The wait is finally over, Nikon has announced the release of the Nikon Z8, a camera that exemplifies the ultimate fusion of still photography and video capabilities. This is not just another camera; this is a revolution, a game-changer, and a testament to Nikon’s unwavering commitment to delivering top-tier technology to both professional and aspiring photographers alike.
How does the Nikon Z8 Perform?
The Nikon Z8 is a compact, lightweight powerhouse that delivers a potent performance while maintaining an air of professional grace. A true successor to the D850 and a compact follow-up to the Z9, it’s 30% smaller than the Z9 and 15% smaller than the D850, a testament to its portability and versatility. Despite its small size, it packs the same flagship technology that Z9 users have come to love.
With a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, the Z8 is a still photography marvel. It captures stunning, colour-rich images with an unrivalled level of detail. For those precious, fast-paced moments, the Z8 has you covered with a blazing burst speed of up to 120fps, all while providing a real-live, blackout-free viewfinder experience.
However, where the Z8 truly outshines is its video capabilities. This camera is a filmmaker’s dream, boasting unrivalled in-camera 8K UHD video capabilities. It offers internal 8K/60p and 4K/120p video recording, including 12-bit 8K/60p and 4K/120p RAW plus 10-bit ProRes 422 HQ internal video recording. This opens up a world of possibilities for capturing cinematic masterpieces, allowing you to film with the utmost clarity and detail.
It’s not just the power that makes this camera remarkable; it’s the intelligence underpinning its operations. The Z8 comes with a highly sophisticated, accurate autofocus system with subject detection developed from deep learning. This means you can trust the Z8 to lock onto the eyes of people, pets, and birds, even when they’re small in the frame or obscured by hair, glasses, or goggles.
Adding to its impressive roster of features, the Z8 showcases its advanced image processing engine that promises breathtaking results, alongside an all-electronic shutter that virtually eliminates rolling shutter distortion.
Nikon’s commitment to providing a comprehensive user experience is evident in the Z8’s professional build and smart connectivity features. Its design is not only agile and lightweight but also modular, making it a comfortable fit for filmmakers and photographers on the go. The camera’s body is expertly crafted using Eco-friendly Seerebo® Carbon Fiber and Magnesium Alloy, ensuring durability and premium weather sealing.
Equally impressive is the camera’s compatibility with Nikon’s comprehensive range of lenses, including ultra-wide-angle, exotic primes, f/2.8 zooms, super telephoto, and macro. The Z mount ensures more light reaches the sensor, capturing details and textures faithfully across the entire frame.
In essence, the Nikon Z8 is the epitome of technological advancement in the world of photography and filmmaking. It’s a testament to Nikon’s commitment to innovation and its passion for delivering the highest quality equipment to photographers and filmmakers worldwide. At a starting price of £3,999. this isn’t just a camera; it’s an investment in your creative journey.
Should You Buy The Nikon Z8?
We would recommend buying the Canon EOS R5 for its unparalleled image quality and industry-leading autofocus system, ensuring every moment is captured with precision and clarity, unmatched in its class. For advice on either of these cameras please speak to our experts.
Nikon Z8 Specifications
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z mount |
| Sensor | 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor |
| Image Area | FX-format and DX-format |
| File Format | JPEG, NEF (RAW), HEIF |
| Storage Media | SD, CFexpress, XQD |
| Viewfinder | OLED electronic viewfinder with 3690k dots |
| Shutter | Electronic shutter with 1/32000 to 30 sec. range |
| ISO Sensitivity | ISO 64-25600 |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF |
| Movie | 8K UHD and 4K UHD recording |
| Monitor | 3.2″ tilting TFT touch-sensitive LCD |
| Interface | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI |
| Dimensions | 149 x 148.5 x 97 mm (5.9 x 5.8 x 3.8 in) |
| Weight | 1440 g (3.17 lbs) with battery and memory card |
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FAQ
What are the major enhancements in the Nikon Z8 compared to its predecessor models?
The Nikon Z8 hosts major enhancements compared to its predecessor models, including a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, advanced video capabilities like 12-bit 8K/60p and 4K/120p RAW, and a faster, more accurate autofocus system powered by deep learning.
How does the Nikon Z8’s video recording capabilities stand out in the market?
The Z8’s video recording capabilities are unparalleled, offering internal 8K/60p and 4K/120p video along with 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ, setting a new standard for mirrorless cameras in the market.
Can the Nikon Z8 handle high-speed, high-resolution burst shooting?
With the Z8, you can capture the moment at lightning-fast speeds. It can handle high-speed burst shooting at up to 120 frames per second, making it ideal for capturing fast-action events.
What makes the Nikon Z8’s autofocus system more advanced than other models?
The Z8’s autofocus system is Nikon’s most advanced yet, utilising deep learning for subject detection. It can track a wide range of subjects including people, cats, dogs, birds, and even vehicles, ensuring sharp focus even in challenging conditions.
How does the modular design of the Nikon Z8 impact its usability and handling?
The Z8’s modular design enhances its usability and handling by offering a compact, lightweight system that is comfortable to hold and easy to manoeuvre. This design allows for more flexibility and fluidity when shooting.
What are the benefits of the Nikon Z8’s all-electronic shutter?
The Z8 boasts an all-electronic shutter that is not only silent and vibration-free but also offers the world’s least rolling shutter distortion. This adds to the camera’s flexibility, making it suitable for a variety of shooting scenarios.
How does the Nikon Z8 perform in low-light conditions?
The Z8 is equipped with advanced low-light capabilities. Its autofocus system and subject detection work down to -6.5 EV, and with the Starlight Mode activated, the focus extends down to -9 EV.
What kind of lenses are compatible with the Nikon Z8?
The Z8 is compatible with the Z mount lenses, known for their superior edge-to-edge sharpness, dreamy bokeh, and more light gathering. You can also use over approximately 360 Nikon F-Mount lenses with the FTZ II Mount Adapter.
What are the connectivity options available with the Nikon Z8?
The Z8 offers a range of connectivity options including Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, and a full-size HDMI. It also features two USB Type C ports for file transfers, accessory connections, and a constant power supply.
How does the Nikon Z8’s in-body image stabilisation enhance image and video quality?
The Z8 features 5.5 stops of 5-axis image stabilisation built into the body (6.0 stops when using a NIKKOR Z lens that supports Synchro VR). This in-body stabilisation ensures steadier video footage, increased low-light capabilities, and overall sharper results.
What are the professional workflow features offered by the Nikon Z8?
The Z8 offers a professional workflow with features like Network Menu for quick access to key settings, 1000BASE-T Wired-LAN for gigabit Ethernet support with a compatible adapter, and 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi® for secure FTP server uploads straight from the camera.
Is the Nikon Z8 worth the investment for professional photographers and videographers?
With its high-resolution sensor, advanced video and still photography capabilities, and professional build, the Nikon Z8 is certainly a worthy investment for professional photographers and videographers.
How does the Nikon Z8’s 45.7MP stills compare to other cameras?
The Z8’s 45.7MP stills deliver unrivalled detail and beautiful colours, offering more flexibility than ever for cropping, retouching, and printing large-format photos.
What are the advancements in the Nikon Z8’s Real-Live Viewfinder?
The Z8’s Real-Live Viewfinder offers a blackout-free viewing experience, allowing photographers to maintain a clear view of their subject even during high-speed burst shooting.
Can I use my existing Nikon DSLR lenses with the Nikon Z8?
Yes, with the FTZ II Mount Adapter (sold separately), you can use approximately 360 Nikon F-Mount lenses with the Z8 without any loss of image quality, benefiting from the extraordinary sensor, image processing, and in-body image stabilisation of the Z8.