Well done Steve, that was an excellent overview. I've done exactly the same and moved to the Z8 and 180-600 lens from a D500 with a 200-500 lens ( which for some years was the go-to kit for wildlife and sport). The biggest game changer is the animal eye detection which almost makes photographing birds easy, and for me, the lack of mirror slap on the D500 which was enough to move the focus points off the subject and result in a missed focus shot. Nikon have certainly struck gold with the Z8.
Thanks very much, really pleased you enjoyed it. Yes I had a D500 and a 200-500mm lens, it was a brilliant combo. But you're right the eye detect is a game changer. The Z8 ticks all the boxes for me that's for sure. All the best Steve.
Thanks for the video Steve. Was wondering what the Z8 was like. I've just purchased a Z6ii, my first foray into mirrorless from a D500 which I loved. Obviously pros and cons. I have a Z mount 100-400 nikon lens which I am very pleased with. The only thing I find an issue is the function buttons on the lens. I use a camera sling to keep me hands free. If it knocks on the side of my body when I walk, it keeps waking up the camera and using battery life. I knew the camera wasn't the best battery wise but it was draining so quickly until I realised the problem. I've looked into trying to disable the buttons on the lens but it doesn't seem to have that ability, unless I am missing something?
Thanks very much I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Good luck with your Z6II I had one for about 2 years and got some great wildlife video and stills. I've not used the 100-400mm so I don't know if you can disable the function buttons on the lens but I think you're probably right it won't be possible to do that. Thanks for watching my video, all the best Steve.
Would love to hear more about using the z8 with butterflies. I have the z24-70 2.8f lens and not sure if using the bird AF or animals AF would work best.
Hi ,yes interesting question. I haven't used my Z8 on insects yet but I will certainly be photographing butterflies and dragonflies with it later on in the year. So watch this space because I will make a video about this.
Higher resolution sensors do not have more noise than lower resolution sensors. Unless you’re talking about pixel level noise, but that’s an unfair comparison. The Z8 has a stacked sensor though, which may be slightly more noisy than a regular BSI sensor.
Hi thanks for watching my video. Regardless of the reason why in my opinion a file from the Z8 in the same lighting conditions shows more noise than my Z6II did. As I say it's just my opinion. All the best Steve.
Thanks for this Steve and it's always good to know other peoples opinions. I love the Z8 and recently updated the firmware, which hopefully, will get tested this Friday. I use mine with a Z24-70, Z24-200 , Z100-400 and an F mount 500pf. The latter is my go-to lens for wildlife and the combo works well. I'd still like to have a try of the 180 - 600 though, the results look impressive.
Hi Steve, thanks very pleased you enjoyed it. The 500pf is a great option to be honest. I have to say the 180-600mm on limited testing is awesome though. Keep well mate, all the best Steve.
Hi there Steve, well done on your purchase. I just bought the 180-600mm last week and so far so good. You know that I bought the Z9 last year. It's a great camera but I need to learn how to use it to the full. I never got to the rut this year but that's another story. Like I said well done. You took the plunge. All the best 👍🏽 😊
Thanks very much Jason, yes I'm so pleased I bought the Z8. I'm definitely getting pictures that I wouldn't have captured with any of my previous cameras. Hopefully we'll bump into each other at this year's rut. Cheers Steve.
Sounds a pretty neat camera😲🙂📸. Nice take on the Nikon Z8. Cameras are always being upgraded with insane sharpness each time they’re made, so maybe soon there will be pre-captures with raw files in the not so distant future📸🙂. Interesting video Steve Hedges 🙂.
Thanks very much Nirmal, yes cameras are massively improving all the time. I hope we do get pre-capture with raw files in the future. Thanks for watching, cheers Steve.
Since FW 2.0, I don't use 3D tracking much. Auto-Area AF gives me the best results for birds in flight and perched. Before 2.0, I used to use a combination of wide area and 3D. Also for video, you can go up to 8k60 which is great.
@@alunlambert7456 Hi, I can thoroughly recommend the Z8. I do share your views on wanting pre capture in raw but I think the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the Z8. I also think it will probably be a while before a 45mp Nikon camera will have raw pre capture. Thanks for commenting, all the best Steve.
@@SteveHedgesPhotography Definitely, I’ve only ever jumped brands once and that was from Canon to Fuji, but I’m fancy a full frame camera again and at the moment it’s the Z8 with the JPEG issue but the great wildlife lens 180-600. Or Canon R5mark2 no JPEG issue but there wildlife reasonably price lens only goes to 500mm I feel a bit short. So you see my predicament. 🤣
Great combo exactly what I would have got if I was buying. I already have Canon lenses and the Canon R7 was cheap enough good AF so I'm going wait a little longer for a stacked Nikon apsc now Nikon have caught up. There is so much going on positive with the Z8 Nikon have really excelled. Would love to know if the AF work on my old F mount Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 (heavy tripod only). I would still get the 180-600mm. I'm really curious about the new Auto capture. It seems a useful feature for a tripod setup on a frequently visited bird perching branch. Congrats again for an amazing kit.
Thanks very much I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my video. Yes it's taken a while but I think Nikon have really nailed it with the Z8. I've used my Sigma F mount 300mm F2.8 prime and it works fairly well with the F to Z adaptor. I think the AF is slower but it definitely works ok. The Canon R7 is a decent option,as you say the AF is very good.All the best Steve.
Hi great review I’m looking to get a similar setup myself this year but I’m I stuck on what camera to get the Z8 or Z9 is there a great difference between them . Cheers
Hi Gary, there are differences but I don't think they are massive. The auto focus is pretty much the same, image quality as well. Both have stacked senors so frame rate and blackout free shooting is also the same.The reason I went for the Z8 was size and weight. I didn't want to carry the Z9 around all day. If you shoot video for a long period of time the Z9 will dissipate the heat generated due to the larger body better. But apart from that the Z8 is an awesome camera. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Good video for Nikon users. I am very suprised that animal and bird eye AF is only now available in such a camera. As a lifetime Canon user, thankfully I have had the benefit of animal and bird eye tracking and AF for almost 4 years now on the R5 and the R6II has taken it a step further. Have you tried DXO pure raw for post processing ? Well done Nikon and thank you for the video.
Thanks very much, I'm pleased you enjoyed my video. Yes it's taken Nikon a while to catch up with Canon and Sony but we're there now thank goodness. I haven't tried DXO for raw processing, I've been a Photoshop user since before I first switched to digital. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Hi Steve, good video. I cant' believe how relevant to me this is and you wont believe how much trouble this is going to give. Let me explain. My D300 is coming up to 15years old and so I have been looking for a Camera upgrade. I had finally convinced myself that the Nikon Z6 II was the camera for me. Your video has now given me some doubts. I know the Z6 II will be way above my D300 but once I have purchased a bit of kit I do not want to think "What if....". This I think is what I will be thinking if I go for the Z6 II after seeing your video. Dilemma .... Dilemma. Looks like I'm going to have to rethink?? Very difficult these days with Internet purchasing and limited high street shops to hold the kit and talk to sales assistants face to face which makes things more difficult.
Hi Paul, thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it. As I mentioned in the video I had used a Z6II for over two years and it's a very good camera. There's also nothing wrong with the AF. But the Z8 is on a different level. I think you would probably regret not going for the Z8. Apart from pre-capture only outputting jpeg files it's pretty much my perfect camera. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Hi Paul, I forgot to mention the Nikon Zf. It has animal eye detect so it has a better AF system compared to the Z6II. The only thing is because it's a retro body there's not much of a grip so using long lenses might be difficult. Although Small Rig do make a grip to fit the Zf. So it might be worth a look.
@@SteveHedgesPhotography I did look at this but the thing I've always liked about my D300 is the added battery grip which made it easier to hold. My only issue with the Z8/Z6 is that I will most likely have to start with new lenses. So I have to factor this into the cost. My go to lens with my D300 was the Nikon 18-200mm which was purchased with the camera, but I like it so much it still resides on it most of the time. Versatile for my general approach to photography. Thanks for your comments and help.
Hi Rob, thanks for watching my video. I use an Artcise tripod with a Manfrotto fluid head. I find this combo is good for stills and video. All the best Steve.
Hello Steve, I was watching ealier your video comparing the Z6ii vs Z7ii which you picked up Z6ii for wild life photography over the Zii. After you have now been using the the Z8. Do you think the Z7ii should have been your choicw 2 years ago ?
Hi that's a tricky one. Overall I was pleased with the Z6II especially the low light performance. I think the higher mega pixel sensors of the Z8 and Z7II give more more for cropping. So I suppose the answer to your question would be to have two mirrorless camera bodies. One of 24 mp and one of 45mp. Which is where I will ultimately end up I think. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
£4k?! Jeeeez! I'm jealous! 😂 Especially when I'm using 225 contrast detect autofocus which is as good at finding birds as Stevie Wonder! 😂 PreCapture is a game changer that I have had for years now! Just a shame about the poor AF on my G9. I very much look forward to the day when I can replace it with the G9ii
Hi Joe, it is an awesome camera. I love the animal and bird eye detect. And as you say pre capture is a game changer, love it. I think the auto focus on the G9ii is pretty awesome too isn't it? Hope you pick one up soon. Cheers Steve.
@SteveHedgesPhotography Yeah I have heard it's supposed to be Sony level which if true would make my life a billion times easier as that's the only issue I ever had with the original G9. I can live with worse low light performance versus full frame especially as a non professional photographer and often the difference is minimal. How do you afford such lovely toys?
Well mate I've just been lucky that business has been good. It's also slightly easier to justify because photography is my job as well. I'm very grateful for that.
Hi Joe, I started off shooting weddings and portraits then moved on to commercial and PR jobs. I now mainly run photography courses and do the odd commercial photography job. I also do a lot of camera club talks as well.
Hi , you won't be disappointed with the Z8 it's an awesome camera. I am actually using Lexar professional XQD cards (210mb/s) for slot one and they work well with the Z8 and then Lexar SD XC v60 II Lexar professional for slot 2 (250 mb/s) All the best Steve.
Hi Alan, yes it is the 180-600mm. Your 200-500 would work well. I used a 200-500 with my Z6II many times and that was a good combination. The 1.4 converter does work but the AF will be a bit slower and you use a stop of light. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Hi Andrew, I've been using Sony XQD 400mb/sec transfer speed cards for slot 1 which seem to be working well. I already had these cards so I'm pleased I didn't need to buy new cards. I'm using Lexar xc SD 250mb/sec transfer speed cards for slot 2. I was worried that these cards might not be good enough for saving video footage but so far they have been ok. Although I've only shot very short clips of video so far. Again I already had these cards. All the best Steve.
tHE z8 WITH THE FIRMWARE UPDATE IS A GAME CHANGER
Yes I'm so pleased to have the new firmware. It takes an already great camera and makes it even better.
great video! thank you...
Thanks very much, I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. All the best Steve.
Well done Steve, that was an excellent overview. I've done exactly the same and moved to the Z8 and 180-600 lens from a D500 with a 200-500 lens ( which for some years was the go-to kit for wildlife and sport).
The biggest game changer is the animal eye detection which almost makes photographing birds easy, and for me, the lack of mirror slap on the D500 which was enough to move the focus points off the subject and result in a missed focus shot.
Nikon have certainly struck gold with the Z8.
Thanks very much, really pleased you enjoyed it. Yes I had a D500 and a 200-500mm lens, it was a brilliant combo. But you're right the eye detect is a game changer. The Z8 ticks all the boxes for me that's for sure. All the best Steve.
Thanks for the video Steve. Was wondering what the Z8 was like. I've just purchased a Z6ii, my first foray into mirrorless from a D500 which I loved. Obviously pros and cons. I have a Z mount 100-400 nikon lens which I am very pleased with. The only thing I find an issue is the function buttons on the lens. I use a camera sling to keep me hands free. If it knocks on the side of my body when I walk, it keeps waking up the camera and using battery life. I knew the camera wasn't the best battery wise but it was draining so quickly until I realised the problem. I've looked into trying to disable the buttons on the lens but it doesn't seem to have that ability, unless I am missing something?
Thanks very much I'm really pleased you enjoyed it. Good luck with your Z6II I had one for about 2 years and got some great wildlife video and stills. I've not used the 100-400mm so I don't know if you can disable the function buttons on the lens but I think you're probably right it won't be possible to do that. Thanks for watching my video, all the best Steve.
Would love to hear more about using the z8 with butterflies. I have the z24-70 2.8f lens and not sure if using the bird AF or animals AF would work best.
Hi ,yes interesting question. I haven't used my Z8 on insects yet but I will certainly be photographing butterflies and dragonflies with it later on in the year. So watch this space because I will make a video about this.
Higher resolution sensors do not have more noise than lower resolution sensors. Unless you’re talking about pixel level noise, but that’s an unfair comparison.
The Z8 has a stacked sensor though, which may be slightly more noisy than a regular BSI sensor.
Hi thanks for watching my video. Regardless of the reason why in my opinion a file from the Z8 in the same lighting conditions shows more noise than my Z6II did. As I say it's just my opinion. All the best Steve.
Cheers Steve, impressive. Good images. Looking forward to seeing your future work. All the best. 👍📷😎
Thanks very much Rob, appreciate you taking the time to watch my videos . Cheers Steve.
Thanks for this Steve and it's always good to know other peoples opinions. I love the Z8 and recently updated the firmware, which hopefully, will get tested this Friday. I use mine with a Z24-70, Z24-200 , Z100-400 and an F mount 500pf. The latter is my go-to lens for wildlife and the combo works well. I'd still like to have a try of the 180 - 600 though, the results look impressive.
Hi Steve, thanks very pleased you enjoyed it. The 500pf is a great option to be honest. I have to say the 180-600mm on limited testing is awesome though. Keep well mate, all the best Steve.
Hi there Steve, well done on your purchase. I just bought the 180-600mm last week and so far so good. You know that I bought the Z9 last year. It's a great camera but I need to learn how to use it to the full. I never got to the rut this year but that's another story. Like I said well done. You took the plunge. All the best 👍🏽 😊
Thanks very much Jason, yes I'm so pleased I bought the Z8. I'm definitely getting pictures that I wouldn't have captured with any of my previous cameras. Hopefully we'll bump into each other at this year's rut. Cheers Steve.
Sounds a pretty neat camera😲🙂📸. Nice take on the Nikon Z8. Cameras are always being upgraded with insane sharpness each time they’re made, so maybe soon there will be pre-captures with raw files in the not so distant future📸🙂. Interesting video Steve Hedges 🙂.
Thanks very much Nirmal, yes cameras are massively improving all the time.
I hope we do get pre-capture with raw files in the future. Thanks for watching, cheers Steve.
Nice one Steve, I'm using the same set up. As you say the eye detection is great.
Thanks very much, yes absolutely love the eye detect. So pleased I took the plunge and bought the Z8.
Since FW 2.0, I don't use 3D tracking much. Auto-Area AF gives me the best results for birds in flight and perched. Before 2.0, I used to use a combination of wide area and 3D.
Also for video, you can go up to 8k60 which is great.
Thanks for watching my video. I think the firmware update is a real improvement. All the best Steve.
I love the look and the spec of this camera, my only hold is the pre capture mode is only jpeg. And I really want raw
@@alunlambert7456 Hi, I can thoroughly recommend the Z8. I do share your views on wanting pre capture in raw but I think the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the Z8. I also think it will probably be a while before a 45mp Nikon camera will have raw pre capture. Thanks for commenting, all the best Steve.
@@SteveHedgesPhotography Thanks Steve, Canon have don’t it in there new R5 mark 2.
@@alunlambert7456 The new Canon mark R5 mark 2 is a decent camera as well but I've been a Nikon user for years. So I'm comfortable with the brand.
@@SteveHedgesPhotography Definitely, I’ve only ever jumped brands once and that was from Canon to Fuji, but I’m fancy a full frame camera again and at the moment it’s the Z8 with the JPEG issue but the great wildlife lens 180-600. Or Canon R5mark2 no JPEG issue but there wildlife reasonably price lens only goes to 500mm I feel a bit short. So you see my predicament. 🤣
@@alunlambert7456 Yes absolutely, I feel the 500mm is a bit short on a full frame to be honest. Plus and minus on both sides unfortunately.
Thanks for a great video 👍
Really pleased you enjoyed it Thomas. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Great combo exactly what I would have got if I was buying. I already have Canon lenses and the Canon R7 was cheap enough good AF so I'm going wait a little longer for a stacked Nikon apsc now Nikon have caught up. There is so much going on positive with the Z8 Nikon have really excelled. Would love to know if the AF work on my old F mount Sigma 300-800mm F5.6 (heavy tripod only). I would still get the 180-600mm. I'm really curious about the new Auto capture. It seems a useful feature for a tripod setup on a frequently visited bird perching branch. Congrats again for an amazing kit.
Thanks very much I really appreciate you taking the time to watch my video. Yes it's taken a while but I think Nikon have really nailed it with the Z8. I've used my Sigma F mount 300mm F2.8 prime and it works fairly well with the F to Z adaptor. I think the AF is slower but it definitely works ok. The Canon R7 is a decent option,as you say the AF is very good.All the best Steve.
Hi great review I’m looking to get a similar setup myself this year but I’m I stuck on what camera to get the Z8 or Z9 is there a great difference between them . Cheers
Hi Gary, there are differences but I don't think they are massive. The auto focus is pretty much the same, image quality as well. Both have stacked senors so frame rate and blackout free shooting is also the same.The reason I went for the Z8 was size and weight. I didn't want to carry the Z9 around all day. If you shoot video for a long period of time the Z9 will dissipate the heat generated due to the larger body better. But apart from that the Z8 is an awesome camera. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Good video for Nikon users.
I am very suprised that animal and bird eye AF is only now available in such a camera.
As a lifetime Canon user, thankfully I have had the benefit of animal and bird eye tracking and AF for almost 4 years now on the R5 and the R6II has taken it a step further.
Have you tried DXO pure raw for post processing ?
Well done Nikon and thank you for the video.
Thanks very much, I'm pleased you enjoyed my video. Yes it's taken Nikon a while to catch up with Canon and Sony but we're there now thank goodness.
I haven't tried DXO for raw processing, I've been a Photoshop user since before I first switched to digital. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Hi Steve, good video. I cant' believe how relevant to me this is and you wont believe how much trouble this is going to give. Let me explain. My D300 is coming up to 15years old and so I have been looking for a Camera upgrade. I had finally convinced myself that the Nikon Z6 II was the camera for me. Your video has now given me some doubts. I know the Z6 II will be way above my D300 but once I have purchased a bit of kit I do not want to think "What if....". This I think is what I will be thinking if I go for the Z6 II after seeing your video. Dilemma .... Dilemma. Looks like I'm going to have to rethink?? Very difficult these days with Internet purchasing and limited high street shops to hold the kit and talk to sales assistants face to face which makes things more difficult.
Hi Paul, thanks very much, glad you enjoyed it.
As I mentioned in the video I had used a Z6II for over two years and it's a very good camera. There's also nothing wrong with the AF. But the Z8 is on a different level.
I think you would probably regret not going for the Z8. Apart from pre-capture only outputting jpeg files it's pretty much my perfect camera. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Hi Paul, I forgot to mention the Nikon Zf. It has animal eye detect so it has a better AF system compared to the Z6II. The only thing is because it's a retro body there's not much of a grip so using long lenses might be difficult. Although Small Rig do make a grip to fit the Zf. So it might be worth a look.
@@SteveHedgesPhotography I did look at this but the thing I've always liked about my D300 is the added battery grip which made it easier to hold. My only issue with the Z8/Z6 is that I will most likely have to start with new lenses. So I have to factor this into the cost. My go to lens with my D300 was the Nikon 18-200mm which was purchased with the camera, but I like it so much it still resides on it most of the time. Versatile for my general approach to photography. Thanks for your comments and help.
Hi Paul, yes going mirrorless is an expensive option. Good luck with making your decision. All the best Steve.
I find I can shoot down to 1/20 with the Z9 and 180-600mm @ 600mm handheld it's a awesome combo
Hi Tom, that's amazing isn't it? I haven't handheld that slow yet but I will give it a go. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Interesting video, what tripod and head do you use? Its next on my list to research. Many thanks Rob
Hi Rob, thanks for watching my video. I use an Artcise tripod with a Manfrotto fluid head. I find this combo is good for stills and video. All the best Steve.
@@SteveHedgesPhotography great many thanks 👍
Hello Steve,
I was watching ealier your video comparing the Z6ii vs Z7ii which you picked up Z6ii for wild life photography over the Zii.
After you have now been using the the Z8. Do you think the Z7ii should have been your choicw 2 years ago ?
Hi that's a tricky one. Overall I was pleased with the Z6II especially the low light performance. I think the higher mega pixel sensors of the Z8 and Z7II give more more for cropping.
So I suppose the answer to your question would be to have two mirrorless camera bodies. One of 24 mp and one of 45mp. Which is where I will ultimately end up I think. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Nice video,do you when you import the images into Lightroom use the Camera Vivid import setting? Makes a huge difference with noise reduction
Hi Mark, thanks very much ,pleased you enjoyed it. No I haven't tried that but I will, thanks for the tip. All the best Steve.
£4k?! Jeeeez! I'm jealous! 😂
Especially when I'm using 225 contrast detect autofocus which is as good at finding birds as Stevie Wonder! 😂
PreCapture is a game changer that I have had for years now! Just a shame about the poor AF on my G9. I very much look forward to the day when I can replace it with the G9ii
Hi Joe, it is an awesome camera. I love the animal and bird eye detect. And as you say pre capture is a game changer, love it.
I think the auto focus on the G9ii is pretty awesome too isn't it? Hope you pick one up soon. Cheers Steve.
@SteveHedgesPhotography Yeah I have heard it's supposed to be Sony level which if true would make my life a billion times easier as that's the only issue I ever had with the original G9. I can live with worse low light performance versus full frame especially as a non professional photographer and often the difference is minimal. How do you afford such lovely toys?
Well mate I've just been lucky that business has been good. It's also slightly easier to justify because photography is my job as well. I'm very grateful for that.
@SteveHedgesPhotography Do you "just" do nature photography or do you make money with weddings etc as well?
Hi Joe, I started off shooting weddings and portraits then moved on to commercial and PR jobs. I now mainly run photography courses and do the odd commercial photography job. I also do a lot of camera club talks as well.
👌👌✌✌👍👍😊😊❤❤
Thanks very much, all the best Steve.
I've just ordered a Z8 with the grip.
What cfexpress card(s) are you using?
Hi , you won't be disappointed with the Z8 it's an awesome camera. I am actually using Lexar professional XQD cards (210mb/s) for slot one and they work well with the Z8 and then Lexar SD XC v60 II Lexar professional for slot 2 (250 mb/s) All the best Steve.
When using 3D tracking....do you have to continuously hold the button down or just press it once to initiate the tracking?.
Hi yes you hold down the button to keep the 3D tracking active. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
Is the lens you are using the 180-600mm.I didnt catch that..I wonder how my 200-500 5.6 would work w z8, would i want a 1.4 w it?
Hi Alan, yes it is the 180-600mm. Your 200-500 would work well. I used a 200-500 with my Z6II many times and that was a good combination. The 1.4 converter does work but the AF will be a bit slower and you use a stop of light. Thanks for watching, all the best Steve.
What CF cards did you go with for the z8?
Hi Andrew, I've been using Sony XQD 400mb/sec transfer speed cards for slot 1 which seem to be working well. I already had these cards so I'm pleased I didn't need to buy new cards. I'm using Lexar xc SD 250mb/sec transfer speed cards for slot 2. I was worried that these cards might not be good enough for saving video footage but so far they have been ok. Although I've only shot very short clips of video so far. Again I already had these cards. All the best Steve.