@@chrishay5442 I’ve shot a wedding and anniversary party with it now, both low light portions. It worked amazing. It was almost effortless. I wish I had 3 of them honestly.
Just got the Z 8 to use as a second camera along with my Z 9 I shoot a lot of events and was using my Z 7II as the second camera, but its nice to shoot events with both cameras having the same viewfinder and AF focusing modes and focus tracking. Love carrying the Z 9 with the Z100-400 and the Z 8 with the Z 24-120mm that covers most situations I shoot at events.
I might just have to start calling you "Darth Hudson" 😂 because I am coming over to join you on "the Dark Side" (switching to Nikon). Unless something DRAMATIC changes over the weekend, I expect to be ordering my Z8 on Monday. The Z9 is more than I need, and the Z7II while an amazing camera, wasn't enough to convince me to switch, but the Z8 is, and I think it will be a huge upgrade from what I have (A7Riii) with the capability for a lot of growth, but without being massive overkill.
@@Uisci81 Sure. First of all, I want to say that IMHO the A7Riii that I currently have is a great camera, but the Z8 offers many features that Sony doesn't such as in camera focus stacking, Starlight mode and Airplane autofocus. These features coupled with 20 FPS (in RAW), and the ability to capture images slightly before the shutter is released make it as if the Z8 was designed with me in mind. Individually, none of these features would convince me to switch, but collectively, I think it will be a good decision. It won't make me a better photographer, but hopefully it will make getting the good shot in adverse conditions easier.
Got my Z8 on release day last week to upgrade a Z7ii. So far loving it. Z9 was just too big for my taste. The Z8 is more comfortable than the Z7ii and not having a shutter is so much nicer than I expected. I don't think I'll ever pick up the battery grip but will instead just plonk a powerbank on the usb-c.
I am so pleased I didn't ditch my Z9 because of the weight and my shoulder issue, and now that I've used it so much, especially with the 800mm lens, I couldn't wish for a better camera that can shoot stills all day long with the same battery. I'm complete with my Z9 and Z6ii.
Always enjoyable videos, thank you. I’m loving using the Z9 and Z8 together, both for me have a place. 😊Kind of like having two different size hammers in your tool box, each gets the job done but each are better for different jobs. Having the three function buttons on the Z9 is great, would be nice on Z8 but workable. On the Z8 I’ve assigned what I would normally have on fn 1( metering) to the video record button. The Z8 feels a lot like the D850, comfortable.
I've had my Z8 a little over a week now. Replaced a D500. It took a few days of researching settings and settling in on how I want it set up. I finally got enough confidence in it to do some family photos on Monday. I loved my D500, but it will likely never leave the shelf again. I am now a Z8 and Z6ii shooter. I watched your "banks" videos, but I am not ready for that level of complication yet. I am liking the "recall shooting functions". I hope to get it out soon with the adapted 500PF. For what its worth, for everyday shooting my 400mbps XQD card worked well for photos.
Yeah, I love having the second USB slot. On the topic of perfect cameras, I think the Z8 is as close to perfect as we're ever going to get! With my extra-large hands, the Z8 feels so much better than the 6/7 for me, though the grip of the 9 is actually even more comfortable since my fingers have a bit of wiggle room. I'm definitely holding onto my Z9, and using both it and the Z8 together - I bought the Z8 to replace my Z6, but I'm not sure if I can part with the Z6 now because having a third camera and rarely having to change lenses is really nice lol. However, if I was going to sell one it would definitely be the Z6 because it just doesn't do all the things I need it to do, and I've always found it to be a bit too small. Using the grip kind of defeats the point of the Z8. However, I hadn't considered just using it as a battery charger/storage. That segment of your video definitely makes me think more favorably about the grip. I definitely need that eye-cup. The stock Nikon eye-cups are very poor quality - I wish Nikon would include decent eye-cups with their cameras, and I wish they would use better, more durable material for the grip and port covers. Every Nikon Z series camera I've owned has had problems with these materials degrading quickly.
Nikon actually make their own vertical grip/L bracket only available from Nikon Japan. VG-1 This makes the Z6/7 better than the Z8 if you have big hands like I do . Shame they don’t market this outside of Japan
The two main things i want in my next camera is the focus tracking and no screen blackout in burst mode. I think the processor in the z8 and z9 addresses the focus tracking. If I'm not mistaken, I think they have to have a stacked sensor to avoid the screen blackout. I want to see what's in the third gen z6/z7 to see what they get. I don't think they will get a stacked sensor though. Even if I can trust the tracking with screen blackout I still want to be able to have the subject in the frame where I want it without guessing. I do like the airplane shooting mode in the z8. I don't get to go to a lot of air shows but I think it would do a much better job than my z6 II did. If I understand correctly the star compressed raw makes the files much smaller. Maybe 30 something MB? That's one thing that scared me about buying a d850 a few years ago. The z8 might be my next body but it'll be at least next year. I have a wedding to pay for next year. It's going to be hard to finance both. One thing I like about your channel is how you inform people about the lenses working with the camera. So many RUclipsrs focus on the bodies and don't address that you are buying into a whole eco system and not just the camera. Nikon is doing great with that. I've heard a lot of complaints from Sony and Canon shooters about some of their lenses. I never hear complaints about Nikon z lenses.
With reference to the Z9, I don't have one yet but I'm sure I will fall in love with it the same way I did with the D3 and D4.... They just feel right.
I've been shooting the Z9 for 18 months, and especially paired with the Z800 PF, it has transformed my photography. I got my Z8 two days ago, and I really like it, but I agree with you that after shooting the Z9 I find myself searching the the third function button and the portrait mode ease of use. I do a lot of concert photography, and the Z9 is a bit bulky for that, so the Z8 is going to be my prime setup of concert and landscape work. The Z8 will also be my walking around/hiking/backpacking wildlife rig because of the lighter weight and smaller size. The Z9 is still going to be my go-to wildlife camera. I shoot a lot in cold conditions in the winter and other rough, dusty conditions, and I absolutely trust the build quality on the Z9. Not that I don't think the Z8 is wimpy in the least, but I know the Z9 is incredibly robust. I'll be selling off my trusty D500 and D750. I hate to see them go, but it's time to fully commit to mirrorless.
I just got the Z8 as I pre-ordered it first day and while I loved the longer side for a grip (my pinky slides off the bottom of the Z7ii), it just was a little too heavy, and to be honest, just more than I needed as far as all the extras you get. Therefore, I returned it and will continue to use my 7ii (bought it for lighter weight) until they release a version 3 of that, or something similar. I was very much looking forward to better AF and I liked the more versatile screen, but rarely if ever shoot video and just too big all around. If they bring a better AF and flip screen experience to an upgraded 7 plus maybe 60MP which I'd use more, then I'll be a happy happy guy. I think the Z8 really answered the bell for many many people new to the Z system so good to see that Nikon is checking all the boxes for all shooters.
The Z8 is exactly what I have been waiting for. I had a lot of nikon cameras which I moved on because the higher the shutter the more money you loose, not the Z8 there is no shutter concern. Not to mention it the best camera out there atm.
Z 8 got stuck in the ergonomic abyss huh? Well I just upgraded from a Z6 and it is a remarkable piece of gear so I am glad to finally join the club. I will try to get by a cafe and check out your bank configuration videos. Always a pleasure to hear critiques from professionals in the field and filter out the gear influencers hyperbole channels on RUclips. Enjoy your vacation!
I think I missed the Kirk L bracket link. I skipped the Z7 upgrade to the Z7ii awaiting the Z8. Totally convinced it was the right choice. As you mention the denoise capabilities in LR are excellent! Thanks, Hudson
I agree about the advantages of the Z9 plus Z6ii combo. I have the Z6ii battery grip too. Having the combination of the Z9 and Z6ii makes me appreciate the differences and advantages of both of them. At first I was enjoying the Z6ii but had reservations because it wasn’t a good birding camera. Now that is irrelevant because that’s the job of the Z9. Each time I pick up the Z6ii I find myself smiling at how great it is. I am thinking about the Nikkor 14-24 F2.8 as an addition to my Z lens collection. That’s a much higher priority for me now than another body. You are absolutely right about Z lenses too. I have noticed that my opinions of lens specifications have changed now that the Z mount lenses have arrived. Sold the 85mm F mount 1.8 not expecting to buy another ever. Then I used the Z mount version, suddenly the 85 1.8 is a favourite lens.
Hudson, thanks once again for the great info, I love my z9, but purchased the z8 as my 2nd body and travel camera. It was very important to me to have similar control layout like I had with D850 and D500 body's. My only real complaint is the battery, the el-15 battery is old technology designed for a DSLR. My 1st mirrorless was the Z9 with that huge battery, now using a EVF with the el-15, I will have to carry 2-3 batteries with me to shoot 1000 frames.
Great review, thanks. Just got my Z8 and going from Z6ii to Z8 is quite a learning curve and your guides have been very helpful. Question about eye cups, the Hoodman seems to be aimed at those without glasses. I have the choice of either wearing glasses to see in the viewfinder and being able to read the back screen and other buttons controls or change the diopter setting allowing me to see good in the view finder without glasses but no where else and needing to use the view finder to change all settings. Any suggestions for eye cups for glasses users, other than constantly taking glasses on and off - like I am seeing you do more and more😉? (Isn't getting older fun!?) You seemed to have some difficulty putting the battery door back on, 2-3 aborted attempts, is it tricky to get it back on or just because you were busily multitasking? Then again, it doesn't seem that action would be needed very often. You mentioned getting the battery grip especially if using long glass and shooting vertical, do you find much difference/advantage if shooting in landscape?
The camera balances a long lens better with more mass at the body in either position, but the grip really helps vertical to keep both elbows in braced. No, it's not too hard to get the door on, but you need to look down with both hands and focus and you're right. I was multitasking. :-) I push my glasses up on my head. I much prefer to shoot with the viewfinder diopter set to my eye. For glasses, perhaps the stock cap is better, but they are fragile sadly... :-(
One thing I've grown to appreciate in your videos is being fairly open about reasoning and conclusions. YMMV etc etc. As for me, I'm fairly recent to the z9 (from a z7ii most recently); while a consistent UX between primary and secondary bodies was a positive, what attracted me most to moving to the z8 for a second body was the combination of the faster sensor and the order of magnitude faster computing platform / data pipes (inferred). As a computing type, the rapid evolution of the z9 firmware in the first year while the z7ii remained fairly stagnant pointed to the likelihood that the computing / data pipes in the z7ii were pretty much tapped out. So switched the z7ii for a z8, despite the size increase. Feels like the z9/z8 will be a fairly nice pair offering some consistency in UX, likely upgrades in capabilities via future firmware, while offering some mix of sizes. Doesn't really address the question of something small/easy/leave in the baq all the time, but different discussion.
Yeah, for me the Z9 is the wildlife/action cam if I'm packing a longer lens. The Z6ii is the low light handheld and lighter travel/adventure workhorse and the Q2 is the in my bag all the time fun camera. Yes, the Z6ii/7ii came into the world VERY mature. Just like the Z8. They were built off the backs of the Z6/7 which deep into their firmware cycles. THe Z8 is built off the back of the Z9 deep in it's firmware cycle. The ii models got dual cards and dual processors, but I don't think the "pipeline" changed much at all. They still max out at XQD speeds.
the roles make sense, especially if you're already very familiar with the z6/7. For my part what muscle memory existed was more d800/750 era, so sticking with the z7ii effectively gave me two games to learn concurrently, less overlap etc. The z8 reduces that to something more like 1.2 maybe, guess we'll see ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ As for the maturity of the firmware, while those two are analogous in that sense, here's where they differ I think - the underlying platform of the z7/6ii doesn't really have more to give (both in computational ability and the internal interconnect speeds), whereas by all accounts the z8/z9 computing platform has quite a bit more to go. Also guessing that cost reduced versions of these abilities will be the focus as they move downmarket; saving actual increases in performance for z9/z8 replacements. Regardless, that probably gives Nikon lots of incentive to invest in the software efforts, with the engineering teams able to assume roughly about a z8/z9 level of computation/data speeds, Should be a fun couple of years.
Great analysis. Extremely well put. I couldn't agree more. I get tired of the 'nikon sucks, they never updated my Z6ii' comments. Everyone wanted things that only the new Z9 sensor and processing made possible. A quick look at other brands shows nikon is way ahead of the pack at giving legacy bodies advanced new features when possible. A great example is the A1 vs the A7RV. They did not give the A1 the A7R5s focus stacking or extended shutter speeds! :( I really do hope to see a z7iii'ish design with a shutterless stacked sensor as well as an aps-c version. For landscape, travel and more remote adventures small is nice and we don't always need 20fps and 8k raw video.
Very open and informative review Hudson. You confirmed my initial impressions on the size issue with the Z8 relative to the Z6/Z7. While it seems like a wonderful multipurpose body, in particular for wedding photography, it is not for landscape photographers who want a compact and lightweight solution. Like yourself, I am waiting for the Z7III.
Agreed. If I did a lot of gimbal video work, I'd upgrade to the Z8 from the Z6ii. But since I have two Z9's, I'm going to stick with them, especially since I shoot with the larger glass (just got the 600mm TC) most of the time. If it's my grandson's T-ball game, I can always use the Z6ii for a smaller body. That said, I'd really like Nikon to release something in the 60MP range with the smaller body form factor...
Hudson, first of all a huge thanks for all your educational videos. This posting may not reach you as the video is slightly old, but for the MC-N10 Video Grip, what is the specific brand and model of the 'holder / bracket' you use to attach to the arm of the Manfrotto head?? Many that I have researched do not tighten down enough to fit tightly on the handle of the Manfrotto head. I have checked your website etcetera and do not see this necessary accessory for the MC-N10 Video Grip.
Hi Hudson, as always a great review with great suggestions..I love my Z9,Z6ii,Z7ii..I really do see a need for the Z8 especially the huge camera grip with two batteries..No Z8 for me..Thank you for confirming my opinion about the Z8..Cheers from WPB, FL
Excellent video! On the accessories you have posted on ATS Links - can you still use back button focus while using the Vello 10-pin FreeWave Micro Wireless Remote Shutter Release? The manual for this accessory seems to indicate the transmitter will try to autofucus when you press the release button on the tranmitter. I'll be keeping my Z8, moved to it from a Z7II...was lucky in that mine shipped on the May 25th opening date.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the reply. I just wanted to make sure that I can still use back button auto focus when using the Vello 10-pin FreeWave Micro Wireless Remote Shutter Release. It's good to hear that you can.
GREAT overview. Finally someone who is not selling his z9 and trashing e ancient z9 for the new fresh z8. They both have their place but I just love pro bodies and the grip and batteries. I sure hope Nikon update the old antiquated z9 with a new firmware to add the features they out in the z8.
Great perspective and I’m probably one of those people to whom the Z8 is really talking. Still using and love my D850 and D6 but craving the newer AF features. I suspect the Z8 could be the ideal first mirrorless body to add to my bag. Even though my D850 is mostly used gripped, being able to take it off (as with the Z8) is very appealing, let alone the backward compatibility of the EN EL15s and, of course, the price…and I’m thinking that 100-400mm lens would be my first Z lens buy. Terrific video.
Hey Hudson, great thoughts, as always. I have the Z9 and the Z6ii. I've been on the fence about trading my Z6ii for a Z8, thinking about the smaller frame versus the Z9. The size of the Z6ii is great for hiking, star tracker, packing, etc. but can't beat the Z9's performance, obviously. You kind of muddied the waters for me, LOL!! Thanks.
The Z8 is probably what I wanted when I got the Z7ii. Not complaining. Might save up for the Z8, or some successor, and get the Z7ii astro modified. I really need to upgrade my computer to handle the larger 45mp RAW files. Since I don't shoot video, do I need 64GB main memory in a Dell XPS 15? Will 32GB do? I'm thinking 64GB helps with stacking astro shots. Maybe I'll wait for the Z7iii with dual Expeed7 processors. 😂
That’s my thoughts as well! I need an all in one camera! Can’t afford cameras for specific functions (still/actions etc) I’m more and more convinced the z8 is the camera for me. By the time I can afford one I’ll be hearing about the z8ii lol
I agree with probably everything that you said. I just received my Z8, with detachable grip, last Friday and it is indeed epic! But, in contrast to you, I'll be selling my Z7ii and keeping the Z9 as a companion to the Z8. I've been using the Z7ii as a companion body holding either the Z 24-120mm f4 or the Z 105mm f2.8, while I shoot the Z9 with the Z 70-200mm f2.8. I shoot a lot of dog conformation pictures, often indoors with lousy lighting and 2.8 apertures of the 70-200 and 105mm macro allow me to shoot movement, at a shutter speed of perhaps 1/500th of a sec, in those tough conditions. I thought that I would keep all three bodies and use the Z7ii for hiking, travel and landscapes, but I was very surprised at the smaller size of the Z8 compared to the Z9, so it should work fine for hiking. I won't use the Z8 grip unless I'm shooting an extended session where it will provide the extra battery storage to eliminate changing batteries at an inopportune time. For my use case, the Z8 having the better burst rate, the better autofocus, and the near-elimination of any EVF blackout makes the burst shooting a more pleasurable experience compared to the Z7ii. The Z7ii is a wonderful camera. When I bought the Z9 I had no regrets in selling my D850 and keeping the Z7ii, it's that good and that capable. If I shot video like you do, I might go a different path, but then I had no regrets in trading my Z6ii for a Z7ii because I wanted the better sensor and could care less about video. Keep up the excellent RUclips offerings!
I sold the 7ii when I got the 9. Such similar resolution and the 6ii has advantages handholding in low light over all the others. I set the max iso at 25,600 on that sensor. It's a low light beast. In many ways it's my favorite of the Z sensors. That also makes it the better video camera for me over the 7ii which is much noisier. 24mp and 4k are a sweet spot still in my book for lots of work. I have 2x30 prints from my old 12mp D700 days and if you need to go big, there's always pano capture. :)
Been shooting with this and aboslutely loving it. Felt like much more of a real deal compared to a Z7II that I previously rock around. And pretty much finally leaped over an EOS R5. Though obviously since it's damn 3 years later. But I really have to complain about battery life. 300 plus shots with a couple 8k clips is really the short coming with this camera. Guess there has to be some regrets just like you can have everything good in life. It will do good ennough, while I wait for a 60mp body, potentially with a mechanincal shutter in it, though I won keep high hopes for that.
The Z7ii is hard to beat for landscape only right now. It's lighter, has a similar resolution sensor with a bit more dynamic range and just as accurate pinpoint AFS. You just loose starlight mode, warm display a little bit better lowlight AF for stars and of course the ability to accurately track a wider array of subjects than pets and people. You also get to keep exposure delay which I have zero idea why they abandoned in the 8/9. That was dumb. Hopefully they hear from enough people that self timer with it's dumb blinking light is no replacement.
I too will be keeping the Z8 and Z9. I don't think that I will get the battery grip, since I will have the Z9 for when shooting with the big lenses in portrait orientation; BTW the Z8 does work okay with the 800pf in portrait mode in what little testing I've managed in the last week. I think that the Z8 with the Z9's low light functions will become my main astrophotography camera to keep from overloading the MSM rotator with the heavier Z9. I do like how I can assign the shutter release mode to an I Menu item, and I wish Nikon would make the shutter release mode one of the features saved in the banks. Depending upon the price I can get for either the Z6ii or Z7ii, I may send one of those to Spencer's camera for an astro conversion.
Hudson I thought you were going to shed a tear every time you said “I’ll be sending the Z8 back”. You probably have done similar before because of the Z9 but I wish you had compared Z8 more to the Z7&Z7Ii. I doubt there are many in your audience that would consider moving from Z9 toZ8 but there are probably quite a few like my self who have DSLRs still or have other Z bodies that might be considering upgrading, I would love to hear a more comparative analysis on the feature set and performance of the Z7 bodies and the Z8. I wonder if the Z8 came before the Z9 would you have reached the same conclusion. I know you have grown to love the Z9 and will be hard pressed to ever give it up now that you are used to it, and shoot such fantastic photos with it. I wonder if a 32 megapixel Z6Iii is released with a stacked sensor and less emphasis on video if I’ll wish I had waited for what comes next but for now it’s the Z8 for me
nah, I'd keep it if I didn't have. Z9. It's all about that 3D tracking. That's the deal. I think I said... If you shoot action and you don't have a Z9... Then your ride is here. If landscapes and people are your jam and you don't shoot bursts or lots of video, then you may want to wait. THe Z6/7ii are still amazing. You're not going to see a camera from Nikon without an emphasis on video and that emphasis helps you as a still shooter when they design that capability in. It's pushes more data faster through larger pipelines. It forces them to have a bit more sensor megapixels, but keep the noise down. It makes them move to faster memory cards and card writing to act as a bigger buffer. Video is a prestige stat and all of the brands are competing for it, but Nikon is ideally situated to escalate that competition because they have no pro video camera division unlike Sony and Canon. It gives them a little edge to push the envelope in ways that chaffe at the other brands. In reality the Z6/ and Z6ii were very video focused cameras when they were released. They were 4k low light monsters with 10-bit and pro-res out via HDMI in conjunction with Atomos which was a shocker at the time. It's all to the good for everyone.
Hello Mr.Henry, Thank you very much for your informative videos! I find the Nikon instruction manuals can be quite convoluted at times. Sometimes you're a sanity saver. I have the Z7II & Z8 at hand & I would like to exchange the Z8 for the Z9 for all the same reasons you gave for keeping your Z9 & returning the Z8. I found that there is a noticeable difference in the way the Z7II & Z8 render the same images, I'm using the all same setting & lens 70-24mm f/4 & 24-70mm f/2.8 on these cameras. The question I have is does the Z8 & Z9 rended the same or are they different like my Z7II 7 Z8? I like the way the Z8 renders better than my Z7II. I would deeply appreciate your input is this as well any other thoughts you my have. Thank you very much! Jim McCauley Hailing from White Rock, B.C. Canada
THe Z8 and Z9 are the same exact sensor and processor. Exact. THere is functionally zero difference except the smaller body, less buttons, dual USB-C and a slightly different firmware version that I'm sure the Z9 will receive very shortly.
Thank you very much for responding to my inquiries! I’m quite pleased I found your channel & look forward to following you on your channel and adventures. All the best to you and yours! Jim McCauley🤓
Hi, I've been considering the z8 with 24-120 but I need to know if this combo can zoom and maintain continuous focus for shooting subjects running towards the camera? Do you happen to know?
I relate to all of your constructive comments. I wish Nikon would listen to you a bit more themselves. Even since your first Z6 rant. ;) We could use an updated Z50 with a fully articulating screen too! Maybe ONE FX body with a fully articulating screen. Peace!
More or less illustrates that if you intend to put a vertical grip on a Z8, strongly reconsider the Z9 instead. Sure, the Z8 is more versatile for when you want the smaller size format, and the USB-C power port was an addition that should really be on any camera with the ability to shoot high data rate video, and I'll even admit to liking the ability to shoot on SD when the higher data rates aren't required, as more devices have SD card slots in them, at the expense of losing the ability to shoot redundantly at the highest data rate the camera is capable of. But... I still find myself asking whether all that, along with some of the compromises (smaller body = smaller thermal envelope) is really a better choice, beyond the $1500 savings, minus the cost of a vertical grip and extra battery, than the Z9. Size. That's basically it. Better all-purpose camera because of said size, without an add-on grip. And of course, for long tele lenses, and all the types of shoots said lenses entail; that bigger body means better balance when hand holding. It's odd that I never really considered buying a large format body until after the scaled down Z8 was released.
Hey Hudson...great video as usual...I have a question about the z100-400 lens. I cannot get it to focus very well. Really it just doesn't focus sharp at all on my Z9 or Z8. What do you think I should do with it? Send it back to B&H or send it to Nikon? And, is the prime Z400 4.5 a good replacement? Sorry for all the questions but I just got back from a vacation and not one of my photos from the cameras with it attached came in sharp. Thanks very much...Mike
The 100-400 should be razor. You're using eye detect and a fast shutter speed? Yes, it should go back to Nikon or B&H. I've not heard of that. Mine is insanely sharp. The 400 4.5 is stellar! But it's not as versatile.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Hello Hudson and thank you very much for your interest. I have 2- Z9's and 2 -Z7II's and now a Z8 that I am really looking forward to getting out there and shooting. I thought a while ago that my Z100-400mm lens was having problems focusing and then it seemed to get better. Now I think I will call B&H and see if they want to tackle it. I did order the 400mm 4.5 and can't wait to check it out. I have many lens and really want the new 600mm TC 2.8. I wish it was available to buy...always on back order. If you don't mind I will keep you up to date on this stuff. I really appreciate all you do for us all. You are my go to and I love watching your videos. Hope to meet you someday...maybe get in on one of your workshops... I have been shooting for more that 50 years...lots of things have changed from the old darkroom days. Thanks again and you are the man! Thanks again...
Hello Hudson...sorry to bother again but I have been trying to order the Hoodman Eye cup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9 and I cannot. It does not give me a place to put it in my cart nor do they let you order it on their website. Are you selling them? I sure would like about 3 of them...thanks very much!!
Hudson, Have you had any overheating issues with your CF Exp-B cards? I'm using a SanDisk in my Z6ii and it give me the high temp alert when I'm shooting a sporting event where I'm capturing 1,000 images per hour. Does the Z8 have similar issues? What is the best CF Exp-B card to get if I'm looking for high frame rate, but keeping it cool for both the Z6ii and Z8. Thanks, Jim.
Nope, not at all. And I also sometimes shoot thousands of frames in an hour! I use the ProGrade cards linked in my links with the bodies: www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Do you think the “Astro” mode you spoke of in the Z9 that’s not in the z8 is a simple firmware update or hardware that can’t be added? I can’t afford a still camera and sports/planes camera. I’m looking for a great all around. A buy once cry once camera
It’s not the camera for me either. I have a Z9 which serves me well for stills and a little bit of long lens video. But in general I’m too used to having access to real cine camera features, which makes the Z9 a pain to use for more regular hybrid filming. I don’t need another clunky hybrid with a smaller body in my kit. So I’m picking up a Panasonic S5IIx tomorrow as my go to small body hybrid. The lens selection over there is not great for stills, and who knows whether the next generation S line cameras will be worth the money, but for lighter weight gimbal work and other kinds of run and gun filming with the f1.8 primes, it should make a nice replacement for one of my BMPCCs. Oh and *open gate* has turned into a must for me. Having the ability to what I call “cross crop” footage into 16:9 or 9:16 and have both versions have the right amount of composition room is a huge time saver. Anyway. I won’t be ditching the Z9. I love the camera and love the glass. But at the same time, I think a lot of my camera budget will be going to Panasonic over the next few years.
Interesting Hudson, I’ve only seen 25 seconds of your video and already I feel the need to reply. I recall a conversation we had about the Z9. It was shortly after you got yours and you were undecided, will I keep it or not? I don’t remember what I said, but it had a long and full some reply from you and subsequently you decided to keep it (a decision I fully agree with as I subsequently got one myself). I wondered and I thought (wrongly) you would live the Z8, as your objections concerning the Z9 centred around the size and weight (if I remember correctly). I had you pinned for trading in the Z9 for a shiny new Z8. Not many times I admit to being wrong! I will watch the rest of your video…
Damn, Hudson, 8:56 gone and damn. The last Len’s I bought to try with my Z9 is a 20mm 1.8 G and you just glibly say that the new Z20mm is way better than the old one. I have really enjoyed the G lense. It really creates a problem, everything seems so far away! Love it. Makes you have to think about composition. How much better can the Z be than the G?
Okay. It’s nice to see that at the end of the day, you are as irrational as I am. I’m not interested in the Z8 because I love my Z9. The Z9 shows what the Z system is capable of, it is a worthy flagship. It’s heavy, I have hit myself in the eye and cursed. But I wouldn’t trade it for a Z8. Peace.
An unbelievable amount better, particularly for astro. Comparing the two on a tracker, the G looked like a toy lens wide open. The S is razor corner to corner with no chromatic aberation. The G had such coma that stars from 2/3 out to the corner looked like rainbow birds taking flight. The G throws a nicer sunstar stopped down though. I kept it for that until the 24-120 arrived. It's flat incredible and has a fabulous star. My tattered old 20G retired then.
Honestly, there isn't a single Z mount lens that doesn't blow it's predecessor out of the water. The closet F lenses are the 500 pf, the 70-200 FL ED, and the 105 1.4. The shocker to me was that the 14-30 f4 was sharper than my beloved 14-24 2.8 AFS. Then the 14-24 S launched and holy crap. What a lens. Z shooters don't complain about the glass. :)
If you shoot sony, then stick with what you know. The A1 is a great camera and I've enjoyed my days shooting one. Same for canon's R5. That said, I personally don't think there's a better camera made than the Z9. The z8 is 90% the same but lighter and less money. More importantly as a decades long nikon shooter I get everything I love from Nikon... Commitment to legacy compatibility, epic firmware support, insane build quality, ergonomics and a dedication to optical lens engineering accross the board to rival any other company. I personally think Sony falls short in each of those categories by comparison. Canon will undoubtedly release a fabulous camera (R1) soon. All the brands cycle, but there's a huge value in using the brand you know and understand. I'd reiterate that all the brands are building amazing equipment. The most important part sits a few inches behind the viewfinder. ;)
One more thing, it appears that the Z8 is rather picky about batteries. I have been able to use a 3rd party battery (BM Premium, EN-EL15c) without problems with Z6ii but the Z8 won't take it, guess have to use Nikon specific battery.
Every time they build a new body, they brick the aftermarket batteries. They build some code into the cameras that ignores anything but a Nikon battery. In a month or two BM and other brands will build new batteries that get around it. It's been that way since the DSLR age. When the Z6/7's launched they bricked all my old aftermarket batteries too. BM was the best brand to emerge in the wake of that.
The short flange distance (glass to sensor) and wide mount has unleashed the Nikon optical engineers. The F4 Z lenses are sharper with less chromatic aberration than the F mount 2.8s. The moment you try them, you'll see. The F mount glass will perform just as well as you're used to on the old DSLR bodies, but the new Z glass will blow you away with far better quality optics than you've previously experienced. That's across the board.
Overtightening can damage the set screw on the captive collar lock. You may need to send it in to Nikon. None of this gear should ever be over tightened. Just a gentle tweak at snug does the trick.
Geeezzzzzzzzzzz. Film camera, ISO, determined by the film. Shutter speed, F stop and focus, set by you. How the hell did I do it all by myself...................... Geezzzzzzzzzzzzz again.
So I love my Z8 but…mounting and dismounting my lenses are very tough not smooth like I am used to. It almost feels like there is an obstruction, other than that everything is perfect.
If I had no camera/system today, I would either get the Z6II on sale or wait for the Z6III. That is still Nikon's current best all arounder. If sports action wildlife was important to me, I would get the Z9 as the next camera. Otherwise, wait for the Z7III or just something else. For the reasons you state and a few more, the Z8 is just not for me. I do have the Z6II and the Z9, and I see zero reason to get a Z8. Its too big, too heavy, too high MP/lessor low-light capability, and too expensive to be a good all arounder, and its also not the best sports action wildlife camera Nikon makes. The Z9 has 4 key advantages over the Z8 for sports action wildlife and serious video use, and, really, at least for those that know what they are buying those advantages are not small. The Z9 is way underpriced for what it is, while the Z8, eh, $4000 might actually be a a little bit high. A Z500 or Z6III for $2800 or less with a stacked sensor, Z9-ish AF, mid-20's MP, 6k60 and 4k120, 10-bit internal N-Raw/N-Log, similar size/weight as the Z6II would represent a far better option than a Z8, IMHO.
Sorry, but many of your arguments for and/or against a Z8 really don't make much sense, especially considering how much you praised the Z6/7 II. I really appreciate your work and almost love all of your vids here on RUclips, but this is really hard to follow. And touting the $350 battery grip as basically a dual charger is almost ridiculous.
It's really simple to grasp. If you don't have a Z9 and you shoot action at all... You're going to love its speed and subject tracking ability. If you have a Z9 and really want a smaller version... Your ride is here, but that grip will help you brace with both elbows shooting a long lens and guess what...? It's a dual charger too. For me? I love my Z9 and it has advantages. I like having a smaller backup and for me the z6ii just makes more sense. If I'm not taking a big lens for action, then the z6ii is nicer than the z8 for me personally. If I am taking a big lens, why not bring the 9? Simple. Makes plenty of sense for me and a lot of others. But your mileage may vary. If you want solid cheerleaders there are plenty of sources for that. ;)
I'm a Z9 user and have NO interest in this camera. The Z8 has poor battery life without 2 batteries, use of En-EL-15 series of batteries instead of the En-El-18 series (and no ability to use optionally) really UGLY, poorly designed optional grip. These issues alone killed any desire I might have had for this body as a back-up body to my Z9.
I just received mine today and I have watched your videos on it. You were a BIG part of my decision making process. Thank you for the detailed review.
I got mine the day after it came out and it is the best camera I’ve ever used. Going from D850 and Z6ii to Z8 has been like night and day.
Hows the AF Tracking performance in very low light? I shoot clubs and rely on my Flash's AF ASSIST a lot with my D780.
@@chrishay5442 I’ve shot a wedding and anniversary party with it now, both low light portions. It worked amazing. It was almost effortless. I wish I had 3 of them honestly.
Just got the Z 8 to use as a second camera along with my Z 9 I shoot a lot of events and was using my Z 7II as the second camera, but its nice to shoot events with both cameras having the same viewfinder and AF focusing modes and focus tracking. Love carrying the Z 9 with the Z100-400 and the Z 8 with the Z 24-120mm that covers most situations I shoot at events.
exactly this.
Sounds like how I will be using the Z8 and Z9. It will also be nice to have the same button layout when trying to quickly review photos.
You are a real resource for the Nikon community. I appreciate your thoughts on the Z8 and also the setup video that will be extremely helpful to me.
I might just have to start calling you "Darth Hudson" 😂 because I am coming over to join you on "the Dark Side" (switching to Nikon). Unless something DRAMATIC changes over the weekend, I expect to be ordering my Z8 on Monday. The Z9 is more than I need, and the Z7II while an amazing camera, wasn't enough to convince me to switch, but the Z8 is, and I think it will be a huge upgrade from what I have (A7Riii) with the capability for a lot of growth, but without being massive overkill.
Can I ask what you are leaving?? And why
@@Uisci81 Sure. First of all, I want to say that IMHO the A7Riii that I currently have is a great camera, but the Z8 offers many features that Sony doesn't such as in camera focus stacking, Starlight mode and Airplane autofocus. These features coupled with 20 FPS (in RAW), and the ability to capture images slightly before the shutter is released make it as if the Z8 was designed with me in mind. Individually, none of these features would convince me to switch, but collectively, I think it will be a good decision. It won't make me a better photographer, but hopefully it will make getting the good shot in adverse conditions easier.
I like that the big button nob on top is gone!
Got my Z8 on release day last week to upgrade a Z7ii. So far loving it. Z9 was just too big for my taste. The Z8 is more comfortable than the Z7ii and not having a shutter is so much nicer than I expected. I don't think I'll ever pick up the battery grip but will instead just plonk a powerbank on the usb-c.
I am so pleased I didn't ditch my Z9 because of the weight and my shoulder issue, and now that I've used it so much, especially with the 800mm lens, I couldn't wish for a better camera that can shoot stills all day long with the same battery. I'm complete with my Z9 and Z6ii.
Always enjoyable videos, thank you. I’m loving using the Z9 and Z8 together, both for me have a place. 😊Kind of like having two different size hammers in your tool box, each gets the job done but each are better for different jobs.
Having the three function buttons on the Z9 is great, would be nice on Z8 but workable. On the Z8 I’ve assigned what I would normally have on fn 1( metering) to the video record button. The Z8 feels a lot like the D850, comfortable.
I've had my Z8 a little over a week now. Replaced a D500. It took a few days of researching settings and settling in on how I want it set up. I finally got enough confidence in it to do some family photos on Monday. I loved my D500, but it will likely never leave the shelf again. I am now a Z8 and Z6ii shooter.
I watched your "banks" videos, but I am not ready for that level of complication yet. I am liking the "recall shooting functions".
I hope to get it out soon with the adapted 500PF. For what its worth, for everyday shooting my 400mbps XQD card worked well for photos.
Yeah, I love having the second USB slot.
On the topic of perfect cameras, I think the Z8 is as close to perfect as we're ever going to get!
With my extra-large hands, the Z8 feels so much better than the 6/7 for me, though the grip of the 9 is actually even more comfortable since my fingers have a bit of wiggle room.
I'm definitely holding onto my Z9, and using both it and the Z8 together - I bought the Z8 to replace my Z6, but I'm not sure if I can part with the Z6 now because having a third camera and rarely having to change lenses is really nice lol. However, if I was going to sell one it would definitely be the Z6 because it just doesn't do all the things I need it to do, and I've always found it to be a bit too small.
Using the grip kind of defeats the point of the Z8. However, I hadn't considered just using it as a battery charger/storage. That segment of your video definitely makes me think more favorably about the grip.
I definitely need that eye-cup. The stock Nikon eye-cups are very poor quality - I wish Nikon would include decent eye-cups with their cameras, and I wish they would use better, more durable material for the grip and port covers. Every Nikon Z series camera I've owned has had problems with these materials degrading quickly.
Nikon actually make their own vertical grip/L bracket only available from Nikon Japan. VG-1 This makes the Z6/7 better than the Z8 if you have big hands like I do . Shame they don’t market this outside of Japan
The two main things i want in my next camera is the focus tracking and no screen blackout in burst mode. I think the processor in the z8 and z9 addresses the focus tracking. If I'm not mistaken, I think they have to have a stacked sensor to avoid the screen blackout. I want to see what's in the third gen z6/z7 to see what they get. I don't think they will get a stacked sensor though. Even if I can trust the tracking with screen blackout I still want to be able to have the subject in the frame where I want it without guessing. I do like the airplane shooting mode in the z8. I don't get to go to a lot of air shows but I think it would do a much better job than my z6 II did. If I understand correctly the star compressed raw makes the files much smaller. Maybe 30 something MB? That's one thing that scared me about buying a d850 a few years ago. The z8 might be my next body but it'll be at least next year. I have a wedding to pay for next year. It's going to be hard to finance both. One thing I like about your channel is how you inform people about the lenses working with the camera. So many RUclipsrs focus on the bodies and don't address that you are buying into a whole eco system and not just the camera. Nikon is doing great with that. I've heard a lot of complaints from Sony and Canon shooters about some of their lenses. I never hear complaints about Nikon z lenses.
With reference to the Z9, I don't have one yet but I'm sure I will fall in love with it the same way I did with the D3 and D4.... They just feel right.
I've been shooting the Z9 for 18 months, and especially paired with the Z800 PF, it has transformed my photography. I got my Z8 two days ago, and I really like it, but I agree with you that after shooting the Z9 I find myself searching the the third function button and the portrait mode ease of use. I do a lot of concert photography, and the Z9 is a bit bulky for that, so the Z8 is going to be my prime setup of concert and landscape work. The Z8 will also be my walking around/hiking/backpacking wildlife rig because of the lighter weight and smaller size. The Z9 is still going to be my go-to wildlife camera. I shoot a lot in cold conditions in the winter and other rough, dusty conditions, and I absolutely trust the build quality on the Z9. Not that I don't think the Z8 is wimpy in the least, but I know the Z9 is incredibly robust. I'll be selling off my trusty D500 and D750. I hate to see them go, but it's time to fully commit to mirrorless.
I just got the Z8 as I pre-ordered it first day and while I loved the longer side for a grip (my pinky slides off the bottom of the Z7ii), it just was a little too heavy, and to be honest, just more than I needed as far as all the extras you get. Therefore, I returned it and will continue to use my 7ii (bought it for lighter weight) until they release a version 3 of that, or something similar. I was very much looking forward to better AF and I liked the more versatile screen, but rarely if ever shoot video and just too big all around. If they bring a better AF and flip screen experience to an upgraded 7 plus maybe 60MP which I'd use more, then I'll be a happy happy guy. I think the Z8 really answered the bell for many many people new to the Z system so good to see that Nikon is checking all the boxes for all shooters.
The Z8 is exactly what I have been waiting for. I had a lot of nikon cameras which I moved on because the higher the shutter the more money you loose, not the Z8 there is no shutter concern. Not to mention it the best camera out there atm.
Z 8 got stuck in the ergonomic abyss huh? Well I just upgraded from a Z6 and it is a remarkable piece of gear so I am glad to finally join the club. I will try to get by a cafe and check out your bank configuration videos. Always a pleasure to hear critiques from professionals in the field and filter out the gear influencers hyperbole channels on RUclips. Enjoy your vacation!
Looks like the grid view on Z8 is in 3rds, my Z6 1 grid is divided in 1/4s. That’s a great change. Never understood why the grids on z6 are in 1/4.
I think I missed the Kirk L bracket link. I skipped the Z7 upgrade to the Z7ii awaiting the Z8. Totally convinced it was the right choice. As you mention the denoise capabilities in LR are excellent! Thanks, Hudson
I agree about the advantages of the Z9 plus Z6ii combo. I have the Z6ii battery grip too. Having the combination of the Z9 and Z6ii makes me appreciate the differences and advantages of both of them. At first I was enjoying the Z6ii but had reservations because it wasn’t a good birding camera. Now that is irrelevant because that’s the job of the Z9. Each time I pick up the Z6ii I find myself smiling at how great it is. I am thinking about the Nikkor 14-24 F2.8 as an addition to my Z lens collection. That’s a much higher priority for me now than another body.
You are absolutely right about Z lenses too. I have noticed that my opinions of lens specifications have changed now that the Z mount lenses have arrived. Sold the 85mm F mount 1.8 not expecting to buy another ever. Then I used the Z mount version, suddenly the 85 1.8 is a favourite lens.
Hudson, thanks once again for the great info, I love my z9, but purchased the z8 as my 2nd body and travel camera. It was very important to me to have similar control layout like I had with D850 and D500 body's. My only real complaint is the battery, the el-15 battery is old technology designed for a DSLR. My 1st mirrorless was the Z9 with that huge battery, now using a EVF with the el-15, I will have to carry 2-3 batteries with me to shoot 1000 frames.
Hmmm. I shot a couple thousand on a battery with the Z8 & 100-400 Friday at my kids school field day, I had some left, but I do agree.
To echo your point about the strength of the Z9 battery; last summer in Africa, shot over 20,000 images one day on one battery.
Thank you for the review! I love both cameras.
Great review, thanks. Just got my Z8 and going from Z6ii to Z8 is quite a learning curve and your guides have been very helpful.
Question about eye cups, the Hoodman seems to be aimed at those without glasses. I have the choice of either wearing glasses to see in the viewfinder and being able to read the back screen and other buttons controls or change the diopter setting allowing me to see good in the view finder without glasses but no where else and needing to use the view finder to change all settings. Any suggestions for eye cups for glasses users, other than constantly taking glasses on and off - like I am seeing you do more and more😉? (Isn't getting older fun!?)
You seemed to have some difficulty putting the battery door back on, 2-3 aborted attempts, is it tricky to get it back on or just because you were busily multitasking? Then again, it doesn't seem that action would be needed very often.
You mentioned getting the battery grip especially if using long glass and shooting vertical, do you find much difference/advantage if shooting in landscape?
The camera balances a long lens better with more mass at the body in either position, but the grip really helps vertical to keep both elbows in braced. No, it's not too hard to get the door on, but you need to look down with both hands and focus and you're right. I was multitasking. :-) I push my glasses up on my head. I much prefer to shoot with the viewfinder diopter set to my eye. For glasses, perhaps the stock cap is better, but they are fragile sadly... :-(
One thing I've grown to appreciate in your videos is being fairly open about reasoning and conclusions. YMMV etc etc.
As for me, I'm fairly recent to the z9 (from a z7ii most recently); while a consistent UX between primary and secondary bodies was a positive, what attracted me most to moving to the z8 for a second body was the combination of the faster sensor and the order of magnitude faster computing platform / data pipes (inferred). As a computing type, the rapid evolution of the z9 firmware in the first year while the z7ii remained fairly stagnant pointed to the likelihood that the computing / data pipes in the z7ii were pretty much tapped out.
So switched the z7ii for a z8, despite the size increase. Feels like the z9/z8 will be a fairly nice pair offering some consistency in UX, likely upgrades in capabilities via future firmware, while offering some mix of sizes.
Doesn't really address the question of something small/easy/leave in the baq all the time, but different discussion.
Yeah, for me the Z9 is the wildlife/action cam if I'm packing a longer lens. The Z6ii is the low light handheld and lighter travel/adventure workhorse and the Q2 is the in my bag all the time fun camera.
Yes, the Z6ii/7ii came into the world VERY mature. Just like the Z8. They were built off the backs of the Z6/7 which deep into their firmware cycles. THe Z8 is built off the back of the Z9 deep in it's firmware cycle. The ii models got dual cards and dual processors, but I don't think the "pipeline" changed much at all. They still max out at XQD speeds.
the roles make sense, especially if you're already very familiar with the z6/7. For my part what muscle memory existed was more d800/750 era, so sticking with the z7ii effectively gave me two games to learn concurrently, less overlap etc. The z8 reduces that to something more like 1.2 maybe, guess we'll see ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
As for the maturity of the firmware, while those two are analogous in that sense, here's where they differ I think - the underlying platform of the z7/6ii doesn't really have more to give (both in computational ability and the internal interconnect speeds), whereas by all accounts the z8/z9 computing platform has quite a bit more to go. Also guessing that cost reduced versions of these abilities will be the focus as they move downmarket; saving actual increases in performance for z9/z8 replacements.
Regardless, that probably gives Nikon lots of incentive to invest in the software efforts, with the engineering teams able to assume roughly about a z8/z9 level of computation/data speeds, Should be a fun couple of years.
Great analysis. Extremely well put. I couldn't agree more. I get tired of the 'nikon sucks, they never updated my Z6ii' comments. Everyone wanted things that only the new Z9 sensor and processing made possible.
A quick look at other brands shows nikon is way ahead of the pack at giving legacy bodies advanced new features when possible. A great example is the A1 vs the A7RV. They did not give the A1 the A7R5s focus stacking or extended shutter speeds! :(
I really do hope to see a z7iii'ish design with a shutterless stacked sensor as well as an aps-c version. For landscape, travel and more remote adventures small is nice and we don't always need 20fps and 8k raw video.
Very open and informative review Hudson. You confirmed my initial impressions on the size issue with the Z8 relative to the Z6/Z7. While it seems like a wonderful multipurpose body, in particular for wedding photography, it is not for landscape photographers who want a compact and lightweight solution. Like yourself, I am waiting for the Z7III.
Agreed. If I did a lot of gimbal video work, I'd upgrade to the Z8 from the Z6ii. But since I have two Z9's, I'm going to stick with them, especially since I shoot with the larger glass (just got the 600mm TC) most of the time. If it's my grandson's T-ball game, I can always use the Z6ii for a smaller body. That said, I'd really like Nikon to release something in the 60MP range with the smaller body form factor...
Very informative and helpful video. You are always a wealth of information. Thanks
Hudson, first of all a huge thanks for all your educational videos. This posting may not reach you as the video is slightly old, but for the MC-N10 Video Grip, what is the specific brand and model of the 'holder / bracket' you use to attach to the arm of the Manfrotto head?? Many that I have researched do not tighten down enough to fit tightly on the handle of the Manfrotto head. I have checked your website etcetera and do not see this necessary accessory for the MC-N10 Video Grip.
Awesome video... Really nice points you put in there to help someone decide between the different Z cameras... Really nice...
Thanks a lot ! Great review... This is an excellent analysis full of interesting remarks. (I have Z6ii and love astrophoto... soon Z8 ??)
Hi Hudson, as always a great review with great suggestions..I love my Z9,Z6ii,Z7ii..I really do see a need for the Z8 especially the huge camera grip with two batteries..No Z8 for me..Thank you for confirming my opinion about the Z8..Cheers from WPB, FL
Excellent video! On the accessories you have posted on ATS Links - can you still use back button focus while using the Vello 10-pin FreeWave Micro Wireless Remote Shutter Release? The manual for this accessory seems to indicate the transmitter will try to autofucus when you press the release button on the tranmitter. I'll be keeping my Z8, moved to it from a Z7II...was lucky in that mine shipped on the May 25th opening date.
It only focuses on the half press if you have focus set to be on the shutter. :-)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the reply. I just wanted to make sure that I can still use back button auto focus when using the Vello 10-pin FreeWave Micro Wireless Remote Shutter Release. It's good to hear that you can.
GREAT overview. Finally someone who is not selling his z9 and trashing e ancient z9 for the new fresh z8. They both have their place but I just love pro bodies and the grip and batteries. I sure hope Nikon update the old antiquated z9 with a new firmware to add the features they out in the z8.
They will
Great perspective and I’m probably one of those people to whom the Z8 is really talking. Still using and love my D850 and D6 but craving the newer AF features. I suspect the Z8 could be the ideal first mirrorless body to add to my bag. Even though my D850 is mostly used gripped, being able to take it off (as with the Z8) is very appealing, let alone the backward compatibility of the EN EL15s and, of course, the price…and I’m thinking that 100-400mm lens would be my first Z lens buy. Terrific video.
I think you will LOVE the Z8 Marcus. ;-)
Hey Hudson, great thoughts, as always. I have the Z9 and the Z6ii. I've been on the fence about trading my Z6ii for a Z8, thinking about the smaller frame versus the Z9. The size of the Z6ii is great for hiking, star tracker, packing, etc. but can't beat the Z9's performance, obviously. You kind of muddied the waters for me, LOL!! Thanks.
The Z8 is probably what I wanted when I got the Z7ii. Not complaining.
Might save up for the Z8, or some successor, and get the Z7ii astro modified.
I really need to upgrade my computer to handle the larger 45mp RAW files.
Since I don't shoot video, do I need 64GB main memory in a Dell XPS 15?
Will 32GB do? I'm thinking 64GB helps with stacking astro shots.
Maybe I'll wait for the Z7iii with dual Expeed7 processors. 😂
So you're saying that for a one camera guy, the Z8 is the bees knees. Thanks for the review and I look forward to watching your set-up guide.
That’s my thoughts as well! I need an all in one camera! Can’t afford cameras for specific functions (still/actions etc) I’m more and more convinced the z8 is the camera for me. By the time I can afford one I’ll be hearing about the z8ii lol
I agree with probably everything that you said. I just received my Z8, with detachable grip, last Friday and it is indeed epic! But, in contrast to you, I'll be selling my Z7ii and keeping the Z9 as a companion to the Z8. I've been using the Z7ii as a companion body holding either the Z 24-120mm f4 or the Z 105mm f2.8, while I shoot the Z9 with the Z 70-200mm f2.8. I shoot a lot of dog conformation pictures, often indoors with lousy lighting and 2.8 apertures of the 70-200 and 105mm macro allow me to shoot movement, at a shutter speed of perhaps 1/500th of a sec, in those tough conditions. I thought that I would keep all three bodies and use the Z7ii for hiking, travel and landscapes, but I was very surprised at the smaller size of the Z8 compared to the Z9, so it should work fine for hiking. I won't use the Z8 grip unless I'm shooting an extended session where it will provide the extra battery storage to eliminate changing batteries at an inopportune time. For my use case, the Z8 having the better burst rate, the better autofocus, and the near-elimination of any EVF blackout makes the burst shooting a more pleasurable experience compared to the Z7ii. The Z7ii is a wonderful camera. When I bought the Z9 I had no regrets in selling my D850 and keeping the Z7ii, it's that good and that capable. If I shot video like you do, I might go a different path, but then I had no regrets in trading my Z6ii for a Z7ii because I wanted the better sensor and could care less about video. Keep up the excellent RUclips offerings!
I sold the 7ii when I got the 9. Such similar resolution and the 6ii has advantages handholding in low light over all the others. I set the max iso at 25,600 on that sensor. It's a low light beast. In many ways it's my favorite of the Z sensors. That also makes it the better video camera for me over the 7ii which is much noisier. 24mp and 4k are a sweet spot still in my book for lots of work. I have 2x30 prints from my old 12mp D700 days and if you need to go big, there's always pano capture. :)
Been shooting with this and aboslutely loving it. Felt like much more of a real deal compared to a Z7II that I previously rock around. And pretty much finally leaped over an EOS R5. Though obviously since it's damn 3 years later. But I really have to complain about battery life. 300 plus shots with a couple 8k clips is really the short coming with this camera. Guess there has to be some regrets just like you can have everything good in life. It will do good ennough, while I wait for a 60mp body, potentially with a mechanincal shutter in it, though I won keep high hopes for that.
if you were purely concerned with the best lanscape camera Nikon has to offer would you recommend the Z8 or the potential of the upcoming Z7iii ?
The Z7ii is hard to beat for landscape only right now. It's lighter, has a similar resolution sensor with a bit more dynamic range and just as accurate pinpoint AFS. You just loose starlight mode, warm display a little bit better lowlight AF for stars and of course the ability to accurately track a wider array of subjects than pets and people. You also get to keep exposure delay which I have zero idea why they abandoned in the 8/9. That was dumb. Hopefully they hear from enough people that self timer with it's dumb blinking light is no replacement.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you.. Its very much appreciated !
I too will be keeping the Z8 and Z9. I don't think that I will get the battery grip, since I will have the Z9 for when shooting with the big lenses in portrait orientation; BTW the Z8 does work okay with the 800pf in portrait mode in what little testing I've managed in the last week. I think that the Z8 with the Z9's low light functions will become my main astrophotography camera to keep from overloading the MSM rotator with the heavier Z9. I do like how I can assign the shutter release mode to an I Menu item, and I wish Nikon would make the shutter release mode one of the features saved in the banks.
Depending upon the price I can get for either the Z6ii or Z7ii, I may send one of those to Spencer's camera for an astro conversion.
Hudson I thought you were going to shed a tear every time you said “I’ll be sending the Z8 back”. You probably have done similar before because of the Z9 but I wish you had compared Z8 more to the Z7&Z7Ii. I doubt there are many in your audience that would consider moving from Z9 toZ8 but there are probably quite a few like my self who have DSLRs still or have other Z bodies that might be considering upgrading, I would love to hear a more comparative analysis on the feature set and performance of the Z7 bodies and the Z8. I wonder if the Z8 came before the Z9 would you have reached the same conclusion. I know you have grown to love the Z9 and will be hard pressed to ever give it up now that you are used to it, and shoot such fantastic photos with it. I wonder if a 32 megapixel Z6Iii is released with a stacked sensor and less emphasis on video if I’ll wish I had waited for what comes next but for now it’s the Z8 for me
nah, I'd keep it if I didn't have. Z9. It's all about that 3D tracking. That's the deal. I think I said... If you shoot action and you don't have a Z9... Then your ride is here. If landscapes and people are your jam and you don't shoot bursts or lots of video, then you may want to wait. THe Z6/7ii are still amazing.
You're not going to see a camera from Nikon without an emphasis on video and that emphasis helps you as a still shooter when they design that capability in. It's pushes more data faster through larger pipelines. It forces them to have a bit more sensor megapixels, but keep the noise down. It makes them move to faster memory cards and card writing to act as a bigger buffer. Video is a prestige stat and all of the brands are competing for it, but Nikon is ideally situated to escalate that competition because they have no pro video camera division unlike Sony and Canon. It gives them a little edge to push the envelope in ways that chaffe at the other brands. In reality the Z6/ and Z6ii were very video focused cameras when they were released. They were 4k low light monsters with 10-bit and pro-res out via HDMI in conjunction with Atomos which was a shocker at the time. It's all to the good for everyone.
Hello Mr.Henry,
Thank you very much for your informative videos!
I find the Nikon instruction manuals can be quite convoluted at times.
Sometimes you're a sanity saver.
I have the Z7II & Z8 at hand & I would like to exchange the Z8 for the Z9 for all the same reasons you gave for keeping your Z9 & returning the Z8.
I found that there is a noticeable difference in the way the Z7II & Z8 render the same images,
I'm using the all same setting & lens 70-24mm f/4 & 24-70mm f/2.8 on these cameras.
The question I have is does the Z8 & Z9 rended the same or are they different like my Z7II 7 Z8?
I like the way the Z8 renders better than my Z7II.
I would deeply appreciate your input is this as well any other thoughts you my have.
Thank you very much!
Jim McCauley
Hailing from White Rock, B.C. Canada
THe Z8 and Z9 are the same exact sensor and processor. Exact. THere is functionally zero difference except the smaller body, less buttons, dual USB-C and a slightly different firmware version that I'm sure the Z9 will receive very shortly.
Thank you very much for responding to my inquiries!
I’m quite pleased I found your channel & look forward to following you on your channel and adventures.
All the best to you and yours!
Jim McCauley🤓
I am looking forward to Glacier!!!
Hi, I've been considering the z8 with 24-120 but I need to know if this combo can zoom and maintain continuous focus for shooting subjects running towards the camera? Do you happen to know?
I relate to all of your constructive comments. I wish Nikon would listen to you a bit more themselves. Even since your first Z6 rant. ;) We could use an updated Z50 with a fully articulating screen too! Maybe ONE FX body with a fully articulating screen. Peace!
I'd like them all (including the 8/9) to fully articulate to closed like the ZFc and Z30... :(
More or less illustrates that if you intend to put a vertical grip on a Z8, strongly reconsider the Z9 instead.
Sure, the Z8 is more versatile for when you want the smaller size format, and the USB-C power port was an addition that should really be on any camera with the ability to shoot high data rate video, and I'll even admit to liking the ability to shoot on SD when the higher data rates aren't required, as more devices have SD card slots in them, at the expense of losing the ability to shoot redundantly at the highest data rate the camera is capable of.
But... I still find myself asking whether all that, along with some of the compromises (smaller body = smaller thermal envelope) is really a better choice, beyond the $1500 savings, minus the cost of a vertical grip and extra battery, than the Z9. Size. That's basically it. Better all-purpose camera because of said size, without an add-on grip.
And of course, for long tele lenses, and all the types of shoots said lenses entail; that bigger body means better balance when hand holding.
It's odd that I never really considered buying a large format body until after the scaled down Z8 was released.
Was going to get the z8 but I think it will be a z6ii for me
What's the best lens for everyday family shooting on the z6ii?
24-120! It's fabulous. Www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Hey Hudson...great video as usual...I have a question about the z100-400 lens. I cannot get it to focus very well. Really it just doesn't focus sharp at all on my Z9 or Z8. What do you think I should do with it? Send it back to B&H or send it to Nikon? And, is the prime Z400 4.5 a good replacement? Sorry for all the questions but I just got back from a vacation and not one of my photos from the cameras with it attached came in sharp. Thanks very much...Mike
The 100-400 should be razor. You're using eye detect and a fast shutter speed? Yes, it should go back to Nikon or B&H. I've not heard of that. Mine is insanely sharp. The 400 4.5 is stellar! But it's not as versatile.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto
Hello Hudson and thank you very much for your interest. I have 2- Z9's and 2 -Z7II's and now a Z8 that I am really looking forward to getting out there and shooting. I thought a while ago that my Z100-400mm lens was having problems focusing and then it seemed to get better. Now I think I will call B&H and see if they want to tackle it. I did order the 400mm 4.5 and can't wait to check it out. I have many lens and really want the new 600mm TC 2.8. I wish it was available to buy...always on back order. If you don't mind I will keep you up to date on this stuff. I really appreciate all you do for us all. You are my go to and I love watching your videos. Hope to meet you someday...maybe get in on one of your workshops... I have been shooting for more that 50 years...lots of things have changed from the old darkroom days. Thanks again and you are the man! Thanks again...
Hello Hudson...sorry to bother again but I have been trying to order the Hoodman Eye cup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9 and I cannot. It does not give me a place to put it in my cart nor do they let you order it on their website. Are you selling them? I sure would like about 3 of them...thanks very much!!
Hudson,
Have you had any overheating issues with your CF Exp-B cards? I'm using a SanDisk in my Z6ii and it give me the high temp alert when I'm shooting a sporting event where I'm capturing 1,000 images per hour. Does the Z8 have similar issues?
What is the best CF Exp-B card to get if I'm looking for high frame rate, but keeping it cool for both the Z6ii and Z8.
Thanks, Jim.
Nope, not at all. And I also sometimes shoot thousands of frames in an hour! I use the ProGrade cards linked in my links with the bodies: www.hudsonhenry.com/atslinks
Do you think the “Astro” mode you spoke of in the Z9 that’s not in the z8 is a simple firmware update or hardware that can’t be added? I can’t afford a still camera and sports/planes camera. I’m looking for a great all around. A buy once cry once camera
It's in both those cameras. It's not in the z6ii or z7ii :)
Hello Hudson did you experience any hot card waring while shooting Z8 please advise .
None at all.
It’s not the camera for me either. I have a Z9 which serves me well for stills and a little bit of long lens video. But in general I’m too used to having access to real cine camera features, which makes the Z9 a pain to use for more regular hybrid filming. I don’t need another clunky hybrid with a smaller body in my kit. So I’m picking up a Panasonic S5IIx tomorrow as my go to small body hybrid. The lens selection over there is not great for stills, and who knows whether the next generation S line cameras will be worth the money, but for lighter weight gimbal work and other kinds of run and gun filming with the f1.8 primes, it should make a nice replacement for one of my BMPCCs. Oh and *open gate* has turned into a must for me. Having the ability to what I call “cross crop” footage into 16:9 or 9:16 and have both versions have the right amount of composition room is a huge time saver. Anyway. I won’t be ditching the Z9. I love the camera and love the glass. But at the same time, I think a lot of my camera budget will be going to Panasonic over the next few years.
Thank you very much for your video!
Interesting Hudson, I’ve only seen 25 seconds of your video and already I feel the need to reply. I recall a conversation we had about the Z9. It was shortly after you got yours and you were undecided, will I keep it or not? I don’t remember what I said, but it had a long and full some reply from you and subsequently you decided to keep it (a decision I fully agree with as I subsequently got one myself). I wondered and I thought (wrongly) you would live the Z8, as your objections concerning the Z9 centred around the size and weight (if I remember correctly). I had you pinned for trading in the Z9 for a shiny new Z8. Not many times I admit to being wrong! I will watch the rest of your video…
Damn, Hudson, 8:56 gone and damn. The last Len’s I bought to try with my Z9 is a 20mm 1.8 G and you just glibly say that the new Z20mm is way better than the old one. I have really enjoyed the G lense. It really creates a problem, everything seems so far away! Love it. Makes you have to think about composition. How much better can the Z be than the G?
Okay. It’s nice to see that at the end of the day, you are as irrational as I am. I’m not interested in the Z8 because I love my Z9. The Z9 shows what the Z system is capable of, it is a worthy flagship. It’s heavy, I have hit myself in the eye and cursed. But I wouldn’t trade it for a Z8. Peace.
An unbelievable amount better, particularly for astro. Comparing the two on a tracker, the G looked like a toy lens wide open. The S is razor corner to corner with no chromatic aberation. The G had such coma that stars from 2/3 out to the corner looked like rainbow birds taking flight. The G throws a nicer sunstar stopped down though. I kept it for that until the 24-120 arrived. It's flat incredible and has a fabulous star. My tattered old 20G retired then.
Honestly, there isn't a single Z mount lens that doesn't blow it's predecessor out of the water. The closet F lenses are the 500 pf, the 70-200 FL ED, and the 105 1.4. The shocker to me was that the 14-30 f4 was sharper than my beloved 14-24 2.8 AFS. Then the 14-24 S launched and holy crap. What a lens. Z shooters don't complain about the glass. :)
When shooting vertical, do you need to rotate that eyecup?
I did, but this video is over a year old. I now reccomend the wonderful round Eyecup that Karl Zemlin makes.
How’s the kit lens?
What are the differences between the Z8/9 and the Sony a1? Is the Sony a1 worth the change?
If you shoot sony, then stick with what you know. The A1 is a great camera and I've enjoyed my days shooting one. Same for canon's R5. That said, I personally don't think there's a better camera made than the Z9. The z8 is 90% the same but lighter and less money. More importantly as a decades long nikon shooter I get everything I love from Nikon... Commitment to legacy compatibility, epic firmware support, insane build quality, ergonomics and a dedication to optical lens engineering accross the board to rival any other company. I personally think Sony falls short in each of those categories by comparison. Canon will undoubtedly release a fabulous camera (R1) soon. All the brands cycle, but there's a huge value in using the brand you know and understand. I'd reiterate that all the brands are building amazing equipment. The most important part sits a few inches behind the viewfinder. ;)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you for those inspiring words. I can’t thank you enough.
One more thing, it appears that the Z8 is rather picky about batteries. I have been able to use a 3rd party battery (BM Premium, EN-EL15c) without problems with Z6ii but the Z8 won't take it, guess have to use Nikon specific battery.
Every time they build a new body, they brick the aftermarket batteries. They build some code into the cameras that ignores anything but a Nikon battery. In a month or two BM and other brands will build new batteries that get around it. It's been that way since the DSLR age. When the Z6/7's launched they bricked all my old aftermarket batteries too. BM was the best brand to emerge in the wake of that.
Just ordered the Z8, but the dang Z9's battery has really seduced me. So I'm not sure I'll send it down the road.
What am I giving up by using a FTZ adaptor with F series lenses?
The short flange distance (glass to sensor) and wide mount has unleashed the Nikon optical engineers. The F4 Z lenses are sharper with less chromatic aberration than the F mount 2.8s. The moment you try them, you'll see. The F mount glass will perform just as well as you're used to on the old DSLR bodies, but the new Z glass will blow you away with far better quality optics than you've previously experienced. That's across the board.
My100-400 will not hold position on the tripod collar..seems like I cant tighten it enough to hold position ,,any thoughts??
Overtightening can damage the set screw on the captive collar lock. You may need to send it in to Nikon. None of this gear should ever be over tightened. Just a gentle tweak at snug does the trick.
Geeezzzzzzzzzzz. Film camera, ISO, determined by the film. Shutter speed, F stop and focus, set by you. How the hell did I do it all by myself...................... Geezzzzzzzzzzzzz again.
Oh I was there too. 35mm, MF and 4x5. It's one thing I love about my Q2. Going back to some of that simplicity, but I still love its auto ISO. :)
So I love my Z8 but…mounting and dismounting my lenses are very tough not smooth like I am used to. It almost feels like there is an obstruction, other than that everything is perfect.
Better too tight than too loose. I bet it gives in a little over time to be just right.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto that’s what I’m hoping for!
So how much do you want for that Z8!?
Hows the wait list on the Z8. Is anyone waiting that pre-ordered?
They built a lot of stock pelaunch. I know a few people who are waiting though.
For video power on the Z6, buy the Nikon dummy battery and power supply. Works great. - Nikon EP-5B Power Supply Connector and Nikon EH-5d AC Adapter
Yeah, I've used those in the past. I much prefer USB-C to dongles, but it certainly works. Good spot.
If I had no camera/system today, I would either get the Z6II on sale or wait for the Z6III. That is still Nikon's current best all arounder. If sports action wildlife was important to me, I would get the Z9 as the next camera. Otherwise, wait for the Z7III or just something else. For the reasons you state and a few more, the Z8 is just not for me. I do have the Z6II and the Z9, and I see zero reason to get a Z8. Its too big, too heavy, too high MP/lessor low-light capability, and too expensive to be a good all arounder, and its also not the best sports action wildlife camera Nikon makes. The Z9 has 4 key advantages over the Z8 for sports action wildlife and serious video use, and, really, at least for those that know what they are buying those advantages are not small. The Z9 is way underpriced for what it is, while the Z8, eh, $4000 might actually be a a little bit high. A Z500 or Z6III for $2800 or less with a stacked sensor, Z9-ish AF, mid-20's MP, 6k60 and 4k120, 10-bit internal N-Raw/N-Log, similar size/weight as the Z6II would represent a far better option than a Z8, IMHO.
or get an usb charger and charge it in the bag...it;s 28 dollars
Yep, If you don't shoot long lenses it's a better option granted.
Sorry, but many of your arguments for and/or against a Z8 really don't make much sense, especially considering how much you praised the Z6/7 II. I really appreciate your work and almost love all of your vids here on RUclips, but this is really hard to follow. And touting the $350 battery grip as basically a dual charger is almost ridiculous.
It's really simple to grasp. If you don't have a Z9 and you shoot action at all... You're going to love its speed and subject tracking ability. If you have a Z9 and really want a smaller version... Your ride is here, but that grip will help you brace with both elbows shooting a long lens and guess what...? It's a dual charger too.
For me? I love my Z9 and it has advantages. I like having a smaller backup and for me the z6ii just makes more sense. If I'm not taking a big lens for action, then the z6ii is nicer than the z8 for me personally. If I am taking a big lens, why not bring the 9?
Simple. Makes plenty of sense for me and a lot of others. But your mileage may vary. If you want solid cheerleaders there are plenty of sources for that. ;)
I'm a Z9 user and have NO interest in this camera. The Z8 has poor battery life without 2 batteries, use of En-EL-15 series of batteries instead of the En-El-18 series (and no ability to use optionally) really UGLY, poorly designed optional grip. These issues alone killed any desire I might have had for this body as a back-up body to my Z9.
That grip is ugly. And it makes the Z8 bigger than the Z9. No thanks, Nikon. Lol