NIKON Z8---After 7 days and 5,000 Photos
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ค. 2023
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Not sure if you used it, but Nikon allows you to adjust how sensitive the autofocus is to foreground objects interfering with a base runner or bird in flight. Custom settings menu, a3. Blocked shot autofocus response, scale of 1-5, 3 is default.
this should get pinned
You can change the settings so it will not reacquire focus when the main subject is blocked momentarily. Look for blocked shot AF response under Focus settings and change it to more "Delayed"
Yep, it's in the Z9 manual (should be the same with the Z8)
What is your AF speed and AF sensitivity on AF-F Video ?
You expect people to read the manual? I don't trust the "reviews" of any of these idiots.
a3 in custom setting menu. I would set blocked shot AF response to #4 or even #5. Try it and you will love it. :)
"will not refocus as quickly" ie sticks to the momentarily blocked focus point longer ...
Just one firmware update and this camera is already leading the action and wildlife game and to do it at that price point,kudos Nikon .
The 400 4.5 is just a game changer.
I hope so! The z9 hasn't had any distinctive AF improvements from their firmware updates. I'd say it's nearly on par with the competitors anyways
Lol leading the action. Hahahahahahaha Nikon users are too funny
It won’t be leading the pack. It has exactly the same AF as the Z9 and Nikon have not been able to sort it out. Also it has exactly the same poor colour performance as the Z9 in low light too. You will be stuck with those two issues until the Z9 II comes out.
@@BucNasty32 leading the action and wildlife is 💯
@@JW-ge6kn always thought like with DSLR Nikon will eventually, consistently put out the class leading cameras. Z9/Z8 is a good start
I appreciate you always giving Nikon a fair shot… Good or bad you have kept it real. I appreciate that.
As a Sony A7RV user, I’m loving seeing Nikon and Canon create amazing products as it pushes the brands to do better. What a time for consumers. The differences are so incremental that it’s given people the freedom to choose confidentiality and get a good system.
Good work Nikon.
Very good
Nikon really needs more love. The combination of specs, autofocus, usability, colors, etc is incredible. People are sleeping on Nikon.
Agreed, badly sleeping on Nikon! But, that's why it's no worries for me, I see all the good that's happening with Nikon, and it's exciting what I will personally be able to do in this system!
@@russellwright9961 I am on nikon dslr side. I am waiting to get some money to jump on the z8. Incredible lenses man !!!!!!!!!!!!!
@@crystalous Man, Nikon seems to have had some genius going on when they decided to change the mount for the Zed bodies, and I think we will really see them shine when their Cinema line is released. Think about it, they are over the troubles with RED, so now they can move really move forward with all things cinema, and unlike some others, THEY DO NOT LACK ON STILLS FEATURES IN ANY OF THEIR CAMERAS THAT HAVE GREAT VIDEO SPECS. I know Sony and Canon shooters who complain about cameras that are great for video, but really lack when it comes to stills, and that’s why Nikon is being considered the best hybrids bodies…
Well folks NIkon has gave us the tools. NOW its time to show everyone what NIKON TOGs can really do! Viva La Nikon! We Coming for ya'll! 🏁Viva La Nikon 🏁
Nikon lagging behind cause of their marketing move. I think with the z8 did a move forward .
So in conclusion:
- Autofocus: good
- Framerate: good
- Battery life: good
- Video: good
- Stacked sensor: good
- Lenses: good
- Price: very, very, very good
- Manny Ortiz doing YT videos despite his anxiety: outstanding
;)
Reminds me of the 2007 videos of the NIKON D3.....😅😊
@@nickreid5939 Right!
There’s a setting in the Z9 (and I presume the Z8… I don’t have mine yet) where you can delay/slow the focus so it doesn’t acquire focus on something “new” too quickly. This might have corrected that issue you were experiencing.
it is even in my rusty D800 that option !
Finally a real world comparison from a real world photographer. You honestly couldn’t go wrong with any system (Canon, Nikon , Sony). The tech in each of these is astounding.
There has been a comparison already elsewhere and the Z8 came out second.
@@stuartallenphotos 😂 any comparisons made already must be really poorly done
@@livejames9374 no the reviews were well done. They were actually more demanding on the cameras which showed the shortcomings on the Z8 autofocus and colour performance in low light. Also it’s overheating issue whilst using video.
@@stuartallenphotos who exactly showed that?
I shot Nikon, had a Z9 and sold it and now shoot Sony. So I'm not biased towards Nikon here. But Sony's AF isn't all that. It's good and I'd say it's better than Nikon's in some situations, but it's crazy how much of the AF complaints with Nikon is just that people don't want to use a different mode. Should it work great in all modes? Sure. But let's be serious.
Yeah I’m on Sony FX3 now coming from Nikon. The difference is really exaggerated on TH-cam especially by the Sony TH-camrs. Newsflash: no af system can read your mind. Mannys talk about “af thinking for you” is hot air in my experience. And my FX3 will eff up just as any other camera shooting against the strong pin point light et c. It’s really annoying because the TH-camrs talk about autofocus for like at least 50% of their videos. So boring. Like the tiny af difference between all the bigger brands doesn’t matter AT ALL.
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
@@tor2919 I got the FX30 for video AF as my Z6II was having issues staying on me for talking head videos and I tried all the settings but, still had issues. I sold the Z6II and 24-70f/2.8 to finance the A7R V, I really don’t like the ergonomics of it and tend to use the screen to shoot photos as it has that great multi-angle feature and they finally had a screen that was worth using, in my opinion. As mentioned in another post, the AF on the A7R V, to me needs to be tweaked as well for use cases, if you listen to Sony shooters, it’s like it never misses anything. Every brand had multiple AF settings for you to use for different shooting scenarios and will have issues if not used correctly.
My thoughts exactly. I own both and cannot understand all these complaints. The AF on the two are not far apart at all if any
I am thinking it's time to let go of my A9 and A7rIII and grab the Z8 with 24-120. Ill stick with my other sony bodies for video, but i really want a bigger camera. the small size of the sonys is just not comfortable for my hands, and i have been shooting with them for nearly 7 years.
Thanks for a fair and honest review. No camera is perfect, but the Z8 seems like a great camera, and I believe Nikon will sell a ton of these babies.
I forgot to mention in my previous comment. The Nikon 400mm f4.5 is such a great lens. Not only is is quick to focus and light the images are amazingly sharp. I always shoot mine wide open. I’m getting way more wildlife action shots because I can’t get on target quicker. I’m looking forward to my Z8 arriving since my set up will be even lighter and quicker from loosing a pound over my Z9.
I don’t mind using your z9 for you 😅
I am a Nikon person. I received the call on my preorder and I am picking up my Z8 on Thursday. The thing that I enjoy about your reviews is that you are always fair. You do not bash and that is refreshing. I appreciate that. It is rare that I can say that...
Now you did NOT have to talk about the 400 f4.5. You are killing me... I want that lens and I have been running buying this lens too but I really cannot make it work... But I do love that lens, and I am old and broken down so weight means a lot.
Thanks for another good review... God Bless.
Great video Manny. Love how you stay fair and honest with Nikon cameras.
Nikon Z8 is so desirable. Combined with Z lenses it’s just awesome
The thing most people miss when reviewing Nikons is just the sublime handling and feel. I’m on the FX3 now but really miss the ergos of Nikon. That’s the only field where Sony is still far behind
CFE-A cards, that alone is a no-go for me
No the only field -- Sony simply refuses to embed a wide-range of decent codecs in their hybrids.
I have the FX30 and the A7R V, I’ve dotter used to holding the FX30 differently to access the top buttons when recording video, so the ergo issue bother me less on that one but, it’s there. I also do the same with the A7R V as I get hand cramps when shooting photos with it for any long periods. I tend to use the screen to shoot photos if the light isn’t too bright out, to minimize the cramps. Can’t wait to get that Z8.
I just don't understand that fantasy at all cost of going small for some people. I mean these cameras will mostly be pared with 2.8 zooms and large prime lens. What is the benefit of having to hold and your pinkie hanging in the air!!! I prefer a camera which is also taller lets say by 1 cm, as it doesn't overheat. I looks like some Canon and Sony users are content of overheating cameras!!! Why should a 3.5k+ camera overheat, you imagine if it was the contrary Nikon overheating and Canon and Sony not. The backlash would be extraordinary. I am a french speaker and the feeling now is the Z8 competition is not the R5 but the A1 for example.
@@danielvilliers612 We could add the Sony A1 to that list as well but, it is $6500. The Z9 undercuts it in price and performance on some levels. For video, the Z9 currently has the best specs and recording times and it even does RAW internally, something the Z8 benefits from. For the price point, the Canon R5 (who has just dropped their price) would be seen as the competition. If the Canon R5 II is released this year with similar specs, we will have to see if it can match or beat the Z8. I posted a video comparing the Z8 and it's competition in price range, you may want to have a look at it.
I have the 400 mm f/4.5 S. That lens is amazing. Now I couldn't wait to get the Z8.
You are the only one mentioning how many shots can you do with one battery!!!! I love you man
You’re quickly becoming my fav reviewer. You point out flaws with all systems and praise them. Nice work.
Your talk on the 400 4.5 is why I stuck with my Z9 and why I’ll be getting a Z8 Friday. (Not to mention the 85 1.2)
I have watched you for a while now, Manny. You seem very genuine. That's important. Thank you. :)
I was shooting a Z8 on Saturday and I was using 3D tracking. I was very surprised it kept track of the subject when obstructed with passing, people/objects and vehicles. I would suggest it's the focus mode you were in that was the problem.
yeah, people need to spend time with it, can't be blaming the gear all the time lol... smh... back then people could take photos w/o all these AF etc, smh... this obsession with pointing out that the camera is a bit behind the others in AF is insane.... the AF is great, it may not be perfect but it mainly only fails in fast action scenarios... photography is not about just the AF AF AF... smh
@@felm.974 You said it Fel. These young folks want the camera to do all the work and somehow miss that prior to all this tech, photographers were getting shots on manual cameras with manual focus. Photography is new for them from the standpoint of those that came from the film and fully manual camera era. For them it’s more about the gear than the actual craft. Can’t wait to get me Z8!
@@waynerm002 Indeed, it is very annoying, the camera is great, all of this stuff about AF is just ridiculous. If Nikon is behind the others in AF it is probably like 1% behind like why keep pointing that out????? They have great lenses, great color science, great stabilization, and many other features yet, these people love focusing on the few "negatives" like the slightly not as good AF and now on the over heating issues, all cameras over heat and it is mainly if you do 8k 🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️🤦🏾♂️
@@felm.974 People take from reviews the things they resonate with. Matt G. was comparing the Z8 against the Z9 for his use case and in that scenario it does overheat when the Z9 doesn’t. If it was tested against other $4K cameras, Canon R5 and Sony A7R V, the result would be different. As I’ve mentioned in my videos, I wanted to see a second camera with a fan (and if Nikon brings one out in a few weeks or month after, I’ll be upset) as if this camera was to truly be a Z9, it would need some external cooling capabilities to do the same as the Z9. However, I believe they didn’t do that to keep the Z9 as the top performer. The same goes for not doing 2 CF Express cards.
One thing I’ve learned from doing video is that people shooting documentaries and such use 24p, TH-camrs love 60p for some reason and it’s not all due to slow motion or having the capability to do so in a particular clip. Some use it for talking head videos, when it’s not needed but, they say it makes things look smoother. Some people may want to do 4K60p or 8K60p for long periods and for those folks, there are cameras with fans to keep things cooler for those long sessions. My A7R V is beefier than it’s older sibling to be able to do 8K without a fan and in the right conditions, the manual lists 1h 25min for 8K 24/25p (4:2:0 10bit) recording at 200Mb/s and 40min at 400Mb/s on a 160GB card. On a fully charged battery and a 320GB card, the camera list 3h 21min at 200Mb/s, 1h 42min at 400Mb/s recording time, could it do it in just the internal battery? Nope.
It seems like people these days don’t research things and take what some YT people say as facts, without confirming it themselves and some are quick to attack you if you don’t agree. Some YT think folks attack them as fanboys. There is truth in both. I’ve seen YT folks just say things that are false and when it’s pointed out, never respond or will say it’s an oversight. Most won’t make a video to correct that oversight. One of the reasons I choose to put info from the manual or sources in my videos, is to show where the info comes from. Some folks still tend to miss the whole context and just pull out things they heard and disagree with instead of taking the things in context. The Z8 is about 90% the Z9 and that is good for most, for some of the rest they will get the Z9. Those others, well, Nikon will never please them. Oh well.
@@felm.974 it’s a lot more than just 1% behind. That’s the reason there have been so many complaints from experienced photographers.
Thank you for this fantastic and honest review. One of the best I've seen on YT
Love this, I already know how fantastic this camera will be for Landscapes. But WOW, love the sports ability in the small form factor compared to the Z9. Finally a camera that is perfect for me!
Just ordered the Z8 and your review just made me even more pumped up to get it! Hopefully, next week!
I am a fan of NPB. I am planning to use the Z8 to capture professional baseball players, so this video is very helpful for me. I was able to get a clear picture in my mind. Thank you.
This is about the 3000 time I have said this somewhere... Nikon is not lagging behind in AF... It's AF is a completely different language than any other system. You are also correct in stating a 98% hit rate (Z7ii is my 98% hit rate, the Z9 is better than that) when you are in the correct mode for the scene you are shooting. I think those of us who have been in the Nikon system forever, understand that we must select AF modes suited for our scenes and not let the camera tell us what is best. Yes I have tried other systems and yes I have friends in other systems and they do no better than I do with a Nikon in my hands. If you want auto everything and let the camera decide where to focus, you are better off with Sony and Canon. But if you want the best files on the planet, and you don't mind programming the FN buttons to suit your quick AF modes changes, then Nikon is where it's at. Agree or disagree... it does not matter... shut up and go get make some money. LOL
To go from 98% accuracy to 100%, please use the settings in A-3 in the menu...FOCUS TRACKING WITH LOCK ON. Keep it on ERRATIC and set the time. There is an inbuilt Help which will tell you how to choose... The issue you reported at 10.30 will disappear...
Also try the 3D tracking.. you will love it...
Also you need to accept that every camera system has its own implementation of AF systems. Nikon system is perfect for those who like that implementation and may find Sony/Canon suck in comparison...
100% agreed! I’ve tried the 3D mode with CF and it will stick like glue when you lock on.
Manny, without script the videos are easier to understand and what you want to express, you are not a salesman anymore, but a user
Thanks very much manny for a fair reflection of this camera and lens
I so can’t wait until my Z8 get on my door step. Love your thoughts on the Z8 and totally enjoy your channel.
Good video Manny, you touched on some things that other non Nikon owners miss. The Nikon AF system operates differently to the other brands and expecting the same performance and complaining, instead of using it as designed isn’t the fault of the camera. I’ve seen a couple of responses already pointing out some settings that would work better for those obstructed movements. As you mentioned with the Sony and Canon focusing back on the crowd, I’m fairly certain they also have settings to dial things in to avoid that. You demonstrated functions that we Nikon shooters are used to when it comes to narrowing the focus, those additional area focus works well.
I have the A7R V and have been testing out the focus features to dial things in to how I want it to work as it misses shots as well but, I figure that’s so,e thing I need to dial in more. However, most people won’t mention these things and the folks that don’t own or have tried another brand, make blanket statements on how another brands features work. While the tech is getting better, some of us prefer how Nikon does things and are happy to see them improving and getting recognition on how great their products are.
Ya, the video side went unnoticed as people didn’t think Nikon could do anything well. On the power side, you were dressed, inappropriately. You needed one of those photographers vest to drop the battery pack in one of the pockets and keep shooting. LOL. I remember the days of having a battery pack for the flash on my waist for events, with the cord to power the unit. It was more likely you would overheat the flash and had to switch it out than run out of juice. Great performance nonetheless on that EN-EL 15C battery, maybe they will introduce a D version with higher capacity in the future. Looking forward to the other videos on the Z8.
That’s a 400mm lens on the Z8 … wow!!! Crazy
The Z8 will defo my next Camera!
I really hope everyone watches this video to see your real world experiences with the major camera brands. Well done!!!
Nikon being desirable again. They’ve got something really special with the Z9/Z8. Let’s see what they can do with the Z6 III, now that it seems that they have sussed out AF tracking.
I admire your objectivity. Nice vid!
I'm a Sony user. But I haven't been happy with the body size and was looking for something more comfortable to hold and Z8 seems like everything I've been looking forward into a camera. They seem to have good quality lenses and the video features are insane.
The S Line lenses are amazing, and are very, very slept on IMO. Some of the F4 glass is as good or better than the 1.4 glass of their F Mount lenses, no exaggeration....
@@russellwright9961 Regardless of the system people use, I literally never see a photographer sleep on Z S line lenses, even canon and sony users usually praise the S line lenses. They are of the highest quality :)
@@russellwright9961 I second this. Z 24-70F4 is much shaper lens than F 24-70F2.8 which costs much more and weighs more. Besides Z mount is large enough to capture more light worth up to full stop. Even bokeh is so pleasing. It's insane what kind of quality lens you get by paying 400$ in like new condition lens.
Nikon 1.8S Primes are a whole different league from F mount and are better than 1.4 F mount primes.
agree. probably selling some sonys and buying Nikon.
@@scotthayesproductions5715 I got rid of a couple body and lenses to pick the Z8 and 24-120 which would be used primarily for video. I'll pick a 50 and 85 for portraits.
Love your content. Thank you for all the work you put in!
Thanks for this Manny! Another vid, confirming that I'll be purchasing this.
I recently bought Nikon D780. In the future, I'll buy Z8 as my first mirrorless canera.. ❤I'm already very impressed with Nikon.. I've been shooting Nikon and Canon. Mostly Nikon.
Have you ever seen a Pud-Pooth?
Thanks for your video. Since you noticed the AF "quirk" with the Z9 and now the Z8 did you try changing the A3 autofocus setting to adjust the sensitivity of a blocked shot? And did you set the subject detection to people only? These 2 settings may help with the specific issue you mentioned.
An amazing trait of Nikon cameras is how after a month of using it, it gets better result than the reviewers that slag the bodies right on que. The most hated camera by reviewers who had the for a few days was the Z6 but within 2 weeks my d850 went to backup status due to the excellent keeper rate. The only reviewer who really nails it as to what to expect after a few weeks of use is Ricci Talks. He always gets then months in advance of release.
The million follower professional YT influenciers are always biased to those brands that pay the most. They are always wrong but influence a lot of users who are not confident in their own evaluation of a camera for their needs. When some announced "flaw" in a new model is trumpetted by the comptitor's influencer, it almost always turns out to be a never encountered "flaw" but the damage is done, the gulible have already moved to the influencers brands yet again. That is why they get th big bucks. Paying high influencrs fees is a lot more effective than million dollar ad buys by the ad agency.
The Z8 must have been in production for a long time with the final release firm ware to have so many cameras already with release firmware and had it in th hands of reviewers 2 months ago. One site said Nikon had a capacity of 22,000 a month so they have already shipped 1-2 months of production so current firmware was probably certified as gold 3-4 months ago.
I think the z8 will be a winner maybe not as much in demand as the d800 was when it was released and proptly backed up orders 7-8 before the big mailorder outets fille all their first week of orders.
This is what I am calling a fair review.
Weakness AND strength not biased.
Thanks
Thank you for your genuine review. This is a ray of light in this dark world of negative reviews of Z8! Appreciated 👏
Why you don’t have over 1 million followers is beyond me!
It's because he doesn't use clickbait, sad to say.
I’ve shot Nikon for over 15 years and now more than ever I know I won’t switch
Nikon is king. Always has been.
Excellent, thanks for a raw practical hands on review. Glad to see Nikon leaping forward. At this price point the z8 looks pretty solid.
Great video Manny. I think we are at the point where we can quit nitpicking af when canon and Sony grab crowd instead of players more and 98-99% of shots were in focus. Also for blocked shots “steady” instead of erratic and default 3 or slower work well.
Yep was a bit taken aback by this comment. I mean praising nikon not focusing on people at the back compared to the others and then saying it is worst!!! I mean I really like the review, even him not knowing about the a3 setting, but damn did it sound cliche to say Nikon AF.
Thank you for this review. This was solid and informative content without being biased.
Really interesting perspective across the three main brands. Thanks
Don't give up Manny, three outros are better than one.
Nikon Z amazing machine and amazing glass
As a Nikon shooter, I appreciate your honesty. I’m happy with mine z6ii even though autofocus seems to be the issue but I enjoy the challenge. It makes photography more fun for me.
does the af really that bad? thinking on buying used r6 instead of z6ii but it will be a lot more expensive and the z S glass is just awesome.
@@TheBhezard No it's not that bad except for very fast action. Try the Z6 II for yourself and see if you are comfortable.
@@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas Yep, I do not know what all of the photographers today would be doing any photography just 5 years ago.
@@TheBhezard I can agree that the s glass are more affordable and produce sharp images. Autofocus is not bad haha but ppl expect the camera to do all the thinking for them. No fun in that.
What are the issues with AF? I use my Z6 for commercial work, actor portfolios, ballet, opera, studio and location world for a world leading ballet theater and for casting directors. My D850 sits firmly in backup duty which is a shame because I loved that camera and my D800. But I get more keepers(very high rate of keepers) with the very easy to handle Z6 body in hand with a hand strap for many hours a day. A gripped D850 is tiring on a long day or never ending days on location shooting stills for film productions. Every stunts needs lots of stills to verify set and rigging. I would like a z8 but it is not needed. I am 73yo and will healthy, 14hour days lugging a large backpack is not my favorite thing to do. A Z8 would not earn one cent more income but the hobbyist in me would like to have one.
Good Job Manny -- The Z8/Z9's Auto Area AF (and other Area AF modes) with subject detection tend to lock on to the closest subject to the camera (bright high contrast subjects can pull focus). Where there are multiple potential subject identified you can use the left and right sides of the Multi selector pad (not sub-selector or joystick) to choose. YES - go into blocked shot AF response settings - move it to the maximum and you should be good, back of a bit if it becomes to sticky. We long term shooters do not use Auto-Area AF -- we use other more focussed Af-Modes Wide-Area-AF (S, L, C1 and C2) AND most often 3-D tracking (the best mode by far) - just turn on SD for humans and put the focus point on or near your subject Af-ON and it will stick (999/1000 TIMES).
Neither the Z8 or Z9 are Cine cameras with Active Cooling -- if folk need more than either the Z8 or Z9 can do then use a CINE camera. Yes that is work in extreme heat and/or when shooting at ultra high resolutions and fps for very long recordings -- stepping past WHY!!!!! -- this is what top CINE bodies do -- no hybrid without active cooling can come close. Some manufacturers have added a bolt on cooling fan OR have had to utilise a CINE version. Pros make informed choices and so do entrepreneurs and enthusiasts. Choose the right tool for the job -- not every tool is the right tool.
Why is it that YT and Forum are full of folk who want to dam first.
Love that lens. Canon needs one!
I'm definitely getting the Z8. Might retire my Z6 just like how like this video ends in the last 5 seconds lol
but for real, appreciate the review! been watching a few reviews and I think the Z8 is most likely my next camera.
Sweet!! It should sell well. I am glad Nikon doing well. The colors and resolution look great.
That stacked sensor is looking so sexy at that price point.
@mannyortiz…. Nikon has a menu setting called “blocked shot response”. You can set it to ignore someone getting in the way or allow it ti focus on the ump. By default it’s in the middle somewhere.
Sending love dude ❤
Am really impressed with Nikon this time, especially because you show us everything we need to know. Am really looking forward for this camera but can’t afford it yet 😅
Good field review. That said, I believe there is a setting that might eliminate the problem that bothered you while tracking your subject, If you go into the Custom Setting menu then to (a3 - Focus tracking with lock0n) you will be able to choose how long the camera waits before adjusting focus. The default is a medium, but you can set it to quick. Try it and let us know. Thanks.
In this case you’d want it to be slower 4 or 5 setting.
Great Review Appreciate all the points you made
Great video. Don't sweat the ending, you did fine sir.
Love it - thanks!
For years, I’ve wanted to pull the trigger on Nikon mirrorless, but they always seem to trail the competition. In my youth my first film cameras were Nikon. Today I have an a7IV kit shooting primarily stills but will definitely do more video. So in comparison with the a7IV, is this the moment to make the move because I do love Nikon’s files??
Manny
Hello from New Delhi, India
Man, can't thank you enough for this brutally fair and unbiased review in spite of being an avid Sony A user.
Please advise on the N Raw because with a good video AF & lenses like the . 95 & 1.2s this system might just be in the Film Making zone : your serious view on this
Thanks for your pure positivity unlike the man with big hair and the wifes husband 👨
Seems like a great camera at a great price relative to the competition! I can't wait until stacked sensors come to more sub-$3,000 cameras.
that AF box on those Nikon bodies really feels like those early mirrorless cameras. In wide subject detection/tracking mode the camera would not be able to do anything, however when you started to use it like a DSLR with zone focusing the camera actually is an absolute beast. You just need to tell it where it needs to look roughly with a large zone and that just unlocked the camera's potential.
I still shoot with DSLRs, and I use my Fujifilm X-H1 like one, and I never once was bothered with the autofocus system that nailed the shot over and over and over despite people telling me I should upgrade to a camera with better AF.
But hey you know sometimes it's better to take back a little bit of control on the autofocus istead of letting the camera do its thing.
I'm already setting up my eyes on a used Z8 in a few years once my X-H1 really kicks the bucket, it looks like a terrific camera for the price, even brand new today
Another great, real-use review. Helpful! I have a Z9, and it's like shooting with a brick. Also, the vertical grip that's built in is more of a pain, because even when I lock the vertical shutter release, my hand constantly unlocks it and I get many unwanted fires. Had this camera been out earlier, I would have opted for it. Can't take the financial hit on trading down.
Hm great a Non Biased review Manny many thanks !
I use my smallrig L-Bracket that has a magnetic key to open the battery door! I have the same short nail prob.
Thanks Manny that was great.
The Z8 is way over my budget and use amount.
But I hope the Z6iii gets most of that a/f tach
I do mostly portraits so looking forward to your portrait review
Thank you for video. Would love to see a studio shoot with a model
That Z8 with the 400 4.5 looks like an awesome combo. A 200-400 2.8 with internal 1.4x TC would be wow. At around 11:05 , what were the a3 settings?
I currently have 2-Z7II's, but now that the Z8 is out, I'll be moving to that one. Great video!! Oh yea, Go Cardinals!!
I always enjoy your videos Manny, is this just a review camera, or are you planning on adding this to your equipment portfolio.
great, honest review.
Thanks!
Another amazing video, Manny. I noticed that too with the AF on my Z9. I recently changed my a3 settings to Steady and #3 and found af sticks better when objects come between the camera and your subject. I shoot wildlife, mostly birds in flight. Keep ‘‘em coming.
omg manny i love pre-set speech, "mine are actually good" lol!! 6:48
WOW !!! Thanks Manny :) :) :)
Also I think it was Matt Granger who noticed that sometimes, even though the focus tracking box was lagging behind the subject slightly, the subject was still in perfect focus. So it may be that the box itself can be slower to move around the screen than the autofocus itself
man if I had the coin for this, I would be out there right now buying this camera. just on your video alone. Very informative. My use case would be landscape photography, family photos and video and some street photography. I'm looking at getting a panasonic lumix s52 and a 85 1.8, just because of price and I love the 85 as a allrounder for me.
The ending had me laughing LMFAO. Good video - stop making me want to buy this camera when I don't need it!!!!
PS: Manny, please check AF Lock-On settings on your Nikon. It is responsible for the sticky behavior in case if there are distractions in-between and your subject.
Manny Nikon is still working to improve the af system. I used many dslr cameras but i think z8 is more improved version.
Focus tracking with lock on (AFIIII). Blocked shot AF response, set delayed option 5. Camera will stay longest with subject.
Man'.. Canon R3 and Z8 in the same room... You makin' it look sexy bro.
Informative, thanks.
I shoot with a Z7II and found the same thing Manny did. Shooting with wide area AF mode generates the best results on Nikons. I have gotten great and sharp shots of birds in flight, even of hummingbirds with the Z7II. So yeah, Nikon haters can go kick rocks. Anyone can get great shots with Nikon, Canon or Sony with sound technique, practice and knowledge of their gear. At this point, if you cannot get the shots you want then it is on you.
Recently switched from Nikon to Canon R5. Do i regret my switch after the release of z8?
Nah. But damn this camera is amazing
So you're admitting the grass isn't greener on the dark-side.
That global shutter is BALLIN. No flex in that bat swing. that's what I'm lookin for.
On the Z8 and Z9 you can increase or decrease the delay of the autofocus with regards to people or objects passing in front of your subject while you track them. I'm not sure what setting you had your test cameras at.
I can't find what I'm looking for in this test. When I shoot a crowded sports scene, I want to point out one subject, then let the camera track it wherever I put it in the frame. The modes used here are different. A challenging AF test is a low contrast runner coming towards the camera. I didn't see that here. I want to shoot sports with large aperture lenses, so for the AF test I'd use an f2.8 lens or larger, not a f4.5. So this test doesn't help, I don't know if the Z8 is a good choice for my use case.
Good review! It’s a big step forward from D850 in focusing.
The blocked refocusing can be controlled as can video speed af and refocus af. I love this review though, i cant wait to use this body. The one expenditure i am finding an a pain in the ass is the CFExpress card cost, i am going to be spending half the cost again upgrading from XQD of Z6II to Black CFExpress x3 and 1 512-1TB for video. And highest speed SDXC, plus a few more type C batteries as i got 3 already but i know i will needs maybe 2 more as my type B batterys just dont cut it and emergency use only.
Looking forwards to portrait sessions, great job as always Manny.
Manny, Can you please do a video of how to use Sync, the camera settings, flash, and the thing? It's summer most of us want to know how to use it. Thank you!
Great recap of your experience with the Z8. I've only shot Nikon (for 40+ yrs) so have no clue about Sony/Canon and all the "this AF system is better" talk. So I can't compare. For your situation w your subject running behind something and the focus doing its delay issue you mention....did you play with the Focus Tracking to adjust Quick vs Delayed? Curious if that made any difference with it sticking w the subject and recapturing it after it is no longer blocked? Again I have zero experience but have yet to have reviewers speak to this. Thanks again for a detailed recap.