Even as a Sony fan, I personally and low key have always kinda rooted for Nikon. This camera is very impressive and I'm very impressed and happy to see that they're on the way!
Thanks for saying this. Sony are innovators and have revolutionized the industry. Nikon was playing catch-up for a long time, but as someone who shoots with both systems, I'm happy to see both brands raising the bar.
It amazes me this is the first review to recognise the Z8 and Z9s special ability to record 12 bit raw compressed video just like a Red camera. This will make it attractive to hybrid wedding shooters and other hybrid event shooters.
You don't have to hold the button to choose ISO, aperture, shutter and other stuff. It has an option in the menu that lets you press and release ISO or whatever button and then rotate the wheel.
I’m a serial camera system switcher. Recently switched from the Canon R5 to the Nikon Z8 and I’ve been loving it. The colors off the Z8 sensor are so much easier to work with and being able to use 15 fps without thinking about the shutter wear is incredible. The autofocus isn’t perfect but I’ve found that it’s very close to Canon and Sony. One note is that I found I need to have my shutter speed a bit higher on the Z8 to get sharp images. Might be the IBIS fighting the camera a bit.
Strange, I also noticed AF issues when test shooting portraits with a Z8. Actually quite a few blurry and out of focus pics with eye detect on. I was also considering switching from Canon but this was a total deal breaker, R5 pictures are so tack sharp especially with IBIS & lens IS combos. Also can't say I'm a fan of the Nikon menu system, too much menu diving! Other than that the specs are killer and the build quality is great.
When the technology of Z9 / Z8 going for nikon Z6 / z７mark 3 for around 2k bucks ... and new apc-s line ( Z80 / Z50 mark 2 ) then Nikon will back in the game ... wait for it ..
So many features packed into one meduim sized camera. I love my Z8. Only problem is I need a new MacBook to handle the 8K Nlog footage. The AF is on par with Sony and Canon. Much better glass IMO. Cheers.
Since I often hear it in Nikon cam reviews especially from non Nikon Shooters who have "problems" with the Mode Switch: If you want to change the mode (PASM) you needn't hold the mode button down and scroll the wheel. You can adjust it in the menu (Custom Settings Menu -> f6: Release Button to Use Dial) so that you press it once and then change it with the scroll wheel.
Set “f6 release button to use dial and you won’t have to hold down any button to make changes ,just press the button and and rotate dial to make your changes no need to hold down . You can actually customize the z8 af to be awesome by combination of buttons . I have shot sony A7iv and A7RV currently but I pick up the Nikon every time . The image quality gap between Nikon and sony is no joke . Nikon is lot better and the white balance is way more accurate .
Yeah someone else said you can dig into the settings to make it like that. I just left it and got use to it. As for image quality every camera is so good now I don’t even notice lol. But I will say the a7RV images are incredible. But obviously I didn’t have them side by side to compare
@@LeeZavitz fair analysis. I shot both cameras extensively and I have come to conclusion that Nikon wins hands down . This more evident when your subject is people of colors ,Sony don’t play well with the shadows and color variances . Like you observed Nikon af tends to mislead with its focus confirmation so one needs to do the hard hard to get it to perform at its best . This lead to assigning different buttons to do different af area modes . In all the Z8 is a fantastic camera that could have changed the narratives if it was released three or two years ago .
Every camera is so good right now. Any system will get the job done and make your life easier. I do think that Nikon feels the most robust built out of any camera I’ve used though
IMO Nikon Z8/Z9 af system has the steepest learning curve but its af is still more competent than every camera ive owned or used except the A1. That includes A7R4 and 7R5, A74, R5, R6, R7, XT5. There may be some cameras that do things better, such as A7R5 human eye accuracy… but Z8 separates from those cameras listed when subject starts moving at decent speeds or when light gets low. A1 is only one that is as good in all scenarios I think because of the stacked sensor they both share. Hope to get my hands on the R3 soon.
How would you compare it with A7R5? I got one but wanted to switch to Z8. Other than tracking of fast moving subjects, any additional things that you would call better? I don't do video, so video capabilities won't matter. I plan to use it with megadap adapter. Thanks.
@@piyushshaw3969 what do you shoot? I’m a sports photographer by profession, and do a lot of wildlife as a hobby. For wildlife I find the Z8 on latest firmware recognizes birds better. A7r5 is very similar maybe a bit better with locking on to people when blocked. But z8 snaps on faster imo with initial acquisition. I was able to use a93. That’s best out right now. Z8 and A7r5 are next tier. A1 has fallen behind. I think I would stay with Sony instead of adapting because uncertainty with reliability. Most lenses adapt similar to native lenses but in past firmware updates can mess things up.
You're the only person saying you missed often for the eye Af. You may want to check your settings. Also, you can set the ISO button to press once and change it.
Probably the best Z8 review I've seen. Very fair. Only thing I would say is. the Z9 does a much better job with over heating issues.due to the bigger body. THe Z9 is built better hence the pro body. Z9 has a few more features like Auto capture as an example. overall you did an excellent job. How did you like the Z mount and Z lenses?Quality colors and sharpness?
I have the Z8. Love it! I can take it out in pouring rain and zero problems. Just did. Month long tour of Iceland. My images are world class. I’m glad I stuck with Nikon, seems now they are in front for awhile. Love it. In my humble opinion. Oh. Plus having no blackout is wonderful
I bought one in June. I really haven’t used the video features much yet. But really love it for stills. I’ll be doing more video over the next few months. The autofocus is still kinda weird, but seems good when using the small area boxes.
This is the third Z8 review I've watched from a portrait shooter that mentions AF issues. I've tested a Z8 myself and found a rather high miss rate despite the camera eye detect box being very snappy & sticky. I thought it might be user error but I'm now wondering if there is a problem with the IBIS fighting the AF system or something but its kind of a deal breaker to me as a portrait shooter. Canon & Sony AF are just so good in comparison. This felt like a step back. That said just about everything else about the camera is fantastic. The video specs are especially nice and the footage shown here is pretty damn epic, those 4K120p pool shots are just wow!
looooooooooool, this guy is a "review guru" - he does not give a SH.T about the settings, learning the system and than he makes a "review", loooooooool
After being super frustrated with lousy eye detect AF, I switched from a Nikon Z6 over to Sony A7 IV last year (2022). It was an expensive mistake. I really didn't like it. Sure the AF was great, but I just wasn't happy using the camera. I'm not slamming Sony, it was a fine camera. I just didn't like it. I went back to Nikon in January 2023 (Z6 II). The AF on the Z6 II is acceptable if you set an eye detect AF box and then put the box in the vicinity of the subjects face. I knew that Nikon would eventually release a Z6II or a Z8, so I shot with my Z6II and waited. I just purchased a Z8, and I COULD NOT be happier. It is everything I have ever wanted in a camera.
Lee, what’s your approach to to in camera sharpening on Z8? I love this camera but I do wish Nikon would’ve updated the old sensor with it. I hate mushy shadows but you are getting such high quality output from this camera. I may wait for Z8II.
The eye AF does need to be adjusted to be sticky. I learned this quickly on the Z9. Nikon allows you to adjust the stickiness to the AF. Many ppl don't know this. Nikon is never optimal at default setting. Highly customizable and I recommend ppl studying the manual or getting on videos to learn how to customize their settings. At a marathon I shot 2000 images, 1994 perfect in focus including runners coming straight at me, and that was with the Z7ii, so the Z8 is much better than the Z7ii and therefore you should always customize. My Z9 is also much better AF than my Z7ii.
Nikon sensors renders colors nicely, especially skin tones. I’m waiting to see what the Z7 and Z6 iii updates are like as that’s probably more the size I need to not haul around so much weight when I travel
depends on if I was shooting crazy fast moving subjects. But I wasn’t. There’s also no shutter shock and the ibis is good. I don’t know what you’re getting at. But if you are saying the reason I found a lot of shots out of focus on the high speed burst tracking that was shot at way higher shutter speed
Hi Lee, such a great review. You are the first person to touch on the fact it seems like it can oversample 120fps in 4k which is actually pretty ground breaking if the case. Only the FX3 and A7SIII can do a full 4k readout for 120fps and the is only pixel to pixel. I keep hearing the Nikon actually only over samples up to 60fps but when you show the menu you can clearly see the oversample button is selectable at the 120 setting. Do you know any more about this?
Your not the first person to say the autofocus wasn't quite there. I miss my Nikon bodies for the photo/video switch that saved your last settings. My A7R5 is fiddly moving from photo to video as the settings keep changing and slow me down
I had intended to purchase a 61mp Sony A7R5, but the rolling shutter issues and generally bad video capabilities reviews sent me over to Nikon. I wound up with a Z8, and although I wish I had the superior resolution and viewfinder display of the Sony, the Z8 seems - to me - to be the best compromise.
I like to usually stay in small when taking photos so I can manually override eye detection if it is acting up. The reason to use wide would be more to let the camera deal with subject detection. If I’m shooting video and have a subject in frame I will use something like a large zone where it’s just a box in the middle and that usually works decent
@leezavitz good job, thanks for the review, I must say that I liked your photos with the fuji x-s20 more than with the Nikon Z8, the color and quality you got from the Fuji was better in both photo and video. Do you have any thoughts about it?
My only thought is that every camera is good now. Colour and quality is all basically the same when you shoot raw. The only thing Fuji has against any brand is film simulations in jpg which is maybe what you think is better colour . The Nikon Z8 and Sony a7RV are the best cameras I’ve personally used in the last year. Out side of those two cameras everything feels kind of the same and you can get amazing images and video of any camera released in the last 3 years. It Just comes down to what you are looking for in terms of lens ecosystems or little features you prefer.
The Z9's AF in AF-C is set to release, is it the same with the Z8. If it is, changing it to focus or focus/release may help with your keeper rate. One thing I have learnt from all the reviews on the Z8 is leaving it in factory settings is not a wise move.
Hi I thought that was a very fair quick review I'm a low end Nikon fanboy so the Z8 is out of my range- I'm hoping some of its features will trickle down to the Z6iii
good that you got to try it out , Its looks very good & I like the fact it doesn't have a flip out screen & wish Sony would stop thinking everyone wants a flip out screen too . Back to Sony with the awesome lens selection & that's why I personally will not be getting one of these or a Canon R5/6 or 7 whatever number they are up too haha..
I bought two of these in August. I upgraded from z7ii and tbh I am a mixed reviews. If I could have returned them without paying B&H 15% restocking fee ($1,200) I would have returned them. The Z7ii is every bit as good as this camera just sucks they removed the subject tracking for stills on the Z8 and you can not assign 3D tracking to the F1 button like you can with subject tracking on z7ii. With Z7ii you press the F1 button and you switched modes from what you were using to subject tracking. Hit f1 again and you’re back to the prior focus mode. The Z8 allows the 3D track to be assigned to the F1 but you have to PRESS AND HOLD it other wise it goes back to the prior focus mode. Changing focus modes require using your left hand to press a button on the bottom left front of the camera then scroll the command wheel. This software design infuriates me to no end.
It’s nice to hear an intelligent guy reviewing a camera as opposed to those dummies out there. Nikon is a great camera, but I’m sticking with Sony… When you were talking about the noise, too many out of focus shots, and the overheating… I’m staying with Sony. But thanks for the great review.
The z8 is a better hybrid camera especially for video. But a7RV has better autofocus, better flip screen, higher res sensor. They are hard to compare because each has different strengths. But overall the Z8 is more compelling in specs
dude "release button to use dial" ... not sure why this isn't the Nikon default ... push and release button, use dial at your leisure all button and dial controls ... reverts to shooting instantly if you tap any other button including the shutter
As someone who shot Nikon all the way until the early 00s Coolpix then fell out of the game for 20 years (lol) ive been doing a ton of research and i see that canon and sony are top dogs but ummm they all have some massive problem with one thing or another weather its battery life, overheating, poor screen, no EVF, locked RF mount, blah blah its quite annoying to say the least. After like 4-5 months of research now i swear the Z8 i keep coming back to is perfect because i want to shoot video as well and the features and all the specs are perfect it just seems there are ZERO influencers or anyone to watch about these things which sucks for such an awesome camera. Another note being for video the screen not being fully articulating sucks but what can you do..
The Z8 is the best selling camera in Japan. Neither Canon or Sony can match the price to performance of the Nikon lenses. The 24, 35, 50, 85mm 1.8’s are simply unmatched at the price. You’re basically getting GM quality for 1/3rd the cost.
Having recently switched from Fuji XH2 and XH2s, Nikon’s AF is miles ahead in terms of accuracy. Fuji would claim focus but either back or front focus all the time. AF-S was unusable. I can actually get in focus images with little effort on the Z8
8k talking head is pretty funny. I still can't believe that Nikon and good video are in the same sentence. So happy that they finally did it. Would love Opengate. Side note. I have noticed Canadians pronounce Z as Zed or Zee.
That has happened since the Z9, it just took RUclipsrs a while to recognize it and do some video about it. The Z8 has the same internals as the Z9, with the Z8 being smaller and more manageable for handheld and gimbal use, plus the price point, you bet more people are starting to talk about it.
@@waynerm002 In fact image quality wise even the dslr were quite good. Nikon did a very bad job of marketing with influencers. They got killed or completely ignored by them. For example the z6 was the first Mirrorless to give 10 bit video in any form and then RAW. And believe me that z6 video quality even internal was very good.
@@danielvilliers612 I’ve been using Nikon since I started shouting digital, image quality to me was always great from Nikon. I loved the look of the D200 and kept it until 2021. The Z6 was a really great camera, I was surprised when I first got my hands on one but I wasn’t big into video then however, the few clips I shot with it were really great. Most Nikon shooters did photo and at the time, I don’t recall many YT videos on that camera for video, Nikon certainly didn’t market it well then. With the Z8 however, the campaign was much better although on the US site, I still feel they didn’t do a great job but, I’ve see video from videographers that Nikon invited to an event to try out the video side and the response has been positive. Keep in mind, a lot of times we hear about some issue with the autofocus, you find the user wasn’t in the best mode for the situation. I have an FX30 and had an A7R V which I traded for the Z8, during some brief testing, found the Z8 to be on par with the A7R V in some situations and better in others. Nikon’s system is complex and has a bit of learning curve, if you’re not (and even if you are) familiar with their mirrorless system. It does however, gives you some more control over how to use the system.
@LeeZavitz Hi Lee, sorry to bother you. Your personal opinion is very important to me what is best for photography sony α7r v vs nikon z8? I am a long-time user of the Fujifilm X-mount system, I wonder if switching to full frame with aps-c (X-H2s) would be a big step forward for me. This is a difficult decision for me, since I have many favorite lenses for this system and I adore the Fuji color ))))) Thank you for what you do, reviews of equipment and amazing photos!
Any camera will be good for photography just comes down to what you need. I prefer the A7RV. Autofocus is more reliable, higher resolution 60mp sensor, better screen, smaller lenses (if that matters) but as an over all hybrid camera shooting video the Z8 is better has more video features.
@@LeeZavitz Yes as a working professional, I just can't even phantom the craze of smaller camera that your little finger is hanging. I mean the worse thing is what is the use of those small cameras if you are going to put a 24-70 2.8 or 70-200 for hours.
Every camera that does 240fps usually looks pretty low quality. It’s always like 720p upscaled. I assume they would rather not offer that and just stick with the 120p
I own Nikon cameras the last 4 years.. but with Z8 I have doubts regarding the quality issues that is facing the last months and I haven’t seen in one model so many quality issues. This created many doubts especially regarding the assembling quality of this model especially when paying +4000€.. I am not confident that z8 will perform well after a couple of years especially when shooting under very warm and cold conditions.. I am seriously thinking to switch all my gear to Sony..
As a Xt5, Xt3, Xe4, Z8, Z9, Z6II and A7IV user, "Z8 AF feels like last gen Fuji" is as ridiculous as saying Fuji makes best sports cameras. You don't know what you talking about. And I say this with kindness :)
True I’ve never used any of those cameras so I don’t know what I’m talking about. What I was mainly referencing is how the eye detection box jumps around and will say it’s on the eye but sometimes is back back focused sometimes it’s perfect but you can’t predict how it’s going to react which reminds me of Fuji.
@@piyushshaw3969 Z8 af is much better than the Xt5. 3/4 FW update better. A7IV will be behind Z8 in AF in really low light and when the scene is cluttered. The Z8 3D tracking box is so small that you can focus on a smaller point compared to the relatively larger tracking box of the Sony. In video AF Sony is about 1 FW update ahead.
DSLR size though. Pointless to get a mirrorless the size of DSLR. Plus with the video/photo comparison between the Sony A7RV, the sony still wins big time in terms of dynamic range.
I’ll have to agree with the unpredictability of the AF of the Nikon. They did make the box go over the eye, but that’s about it, literally it is just showing you that it’s over the eye, it doesn’t mean that the picture is in focus. It’s kind of a scam to tell you the truth. Nikon did this so they can make you think they solved their horrible AF issues, when in reality they did not. They got tired of the market criticizing them for their bad AF and instead of trying to actually fix the issue, they decided to scam you by just programming a the eye focus box to track the eyes but didn’t program it to actually make that box nail the focus. It’s solely just a box that’s supposed to track the eye, but when you snap and it back or front focuses that should be enough proof that their AF still isn’t working. I’ll be the first one to say it, $4k is over priced for this camera given the reliability and unpredictability, no matter the environment or lightning. You’re paying for it’s video specs. If you want a video camera, then go buy one. Nikon should’ve priced this at $3299. I’m not a fan boy of any kind of brand, but I have tried the a7R V and even the 4 year old R5’s AF blows it out the water. The fact that the a7R V can focus on the eyes even from the side of one’s head and nail the focus 99% of the time is impressive. It just goes to show how much better and reliable the other two brands are. Would I grab the Nikon for a serious shoot knowing the chances of missing crucial shots? Nope. Not worth the worry.
Just read the customer reviews at B&H photo on the Sony A7IV. There are also issues with Eye-AF at Sony. None of these cameras are 100 % perfect at any subjects with full automatic detection. Sony fanboys who think the Sony Eye-AF is 99 % right on time are just writing bullshit.
I literally shoot all my work on Sony and have very little issues. RUclips is just a side hustle I still work in the industry as a professional photographer. Why would I be BS when I need to rely on my gear? I’ve shot with tons of different cameras. I don’t gain anything from shooting on Sony. If I found that something does a better job then that’s what I would shoot with.
Did you know that today's best Nikon camera does not allow video recording on 2 cards at the same time? How can it be that Nikon makes this camera professional when the most basic thing in the field of video their camera does not do???
@@LeeZavitz Dynamic range is about the same in photos at 64 ISO as the A1 at 100 but it's about 1/2 stop lower than the A7RV or A7IV at 100 ISO. Video is where you see 2 full stops less. Check the CineD review of the Z9 and they show the test results with the poor DR.
@@NickDelDucathat’s pretty interesting. I haven’t heard of anyone saying the video on Nikon has nearly 2 stops less in performance compared to Sony. Which camera are they comparing it too specifically?
Poor Nikon they put perhaps the best Sony based sensor camera out their with the best video DR and they get reputation being 2-3 stop under LOL. That is really because the guys always make a little error here and their. Nikon has put Nlog with a much higher contrast that cut into the shadows a bit like Canon first Clog for their 8 bit camera. This resulted in a lot of skewed result compared to others even in RAW. I invite you to look at the CineD dynamic range test. But don't watch the synthetic test with the Xyla chart and Imatest, but the real life example with the latitude test exposing at different stops. In this as said by the reviewer the Z9 is 8 stop (4 above and 4 below) and some room to 9. While guess what the Venice one is clearly 8 stops. These latitude makes for remarkable findings, like the Canon R5c is clearly 1 stop lower or the Komodo also!!! This is an eye opener test. It also confirm Alexa clear lead in DR. www.cined.com/nikon-z-9-n-raw-lab-test-fw-3-00-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/ www.cined.com/sony-venice-2-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/
@@NickDelDuca Naaah look at my answer, Nikon is even better than all the Sony's in Raw video. They have an Nlog which is too aggressive in cuting the shadows which make them look worse in synthetic benchmark. But just look at the latitude test.
I’m sure there will be 20 Nikon defenders to say I’m wrong and maybe I am. But from what I saw it was very un predictable. I tried different modes and af box sizes. I’ve shot with a ton of cameras so it’s not like I’m going in blind having no idea what I’m doing. It just reminded me of Fuji unpredictability on what it’s going to do. Which is why I started using single point and moving it to the eye so I know it’s in
@@LeeZavitz I had to adapt my shooting with the z9, for one I had to shoot at higher speed because of more pixel, but then contrary to before I found that Continuous Af was better than AFS. Which was the contrary before. Normally you shouldn't have any problems in such a situation.
Wow. You barely touched on photo performance and when you did, you were in the wrong modes most of the time. Perhaps you should have taken Nikon up on a briefing.
Pay attention, he said it wasn't a full review. Being a fanboy doesn't get you better gear it just makes you feel better. Now on the Z8 its a great camera but the autofocus is not on par yet, im sure they will get there, but only if you demand it and complain, if you tell Nikon everything is great nothing will improve
@@longrider9551I don't know about humans but for wildlife, the autofocus & image stabilisation on the Z8 is way ahead of the Sony A7R4 & A7R5 when combined with a midrange telephoto lens like say the A7R5/A7R4+ 200-600mm & Nikon Z8+100-400/400mm f4.5/500mm pf f5.6. Don't know about the 180-600mm yet. Image stabilisation is a killer with telephoto lens, gives you an absolute 1 stop advantage over A7R5 (even though it has 8stops), A7R4 & A7iv with tele lens. For autofocus Nikon is still not on par with Sony Wide Area AF (basically a Point & Shoot experience which results in missed shots when something suddenly changes direction specially with a grassland or forest background not sky) In other focus modes which most people use like Custom Focus Area, Wide Area Small, Medium combined with 3D tracking it's absolutely up there with Sony's & Canon's. And a blackout free viewfinder at 3700$ only body is unmatchable. I tried the Z8 along with the 400mm f4.5 alongside my Sony A7iv,A7R3,200-600 & Tamron 70-180 and i switched the next day. The in hand feel with tele lenses was also a pivotal point along with image stabilisation in both video & stills. Heck the image stabilisation with the old Nikon 200-500mm was better than the Sony's. For Sony, with all the AI and stuff, the A7iv+200-600mm beats the the A7R5+200-600mm any-day when using in real scenarios not just taking out the camera in good daylight and shooting. In Golden hour & Blue hour the A7iv is a much better option than A7R5 unless you have a 400 f2.8 or 600 f4.
@@longrider9551 How you know it's not on par? Not on par with what? Do you own one? He should do a full review, especially on contentious issues (he shows knowledge about the Potato rumours). If he's gonna be lazy, then he will be called lazy. Do the work! Take it to the tracks, use it the way it should be and then talk. Fuji Xt5 huffed and puffed with AF. And this guy Z8 af is like last. get Fuji. It's laughable. And you surely don't know what you're saying again!
@@LeeZavitz Sir, the 3D mode is for grabbing anything you point to. When you 3D mode, put the 3D box on a corner and then switch on eye detect, you are asking the camera to grab onto whatever the 3D box is on! Plz watch videos by Steve Perry to learn the system.
It’s not you and it’s not the lens. It’s Nikon Z 8 and 9 are not quite as good as Sony. I have the Sony A1, A7rV and the Nikon Z7, 7ii, Z8, Z9 and similar lens packages for wildlife (400f2.8; 600f4, etc) and I can tell you for sure the Nikon is good but misses focus substantially more often than the Sony. If I have a critical shoot to do - I’m absolutely grabbing the Sony kit. Note - I’m a decades long Nikon shooter - so Sony was a side track for me - because Nikon had issue delivering the big primes - for years - even today you cannot go buy a 400 or 600 from in-stock dealers. So I’m not a Sony fanboy attacking Nikon - it’s the opposite. If Nikon can close the gap - I’ll like revert back to Nikon because I prefer their body ergos, big glass and color science. Cheers
I was voicing an opinion from use of each and reviews from a number of “pros”. Do you have survey data from pros that show Nikon z bodies exceeding the market share of Sony? I’d be interested to see that please forward a link. @@prokremelskidezolati1426
Ps. I teased 3 new ClassicPorts II Film presets in this video. They will be coming soon! I’m pretty stoked on these.
Even as a Sony fan, I personally and low key have always kinda rooted for Nikon. This camera is very impressive and I'm very impressed and happy to see that they're on the way!
The glass is so ahead too. I got the 400 f4.5 and it's unbelievable how light and sharp it is for it's size.
@@Ben_Stewart Another reason for me to want to go back to Nikon.
Thanks for saying this. Sony are innovators and have revolutionized the industry. Nikon was playing catch-up for a long time, but as someone who shoots with both systems, I'm happy to see both brands raising the bar.
It amazes me this is the first review to recognise the Z8 and Z9s special ability to record 12 bit raw compressed video just like a Red camera. This will make it attractive to hybrid wedding shooters and other hybrid event shooters.
Une question que je me pose est la surchauffe. Est-ce vraiment une réalité ?
Can Lee share his experience with us on this point ?
Many people have pointed this out.
You don't have to hold the button to choose ISO, aperture, shutter and other stuff. It has an option in the menu that lets you press and release ISO or whatever button and then rotate the wheel.
@@audiovisuals360 In firmware 1.0: CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU > f Controls > f6 Release button to use dial
Great shots, Lee! I find the Nikon colors always very pleasing to the eye. Also: Loved the swimming pool images!
I’m saving more of those images from the pool for an instagram reel. I’m pretty stoked on them
Love to see Nikon coming out swinging 🔥🔥
It is a beefy camera
I’m a serial camera system switcher. Recently switched from the Canon R5 to the Nikon Z8 and I’ve been loving it.
The colors off the Z8 sensor are so much easier to work with and being able to use 15 fps without thinking about the shutter wear is incredible.
The autofocus isn’t perfect but I’ve found that it’s very close to Canon and Sony.
One note is that I found I need to have my shutter speed a bit higher on the Z8 to get sharp images. Might be the IBIS fighting the camera a bit.
Interesting. I liked the z8 way more than the R5. But the R5 was canons first flagship mirrorless. So we will see what the R5mkii is like
Strange, I also noticed AF issues when test shooting portraits with a Z8. Actually quite a few blurry and out of focus pics with eye detect on. I was also considering switching from Canon but this was a total deal breaker, R5 pictures are so tack sharp especially with IBIS & lens IS combos. Also can't say I'm a fan of the Nikon menu system, too much menu diving! Other than that the specs are killer and the build quality is great.
When the technology of Z9 / Z8 going for nikon Z6 / z７mark 3 for around 2k bucks ... and new apc-s line ( Z80 / Z50 mark 2 ) then Nikon will back in the game ... wait for it ..
I'm a Nikon only shooter and just wanna say thank you for your amazing video and recognizing the brand. Cheers!!
Great video man! I just recently switched from a Sony A7RV and A7Siii to the Nikon Z8 platform. Definitely some learning curves but I am loving it.
how does it compare to the A7Siii?
So many features packed into one meduim sized camera. I love my Z8. Only problem is I need a new MacBook to handle the 8K Nlog footage. The AF is on par with Sony and Canon. Much better glass IMO. Cheers.
In the market for a macbook pro. How much ram would you recommend for 8k raw?
I went with 64GB and there's no hiccup or pauses with my 8K video. buttery smooth playback in DaVinci. @@Philly2tall
Since I often hear it in Nikon cam reviews especially from non Nikon Shooters who have "problems" with the Mode Switch:
If you want to change the mode (PASM) you needn't hold the mode button down and scroll the wheel. You can adjust it in the menu (Custom Settings Menu -> f6: Release Button to Use Dial) so that you press it once and then change it with the scroll wheel.
I’m sure there’s a million settings I don’t know. And it wasn’t a big deal. It was just something I’m not use too
Just did a camera test for an upcoming music video.
We'll be using the Z8 over the Red Komodo 6K.
Thats where mirrorless cameras are at now.
Set “f6 release button to use dial and you won’t have to hold down any button to make changes ,just press the button and and rotate dial to make your changes no need to hold down .
You can actually customize the z8 af to be awesome by combination of buttons .
I have shot sony A7iv and A7RV currently but I pick up the Nikon every time . The image quality gap between Nikon and sony is no joke . Nikon is lot better and the white balance is way more accurate .
Yeah someone else said you can dig into the settings to make it like that. I just left it and got use to it. As for image quality every camera is so good now I don’t even notice lol. But I will say the a7RV images are incredible. But obviously I didn’t have them side by side to compare
@@LeeZavitz fair analysis. I shot both cameras extensively and I have come to conclusion that Nikon wins hands down . This more evident when your subject is people of colors ,Sony don’t play well with the shadows and color variances . Like you observed Nikon af tends to mislead with its focus confirmation so one needs to do the hard hard to get it to perform at its best . This lead to assigning different buttons to do different af area modes .
In all the Z8 is a fantastic camera that could have changed the narratives if it was released three or two years ago .
Canon fanboy for 50 years. I love the new Nikons. I could switch and still be very happy.
Every camera is so good right now. Any system will get the job done and make your life easier. I do think that Nikon feels the most robust built out of any camera I’ve used though
Dumped the RED Komodo for the Z9, never looked back! Z8 is as good as Z9, two amazing cameras.
I’d love to see it rigged out as a cinema camera
IMO Nikon Z8/Z9 af system has the steepest learning curve but its af is still more competent than every camera ive owned or used except the A1. That includes A7R4 and 7R5, A74, R5, R6, R7, XT5. There may be some cameras that do things better, such as A7R5 human eye accuracy… but Z8 separates from those cameras listed when subject starts moving at decent speeds or when light gets low. A1 is only one that is as good in all scenarios I think because of the stacked sensor they both share. Hope to get my hands on the R3 soon.
How would you compare it with A7R5? I got one but wanted to switch to Z8. Other than tracking of fast moving subjects, any additional things that you would call better? I don't do video, so video capabilities won't matter. I plan to use it with megadap adapter. Thanks.
@@piyushshaw3969 what do you shoot? I’m a sports photographer by profession, and do a lot of wildlife as a hobby. For wildlife I find the Z8 on latest firmware recognizes birds better. A7r5 is very similar maybe a bit better with locking on to people when blocked. But z8 snaps on faster imo with initial acquisition. I was able to use a93. That’s best out right now. Z8 and A7r5 are next tier. A1 has fallen behind. I think I would stay with Sony instead of adapting because uncertainty with reliability. Most lenses adapt similar to native lenses but in past firmware updates can mess things up.
You're the only person saying you missed often for the eye Af. You may want to check your settings. Also, you can set the ISO button to press once and change it.
4k 120 oversampled 8k was sick!
The Z8 is one heck of a camera...little pricey, but for what you get, great camera.
Pricey? tell that to a Sony shooter, the A1 and A9III are 50% more
Probably the best Z8 review I've seen. Very fair. Only thing I would say is. the Z9 does a much better job with over heating issues.due to the bigger body. THe Z9 is built better hence the pro body. Z9 has a few more features like Auto capture as an example. overall you did an excellent job. How did you like the Z mount and Z lenses?Quality colors and sharpness?
Do you think Auto Capture will be available for the Z8?
Nikon is the best, good switched to Nikon. I myself switched from Sony and never looked back.
I have the Z8. Love it! I can take it out in pouring rain and zero problems. Just did. Month long tour of Iceland. My images are world class. I’m glad I stuck with Nikon, seems now they are in front for awhile. Love it. In my humble opinion. Oh. Plus having no blackout is wonderful
I bought one in June. I really haven’t used the video features much yet. But really love it for stills. I’ll be doing more video over the next few months. The autofocus is still kinda weird, but seems good when using the small area boxes.
Every vid is a banger. Keep it up 🙌🏻🔥
Thanks 👍🏼
This is the third Z8 review I've watched from a portrait shooter that mentions AF issues. I've tested a Z8 myself and found a rather high miss rate despite the camera eye detect box being very snappy & sticky. I thought it might be user error but I'm now wondering if there is a problem with the IBIS fighting the AF system or something but its kind of a deal breaker to me as a portrait shooter. Canon & Sony AF are just so good in comparison. This felt like a step back. That said just about everything else about the camera is fantastic. The video specs are especially nice and the footage shown here is pretty damn epic, those 4K120p pool shots are just wow!
Great job Lee!
12:46 Because you selected a focus point! press OK to let the focus system automatically track.
looooooooooool, this guy is a "review guru" - he does not give a SH.T about the settings, learning the system and than he makes a "review", loooooooool
The most laid back master class on the Z8.
Cameras and chill
Outstanding pictures ! This Z8 looks amazing
After being super frustrated with lousy eye detect AF, I switched from a Nikon Z6 over to Sony A7 IV last year (2022). It was an expensive mistake. I really didn't like it. Sure the AF was great, but I just wasn't happy using the camera. I'm not slamming Sony, it was a fine camera. I just didn't like it. I went back to Nikon in January 2023 (Z6 II). The AF on the Z6 II is acceptable if you set an eye detect AF box and then put the box in the vicinity of the subjects face. I knew that Nikon would eventually release a Z6II or a Z8, so I shot with my Z6II and waited. I just purchased a Z8, and I COULD NOT be happier. It is everything I have ever wanted in a camera.
It has everything anyone could want in a camera. It’s amazing!
Nikon has honestly been killing it lately!
Lee, what’s your approach to to in camera sharpening on Z8? I love this camera but I do wish Nikon would’ve updated the old sensor with it. I hate mushy shadows but you are getting such high quality output from this camera. I may wait for Z8II.
The eye AF does need to be adjusted to be sticky. I learned this quickly on the Z9. Nikon allows you to adjust the stickiness to the AF. Many ppl don't know this. Nikon is never optimal at default setting. Highly customizable and I recommend ppl studying the manual or getting on videos to learn how to customize their settings. At a marathon I shot 2000 images, 1994 perfect in focus including runners coming straight at me, and that was with the Z7ii, so the Z8 is much better than the Z7ii and therefore you should always customize. My Z9 is also much better AF than my Z7ii.
After 4 Sony A7R/s 12&3 back to Nikon z9 &z8 and loving it! Yes AF needs practice to get it working just fine
Nikon I love it - but I would wait one year from now for its more refinements
Nikon sensors renders colors nicely, especially skin tones. I’m waiting to see what the Z7 and Z6 iii updates are like as that’s probably more the size I need to not haul around so much weight when I travel
I kinda want this camera 😅
It’s a beefy boy
Excellent review (as usual Lee) for non-Nikon shooters. But I have to say the title is misleading click-bait. Maybe adding a question mark will help?
It is an obvious clickbate. I couldn’t think of a title where anyone would be interested in this camera with my larger Fuji and Sony following
New LUTs are out for the Z9 (I assume it's the same for the Z8).
I got both, Z8 and 9 seems like your shutter speed of 1/320 is to slow.
depends on if I was shooting crazy fast moving subjects. But I wasn’t. There’s also no shutter shock and the ibis is good. I don’t know what you’re getting at. But if you are saying the reason I found a lot of shots out of focus on the high speed burst tracking that was shot at way higher shutter speed
Sub a 400mm lens. Or tracking Usain Bolt.. how is 1/320 too slow to guarantee sharp images? He was on a 24/70 with a slow moving model.
Hi Lee, such a great review. You are the first person to touch on the fact it seems like it can oversample 120fps in 4k which is actually pretty ground breaking if the case. Only the FX3 and A7SIII can do a full 4k readout for 120fps and the is only pixel to pixel. I keep hearing the Nikon actually only over samples up to 60fps but when you show the menu you can clearly see the oversample button is selectable at the 120 setting. Do you know any more about this?
I was scolded by multiple people in the comments telling me 120p is not oversampled even though it’s selectable in the menu.
Your not the first person to say the autofocus wasn't quite there. I miss my Nikon bodies for the photo/video switch that saved your last settings. My A7R5 is fiddly moving from photo to video as the settings keep changing and slow me down
I had intended to purchase a 61mp Sony A7R5, but the rolling shutter issues and generally bad video capabilities reviews sent me over to Nikon. I wound up with a Z8, and although I wish I had the superior resolution and viewfinder display of the Sony, the Z8 seems - to me - to be the best compromise.
Great video. Do you see any difference in autofocus between wide area small and large , i feel wide area large misses some shorts.
I like to usually stay in small when taking photos so I can manually override eye detection if it is acting up. The reason to use wide would be more to let the camera deal with subject detection. If I’m shooting video and have a subject in frame I will use something like a large zone where it’s just a box in the middle and that usually works decent
@leezavitz good job, thanks for the review, I must say that I liked your photos with the fuji x-s20 more than with the Nikon Z8, the color and quality you got from the Fuji was better in both photo and video. Do you have any thoughts about it?
My only thought is that every camera is good now. Colour and quality is all basically the same when you shoot raw. The only thing Fuji has against any brand is film simulations in jpg which is maybe what you think is better colour . The Nikon Z8 and Sony a7RV are the best cameras I’ve personally used in the last year. Out side of those two cameras everything feels kind of the same and you can get amazing images and video of any camera released in the last 3 years. It Just comes down to what you are looking for in terms of lens ecosystems or little features you prefer.
The Z9's AF in AF-C is set to release, is it the same with the Z8. If it is, changing it to focus or focus/release may help with your keeper rate. One thing I have learnt from all the reviews on the Z8 is leaving it in factory settings is not a wise move.
Hi
I thought that was a very fair quick review
I'm a low end Nikon fanboy so the Z8 is out of my range- I'm hoping some of its features will trickle down to the Z6iii
good that you got to try it out , Its looks very good & I like the fact it doesn't have a flip out screen & wish Sony would stop thinking everyone wants a flip out screen too . Back to Sony with the awesome lens selection & that's why I personally will not be getting one of these or a Canon R5/6 or 7 whatever number they are up too haha..
Can you compare with Canon r5 mark ii please?
Get your hands on the Nikon ZF Lee , looks legit and the iso button issue is absent of course :))
They never asked me. But maybe I can see if they will lend me a review unit at some point
@@LeeZavitz i hope they do.
This makes the Sony A1 seem like a poor deal.
100% but it’s also getting older now. I also don’t think Sony will ever do internal raw video so this is a huge advantage to Nikon
The best part about Nikon is that they continuously release new firmware update that makes the camera a "new" camera.
I just ordered the nikon z8. As a sony shooter I want to test the megadap pro autofocus adapter if i can use some of my sony glass on it
Yeah Nikon is the only mirrorless (that I know of) where you can adapt another brands mirrorless lenses. I would be curious to see how it does
I bought two of these in August. I upgraded from z7ii and tbh I am a mixed reviews. If I could have returned them without paying B&H 15% restocking fee ($1,200) I would have returned them. The Z7ii is every bit as good as this camera just sucks they removed the subject tracking for stills on the Z8 and you can not assign 3D tracking to the F1 button like you can with subject tracking on z7ii. With Z7ii you press the F1 button and you switched modes from what you were using to subject tracking. Hit f1 again and you’re back to the prior focus mode. The Z8 allows the 3D track to be assigned to the F1 but you have to PRESS AND HOLD it other wise it goes back to the prior focus mode. Changing focus modes require using your left hand to press a button on the bottom left front of the camera then scroll the command wheel. This software design infuriates me to no end.
That's an odd thing for them to do. Hopefully enough people were complaining and a firmware update will rectify it
It’s an incredible camera.
It’s insane
It’s nice to hear an intelligent guy reviewing a camera as opposed to those dummies out there. Nikon is a great camera, but I’m sticking with Sony… When you were talking about the noise, too many out of focus shots, and the overheating… I’m staying with Sony. But thanks for the great review.
What do you think about Sony A7RV can it beat this camera?
The z8 is a better hybrid camera especially for video. But a7RV has better autofocus, better flip screen, higher res sensor. They are hard to compare because each has different strengths. But overall the Z8 is more compelling in specs
ClassicPorts II ? they are not out yet right? - as always a very good video. Love to see always photos from a professional shoot in your reviews!
Teasing some new presets :)
@@LeeZavitz i keep my eyes peeled for them :)
Have you any problem with overheating when you recorded a video?
dude "release button to use dial" ... not sure why this isn't the Nikon default ... push and release button, use dial at your leisure all button and dial controls ... reverts to shooting instantly if you tap any other button including the shutter
As someone who shot Nikon all the way until the early 00s Coolpix then fell out of the game for 20 years (lol) ive been doing a ton of research and i see that canon and sony are top dogs but ummm they all have some massive problem with one thing or another weather its battery life, overheating, poor screen, no EVF, locked RF mount, blah blah its quite annoying to say the least. After like 4-5 months of research now i swear the Z8 i keep coming back to is perfect because i want to shoot video as well and the features and all the specs are perfect it just seems there are ZERO influencers or anyone to watch about these things which sucks for such an awesome camera. Another note being for video the screen not being fully articulating sucks but what can you do..
Clicked on the thumbnail hoping to see you using the Z8 with Sony lenses through the Megadap adaptor.
I used it with a Z7II and it worked great.
The Z8 is the best selling camera in Japan. Neither Canon or Sony can match the price to performance of the Nikon lenses. The 24, 35, 50, 85mm 1.8’s are simply unmatched at the price. You’re basically getting GM quality for 1/3rd the cost.
That 8k is crisp, but I just love Nikon colors and their Z-lenses are really tempting.
Their menus are horrible tho.
With the 24-120mm s lens attached it gets pretty heavy
Having recently switched from Fuji XH2 and XH2s, Nikon’s AF is miles ahead in terms of accuracy. Fuji would claim focus but either back or front focus all the time. AF-S was unusable. I can actually get in focus images with little effort on the Z8
For sure. I think Fuji’s accuracy comes down to the lens you’re using
8k talking head is pretty funny.
I still can't believe that Nikon and good video are in the same sentence. So happy that they finally did it.
Would love Opengate.
Side note. I have noticed Canadians pronounce Z as Zed or Zee.
That has happened since the Z9, it just took RUclipsrs a while to recognize it and do some video about it. The Z8 has the same internals as the Z9, with the Z8 being smaller and more manageable for handheld and gimbal use, plus the price point, you bet more people are starting to talk about it.
@@waynerm002 In fact image quality wise even the dslr were quite good. Nikon did a very bad job of marketing with influencers. They got killed or completely ignored by them. For example the z6 was the first Mirrorless to give 10 bit video in any form and then RAW. And believe me that z6 video quality even internal was very good.
@@danielvilliers612 I’ve been using Nikon since I started shouting digital, image quality to me was always great from Nikon. I loved the look of the D200 and kept it until 2021. The Z6 was a really great camera, I was surprised when I first got my hands on one but I wasn’t big into video then however, the few clips I shot with it were really great. Most Nikon shooters did photo and at the time, I don’t recall many YT videos on that camera for video, Nikon certainly didn’t market it well then. With the Z8 however, the campaign was much better although on the US site, I still feel they didn’t do a great job but, I’ve see video from videographers that Nikon invited to an event to try out the video side and the response has been positive.
Keep in mind, a lot of times we hear about some issue with the autofocus, you find the user wasn’t in the best mode for the situation. I have an FX30 and had an A7R V which I traded for the Z8, during some brief testing, found the Z8 to be on par with the A7R V in some situations and better in others. Nikon’s system is complex and has a bit of learning curve, if you’re not (and even if you are) familiar with their mirrorless system. It does however, gives you some more control over how to use the system.
@LeeZavitz Hi Lee, sorry to bother you. Your personal opinion is very important to me what is best for photography sony α7r v vs nikon z8? I am a long-time user of the Fujifilm X-mount system, I wonder if switching to full frame with aps-c (X-H2s) would be a big step forward for me. This is a difficult decision for me, since I have many favorite lenses for this system and I adore the Fuji color ))))) Thank you for what you do, reviews of equipment and amazing photos!
Any camera will be good for photography just comes down to what you need. I prefer the A7RV. Autofocus is more reliable, higher resolution 60mp sensor, better screen, smaller lenses (if that matters) but as an over all hybrid camera shooting video the Z8 is better has more video features.
@@LeeZavitz Thank you very much for your answer. Best wishes 🙏
Fun fact Nikon now owns red
This or gfx 100 ii?
Nikon is cool, but not sexy lol
great vid man
Fuji and Leica make the sexy cameras. Nikon makes the go to work and make money cameras
@@LeeZavitz Yes as a working professional, I just can't even phantom the craze of smaller camera that your little finger is hanging. I mean the worse thing is what is the use of those small cameras if you are going to put a 24-70 2.8 or 70-200 for hours.
When the Z8 do 4k 120fps, why not 240fps at 1080p?!? that would be perfect
Every camera that does 240fps usually looks pretty low quality. It’s always like 720p upscaled. I assume they would rather not offer that and just stick with the 120p
NO ISO tab in resolve ???? & you dare say.... hahahha "Only camera that does internal RAW" you missed R5c ?..... nice video !!
It’s the only mirrorless camera that does 12bit internal raw 8k 60p
r5c doesnt with ?????????????????? you out of your mind misinformation guru,... @@LeeZavitz
I own Nikon cameras the last 4 years.. but with Z8 I have doubts regarding the quality issues that is facing the last months and I haven’t seen in one model so many quality issues. This created many doubts especially regarding the assembling quality of this model especially when paying +4000€.. I am not confident that z8 will perform well after a couple of years especially when shooting under very warm and cold conditions.. I am seriously thinking to switch all my gear to Sony..
You should switch. The grass is always greener on the other side
Is this camera good for shooting sports photography?
Yes. Very good
@@LeeZavitz Thanks :)
samm Newton typing and deleting..........😂
10bit 4:2:0 not 4:2:2 at 0:30
I wish this could record in SSDs😢
As a Xt5, Xt3, Xe4, Z8, Z9, Z6II and A7IV user, "Z8 AF feels like last gen Fuji" is as ridiculous as saying Fuji makes best sports cameras. You don't know what you talking about. And I say this with kindness :)
True I’ve never used any of those cameras so I don’t know what I’m talking about. What I was mainly referencing is how the eye detection box jumps around and will say it’s on the eye but sometimes is back back focused sometimes it’s perfect but you can’t predict how it’s going to react which reminds me of Fuji.
@@LeeZavitz Ok, I give it to you for your calm haha
@mainmain5303 How is the af compared to A7IV? I also have a XT-5 coming from an XT2. Didn't like it much. so was thinking to get Z8 instead. Thanks.
@@piyushshaw3969 Z8 af is much better than the Xt5. 3/4 FW update better. A7IV will be behind Z8 in AF in really low light and when the scene is cluttered. The Z8 3D tracking box is so small that you can focus on a smaller point compared to the relatively larger tracking box of the Sony. In video AF Sony is about 1 FW update ahead.
Nikon : qualité prix imbattable !
I shot on nikon oh…no..no..no…, i got two pottato boxes on my eye 😂😂
h.265 has only 4.2.0 (
DSLR size though. Pointless to get a mirrorless the size of DSLR. Plus with the video/photo comparison between the Sony A7RV, the sony still wins big time in terms of dynamic range.
Please active translation
I have the Z8 and energy drain and battery life is horrible , worse than my a7R5
Get out of 3d tracking for everything. Solve 99% of your AF issues.
I did. I only tried it a few times
I’ll have to agree with the unpredictability of the AF of the Nikon. They did make the box go over the eye, but that’s about it, literally it is just showing you that it’s over the eye, it doesn’t mean that the picture is in focus. It’s kind of a scam to tell you the truth. Nikon did this so they can make you think they solved their horrible AF issues, when in reality they did not. They got tired of the market criticizing them for their bad AF and instead of trying to actually fix the issue, they decided to scam you by just programming a the eye focus box to track the eyes but didn’t program it to actually make that box nail the focus. It’s solely just a box that’s supposed to track the eye, but when you snap and it back or front focuses that should be enough proof that their AF still isn’t working.
I’ll be the first one to say it, $4k is over priced for this camera given the reliability and unpredictability, no matter the environment or lightning. You’re paying for it’s video specs. If you want a video camera, then go buy one. Nikon should’ve priced this at $3299.
I’m not a fan boy of any kind of brand, but I have tried the a7R V and even the 4 year old R5’s AF blows it out the water. The fact that the a7R V can focus on the eyes even from the side of one’s head and nail the focus 99% of the time is impressive. It just goes to show how much better and reliable the other two brands are. Would I grab the Nikon for a serious shoot knowing the chances of missing crucial shots? Nope. Not worth the worry.
you have to be an ultra-hyper pro photog, loooooool, because a lot of "mor ons" actually are pros and use Nikon
that poato joke is very lame.... rather a "potato" than a toy camera.
Just read the customer reviews at B&H photo on the Sony A7IV. There are also issues with Eye-AF at Sony. None of these cameras are 100 % perfect at any subjects with full automatic detection. Sony fanboys who think the Sony Eye-AF is 99 % right on time are just writing bullshit.
I literally shoot all my work on Sony and have very little issues. RUclips is just a side hustle I still work in the industry as a professional photographer. Why would I be BS when I need to rely on my gear? I’ve shot with tons of different cameras. I don’t gain anything from shooting on Sony. If I found that something does a better job then that’s what I would shoot with.
Did you know that today's best Nikon camera does not allow video recording on 2 cards at the same time?
How can it be that Nikon makes this camera professional when the most basic thing in the field of video their camera does not do???
Did you notice a huge lack of dynamic range? Its supposed to be about 1/2 stop in photos and about 2 stops in video compared to Sony.
Not that I noticed but which camera the A1?
@@LeeZavitz Dynamic range is about the same in photos at 64 ISO as the A1 at 100 but it's about 1/2 stop lower than the A7RV or A7IV at 100 ISO. Video is where you see 2 full stops less. Check the CineD review of the Z9 and they show the test results with the poor DR.
@@NickDelDucathat’s pretty interesting. I haven’t heard of anyone saying the video on Nikon has nearly 2 stops less in performance compared to Sony. Which camera are they comparing it too specifically?
Poor Nikon they put perhaps the best Sony based sensor camera out their with the best video DR and they get reputation being 2-3 stop under LOL. That is really because the guys always make a little error here and their. Nikon has put Nlog with a much higher contrast that cut into the shadows a bit like Canon first Clog for their 8 bit camera. This resulted in a lot of skewed result compared to others even in RAW.
I invite you to look at the CineD dynamic range test. But don't watch the synthetic test with the Xyla chart and Imatest, but the real life example with the latitude test exposing at different stops. In this as said by the reviewer the Z9 is 8 stop (4 above and 4 below) and some room to 9. While guess what the Venice one is clearly 8 stops. These latitude makes for remarkable findings, like the Canon R5c is clearly 1 stop lower or the Komodo also!!! This is an eye opener test. It also confirm Alexa clear lead in DR. www.cined.com/nikon-z-9-n-raw-lab-test-fw-3-00-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/ www.cined.com/sony-venice-2-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-latitude/
@@NickDelDuca Naaah look at my answer, Nikon is even better than all the Sony's in Raw video. They have an Nlog which is too aggressive in cuting the shadows which make them look worse in synthetic benchmark. But just look at the latitude test.
outofocus sucks
Nikon said it only oversamples to 60P not 120P.
It’s weird that the oversample option is there even for 120p. You would think it would be greyed out or unable to select
The Nikon Z8 sure is impressive, but AF behind Fuji is no bueno for me.
"AF behind Fuji is no bueno for me" of course, of course...
I’m sure there will be 20 Nikon defenders to say I’m wrong and maybe I am. But from what I saw it was very un predictable. I tried different modes and af box sizes. I’ve shot with a ton of cameras so it’s not like I’m going in blind having no idea what I’m doing. It just reminded me of Fuji unpredictability on what it’s going to do. Which is why I started using single point and moving it to the eye so I know it’s in
@@LeeZavitz I had to adapt my shooting with the z9, for one I had to shoot at higher speed because of more pixel, but then contrary to before I found that Continuous Af was better than AFS. Which was the contrary before. Normally you shouldn't have any problems in such a situation.
Overstuffed twice-baked potato, nice!! Entertaining!
Wow. You barely touched on photo performance and when you did, you were in the wrong modes most of the time. Perhaps you should have taken Nikon up on a briefing.
Pay attention, he said it wasn't a full review. Being a fanboy doesn't get you better gear it just makes you feel better. Now on the Z8 its a great camera but the autofocus is not on par yet, im sure they will get there, but only if you demand it and complain, if you tell Nikon everything is great nothing will improve
What wrong modes was I in? I tried every mode, function, autofocus setting till I found what worked the best. What should I have done differently?
@@longrider9551I don't know about humans but for wildlife, the autofocus & image stabilisation on the Z8 is way ahead of the Sony A7R4 & A7R5 when combined with a midrange telephoto lens like say the A7R5/A7R4+ 200-600mm & Nikon Z8+100-400/400mm f4.5/500mm pf f5.6. Don't know about the 180-600mm yet. Image stabilisation is a killer with telephoto lens, gives you an absolute 1 stop advantage over A7R5 (even though it has 8stops), A7R4 & A7iv with tele lens. For autofocus Nikon is still not on par with Sony Wide Area AF (basically a Point & Shoot experience which results in missed shots when something suddenly changes direction specially with a grassland or forest background not sky) In other focus modes which most people use like Custom Focus Area, Wide Area Small, Medium combined with 3D tracking it's absolutely up there with Sony's & Canon's. And a blackout free viewfinder at 3700$ only body is unmatchable. I tried the Z8 along with the 400mm f4.5 alongside my Sony A7iv,A7R3,200-600 & Tamron 70-180 and i switched the next day. The in hand feel with tele lenses was also a pivotal point along with image stabilisation in both video & stills. Heck the image stabilisation with the old Nikon 200-500mm was better than the Sony's.
For Sony, with all the AI and stuff, the A7iv+200-600mm beats the the A7R5+200-600mm any-day when using in real scenarios not just taking out the camera in good daylight and shooting. In Golden hour & Blue hour the A7iv is a much better option than A7R5 unless you have a 400 f2.8 or 600 f4.
@@longrider9551 How you know it's not on par? Not on par with what? Do you own one? He should do a full review, especially on contentious issues (he shows knowledge about the Potato rumours). If he's gonna be lazy, then he will be called lazy. Do the work! Take it to the tracks, use it the way it should be and then talk. Fuji Xt5 huffed and puffed with AF. And this guy Z8 af is like last. get Fuji. It's laughable. And you surely don't know what you're saying again!
@@LeeZavitz Sir, the 3D mode is for grabbing anything you point to. When you 3D mode, put the 3D box on a corner and then switch on eye detect, you are asking the camera to grab onto whatever the 3D box is on! Plz watch videos by Steve Perry to learn the system.
Why would we even care
The Sony a7CR will take out Nikons whole line up tbh. Canon already did it with the Canon Eos R8 😅.
It’s not you and it’s not the lens. It’s Nikon Z 8 and 9 are not quite as good as Sony. I have the Sony A1, A7rV and the Nikon Z7, 7ii, Z8, Z9 and similar lens packages for wildlife (400f2.8; 600f4, etc) and I can tell you for sure the Nikon is good but misses focus substantially more often than the Sony. If I have a critical shoot to do - I’m absolutely grabbing the Sony kit. Note - I’m a decades long Nikon shooter - so Sony was a side track for me - because Nikon had issue delivering the big primes - for years - even today you cannot go buy a 400 or 600 from in-stock dealers. So I’m not a Sony fanboy attacking Nikon - it’s the opposite. If Nikon can close the gap - I’ll like revert back to Nikon because I prefer their body ergos, big glass and color science. Cheers
This should not happen on this kind of shoot.
"Nikon Z 8 and 9 are not quite as good as Sony" pros think something else - PROS, not amateurs with the pro cameras...
I was voicing an opinion from use of each and reviews from a number of “pros”. Do you have survey data from pros that show Nikon z bodies exceeding the market share of Sony? I’d be interested to see that please forward a link. @@prokremelskidezolati1426