickup a z8 or z9 from someone and try the EVF, people assume that because it has lower resolution than canon or sony offerings that it is behind , but having tried the R5 and the A1, the z9 EVF blows anything sony and canon have, and I tried the 3 of them extensively
Really great overview, very useful Julian. Regarding shooting n-log, how did you find using the Nikon LUT? Last time I tried it, it was pants. It was better to create my own LUT. Although they may have updated it since then. For landscape photography, I still use my Z6. There is no difference in image quality that I can see, between that and my Z9. As a general purpose hybrid camera, the Z8 / Z9 I think have got it all covered as far as tech goes. The only thing I really NEED, as I use it for all my video work, is false colour. This could be addressed with a future firmware update. Cheers mate!
Thanks Simon! Hard to say how the Nikon LUT was because I have nothing to compare it too. It's my first camera that can shoot log, so a bit inexperienced on that front. The Nikon LUT was updated for the Z8, but I still found myself playing about with the sliders. It still needs lots of contrast adding. But it could be my workflow isn't as it should be on that front. Interesting you didn't see any image quality difference between the Z6 and Z9. Seems to align with what I experienced. For me though, all the other bits make the Z8 a good upgrade. You have all the Nikon cameras now don't you? lol Sorry I haven't seen your recent videos recently. All my spare time has been invested in producing this video....which took way longer than I thought!
@@jbairdexp The fact that you needed to play with the sliders and add contrast suggests Nikon is still weak in the LUT department! I'm like you, I like the bells and whistles, although rarely actually use them, lol. I don't have all the Nikon cameras, just the Z6 for photography, Z50 for travel/hiking, and Z9 for video. I also use a client's Z6ii each week when shooting for them if at their location. No worries about not seeing any of my videos lately, you're in the majority there! 😂
@@SimonBurnCreative I don't know, that sounds like most of the Z cameras to me! lol Well, I'm not the majority so I'm going to get a cup of coffee and watch your last two walking adventures. 🙂
Hi Julian, another great video, and I’m going to purchase Z8 very soon. What software do you use for working with video? Best wishes, Phil
Thanks Phil. I use the Adobe Creative Suite. :-)
@@jbairdexp thanks 👍
Good video. The only things I wish for on my Z7ii is for Nikon to let us keep our pixels when we switch formats ie 16:9, 1:1 etc. Shutter shield as well I guess.
Thank you.
Thanks. In regard to the pixel binning at different aspect ratios, someone in the comments pointed out that in menu option D14 (on the Z8) that you can change the grid type to 16:9, 1:1, 4:5. This way you can see what your frame will be at that aspect ratio but you still capture a full frame. Not sure if that is on option on the Z7 II?
@@jbairdexp just checked. Unfortunately the Z7ii has the grid feature but you can only turn it on & off.
Thank you though. Nice to have a “TH-camr” to respond. 😊
@@PaulEvans That's a shame. I always take the time to read and reply to peoples comments. 🙂
That z7ii was a prefect size IMO, shame they weren't able to fix the AF issues on that camera, so on to the Z8 it's size is a tad too big for me so will hold off for now and see what's coming up for the Nikon before deciding my next move
No harm in waiting to see what comes next! Which will be interesting. I wonder if they will do a Z7 III?
This is the camera that checked all the boxes for me, I need speed for sports..got it, great images..got it , for me future proof for along time..got it ..feels solid and great in the hand..got it..I have finally got the camera that I cannot find a issue..except I would like 2 matching cf b card slots...awesome camera for sure
It certainly does tick a lot of boxes. Matching card slots would be nice I agree. But I guess they have to differentiate it from the Z9 somehow! :-)
Just got one. To go with my d850
Nice pairing!
I would love the ability to take infrared pictures. Not by hardware modification, but by sensor configuration.
That would be pretty cool I have to admit! :-)
Very useful and interesting video thanks. One thing I might be in the minority for is using the strap! I see many photographers (Nigel also does this!) clambering up hills and over rocks just holding the camera in one hand. That is £5k+ of kit in your hand... I'm always nervous on location of dropping it so I always put it round my neck or back in the bag when moving around. Maybe just me though..
Thanks for watching and glad you found it useful. I use a camera strap when I need to. It depends on the situation. e.g If it's really windy I'll keep the strap around my neck even if the camera is on a tripod.
I think that you've struck a chord with me about how much more technology will I really need in my photography? I own both the Z9 an Z8, primarily because of my use case which is primarily shooting photos at conformation dog shows, much like your Crufts dog show in England, but mostly local and regional shows here in the States. The Z9 and Z8 definitely help me capture those magical movement shots that show the dog and their handler in the best light (pun intended). I consider the autofocus of these new Nikons to be stellar in comparison with my Z7ii and better than even my old D850. While the D850 was capable of shooting 9 fps with the Nikon MB-D18 battery grip attached, I find that even dialed down to 15 fps, the Z9 and Z8 almost always nails the shot that I'm after with a 2 second burst. My thought is while the Z9 and Z8 are capable of 20 fps, I dial it back because it's able to achieve my goal while shooting 33% less frames. I also like to shoot landscapes and do some hiking with the cameras, and I find the Z8 well suited to hiking and both cameras are wonderful, if overkill for landscapes. But, do I need more camera? Will I be able to justify purchase of the latest and greatest two, three or four years from now? Obviously, we'll see, but at the moment these new Nikons have all the technology I need.
I think we are on the same wavelength John. Even when I photographed Muse I had the FPS dialled back to "just" 10 fps! The Z8 is a whole lot of camera. And it does make you wonder what will come in the next 2 to 5 years. But like you, I have everything I need. Thanks for watching. :-)
The Z8 will probably be the camera I get in 10 years when I finally decide to go mirrorless 😂
It will still be a great camera in 10 years! :-)
Ditto.. (I'm still using a couple of D810's).
Hi Julian, by chance, I have also gone the D850 -> Z7 -> Z8 route. When I sold my D850, I bought a Z7 because, for landscape work, the Z7ii did not offer anything extra worth having. You are right that the lenses have been the big step forward. You asked about the next iteration of cameras beyond the Z8. Pixel shifting, if done well could be a boon for landscape photographers. In-camera focus stacking might be an improvement but only gets Nikon to where Olympus has already arrived. The Z8 sensor is now 18 months into its camera life time (courtesy of the Z9). Moore's law predicts that computing power has doubled in this time, will be four times more powerful in 2025 when we might expect a Z8ii, and eight times more powerful in 2027 when the Z8iii will be due. That sort of power might force a camera manufacturer to install a lot of blazingly fast memory inside the camera so that the 4TB CFExpress card can download from the camera's memory as a background task that it couldn't manage while the camera is shooting 500 frames a second.
Thanks Rob. Pixelshift technology is a good suggestion, as is in-camera focus staking. As for Moore's law, it depends on what Nikon can do with that power. But the future is exciting that's for sure. :-)
You might try a Fuji GFX100S to see if you like it. Also, did you ever try the Z lenses on the D850? Thanks.
Funny you should mention the GFX100S - th-cam.com/video/DOq-tLQohCU/w-d-xo.html As for using Z lenses on an F mount camera, I don't think you can do that? I haven't seen an adaptor.
I moved from d850 to z7ii because of the glass. I sold my f mount glass before they dropped in value. I think the z8 is a big step up in performance compared to the z7ii. I got the z9 a few months ago then sold my z7ii to get the z8. I would be perfectly happy with two z8s. I do wildlife and landscape. Z7ii fine for landscape except for no tilt screen in the portrait position. I don’t see getting another camera in the next 5 years.
There can't be much you can't capture with a Z8 and Z9. I think selling you another camera in the next 5 years would indeed be a tough sell! :-)
Thanks for sharing. I have really enjoyed your Z8 videos.
So where does Nikon go from here for landscape photographers? That's a great question. In my opinion, I believe they will work to improve the sensor, especially in terms of dynamic range. The Z8 sensor has a tad less dynamic range than the D850 and some of Nikon's competitors have a slight leg up on dynamic range as well. It might also be interesting to see if Nikon gets into the artificial intelligence realm with regard to some of its auto settings. We know how these settings tend to get fooled, which is why we avoid many of them. What better way to fix that other than to incorporate AI and turn their cameras into thinking machines.
Thanks Charlie, that's great to hear. I think every landscape photographer would love a bit more dynamic range. The AI topic is a great one...it would open up a whole new range of automatic modes. :-)
Great review and I am enjoying your channel… I am just asking, how is Chris Sale your photography friend, he hasn’t posted in a year…. Hope he is okay… take care buddy!!! Keep up the good work!!!
Thank you so much. :-) Chris is doing very well and keeping busy. He's not been posting on TH-cam, but he has a new post and video on his blog (on is website).
I agree with everything Landscape photography does not require eye AF or fast AF or frames per second at all. Maybe mirrorless does away with the need for fine tune autofocus adjustments.
And maybe the Z mount allows for better lenses to be made. I don't know if sensor technology can be improved or not as far as image quality is concerned
But I wonder if sensor technology can be made to produce a depth map file to go with that image such that, either the point of focus can be selected after the image is made as in the lytro cameras? Or to simply select areas depending on their focus distance?
Hey Tony, having a depth map file sounds interesting. :-)
@@jbairdexp Yea its interesting. I use it in a 3d rendering program. Its not based on focus but on how far away the object is from camera. If the thing closest to the camera is the thing you want in focus then you can defocus the whole image apply the depth map as a mask and it turns your 1.8 lens into a 1.2 lens.
There should be room for a physically bigger sensor in that body, the large mount should allow for it.
So medium format in a full frame body, bigger sensor, bigger pixel sites maybe ?
A "medium format" sensor seems to be a popular idea! That would make me think twice about buying another Nikon! :-) Thanks for watching Steve.
You said in this video that the Z8 doesn't have shutter delay. It has a self timer that delays the shutter by 2, 5, 10 or 20 seconds, then you can slow the shutter down to 900 seconds (15 minutes) or use bulb mode.
Yes I did say that, but I also said all those other things as well. :-)
Thanks for the review. I've got a Z7 which I really like when it comes for image quality etc. However, there are a few things that have been nagging me (mostly around auto-focus) and it looks like the Z8 would be an improvement for me (not that I'm going to buy one 😁). This isn't a problem for landscape photography but I do a fair bit of sports photography, I used to have a D4s because of this and while the Z7 is better in almost all aspects the D4s have better ergonomics and also better handling during action shots (the resulting images are much better for the Z7). The Z9 is probably the best solution for sports photography but it's too expensive and I never brought the D4s out for a walk, it's way too heavy and big. The Z8 might be the ideal compromise for me ... but I can't really justify spending the money.
Thank you for leaving a comment (and your Thanks!). Clearly I don't need to tell you the benefits of the Z system, but just because there are Z cameras doesn't make the D4 any less of a beast! Sounds like you've got a pretty sweet setup as it is. :-)
@@jbairdexp No, the D4s is pretty nice ... but since it and the F-lenses payed for my Z7 it's not a real alternative 😁 (sold the D4s during Covid since I was only doing landscape at that time). Anyway, the resulting photos from Z7 are much better than the D4s. So it's the Z7 or nothing 😋
@@jemostrom Still a sweet camera! Happy shooting. 🙂
Thanks for the review in relation to landscape! Your last point though finds me somewhat in disagreement. There are many things that can be improved over time and it doesn't always have to be something "core important" in relation to the camera but tons of other features in relation to building an ecosystem around the camera and Nikon needs to do a lot in that field. In general though having a good all around camera can only be something good and allow you to get what you need from your art without core limitations that should not exist anyway in 2023 with so much technology around us. So I am very happy with that because it allows freedom in artistic expression and can "allow" companies to focus in other improvements much needed.
Thanks for watching. I'm not saying things can't be improved, I'm just not sure what can be improved (and to what extent), that will be enough to make me buy the next generation. I'm sure they'll think of something....I always end up reaching for my credit card! lol
The issue with resolution is also that you’ll be hitting the diffraction limit sooner. I think at 60MP it’s noticeable at f/11. If you go further, maybe even f/8 is problematic.
It will be interesting to see if it is a problem should someone release a 60MP sensor.
I have been asking for the crop modes issue to be changed on the Z7ii for over 2 years. I do occasionally shoot with auto ISO but you can not assign a button to change minimum shutter speed without going to menu. Have they changed that. No. All other brands do allow you to do this.
I think the Ziii will have to be the high megapixel camera or the ZF. I didn't buy the Z8 because Landscape photographer no difference. The weight is the big put off.
I love my Z7ii and the images I have taken with it are outstanding, but eventually it will be upgraded to what ? Thank you Jullian for all your efforts.
It is odd how some camera manufacturers implement what we might consider weird quirks. I'd like to assign changing Picture Style to the control ring on the lens but you can't. But these are just niggles for me. But, yes, I agree, that the number of reasons for landscape photographers to jump from a Z7 are limited, so I expect to read many comments with people having a same view. Thanks, as always, for watching Nicky. :-)
Interesting video about the Z8 on landscape photography. Just about the length (positive remark ;)): a bit too long for me. 5 mn before entering the real topic and too many, not really useful, comments.
Thanks for watching and for your feedback. The problem with jumping straight into the camera specs is that without some background of what is going to be in the video, I get lots of questions about why I didn't do something, say something, or cover something. The context of my review is important. However, the video does have all the chapter markers in place so people can skip about the video as they see fit. :-)
Hi Julian: I have been tardy viewing and responding to your video, so please forgive me. We just got back from a 4 week trip to the East Coast of Canada. I am really impressed by the features and images that you have shared within this video. Your experience with this camera makes a compelling reason to purchase this camera. That being said, I would like to see Nikon make a fully articulating screen similar to what Olympus has been doing for years. At this price point, it should be a given. Keep well . . . Cheers, Keith
Keith, as one of my top subscribers, there's nothing to forgive!!! Hope you enjoyed your holiday. The fully articulating screen would have made it brilliant for solo video creators like me. ATB Julian
What mic do you use? Does Timecode work on it,
Rode Wireless 2 Go. I expect so, but it's not something I use myself.
Hi! what about the lovely image of the Z7 with that deep raw and lovely colors and dynamic range vs the Z8? i ve being told that it had a lower IQ..thanks!
Hi, as I said in the video, I've seen no difference in image quality between the Z7 and Z8. I've not looked at any of my Z8 images and thought that would have been better on the Z8. I know some lab tests show a slight reduction in dynamic range, but in the real world I doubt you'll see the difference. :-)
I just got the z8, I was using a z6 before. I do like all the customization in the z8. But after my first shoot or some cars I did feel like it’s a bit overkill. Awesome camera though!
The customisation is pretty powerful. You soon get used the overkill of features and then you won't be able to live without them! lol
@@jbairdexp I assume that will happen, then I’ll never want to use my z6 for anything lol. I used the z8 for a portrait shoot last night and really enjoyed it.
@@Travel_Photography_Dude I think the enjoyment of using a camera is something some people forget. 🙂
Pre release capture might work well with Monty too! Love my Z8 but unfortunately it is one of the ones which has been recalled - which seems like its going to take a loooong time 🙄
If pre-release comes to the Z8...no one is sure at the moment. But I agree, it will be a very handy feature. My Z8 is on the naughty list as well, but I'm not having any problems with mine so I see no point in sending it back just now. I will eventually, but I'll wait.
@@jbairdexp The Z8 does have pre release already!! I had a problem with one lens not locking properly
@@RobertSE6 Sorry, I'm getting confused with auto-capture! Yes, the Z8 does have pre-release! 🙂
Some videos about camera bodies has become too focused to the commercial aspect of each equipment that rolls out the assembling line. We have gone from the D850- to the Z7-2, Z9 and now Z8 Uhmm? Are the pictures looking any different at the end of each shot? I did see the concern video you made that was shot with the Z8 and those images where well taken and they looked very well composed too. But for landscape even the D850 gives excellent results. All of this is paired with good lenses of course.
I won't argue with you that the image quality between all those cameras hasn't really changed for landscape photographers. While the D850 is an outstanding DSLR, I will say that the Z mount lenses are better. Better enough to change from a D850, well, that's up to the photographer. Thank you for watching, and for watching my concert video as well. :-)
Color is better than Z7/Z7ii? I only shoot raw, but some of the greenish tint is hard to remove in post processing.
Hi, I can only compare the raw files from the Z7 (my previous camera) and I haven't noticed any difference in the performance of the Z8 raw files. I also don't remember any problems with a green tint. Sorry.
Hi Julian, thanks for another great video & review, just wondering if you are still using the Nikon Z fc as your vlogging camera & if so how are you finding it, (I own a Nikon D3100, D7200 & D610).
I'm looking at buying the Z fc for use as my main shooting camera (starting to realise that my eye sight is not the best, I wear glasses) so hoping the EVF will help with this. Would love your feedback, cheers from Australia. :) Colin
Hey Colin in Australia, yes I do still use the Z fc. Mostly for video - I shot most of this video with the Z fc - but I still take landscape photographs with it. I think it's a cracking camera. If you prefer to see what you are seeing on the LCD through the viewfinder (like I do), then yes, the EVF is brilliant. It still has the little dioptre knob so you can "focus" it to suit your eyesight.
@@jbairdexp cheers & thanks for the info, I will now look for a bargain as costs vary here in Australia. 📷👍
@@photographybycolinmcdonald9404 Happy shopping!
never had any problems with snapbridge
OK, thanks. :-)
I think for some folk it's about owning the latest model irrespective of it's advantages. Because if it were just down to what we needed then the camera companies would be out of business tomorrow. But as i understand this camera and the Z9 still can't upload to the net and the same speed as the cheapest smart phone? It's time some on (probably Sony) made a camera which is fully OS or Android compatible until then I will stick with my trusty D850. Which I think is the best Nikon you can buy for the money.
For sure, some people do like to own the latest shiny things. The uploading of pics straight from camera isn't really a requirement for me. My photographs always need post-processing. Saying that, it is easy enough to use SnapBridge to copy the photo from the camera, edit in LR Mobile, and post straight to the internet. The last thing I would want though is a camera that ran IOS or Android. Security fixes, bloat ware, slow performance...no thanks! :-)
@@jbairdexp Really, OS slow? I watched my daughter take edit and post the same photo I took in seconds with I phone 13 pro, and if I posted the same shot next to her's on the web folk would see no difference. Now if we were printing that's a whole different matter. Yes I would agree that photography at the upper end is more than just taking and posting, in fact we probably spend more time editing than taking. But if the camera companies want youth onboard then a 4k camera has to be OS or Android compatible. Watch Sony take over the market.............soon.
I am considering this camera, but I'm also considering a GFX 50 S2 because honestly that is actually cheaper than Z8 and optically probably superior so which camera should I buy and I purely use that camera for landscape photography I have a Nikon 850 and people think I'm crazy for buying a GFX but I do eventually want to upgrade. I'm also using a Fujifilm XT5 and I love that camera for landscape photography man I got a lot of camera cameras but that's okay. I'm doing a lot of Photography and I can afford it, but I don't want the GFX #100# S2 that is $12,000 and beyond my budget.
Hey, if you can afford it then why not. :-)
A red sensor with +16 stops of dinamic range as new charasteristic?.
More dynamic range will always be welcome!
PLEASE NIKON, DON’T CHANGE RECORDING RAW FILES IN THE CHOSEN ASPECT RATIO! I love that you do this (I dearly wish you’d give back the 5:4 raw missing from the Z 9 and Z 8). When I compose in an aspect ratio other than 3:2, it’s because I want an image in that aspect ratio. I don’t want the added step of cropping again in post and I certainly don’t want to depend on clients to crop to my desired aspect ratio. I hate that other brands don’t actually crop the in-camera raw files and it’s one reason I keep with Nikon!
Fortunately for you, it's not up to me! lol But it interesting to read that some people do like it that way. :-)
You can always use the regular aspect ratio and just superimpose a frame in the viewfinder with the aspect size you like using D15 Grid Display menu (5:4 and 16:9 included). This is helping when composing but you will get a full frame picture
@@FrancescoBorsotti If I’m composing using a 5:4, 4:3, 16:9 or 1:1 crop, it’s because I don’t want a 3:2 aspect ratio. I certainly don’t want the added step of cropping pictures in post, as I’m left doing with Canon and Sony cameras. I prefer Nikon’s way and I hope they don’t change it except to add the 5:4 image size to the Z 9 and Z 8 via firmware.
@@fuzzytalz I do Agree with you. I personally prefer to crop in post, since I have more freedom. And it just takes few seconds and I can eventually rethink and make different versions of the same picture. Having the possibility to compose having the frame superimposed in the viewfinder is a bonus.
I'm pretty sure Nikon records the entire sensor with RAWs regardless of your aspect ratio... but stores the crop in the metadata so your viewer will show it in the ratio it was captured in. Any 1:1 shots I've done will show the full 2:3 if I alter the crop, etc in Lightroom.
Hello Julian, one of the Nikon reps I know told me at a show that Z9 owners don't need this camera. I'd be curious as to what you think of that statement given that you are a Z8 owner. Full disclosure: I own a Z9, a D850, 2 D750s, an F5 and an F6.
Hey Paul, to be honest, I think very generic statements like that aren't worth commenting on! lol :-) Every photographers needs are different and to say that if you own a Z9 you shouldn't buy a Z8 is a bit odd. That statement assumes that every Z9 owner only owns one body for example. Anyway, I hope you are well and always nice to read a comment from you. :-)
Hi again Julian, as always, I am playing catch up with your videos. A new Full Time job has been taking up a great deal of what I used to call my leisure time. However, whenever I do find another of your videos, I always stop watch and try to comment.@@jbairdexp
Good video, especially the sit down at the end. Yes, the tech is fun and that’s okay. A KIA will get you there, but a Porsche is more fun to drive.
Thanks, glad you liked it. And the Kia/Porsche analogy is a great way of putting it! Sometimes it's just nice to have something nice.
I'm pretty sure Nikon records the entire sensor with RAWs regardless of your aspect ratio... but stores the crop in the metadata so your viewer will show it in the ratio it was captured in. Any 1:1 shots I've done will show the full 2:3 if I alter the crop, etc in Lightroom.
Hi, I've checked a few times and it definitely crops the image permanently. I did however find a useful menu option where you can add a crop overlay onto the display. This allows you to compose the image in the aspect ratio you want, but it still shoots the full image.
@@jbairdexp That is odd as I does not for me. I have it set to 1:1 or 24:24 and JPEG + RAW. The JPEG is cropped of course but when I click 'R' to crop in LR for the RAW, I see the 2:3 version with the square crop. I shoot a lot of different bodies and I'm away from my computer at the moment but sometimes I mix images from multiple bodies into the same folder, maybe I grabbed one of the other RAWS but I'm pretty sure it was a NEF.
@@jbairdexp I will follow up and do some testing. Maybe there is a setting somewhere or a particular mode where it behaves differently?
@@dcd Let me know how you get on. I've found that if you set "Image Area" under "Photo Shooting Menu", it always crops the RAW file. However, if you set "D15 Grid Type", this is just an overlay of the display and the full RAW file is captured. 🙂
@@jbairdexp it is not the grid display, it really was a 1:1 but the RAW had the whole sensor data... but it wasn't a NEF!!! I was mixing in other bodies like I mentioned and when I went back to check, the NEFs are true 1:1 and the RAW only had 1:1 data. The other 1:1's had to be from one of my other bodies.
3LeggedThing are prototyping a new L-Bracket and there is a priority list if you ask them.
I'm going to be testing out the l-bracket for the Z8 from SmallRig, but will keep an eye out for l-bracket from 3LT though.
@@jbairdexpfrom what I’ve seen in images, the SmallRig looks good, but I can’t seem to find one in stock. I’d like to know what you think of it if you get one.
@@Joseph-iu6ip I'm not sure how widely available they are as they have just come out. SmallRig are sending me one out so I will be doing a video to share my thoughts. So stay tuned!
@@jbairdexpcool, let them know that they can send me one too. 😂
I started on film and personally would welcome a return to the days of film cameras and only ever buying one. Maybe two. The famous Nikon F camera sold from 1959 to 1973 - 14 years!! Of course when you buy a digital camera, you buy the "film", but I think the "film" is good enough now. Let's get back to focussing on the art of photography.
I've always been digital shooter so I don't have the nostalgia for it like other photographers. While I get excited about the advances in digital technology, I don't look back with a longing to my older cameras. I do look back on my older photos with fondness, so while the cameras are exciting in the now, it's the art of photography that lasts.
@@jbairdexp no nostalgia on my part. But the business model of not having to buy a camera every year or two is a welcome return. I think that’s where we are now (again).
Gear-heads will always find an excuse to upgrade. Even if future specs are not enough to justify it, you will soon get the itch and 'accidentally' drop your camera into a river just to give yourself that excuse. :)
Me? Still more than happy with my D810....
lol, true that! I'll be eating my words in two years won't I! Thanks for watching. :-) As for your D810....if you are happy, you can't ask for more. :-)
One feature I would like is a "preview mask" of different and selectable aspect ratios. Something similar to image size but without cropping the final image. And the preview mask would let you compose the image in configurable aspect ratios such as 4:3, 16:9, 1:1, 3:1 and user customizable ratios. The camera would still capture the complete 3:2 ratio. This is a firmware thing Nikon could quite easily implement into all current and future cameras. About the "where does Nikon goes next" question: people said the same thing when the D850 came out. It's the best all-round DSLR ever made. And it still is. But yet technology moved on and brought new opportunities. That will never end.
That's a great suggestion! A preview mask would be ideal. It does seem like something that could easily be implemented in firmware. But look how long it took Nikon to give us a 3x3 grid display! And yes, I'm sure it will never end, but it does seem to be slowing down....at least from a landscape photography point of view. As always, thanks for watching. :-)
As you probably already know, it is already there. Look at the D15 menu options…
@@FrancescoBorsotti Yes, someone had pointed that out to me in an earlier comment....but they might not have, so thanks for highlighting it anyway! 🙂
@@FrancescoBorsotti If I understood the manual correctly, not quite. D15 is an image frame (white border around the image area). The features it is missing is to be able to select different image ratios. I don't have a Z8 so I can't check this.
@@pascalhibon7928 The following are the gridline types that can be displayed using D15 menu:
3x3 Rule of thirds grid
4x4 Nikon’s traditional “rule of fourths” grid
5:4 The 5:4 aspect ratio frame1:1 aspect ratio frame
16:9 aspect ratio frame
Apparently these are not mentioned in the Nikon Manual when it refers to D15
Wait for 15 years Nikon Z8 cameras still do not have flip screen to vary-angle selfies, body size and weight are big and heavy, Canon vari angle flip screen attracted many buyer and occupied more than 50% sales, tilt screen are not favorites toy many photographer, I have to change to Canon for R6II camera which is lighter and have vary-angle flip screen.
I agree, the lack of a flippy out screen is a miss for me. As a solo filmmaker it would be such a benefit.
I feel we are reaching a stage with tech that we could pay for firmware updates to upgrade, physically we already have enough with our camera bodies,
Oh I do hope that doesn't become the case. :-(
Really Right Stuff has announced the L bracket for the Z8.
As have 3LT I believe, and I have an l-bracket from SmallRig on the way. So they are all at it now! :-)
@@jbairdexp Small Rig is also good.
@@stanobert3475 I've used a couple of SmallRig products previously so I'm confident it will be a good product.
I'd like to see new tech that improves latitude closer to the human eye
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by latitude?
@@jbairdexp Improving a camera's ability to record a wider dynamic range so I don't "wash out" the sky so much. I know there are software work-arounds and graduated neutral density filters but I'd like to see camera manufacturers implement fixes in the camera. As to the human eye, I'll see a beautiful image through the viewfinder, click the shutter, look at the back of the camera and see the sky is overexposed because the camera doesn't have the same latitude (maybe the wrong word to use) as our eyes to take in the full exposure spectrum. I'm not complaining by any means. Modern cameras and software are awesome in what they can do. Just something I'd like to see them work on.
@@markherrick3747 Ah, I gotcha! There can't be many photographers (myself included) who wouldn't want improved dynamic range. I admit it, if Nikon came out with a camera with a decent jump in dynamic range, that would be enough to make me buy a camera.
Enel15 batteries are pants , by the time a grip is bought you bought a z9
Depends on your requirements. I've always found the EN-EL15 batteries to suit my needs. I have a camera that take EN-EL25....now that's a small battery! :-)
sorry i tried to watch but3 mins in and i couldnt wait any longer
Couldn't wait any longer for what? I hope it's not what I think it is! lol
@@jbairdexp I think it's your language and pronunciation - as I also can understand only half of what you're talking about...
@@hanswi336 Have you tried turning on closed captions? 😂 I'm not exactly sure what the purpose of you leaving that comment was.
Why would a landscape photographer constantly shoot in portrait mode? Doesn't that make you a portrait photographer? Thinking so.
Perhaps I rephrase it as "vertical orientation" that would make more sense?
i bought z9 z8 sony a7rv and believe it or not ive sold the z8 z9 and bought a z7 mk 2 combined with the sony a7rv z8 battery to me was poor z9 was to heavy and as far as image quality goes the z7 mk2 has tiny bit better dynamic range than either the z8 or the z9 so even though the cash isnt a problem i could not justify it
As long as you have a camera(s) that suits your need that's the main thing. And with so many options out there it's a good time to buy that camera. :-)
@@jbairdexp yes julian i need to stop buying all these cameras and start getting out there and taking photos to many choices sometimes is a bad thing ..great channel
Not exactly a first world problem 😂 who knows what will be next and the way that Nikon keep giving us firmware updates it feels like I get a new camera every 3 or 4 months anyway. Chuffed to bits with my Z9 as my wife is with her Z8 so very hard to imagine what else i would like 🤔
Well, I certainly hope the firmware updates are as frequent for the Z8 as they were for the Z9. I bet you are a happy household with both a Z9 and a Z8!
Its not only the Z8 is an overkill for landscape photography, but almost allmodern digital cameras. Over 90% of theirvfeatures are superfluous to the needs of average landscape photographer. They want to be all things to all men, plus video. I wouldnt mind if they took that bloody LCD off as well. It will do a lot of these young photographers a lot of good, tne least is that they learn to look through the viewfinder. What the hell do I want 120 fps for? Another case of shoot 500 frames maybe o e of them would fit the bill.
Clearly not the camera for you then. :-)
@@jbairdexp No, I am quite happy with my D810. If I want to use Mirrorless, I use my EM1 MKII.
1 internal storage yep I would build a one terabyte internal storage for the camera. I would do away with SD cards completely. Imagine the buffer rate you could get On don't give me that rubbish. Excuse that you can't do that. Seriously a game console has an internal storage system now one terabyte up to 4 TB. It can be done really easy. Even a phone can have a 2 TB storage now so can a camera?.
2 voiced command yep you can take photos using your voice change menus. Why not again I give the example that a $150 smartphone can actually use voice command now and so can my GoPro 10 which is about a $250 camera now can use voice command..
3 stacking images I actually think the camera should be able to stack the images so pops out one image instead of having to take individual images stacked and then it all comes out in one image one raw file that you simply have to edit that can be done.
4 film simulations like Fujifilm have got it's one of the reasons why Fujifilm cameras are so popular. Now I know the majority of people that buy a Z8 are going to be shooting in raw, but I've been using a Fujifilm XT5 along with my Nikon, D8 50, and there are some of the features that I love about the FujifilmXT5 that I wish were in the Z8. There are so many features.
5 no, this is a slightly radical idea removable screen yeah so you don't actually have an articulating screen you can put the screen wherever you like. It actually is removable so you can have it articulate in any direction by simply taking it off and placing it somewhere else on the camera with clips so if you wanting to do a video you could put it at the front on your hot shoe above the camera.... Yes, it can still articulate, but you can articulate it in any direction you like by simply removing it and placing it somewhere else on the camera.
Some interesting ideas there for sure! Number 3 is one I would welcome for sure. :-)
Thanks!
That is amazingly kind of you! Thank you for your support. I really do appreciate it! :-)