After i started using the Z8 it's the first time i started using backbutton focus. Just because the focus point turns GREEN when in focus. Absolute Game changer. So now i am in continuous focus and my back button keeps tracking my subject completely silent! For portraits i use eye detect. When there are more people i like more control and switch to singel point. Dream Camera!
Good of you to point out the need to upgrade your computer to process the larger file sizes on Z8. I usually save jpeg on the backup SD card, until I gather the money to upgrade my computer. (advanced hobbyist level since the mid 1960s)
I've had my Z8 for about 3 months and I've been pleasantly surprised at how much better it is than my Z6/Z6ii. The eye/subject AF is excellent, the high ISO performance is impressive, and it is QUICK. I was worried that it'd be a bit hefty for a travel camera, but I recently used it on a 2-week trip to the UK and it was great. To be honest, it's definitely noticeably larger & heavier than the Z6/Z6ii... but not distractingly so. All-in-all, I have zero regrets getting it. Great camera.
Re In Camera Charging - only works with EN-EL15c batteries. An EN-EL15 from a D500 won't charge in camera, but will work just fine with a lower run time.
the 0.95 lens looking sooooo strange on the video, it actually made me uncomfortable to watch when it changed from the 1.2 to the 0.95. Is someone else having a similar experience? It's just if like there's a glaze around them of missing focus, maybe, or some type of chromatic aberration
The sensor guard is less likely to have dust stick to it because it is a non-electric piece of material. The electronic aspect of the sensor causes dust to stick. Any dust which lands on the sensor guard can be blown off and any liquid which ends up on it should be easy to gently wipe away. The computer performance is affected a little by the file size but more by the megapixels. As soon as the image is loaded into memory, the computer is dealing with a 45mp 16-bit image.
@@russandloz If the sensor shield is made of magnesium alloy, a conductor, static electricity would not build up. I've only found one store website which says that is the material, the rest seem to be silent. If the sensor shield is susceptible to static electricity, there could be anti-static brushes where it slides away from the sensor.
Are you trying to charge with the supplied Nikon charger or something else? If another charging source, it MUST be a PD rated charger or Power Bank with a USB-C port. Any PD compatible USB-C port will have the letters "PD" next to it. You cannot charge from a non-PD charger or any other source with a USB-A connector...none of them are PD compatible. Also, only the lower of the two USB-C ports on the camera can be used for charging. From the time you plug in the charging cable, the charge light should light within 10 seconds, max. Enjoy your posts...Oh, and that 0.95 lens needs to be binned...no redeeming qualities! :)
I used the Z8 for street with the 50mm 1.2 at night. Brilliant! And with the 24-70 2.8 in daytime. The AF is so good that I get far more keepers than with my Fuji kit or the Z6II. I am tempted to buy the 26mm 2.8, but I know that I will miss the superior glass. The weight is a factor, but you have to compromise somewhere. Ideally, I would get a zf II with a higher MP sensor for street. or a z7 III.
As an early adopter of the Z9, battery life is a not an issue but the Z8 is a possible second body for me. My Z6ii is my current second body. I think battery capacity is not a big deal anyway. If you really find you need longer battery life than the Z8 provides on a regular basis, perhaps the Z9 is something you should consider.
@@russandloz I am a bird photographer so the Z9 is the logical camera for me. The Z8 has lots of appeal because it is light, but lightness is not necessarily a better default position. If you need a heavier camera to balance your long lens on a gimbal, the Z8 is the wrong choice. I also need GPS. I took a photograph of a rare and endangered bird on Sunday and the GPS position for that issue vital statistical information when that happens.
The Expeed 7 chip requires a lot of power. I always carry 2 fresh batteries with me and very rarely require the second one. I will use a battery until it is shows red on the EVF and still take another 10 or 30 shots before replacing. I think that if you charge your battery to soon, that this effects the battery capacity. My first Z was the Z9 and I used it for a 6 week trip to the UK. As a 70 year old, I don't consider it to be too heavy. I have the Z8 and the Zf also. I use the better camera for the job and usually have 2 or 3 with me. The Zf makes a great webcam.
@@russandloz It doesn’t get any hotter in the UK than in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Battery case, is available on Amazon, it is cloth, 3 compartments, 2 for En-EL15s and one for spare cards. JJC is on the cover on a removable cloth tag. I run my batteries down until the battery indicator is red and change when the action slows down. As the spare battery is on my right hip, I don’t have to go searching for it and just pop it in. The spent battery is put into a pocket so that it doesn’t get mixed up with the charged ones. I like the two of you on your show. If you always agree with each other, something must be wrong as no piece of photographic equipment is perfect.
Hi, if you want to charge your Z8 in camera, please check your are below 50% on battery used. I had the same annoying issue at first, until I went down low on power. Hope this helps? Great channel, just please stop winging and comparing to other makes EVF. Nikons is lower res yes, but easier on the eyes and more than good enough. Best to you both! ………… TonyH
Great video, thanks. I might be a bit similar to Russ in my choices/tastes (backup Zf with wide open 50, to a primary Z8). Still trying to figure out, how my Voigtländer 50/1.0 on the Zf fits into my workflow. Even did the last shooting primarily with this. While the Zf‘s MF support is great (e.g. auto-centering the magnification on the eye), its still very hard for me to nail in-focus images. And when comparing it to just moving further away with the 85/1.2, the look of similar-sized 85 images for people almost always wins for me. Not sure, that it was not a bad decision to sell the 58/1.4 for the Voigtländer - 58 instead of 50 and AF might be the better choice.
Yes these fringe lenses are fun, I'm yet to discover if this manual lens will fit and be fun over time. So far I'm living slowing myself down to focus and the look I'm getting.
I can tell the difference in the high refresh rate viewfinder... but I notice an even bigger difference on the battery life, so I leave it off. I really do wish that mic port were red. I also find myself having to look closely before choosing the port.
I own a Z6ii and use it for birds photography and a D850 for landscape photography. I'm waiting now for the Z6iii specs and see if I buy this camera or a Z8. Also I'm in doubt if I should trade in my D850 for the Z8, I heard some trade in deals are coming.
Hi, I’m shooting with Fujifilm gfx100s but it’s not good for all types of photography which I like (Portrait, Landscape, Still-life). It’s heavy and bulky with gf lenses to carry around, and slow for sports and wildlife if sometimes I like to experience it! But it seems Z8 is all in one camera. The only matter important to me is if I switch to Z8, with 14bit and 45mp, could I achieve the same high images quality (detailing, colour rendering, and deep dynamic range) by gfx100s with 16bit and 102mp? Thank you.
I'm only 1:17 into your video but have to say the bokeh on the Nikon 1.2 lens looks far, far better than that of the 0.95 lens which really looks harsh in comparison to the smooth background generated by the Nikon lens.
Hey guys, I currently have a ZF, and still building my lens kit.saving for 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 BUT still need a second body. Would you use 2 ZFs? The money and quality leads me on that route. Gettinf a Z8 would slow my lens acquisition a lot.
Another question. I use both card slots but I have just found out the speed of camera is governed by the slow SD. Do I gamble and only use 1 and get the speed of the B card
I feel like I’ll still be in the honeymoon phase with my Z8 in 7 years from now.
Yes who knows how they’ll advance on these?
The 1.2 is obviously sharper. Im glad Loz is so enjoying his z8. I am mine too.
I have a feeling with the Brighton lens it’s not about sharpness but more about the look the Nikon can’t get?
@@russandlozis that what people say when their lens isn’t sharp? 🤨
@@lozzom ouch , Point for Loz from the outside
After i started using the Z8 it's the first time i started using backbutton focus. Just because the focus point turns GREEN when in focus. Absolute Game changer. So now i am in continuous focus and my back button keeps tracking my subject completely silent! For portraits i use eye detect. When there are more people i like more control and switch to singel point. Dream Camera!
Good of you to point out the need to upgrade your computer to process the larger file sizes on Z8. I usually save jpeg on the backup SD card, until I gather the money to upgrade my computer. (advanced hobbyist level since the mid 1960s)
I've had my Z8 for about 3 months and I've been pleasantly surprised at how much better it is than my Z6/Z6ii. The eye/subject AF is excellent, the high ISO performance is impressive, and it is QUICK. I was worried that it'd be a bit hefty for a travel camera, but I recently used it on a 2-week trip to the UK and it was great. To be honest, it's definitely noticeably larger & heavier than the Z6/Z6ii... but not distractingly so. All-in-all, I have zero regrets getting it. Great camera.
With the better grip it feels similar but yeah it is bigger. Yes I may do the same for travelling
I'm just glad that I'm not the only one to call it "mega-pickles"
Enjoy the Z8 and go capture those special moments, @lozzom
Thank you !
This channel has grown on me & I'm a fan (despite the fact that the first time I watched, I described its presenters 'Steptoe & Son'.) 😉
Haha, thanks, we like to think we are offering something different and entertaining 😀
Crikey I missed that comment, thankfully, bit cruel referring to Russ as Steptoe though 😲
@@lozzom Lol, maybe I was ill that day
@@lozzom 🤣 LOL
Really enjoy your videos, nice easy talking together
Thanks. We do this every day so thought we’d film it 😊
@@russandlozscript sometimes needs a little more work 😅😅
@@lozzom We'd never remember a script!
@@russandlozvery true !
Re In Camera Charging - only works with EN-EL15c batteries. An EN-EL15 from a D500 won't charge in camera, but will work just fine with a lower run time.
I am using a 15c … but just using the mains charger now 🤷♂️
When charging the Z8 in camera be sure to use the USB slot that says "PD". The data port does not move power.
-PD
the 0.95 lens looking sooooo strange on the video, it actually made me uncomfortable to watch when it changed from the 1.2 to the 0.95. Is someone else having a similar experience? It's just if like there's a glaze around them of missing focus, maybe, or some type of chromatic aberration
Yes, I was going to say the same thing. The trees are very distracting with the 0.95 for me.
Yes the Brightin lens got worse as it went on as I think we slightly stepped out of focus, the Nikon lens will adjust.
The sensor guard is less likely to have dust stick to it because it is a non-electric piece of material. The electronic aspect of the sensor causes dust to stick. Any dust which lands on the sensor guard can be blown off and any liquid which ends up on it should be easy to gently wipe away.
The computer performance is affected a little by the file size but more by the megapixels. As soon as the image is loaded into memory, the computer is dealing with a 45mp 16-bit image.
That makes sense about it being non static. Good point. But over time it could?
@@russandloz If the sensor shield is made of magnesium alloy, a conductor, static electricity would not build up. I've only found one store website which says that is the material, the rest seem to be silent. If the sensor shield is susceptible to static electricity, there could be anti-static brushes where it slides away from the sensor.
Id need 4 or 5 batteries for a days filming surf or shooting stills
@@MrMysto At some point we have to expect that technology requires power. The grip allows hot-swapping batteries.
I told him to use a rocket blower but he edited my advice out ! 😢😂
Are you trying to charge with the supplied Nikon charger or something else? If another charging source, it MUST be a PD rated charger or Power Bank with a USB-C port. Any PD compatible USB-C port will have the letters "PD" next to it. You cannot charge from a non-PD charger or any other source with a USB-A connector...none of them are PD compatible. Also, only the lower of the two USB-C ports on the camera can be used for charging. From the time you plug in the charging cable, the charge light should light within 10 seconds, max.
Enjoy your posts...Oh, and that 0.95 lens needs to be binned...no redeeming qualities! :)
That’s makes sense with the PD source.
The Brightin lens does have a certain look doesn’t it lol
I used the Z8 for street with the 50mm 1.2 at night. Brilliant! And with the 24-70 2.8 in daytime. The AF is so good that I get far more keepers than with my Fuji kit or the Z6II.
I am tempted to buy the 26mm 2.8, but I know that I will miss the superior glass. The weight is a factor, but you have to compromise somewhere. Ideally, I would get a zf II with a higher MP sensor for street. or a z7 III.
Do you find the z8 and big lenses get you unwanted attention?
@@russandloz Not at night in a crowded city like Munich for exaample.
As an early adopter of the Z9, battery life is a not an issue but the Z8 is a possible second body for me. My Z6ii is my current second body. I think battery capacity is not a big deal anyway. If you really find you need longer battery life than the Z8 provides on a regular basis, perhaps the Z9 is something you should consider.
I don’t want the weight of the z9. Easier to carry a battery. But get the point.
@@russandloz I am a bird photographer so the Z9 is the logical camera for me. The Z8 has lots of appeal because it is light, but lightness is not necessarily a better default position. If you need a heavier camera to balance your long lens on a gimbal, the Z8 is the wrong choice. I also need GPS. I took a photograph of a rare and endangered bird on Sunday and the GPS position for that issue vital statistical information when that happens.
The Expeed 7 chip requires a lot of power. I always carry 2 fresh batteries with me and very rarely require the second one. I will use a battery until it is shows red on the EVF and still take another 10 or 30 shots before replacing. I think that if you charge your battery to soon, that this effects the battery capacity. My first Z was the Z9 and I used it for a 6 week trip to the UK. As a 70 year old, I don't consider it to be too heavy. I have the Z8 and the Zf also. I use the better camera for the job and usually have 2 or 3 with me. The Zf makes a great webcam.
That’s a good point about depleting batteries before charging. I can’t go that low on a wedding though lol
How are you connecting the zf to computer? I can't get mine to work
@@russandloz I carry around a battery holder on my belt that holds 2 EN-EL15Cs. This way the spare is never far away.
@@DavidStewart-jb7mo won’t they get too hot in sunlight?
@@russandloz It doesn’t get any hotter in the UK than in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Battery case, is available on Amazon, it is cloth, 3 compartments, 2 for En-EL15s and one for spare cards. JJC is on the cover on a removable cloth tag. I run my batteries down until the battery indicator is red and change when the action slows down. As the spare battery is on my right hip, I don’t have to go searching for it and just pop it in. The spent battery is put into a pocket so that it doesn’t get mixed up with the charged ones.
I like the two of you on your show. If you always agree with each other, something must be wrong as no piece of photographic equipment is perfect.
Hi, if you want to charge your Z8 in camera, please check your are below 50% on battery used. I had the same annoying issue at first, until I went down low on power.
Hope this helps? Great channel, just please stop winging and comparing to other makes EVF. Nikons is lower res yes, but easier on the eyes and more than good enough. Best to you both! ………… TonyH
This is the first time I’ve compared EVF’s but always worth keeping Nikon to standard. But sure I’m happy with it really
Thanks!! EVF is perfectly fine !
Yup, the charging light takes like 30 to 45 seconds to come on when charging via usbc.
Great video, thanks. I might be a bit similar to Russ in my choices/tastes (backup Zf with wide open 50, to a primary Z8).
Still trying to figure out, how my Voigtländer 50/1.0 on the Zf fits into my workflow. Even did the last shooting primarily with this. While the Zf‘s MF support is great (e.g. auto-centering the magnification on the eye), its still very hard for me to nail in-focus images. And when comparing it to just moving further away with the 85/1.2, the look of similar-sized 85 images for people almost always wins for me. Not sure, that it was not a bad decision to sell the 58/1.4 for the Voigtländer - 58 instead of 50 and AF might be the better choice.
Yes these fringe lenses are fun, I'm yet to discover if this manual lens will fit and be fun over time. So far I'm living slowing myself down to focus and the look I'm getting.
I think the Nikon f/1.2 trounces the Bright Star 0.95. Not a big fan of the bokeh style on the latter. Thanks for your entertaining reviews.
A different class of lens really, but I'm liking the retro rendition and size of the Brightin Star
I used a gold permanent marker to mark the microphone port. It just needs 'topping up' occasionally. Not sure if a red marker would work as well.
Any different colour would work for me. Seems an easy fix
Great idea !
I can tell the difference in the high refresh rate viewfinder... but I notice an even bigger difference on the battery life, so I leave it off. I really do wish that mic port were red. I also find myself having to look closely before choosing the port.
Oh so the increased refresh rate reduces battery life?
@@russandloz it sure does, I would only use it if you plan to keep the screen off.
I own a Z6ii and use it for birds photography and a D850 for landscape photography. I'm waiting now for the Z6iii specs and see if I buy this camera or a Z8. Also I'm in doubt if I should trade in my D850 for the Z8, I heard some trade in deals are coming.
Yes I'm sure there will be deals, worth waiting for really as trading in is always disappointing really with what you lose and get back
He’s absolutely right about the sensor guard. It creates a whole set of other issues.
It’s fun though. Love to see it snap up and down. Hopefully not to break again
@@russandloz you shouldnt see it snap up and down though?
@@lozzom I did for the purposes of filming it for the video and sometimes like to inspect that its still ok
Hi, I’m shooting with Fujifilm gfx100s but it’s not good for all types of photography which I like (Portrait, Landscape, Still-life). It’s heavy and bulky with gf lenses to carry around, and slow for sports and wildlife if sometimes I like to experience it! But it seems Z8 is all in one camera. The only matter important to me is if I switch to Z8, with 14bit and 45mp, could I achieve the same high images quality (detailing, colour rendering, and deep dynamic range) by gfx100s with 16bit and 102mp? Thank you.
You could get a usb c cable has a voltage so you can see its charging
I'm only 1:17 into your video but have to say the bokeh on the Nikon 1.2 lens looks far, far better than that of the 0.95 lens which really looks harsh in comparison to the smooth background generated by the Nikon lens.
Yes they are very different lenses, I feel the 0.95 will have a better nostalgic appeal
Hey guys, I currently have a ZF, and still building my lens kit.saving for 24-70 2.8 and 70-200 2.8 BUT still need a second body. Would you use 2 ZFs? The money and quality leads me on that route. Gettinf a Z8 would slow my lens acquisition a lot.
Depends if you want the extra megapixels and other z8 things like 4K 120 etc. but autofocus is the same really
@@russandloz mainly for events and portraits. No animals, landscapes, not sure the extra megapixels would help
I sometimes do a bit of video and use the LCD Screen
you said the battery life in the Z8 is bad. I have a Z6II and take 3 extra batteries to do a wedding, how many would I need if I had a Z8.
That seems a lot for a z6ii. Depends on active action I guess. But yes z8 destroys batteries
Another question. I use both card slots but I have just found out the speed of camera is governed by the slow SD.
Do I gamble and only use 1 and get the speed of the B card
@@Twin2Lens I've never had any trouble with slow cards for 4k or raw photos.
But the burst rate compared to the B cards are very poor