Is it a D850!? Is it a Z9!? No! It is the new, the exciting, highly anticipated Nikon Z8! The perfect follow-up to the Nikon Z9 and the true successor to the D850, the Nikon Z8 is a feature-rich full-frame mirrorless camera packed in a 30% smaller body. The definition of versatile agility, the Z8 is ready for action in the field, the studio, the street, at a ceremony or on-set, and begs the question, is the Nikon Z8 a smaller, lighter version of the popular Nikon Z9? The short answer is yes!
The Nikon Z8 is equipped with a fast processor and a stabilized 45-megapixel sensor proven to provide excellent results with lightning-fast speed and an advanced autofocus system. With Nikon’s powerful EXPEED 7 image processing engine at its core, plus a scan rate so fast that no mechanical shutter is needed, the configuration is completely silent, with virtually no rolling shutter distortion. Other favourite flagship features include the truly blackout-free Real-live viewfinder and internal 12-bit RAW video recording in a variety of formats and frame rates while adding more new features for portrait photographers. The Z8 brings together speed and precision like no other thanks to deep learning technology from Nikon’s most powerful and precise AF system. Focus is immediately responsive and reliable, with functions such s as fully Auto-Area AF, Nikon’s acclaimed 3D tracking and a fully customizable Wide Area AF. All of these functions take advantage of the enhanced Subject Detection which recognizes humans, pets, birds, trains, cars, motorbikes and bicycles, and now various types of airplanes.
The video capture quality of the Z8 is also drool-worthy, allowing 8.3K in N-RAW up to 60P. The resolution and freedom provided by 8K 60P (N-RAW) and 8K 30P allow users a professional level of consistency, control and practicality when editing footage. The expansive 4K UHD video options allow for a multitude of video options from cinematic to slow motion, ranging from oversampled 24p/30p, all the way to 120p with sound. It can record up to approximately 125 min. in 4K UHD/60P and up to approximately 90 min. in 8K UHD/30P. The Z8 is capable of a diverse mix of productions, enhancing the process from capture to post by providing cleaner files from a variety of frame rates and resolutions. Its small size also makes it perfect for gimbal use, but also suitable as an A-cam for longer events such as weddings or documentaries. The Z8 also features two USB-C ports which are dedicated to charging (PD) and communication for accessories, further opening options for a truly modular configuration to fit any production. It also utilizes a full-size HDMI, minimizing the use of adaptors.
The Nikon Z8 is a powerful combination of the latest hardware and thoughtfully curated features to help make any creative dream a reality. The 45.7-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor combined with the EXPEED 7 Imaging engine can render incredible image quality, stellar colours, fantastic dynamic range and high-speed calculations up to 120 cycles, even in low light with minimal noise. Burst speeds range from 20 fps full-res RAW+JPEG, 30 fps full-res JPEG, 60 fps DX-format JPEG, or 120 fps as 11 mp JPEG. Users can now shoot in a 10-bit HEIF image file, while 14-bit RAW image file formats include the proven high-efficiency RAW format, plus a new HLG RAW option for use on compatible devices. Features specifically for portrait photographers include a Portrait Impression Balance function for precise control of skin tone accuracy, in addition to a new Skin Softening function and improved white balance. A truly blackout-free Quad-VGA viewfinder provides a clear especially when shooting at 120 fps. The Z8 also has the same 3.2” horizontal and vertical tilting four-axis touchscreen LCD as the Z9, which enables creative composition from any angle. Vibration Reduction image stabilization has been enhanced with Synchro VR to achieve up to 6.0 stops of compensation with compatible lenses.
The Z8 is fully sealed and gasketed for ultimate dust and drip resistance and it can be operated down to -10°C (14°F). It’s been built with new pro-grade carbon fibre composite and magnesium alloy to reduce weight and enhance durability. It’s easy to capture in low light environments, with illuminated buttons, a warm display colour option, low viewfinder brightness adjustments, and Starlight View which enables focusing down to -9 EV. The Z8 is powered by the EN-EL15C battery, features USB-C charging, plus the optional vertical grip allows for two batteries. Instead of two CF Express cards, it takes one CF-Express Type B and one SD UHS-II.
Overall, the Z8 is an extraordinary hybrid camera offering powerful still and video performance comparable to the Z9, while also being smaller and priced significantly lower! Click here to pre-order the Nikon Z8!
Watch our hands-on review:
Featured in this blog:
