Thanks Allen I enjoyed that was contemplating a Z8 but have just ordered a Z7II. (for the same price I've added an FTZII, a battery grip and a 24-70f4). I've retired from weddings and my only paid work now is of buildings so my current Nikkors will do the job nicely. Interesting you mentioned a subtle preference to some shots on the D780 vs Z8 with your 58mm. Years ago when I was an SWPP member Norman Philips showed us 2 portraits of the same subject one taken with a top of the range 35mm camera and 85mm lens and the other with a Hasselblad. There seemed no difference in terms of sharpness, exposure etc but everyone preferred the medium format shot in a "blind" test, but couldn't really say why! Happy days.
I recently switched to the Nikon Z8 after using Canon and Sony DSLRs. Although the Canons were good, I sold them in 2019 to move into Sony. Now, I'm thoroughly impressed with the Z8, which is my first pro camera.
I've trialled the z8, and for me, the Z6ii is more suited. I love the better AFC on the Z8, but that would be the only thing I would prefer. I don't need the bigger files of the Z8 to bog up my computer, and in the hand it is too big and heavy. People bag out the AFC on the Z6ii, but I rarely miss any images. I just covered another event last Sunday and took nearly 1,300 images. I think I had about 3 that were out of focus and they may have been due to user error. People were dancing and bopping and moving around, and if you know your camera well and have it on the right setting, 90% of the time it will quickly grab focus. The handling and feel of the Z6ii is great and the images are truly beautiful. As well, I only shoot stills, so I never have to worry about video.
As a Canon shooter I have been envious of the telephoto lenses that have came out recently for Nikon. It seems that Nikon also keeps pushing out updates that improve on the autofocus of some of their cameras. I see that as a positive for the brand. The AF is pretty amazing in my R6MII and R7 but the RF L lenses are just crazy expensive for a hobbyist shooter like myself. I always get a little inkling when I go to the local camera store and see some of the used DSLR Nikons and am tempted to pick one of them up like the D850 and play around with it. Sometimes it seems simple is better. Cool review.
Loved this video. Totally agree the Z lenses lack character. Has made me want to look at buying back some of the old F mount 1.4G classics. My wallet is not happy haha.
You don’t have to do all that faff to change settings. Set it up as a shortcut on your i menu. Simple, one button and one touch. Watch Hudson Henry to set up the Z8 for ease of use. I did it in the first 10 mins of owning it and it’s a breeze.
Only thing stopping me switching to z8 is the lack of f1.4 lenses . Sonys 24 35 and 50 f1.4 are stunning . Would be nice if sigma came out with some f1.4’s in Z mount. My Sony mount sigma 85mm f1.4 is stunning
@@nickwilliams7867 I SO absolutely agree!! When I first got my Z5 in 2021 (or whenever it was released) I thought - Sigma will soon have some Z mount primes. Sadly the lenses are the real downside for me and I've even got a quote from MPB to switch everything to 2 Sony A9ii's and G master lenses. If/when I get to play with an A9ii we'll see.
@@CreativePixelPhotos if you are ok with 24mp the A9MKII is a stunning camera. Sony's 24 35 50 f1.4's are all amazing. The 85 needs to be replaced but you can have the excellent Sigma 85 f1.4 or Samyang do one as well
Honestly The Z8 isn't worth it unless you do something like Weddings where it really shines - for anything else (like I've got a boudoir shoot in 2 days) the D780 is actually my preferred tool!. If you can get one of those you have imho THE best dslr ever made.
This is a really helpful overview, Allen. I appreciate your experiences with the Z8. I’m thinking of upgrading my Z7ii to a Z8. How do you find the size difference between your Z8 and Z6Ii? Also, did you notice any improve in the IBIS? Also, what about any improvements in the clarity of the LCD screen?
Great video as I'm still shooting D850. Just need a little more time to flow with the Z8. The focusing details were on point as I'll need to keep all of that in mind when time comes.
You should get the new ETZ 21 PRO (I think it is megadap or something) - you can use the Sony lenses with your Z8 at near native functionality - no reason or need to get a Sony body anymore. -PD
Great review! I'm still holding out for the Z6iii. I own 2 Z6's and am pleased with the image quality, file size and dynamic range. I also have a Z7 and again the image quality is great but I personally prefer the low light/high ISO quality of the Z6 with it's smaller file sizes. What I miss is better AF and a functional vertical grip and an extra card slot. I shoot a lot of real estate, portraits and an occasional wedding. I don't need a hybrid camera as I don't do video at all. I love shooting with off camera strobes but have no issue shooting in ambient light if needed. If the Z6iii doesn't appear I'll look at going used with the Z6ii and will sell off the original Z6's and perhaps the Z7. IMHO the Z8 and Z9 appear to be amazing cameras but for my needs, I just don't need that much camera - if that makes sense. FWIW, I also have a pair of Fuji X-H1's and a variety of X-mount glass. I use the X mount system occasionally for my portrait work but I use them leisurely over my Nikons. The Fuji's are fun to shoot with.
I have Z8 since last week. Previously, I had a Sony a7IV and a Canon R5. I don't like Sony at all. It is like a calculator with a lens. When I compare the Z8 to the R5 (both great cameras), I like the Z8 size more. With R5, I had to use L Bracket. The controls are better on R5 and more intuitive for me. AF in R5 is easier to use, but there are no significant differences in the end. R5 better recognise the subject, but Z8, once it sticks to it, then tracks it better. If photography were my only focus, I would stick with R5 as the results are similar. But the 30-minute video limit turns me out as I shoot interviews occasionally. (that's why I took a Sony A7 IV, but it overheated on the front of the client - 4k 25fps. Sony - never again). Z8 - so far so good. PS. Battery life is better on R5.
Hi..did you find any differences in color renditions? I had a Nikon D750 and now use a A7IV. I don’t like the colors as much as I used to like Nikon’s. The lcd screen of the 4 is the other thing I don’t like about Sony.
@@piyhaw I found Nikon colours more appealing to me, even more than Canon, which till now was my favourite camera (I had several of them, a few DSLRs and Mirrorless - R and R5). Z8 has the same sensor as Z9, and both are a different level of cameras than a7IV. (I know that Sony is making sensors for Nikon, but Nikon is doing something which gives us better results) I don't have Sony anymore, and I don't miss it. The Z8's screen is much better than the a7IV. But Canon's screen is still the best.
@@piyhaw Z8 noise is ok for me. Nothing I am worried about. I think Sony manages it the best, but Z8/Z9 they do very well. I have never used different Nikon cameras, so I don't know how it looks in ZF. You know your needs better than anyone. So check if it fits it. I understand that the Nikon ZF is a recreation camera, and you will probably need to add a grip to make it comfortable. And from what I saw, it can take good photos. Z8 is a workhorse. It is heavier and looks less fancy than ZF, but it does the job. The 45mp sensor is excellent.
I have been thinking about your comments about the Nikon Z lenses. As for character, I suspect Nikon just trusts that folks can either use the FTZ adapter for classic NIKKOR lenses, or go for some 3rd party options such as Voightlander. It is likely that Nikon is being strategic about their research and development resources and focusing (no pun intended) on modern optics for a modern audience. They realize they're competing with smartphones and have to punch up the modern look to compete with people's expectations of extreme high resolution (not that it matters to most photographers). As for the absence of 1.4 professional primes, again I suspect Nikon has a limited budget and need to find the balance between "prosumer" and "wow, it's an F1.2 lens...it must be awesome". Keep in mind, it was only a few years ago when some folks were speculating Nikon would not even survive the transition to mirrorless. Their financials were not good. It would be interesting to sit in on a board meeting to hear their strategic planning, but for now we do have a lot of options between great Nikon DSLRs and Z system.
I really hoped when I got my first Z camera - the Z5 in early 2021 that it wouldn't be long before Sigma or Tamron stepped up with some update of their Art (Sigma) for Z mount and F1.4's. Sadly this hasn't happened and doesn't look like it will. So I use my elderly but character F lenses on an adapter (whose images are now starting to look noticably not sharp compared to more modern lenses) or choose between a prosumer F1.8S lens or sell body parts for a F1.2 which actually I won't as couldn't walk around 9/10 hours at a wedding with one of those anyway. I had a Sony A7iii for 2019 and 2020 and love their G lenses - think I mentioned that in the vid. So now literally just bought a A7iv and 35 F1.4 Gm lens to use alongside the Nikon stuff and see how it compares. The A7mark4 looks on paper to be a smaller Z8 with lots of upgrades from the m3 I had. I'll certainly be doing a video soon !
@@CreativePixelPhotos I recently sold both of my a7iii and purchased two D850s used (one for me, one for my wife). I have a mix of older Nikon F lenses, some AF D primes, an AF-S 24-70mm f2.8 (on loan from a friend), and the Tamron 35mm F1.4 that I adore. My friend loaning me the 24-70 is a lens nerd who constantly tests lenses. One thing he noticed (he now shoots A7R5) is how the build quality of the Sony GM just isn't up to the historical standard of Nikon lenses (like that 24-70). But I think Nikon and others have all bowed to market pressures, so if folks are buying new mirrorless kit they just should not expect the longevity of classic gear. For my part, I love love love the D850 (after shooting a7iii for 4 years). I'm proudly going backwards without apology hahah. Keep up the good work, Allen!
The best thing about Nikon & cannon is their legacy dslr lenses. If you are not shooting video & fine with adapting the F mount lenses, you can't beat Nikon z system a & it's legacy lens collection. The value for money for the f mount f1.4 lenses in the used market are insane. Nikon's f1.4 lenses for the F mount have more character than any f.14 lenses Sony has ever made for the e mount. It's not even close. Nikon f1.2 lenses are similarly in price & weight compared to canon counter parts. I am not sure about Sony is doing it right. Sony's only 50mm f1.2 (which is small & bit wider than a true 50mm & it has heaps of lens breathing) is priced similarly to Canon & Nikon 50mm f1.2 lenses. Most f1.4 lenses are now old & priced similarly to 1.4 lenses of F mount. Only thing going Sony is that they have a full stack of 3rd party f1.4 lenses. Sigma has said that they will release those f1.4 lenses for the Z mount. The only prime lens for the Z mount that peak my interest is 135 f.18s, it's one of the best lenses Nikon has ever made. There's nothing like in any other system. Yes it's extremely expensive & I might have to wait for a long time to buy that lens second handed for a bargain price. You comment about removing mode dial is almost a deal breaker for me. I hope they keep it in Z6III. I really hope Nikon releases lens adapter with a motor for screwdriver af lenses.
Nothing is straightforward is it. I do love the Z8 except the lack of mode dial and the weird shutter sound. I do love the character of the F mount 1.4's but with every passing year I notice more the softness. I used the Sigma 40mm 1.4Art lens for a while but after 5 hours of hauling that around at a wedding had to switch to a 35 f1.4. I'd expect Nikon Z F1.2's to be the same. My clients and the wedding market in general seem to be looking for the modern, crisp look so I feel I'm reluctantly being dragged in that direction. Hence the Sony thoughts. I still have a D700 and will keep my D780 for eternity and for my own use love old D lenses. Four years ago when I first got the Sony A7iii I hated how small it was - now I wouldn't even notice. Thanks for your comment and best wishes Allen
great informative video!
Thanks Allen I enjoyed that was contemplating a Z8 but have just ordered a Z7II. (for the same price I've added an FTZII, a battery grip and a 24-70f4). I've retired from weddings and my only paid work now is of buildings so my current Nikkors will do the job nicely. Interesting you mentioned a subtle preference to some shots on the D780 vs Z8 with your 58mm. Years ago when I was an SWPP member Norman Philips showed us 2 portraits of the same subject one taken with a top of the range 35mm camera and 85mm lens and the other with a Hasselblad. There seemed no difference in terms of sharpness, exposure etc but everyone preferred the medium format shot in a "blind" test, but couldn't really say why! Happy days.
I recently switched to the Nikon Z8 after using Canon and Sony DSLRs. Although the Canons were good, I sold them in 2019 to move into Sony. Now, I'm thoroughly impressed with the Z8, which is my first pro camera.
I've trialled the z8, and for me, the Z6ii is more suited. I love the better AFC on the Z8, but that would be the only thing I would prefer. I don't need the bigger files of the Z8 to bog up my computer, and in the hand it is too big and heavy. People bag out the AFC on the Z6ii, but I rarely miss any images. I just covered another event last Sunday and took nearly 1,300 images. I think I had about 3 that were out of focus and they may have been due to user error. People were dancing and bopping and moving around, and if you know your camera well and have it on the right setting, 90% of the time it will quickly grab focus. The handling and feel of the Z6ii is great and the images are truly beautiful. As well, I only shoot stills, so I never have to worry about video.
As a Canon shooter I have been envious of the telephoto lenses that have came out recently for Nikon. It seems that Nikon also keeps pushing out updates that improve on the autofocus of some of their cameras. I see that as a positive for the brand. The AF is pretty amazing in my R6MII and R7 but the RF L lenses are just crazy expensive for a hobbyist shooter like myself. I always get a little inkling when I go to the local camera store and see some of the used DSLR Nikons and am tempted to pick one of them up like the D850 and play around with it. Sometimes it seems simple is better. Cool review.
Loved this video. Totally agree the Z lenses lack character. Has made me want to look at buying back some of the old F mount 1.4G classics. My wallet is not happy haha.
You don’t have to do all that faff to change settings. Set it up as a shortcut on your i menu. Simple, one button and one touch. Watch Hudson Henry to set up the Z8 for ease of use. I did it in the first 10 mins of owning it and it’s a breeze.
Graet Video >> My Z8 is coming in Dec !!
Oh in time for Christmas !! :-) Enjoy
Only thing stopping me switching to z8 is the lack of f1.4 lenses . Sonys 24 35 and 50 f1.4 are stunning . Would be nice if sigma came out with some f1.4’s in Z mount. My Sony mount sigma 85mm f1.4 is stunning
@@nickwilliams7867 I SO absolutely agree!! When I first got my Z5 in 2021 (or whenever it was released) I thought - Sigma will soon have some Z mount primes. Sadly the lenses are the real downside for me and I've even got a quote from MPB to switch everything to 2 Sony A9ii's and G master lenses. If/when I get to play with an A9ii we'll see.
@@CreativePixelPhotos if you are ok with 24mp the A9MKII is a stunning camera. Sony's 24 35 50 f1.4's are all amazing. The 85 needs to be replaced but you can have the excellent Sigma 85 f1.4 or Samyang do one as well
Again a great and thoughtful review Allen, I just wish I could afford a Z 8 and some lenses...ah old age and poverty 🥺
Honestly The Z8 isn't worth it unless you do something like Weddings where it really shines - for anything else (like I've got a boudoir shoot in 2 days) the D780 is actually my preferred tool!. If you can get one of those you have imho THE best dslr ever made.
Thank you for your honesty and humanity Allen@@CreativePixelPhotos
This is a really helpful overview, Allen. I appreciate your experiences with the Z8. I’m thinking of upgrading my Z7ii to a Z8. How do you find the size difference between your Z8 and Z6Ii? Also, did you notice any improve in the IBIS? Also, what about any improvements in the clarity of the LCD screen?
Great video as I'm still shooting D850. Just need a little more time to flow with the Z8. The focusing details were on point as I'll need to keep all of that in mind when time comes.
You should get the new ETZ 21 PRO (I think it is megadap or something) - you can use the Sony lenses with your Z8 at near native functionality - no reason or need to get a Sony body anymore.
-PD
Spot on Allen.
Great review!
I'm still holding out for the Z6iii. I own 2 Z6's and am pleased with the image quality, file size and dynamic range. I also have a Z7 and again the image quality is great but I personally prefer the low light/high ISO quality of the Z6 with it's smaller file sizes. What I miss is better AF and a functional vertical grip and an extra card slot. I shoot a lot of real estate, portraits and an occasional wedding. I don't need a hybrid camera as I don't do video at all. I love shooting with off camera strobes but have no issue shooting in ambient light if needed.
If the Z6iii doesn't appear I'll look at going used with the Z6ii and will sell off the original Z6's and perhaps the Z7. IMHO the Z8 and Z9 appear to be amazing cameras but for my needs, I just don't need that much camera - if that makes sense.
FWIW, I also have a pair of Fuji X-H1's and a variety of X-mount glass. I use the X mount system occasionally for my portrait work but I use them leisurely over my Nikons. The Fuji's are fun to shoot with.
I have Z8 since last week. Previously, I had a Sony a7IV and a Canon R5. I don't like Sony at all. It is like a calculator with a lens. When I compare the Z8 to the R5 (both great cameras), I like the Z8 size more. With R5, I had to use L Bracket. The controls are better on R5 and more intuitive for me. AF in R5 is easier to use, but there are no significant differences in the end. R5 better recognise the subject, but Z8, once it sticks to it, then tracks it better. If photography were my only focus, I would stick with R5 as the results are similar. But the 30-minute video limit turns me out as I shoot interviews occasionally. (that's why I took a Sony A7 IV, but it overheated on the front of the client - 4k 25fps. Sony - never again). Z8 - so far so good. PS. Battery life is better on R5.
Thank you for that - interesting 🙂
Hi..did you find any differences in color renditions? I had a Nikon D750 and now use a A7IV. I don’t like the colors as much as I used to like Nikon’s. The lcd screen of the 4 is the other thing I don’t like about Sony.
@@piyhaw I found Nikon colours more appealing to me, even more than Canon, which till now was my favourite camera (I had several of them, a few DSLRs and Mirrorless - R and R5). Z8 has the same sensor as Z9, and both are a different level of cameras than a7IV. (I know that Sony is making sensors for Nikon, but Nikon is doing something which gives us better results) I don't have Sony anymore, and I don't miss it. The Z8's screen is much better than the a7IV. But Canon's screen is still the best.
@@konradmaximilian3037 Thanks for the response. I thought so. I am contemplating between Z8 and Zf. Did the noise level of Z8 bother you anytime?
@@piyhaw Z8 noise is ok for me. Nothing I am worried about. I think Sony manages it the best, but Z8/Z9 they do very well. I have never used different Nikon cameras, so I don't know how it looks in ZF. You know your needs better than anyone. So check if it fits it. I understand that the Nikon ZF is a recreation camera, and you will probably need to add a grip to make it comfortable. And from what I saw, it can take good photos. Z8 is a workhorse. It is heavier and looks less fancy than ZF, but it does the job. The 45mp sensor is excellent.
I have been thinking about your comments about the Nikon Z lenses. As for character, I suspect Nikon just trusts that folks can either use the FTZ adapter for classic NIKKOR lenses, or go for some 3rd party options such as Voightlander. It is likely that Nikon is being strategic about their research and development resources and focusing (no pun intended) on modern optics for a modern audience. They realize they're competing with smartphones and have to punch up the modern look to compete with people's expectations of extreme high resolution (not that it matters to most photographers). As for the absence of 1.4 professional primes, again I suspect Nikon has a limited budget and need to find the balance between "prosumer" and "wow, it's an F1.2 lens...it must be awesome". Keep in mind, it was only a few years ago when some folks were speculating Nikon would not even survive the transition to mirrorless. Their financials were not good. It would be interesting to sit in on a board meeting to hear their strategic planning, but for now we do have a lot of options between great Nikon DSLRs and Z system.
I really hoped when I got my first Z camera - the Z5 in early 2021 that it wouldn't be long before Sigma or Tamron stepped up with some update of their Art (Sigma) for Z mount and F1.4's. Sadly this hasn't happened and doesn't look like it will. So I use my elderly but character F lenses on an adapter (whose images are now starting to look noticably not sharp compared to more modern lenses) or choose between a prosumer F1.8S lens or sell body parts for a F1.2 which actually I won't as couldn't walk around 9/10 hours at a wedding with one of those anyway.
I had a Sony A7iii for 2019 and 2020 and love their G lenses - think I mentioned that in the vid. So now literally just bought a A7iv and 35 F1.4 Gm lens to use alongside the Nikon stuff and see how it compares. The A7mark4 looks on paper to be a smaller Z8 with lots of upgrades from the m3 I had. I'll certainly be doing a video soon !
@@CreativePixelPhotos I recently sold both of my a7iii and purchased two D850s used (one for me, one for my wife). I have a mix of older Nikon F lenses, some AF D primes, an AF-S 24-70mm f2.8 (on loan from a friend), and the Tamron 35mm F1.4 that I adore. My friend loaning me the 24-70 is a lens nerd who constantly tests lenses. One thing he noticed (he now shoots A7R5) is how the build quality of the Sony GM just isn't up to the historical standard of Nikon lenses (like that 24-70). But I think Nikon and others have all bowed to market pressures, so if folks are buying new mirrorless kit they just should not expect the longevity of classic gear. For my part, I love love love the D850 (after shooting a7iii for 4 years). I'm proudly going backwards without apology hahah. Keep up the good work, Allen!
@@CreativePixelPhotos you can use sony lens with your z8 /z6II with megadap etz21 adapter ( it´s very very thin and just 20 gr weight )
The best thing about Nikon & cannon is their legacy dslr lenses. If you are not shooting video & fine with adapting the F mount lenses, you can't beat Nikon z system a & it's legacy lens collection. The value for money for the f mount f1.4 lenses in the used market are insane. Nikon's f1.4 lenses for the F mount have more character than any f.14 lenses Sony has ever made for the e mount. It's not even close. Nikon f1.2 lenses are similarly in price & weight compared to canon counter parts. I am not sure about Sony is doing it right. Sony's only 50mm f1.2 (which is small & bit wider than a true 50mm & it has heaps of lens breathing) is priced similarly to Canon & Nikon 50mm f1.2 lenses. Most f1.4 lenses are now old & priced similarly to 1.4 lenses of F mount. Only thing going Sony is that they have a full stack of 3rd party f1.4 lenses. Sigma has said that they will release those f1.4 lenses for the Z mount.
The only prime lens for the Z mount that peak my interest is 135 f.18s, it's one of the best lenses Nikon has ever made. There's nothing like in any other system. Yes it's extremely expensive & I might have to wait for a long time to buy that lens second handed for a bargain price.
You comment about removing mode dial is almost a deal breaker for me. I hope they keep it in Z6III. I really hope Nikon releases lens adapter with a motor for screwdriver af lenses.
Nothing is straightforward is it. I do love the Z8 except the lack of mode dial and the weird shutter sound. I do love the character of the F mount 1.4's but with every passing year I notice more the softness. I used the Sigma 40mm 1.4Art lens for a while but after 5 hours of hauling that around at a wedding had to switch to a 35 f1.4. I'd expect Nikon Z F1.2's to be the same. My clients and the wedding market in general seem to be looking for the modern, crisp look so I feel I'm reluctantly being dragged in that direction. Hence the Sony thoughts.
I still have a D700 and will keep my D780 for eternity and for my own use love old D lenses. Four years ago when I first got the Sony A7iii I hated how small it was - now I wouldn't even notice. Thanks for your comment and best wishes Allen
w all the hypes ,only Apsc w high price tag vs Sony new compact Full frame 61mp