If you’ve read some of my camera reviews, you will have noticed that I take my time before I write a review. This time I’ve used the Nikon Z8 camera for 12 months before writing this review. I feel comfortable enough now to get good results, and also know what to expect from the camera and lenses.
The Good
In many ways, the Nikon Z8 is leaps ahead of its sibling, the Nikon Z7 II. It’s marketed as the successor to the venerable Nikon D850 DSLR which I own and cherish. Feature-wise the Z8 is a smaller and lighter Nikon Z9, with only a few differences and drawbacks.
Focus System
The Nikon Z8 has the same autofocus system as the Nikon Z9, which – using firmware C:2.01 – is about on par with the Sony A1 / A9, Canon R5, and other recent mirrorless cameras.
I was looking for a Nikon D850 replacement since that camera’s shutter is just too loud (see my review here). The Nikon Z7 II was inadequate for bird-in-flight photography.
For bird and wildlife photography I use the AF-S 200-500mm f/5.6 VR lens which is inexpensive and delivers good results on a D850. However, I feel it’s less accurate on the Z8 (with FTZ adapter) and produces sometimes slightly out-of-focus pictures. (One day I’ll get a native Z-mount telephoto lens.) Still, the 200-500mm lens is very usable on the Z8.
The latest Nikon Z8 camera firmware updates 2.00 and 2.01 add additional tracking modes to the menu. The subject recognition modes include now animals, birds, vehicles, airplanes, and of course people. I’ve posted my first impressions on the new “bird” tracking mode and I’m happy to say that it doesn’t disappoint. You can find an excellent, very detailed review of the autofocus and tracking features found in the Nikon Z9 on the Photography Life website. Both the Z9 and Z8 use the same processor and focusing system, so there shouldn’t be much difference.
I’ve had excellent results in low light conditions with the Nikon Z8 and the AF-S 70-200mm f/4G VR lens on an FTZ adapter. Focus speed is nearly instant and spot on the eye in most frames. The settings I use are manual mode at 1/125s, f/4, Auto-ISO with VR on and continuous shooting at 5 fps or higher. Taking multiple frames, these settings give me a keeper rate of 1 out of 2 or 3 frames while keeping the ISO as low as possible. A perhaps better lens would be the Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S shooting wide open.
Silent Shooting
Another great plus I already mentioned is silent shooting for the Nikon Z8 does not have a shutter. The Z8, like the Z9, doesn’t need one as it reads the data so fast that there is no rolling shutter or other detrimental side effect, at least not in my experience.
I set my Z8 to not produce an artificial shutter sound. The only noise my Nikon gear emits is the stabilizer noise in stabilized lenses and the focus motor, both are near silent. This is great for wildlife, but also for candid photography of people or while shooting at events where noise would be distracting.
Rear Screen and Viewfinder
The four-axis tilting rear screen is another feature I often use and like. First it helps keep the camera horizontal, even when shooting in portrait mode. Then, in portrait mode, it allows me to tilt out the screen and position the camera low on the ground or high up while I can still see the screen. This is not only helpful in landscape photography, but also at events.
Both the rear screen and the EVF are blackout-free. This allows me to better track the subject and compose. There is just no distraction at all. Setting the EVF to 120 Hz provides an even smoother experience. It’s hard to rate this feature, but it really improves the overall experience.
Handling
I’ve gotten good results using the Nikon Z7 II and I keep using that camera when size and weight matters. But the Nikon Z8 just feels better in my hands. No dangling little finger. The important controls are within reach of the right hand thumb, index, middle or ring finger.
Apropos controls. The Z8 has a range of dedicated buttons and wheels. Using different button shapes and sizes is most gratifying. This way it’s easier to press the right button without taking the eyes off the subject.
The camera balances well with my medium-sized lenses. Using function buttons and custom controls, it’s easy to engage features. Unlike the Nikon Z7, the Z8 has a dedicated focus mode button as well as a bracketing button. A white balance button and a 3rd function button complement the Z8 controls.
Unlike other Nikon Z cameras (except the Z9), the Z8 doesn’t have U1-U3 user settings. Instead it uses “Shooting Menu Banks” and “Custom Settings Banks”. If you used a D850 or D4, D5 or D6, this should be familiar. The advantage of these “banks” is that they are like bookmarks and store the last setting.
In contrast, any changes to the U1-U3 user settings of a Nikon Z7, for example, won’t survive when you turn off the camera. Unless you explicitly saved them prior to turning off the camera.
Video
The Nikon Z8 is a great video camera, probably one of the best on the market. It’s easy to shoot handheld using in-body stabilization (IBIS). Unlike the Canon R5, the Nikon Z8 does not exhibit any jerkiness when panning.
Overheating is less of a problem thanks to a relatively good thermal design. I have not had the Nikon Z8 shut down because of overheating, but it does get hot. Kolari has a teardown description and video on its website – don’t try that on your own!
The Nikon Z8 comes with all necessary ports, including a full-sized HDMI port. It has also two USB-C ports: one for data, the second one for power delivery. This should make it easy to build a nice video rig and power the camera with USB port.
Other Goodies
While I will not list all the great specs and features of the Z8, I like to list some more unique capabilities:
- Focus Shift Shooting – for macros, static landscapes, architectural, interior
- Starlight View – for astro-photographers
- Pixel Shift – increase resolution, decrease noise, remove moiré, enhance sharpness of static subjects
- Auto Capture – automatically capture a subject – for wildlife or sports/action shooters
- Sensor shield – protects the sensor from dust and damage when changing lenses
- Nearly instant on/off – don’t miss the shot.
The Z8 is loaded with features and I’m sure I missed some useful ones. I won’t be talking about the basics like sensor, high ISO performance, etc. To get an idea of how good the Nikon Z8 sensor is, check out my Nikon Z7 II review.
The Bad
You haven’t seriously expected me to just praise the Nikon Z8. So let’s have a look at it’s downsides.
Weight
This is probably the biggest drawback of the Nikon Z8. It weighs 910g (2 lb) with battery and memory card. It’s still lighter than the D850, though. And it weighs a lot less than the Z9.
For hiking or airline travel, I use the Nikon Z7 II. It weighs only 675g (1.5 lb) and is more compact. I would have to have a good reason to carry the Z8.
Canon managed to trim its pro-sized EOS R3 down to 1015g (2.2 lb). The Nikon Z9 is significantly heavier with 1340g (2.9 lb). So there are materials that can save a few ounces in weight. Only suggesting.
Size
Just above under “Handling” I praised the Z8 for its ergonomic grip and layout. But I would like to have my cake and eat it. The body could be a little more compact, like the Canon R5 for example. This latter camera also handles nicely.
User Settings
This may be a controversial point. I feel that the two different user settings banks are cumbersome to change. On the Z7 II you just turn the mode selector to select a user mode (U1-U3). Example: U1 for tripod use, U2 for general photography, and U3 for high-speed action.
When using the Nikon Z8 I have to change both the “Shooting Menu Bank” and “Custom Settings Bank” to get all the settings and customizations in place. That takes more time, though I have these options on the “i’ menu. In short, there is room for improvement.
Moiré
I’m discovering moiré more often than when I used the D850 or Z7 II. All three cameras have a 45 MP sensor and no anti-aliasing filter. They should produce very much the same results. According to the Nikon Z8 Professional Technical Guide – Pixel Shift Edition
Moiré occurs due to the relationship between the fineness (frequency) of a subject’s structure, its colors, and the performance of the camera.
The above photo showed some moiré in the air-conditioner grilles. I fixed it locally using the Moiré tool with a brush in Lightroom, but it’s additional work. The moiré may be related to the (sharper) Z mount lenses I often use. Or it’s just a coincidence.
The End
The Nikon Z8 is an incredibly versatile camera – a true all-rounder. It is a great tool for action, portrait, landscape, wildlife, or any other kind of photography or videography you choose. I believe there are very few things this camera cannot do.
It takes a bit of getting used to, though. My first pictures weren’t great as I was struggling with the many focusing and tracking options. But once you are familiar, this camera allows you to work fast and with predictable results.
The only real downside I see is the relative heavy weight, and it’s price of course. All the other complaints are rather marginal.
Before you spend money, try to rent the camera and lenses. Get a feel and form your own opinion. Then buy at a place with a good return policy should you get a bad sample or change your mind.
Update August 14, 2024: Today I discovered the YouTube video of landscape photographer Mark Denney titled “Leaving Medium Format for this Full Frame Camera!” While I never used medium format cameras, I had pretty much the same observations when I bought the Nikon Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S and Z 24-120mm f/4 S lenses two years ago. The Nikon eco-system is very compelling for many types of photography, and the Z8 certainly offers a strong platform at the heart of such a system. Just remember, it’s the lenses that make or break a camera system.