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It’s challenging to find a situation where the Nikon Z8 wouldn’t excel. With its incredibly fast sensor and fully electronic shutter, it can capture full-resolution images quicker than video, making it ideal for action shots and sports. The 45.7-megapixel sensor delivers impressive resolution, perfect for large prints displayed in galleries. Its standard-sized body makes it easy to hold and transport. Essentially, Nikon has scaled down its exceptional Z9 flagship model, reduced the price by $1,500, and encouraged photographers to explore their creativity. This camera is genuinely remarkable—as long as you’re prepared to learn how to master its features.
Specifications
- 45.7 effective megapixel stacked, full-frame CMOS sensor
- No mechanical shutter
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- ISO range: 64 to 25,600 (Extended: 32 to 102,400)
- 20 fps full-res raw, 30 fps full-res jpeg (unlimited), 60 fps at 19 megapixels, and 120 fps at 11 megapixels
- Video recording up to 8K, with various high-quality 4K formats
- Two memory card slots: CFexpress Type B / XQD and SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II)
- 3.2-inch, 4-axis tilting LCD touchscreen display
- 3,690,000-dot viewfinder with 0.8x magnification
- Weight: two pounds
Advantages
- Remarkably fast in nearly every aspect
- Excellent overall image quality, even at higher ISO settings
- Strong dynamic range
- Numerous customization options
- Offers much of the Z9’s features in a more compact, budget-friendly package
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Sturdy viewfinder
- Stacked sensor provides extremely quick readout
Disadvantages
- Average battery life
- Requires some time to fully understand its features
- Autofocus is solid but lags behind Canon and Sony in certain areas
Design and Build of the Nikon Z8
This camera has a DSLR-like feel. If you’re accustomed to using a Nikon D850, the Z8 will feel comfortable right from the start. Despite its impressive power, the Z8 is much lighter and smaller than both the Z9 and the previous D850, which is remarkable. The grip is substantial, ideal for a camera packed with buttons. Instead of a mode dial, which is typical for Nikon, it features button clusters. If you’re familiar with Nikon’s layouts and button functions, transitioning to the Z8 will be straightforward. However, if you’re coming from an older model or a different system altogether, it would be wise to spend some time reading the manual.
As a near-flagship model for Nikon, it’s built to last. The magnesium alloy body is durable and weather-resistant, making it capable of withstanding moisture, dust, minor shocks, and temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. Also, without a mechanical shutter, it lacks one of the common failure points found in many cameras, which is a definite advantage when it comes to durability.
Handling
I prefer starting with a camera just as it comes out of the box. The back features 11 buttons, a dial, a joystick that also functions as a button, a switch for toggling between video and still modes, and a D-pad. There are three additional buttons near the shutter and four more on the left shoulder. In short: it’s button-packed.
After several weeks using the Nikon Z8, I generally felt content with its default button settings in various shooting scenarios. I often shoot with one hand, and while the layout could use a bit more accommodation for that style, I found it manageable. Although the Z9 is bulkier and heavier, its integrated grip helped when shooting one-handed, providing better stability against my hand. However, this is a specific case; in typical shooting conditions, it’s clear that Nikon has thoroughly refined this layout.
The joystick is conveniently placed and highly responsive. The front and rear dials provide a solid click, minimizing accidental adjustments. The small display atop the camera is clear and user-friendly as well, which is a thoughtful feature.
This camera embodies professional quality, which it indeed represents. However, you can often overlook the multitude of buttons and shoot in basic modes. While you might not utilize all its capabilities, you’ll still produce excellent images. If that’s your approach, though, a simpler camera might meet your needs better and save money.
Absence of a Mechanical Shutter
As mechanical shutters fade away, much like the mirror boxes in DSLR cameras, I find myself missing the tactile feel they give when shooting. With the Z8, there were moments I wasn’t sure if I had actually taken a shot. Even when I did, I wasn’t sure of the speed at which I shot. This isn’t so much a flaw as it is something I need to adjust to. By the end of my testing period, the Z8 felt natural, but the silent shutter still took some getting used to.
Nevertheless, Nikon has introduced custom shutter sounds for the Z9, and you can activate a shutter sound on the Z8 to signal a photo capture. This feature might feel a little odd initially, particularly for those transitioning from a DSLR like the D850, which gives a hearty click sound with each shot.
Burst shooting
The camera features a stacked sensor with integrated computing hardware, allowing for incredibly high speeds. It can shoot at 20 frames per second (fps) in full resolution RAW until the buffer fills. If shooting JPEG, it can reach 30 fps until the card is full. Lower the resolution to 19 megapixels, and it hits 60 fps, and at 11 megapixels, it can go up to 120 fps.
I tested all these modes, and they are genuinely impressive. I didn’t time myself precisely, but the Z8 is faster than most photographers will ever need. Experiencing a 120 fps burst while reviewing numerous photos of your dog running around is astonishing; each frame shows slight variations. The 30 fps mode is perhaps the most usable, especially since many sports photographers favor JPEG for quick edits. The Z8 meets its speed promises in real situations.
Image quality
Similar to the Z9, the Z8 produces outstanding image quality. I used the Z 24-120mm f/4 lens during my time with the camera and often found myself in higher ISO settings. In most cases, I was able to capture excellent images at ISO 6400, especially after applying noise reduction. The 45.7-megapixel sensor provides plenty of detail, so files endure denoising well without losing much fine texture.
In low-light scenarios, especially at higher ISOs, images may appear somewhat flat and lack depth. This tends to happen with many cameras, so be aware to adjust your shooting accordingly. Luckily, this is easily remedied during editing with the 14-bit RAW files.
The overall result resembles the output from the Z9, which is not unexpected given the similarities in hardware. The files offer great flexibility for enhancing shadows and recovering highlights. The camera performs excellently in high-contrast settings when you expose for the brightest areas and adjust shadows in post-processing. The shadow details in RAW files hold up well to adjustments in editing.
Featuring an impressive 45.7-megapixel sensor, this camera delivers extraordinary detail. I captured an image across a lake that allowed me to read a distant sign much clearer than I expected. This sensor is nothing short of remarkable.
Autofocus Performance
The Nikon Z8 excels in autofocus capabilities. In several aspects, it outperforms the Z9, particularly in terms of speed and tracking accuracy. However, it does fall slightly behind Sony and Canon, which I view as the benchmark for autofocus in contemporary mirrorless cameras.
The Z8 boasts various high-tech tracking features typical of a camera in its class. It can identify and focus on subjects like people, animals, birds, and vehicles with exceptional speed and precision. Nevertheless, there were instances where it hesitated and shifted focus unexpectedly. For example, during a track meet with many runners, I needed to ensure I monitored which athlete the camera was tracking. After some practice, this became less of a concern. While Nikon has made notable advancements, there’s still a slight gap compared to Canon.
Once I got the hang of the AF settings on the Nikon (limiting the AF zone, enabling tracking, and using the back-button), capturing images became effortless. The autofocus is quick and precise, providing strong tracking performance. Kudos to Nikon for enhancing this feature.
Video Features
While my review primarily focused on photography, the video capabilities of the Z8 are quite remarkable. It can record up to 8K resolution at 30 fps without needing an external recorder. More importantly, it features several sophisticated 4K shooting options. It’s able to capture 4K UHD footage in H.265 4:2:2 10-Bit at up to 100 fps, all without an external recorder—impressive performance.
Additionally, it can shoot 12-bit 8K raw and 4K UHD in ProRes 422 HQ 4:2:2 10-Bit at up to 24 fps. Unlike the Z9, the Z8 doesn’t have a built-in grip, making it easier to incorporate into a rig or other cinema-related gear for mirrorless cameras. Additionally, it features a second USB-C port apart from its data port, allowing for charging while in use. This is especially useful for video creators or photographers who may be far from a charging source.
Nikon Z8 vs. Nikon Z9
When weighing the two options, it’s essential to consider the specific use cases. The Z8 is over $1,000 less expensive, more compact, and lighter. Additionally, it benefits from an overall enhanced autofocus system. In contrast, the Z9 offers certain advantages, most notably its larger size. The significantly bigger battery of the Z9 provides extended usage, while the Z8’s battery efficiency is passable but not stellar. The vertical controls integrated into the Z9 are particularly advantageous, especially when utilizing large zoom lenses that balance better on a larger body.
Ultimately, both cameras are exceptionally capable. Furthermore, the Z9 has received additional features (such as an exciting remote triggering system) via its latest firmware upgrade.
Conclusion
If you’re a serious or advanced photographer looking for a camera that can handle
The Z8 is perfectly suited for any scenario. It boasts remarkable durability, extensive customization options, high megapixel counts, and an autofocus system adept at tracking rapidly moving subjects. It truly feels like a professional-grade tool. While the Z9 was impressive, the Z8 surpasses it in many respects. This is something we’re excited about, especially given that the new version is priced lower than its predecessor.
Additional Sample Images from the Nikon Z8
