First Week With The Z8: Don't Buy One Until You See THIS!

I've had the Z8 for just over a week and there is a LOT to talk about! With the shipment date getting closer all the time, here's what YOU need to know before your camera arrives!
In this video, I'll talk about how the Z8 has performed over the past week or so, as well as spill the beans on AF tests, buffer tests, and battery tests! If you're thinking about a Z8, this is the ONE video you absolutely must see!
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[@forgedfromfreedom]

Finally a Z8 review that’s not casting for clickbait and sensationalism. Thank you!

[@MyAmericanMorning]

Good to hear that my preordered Z8 is exactly what I hoped for. I rented the Z9 a year ago and loved it, but wanted a smaller body, so I waited.

[@jackshepherd6276]

No surprises there for me. This is the camera I've been waiting for since it was announced. Battery life is taken care of with a stack of 15C's that I have for the Z6II and the other issues really don't bother me. Thanks for a great and informative video Steve...👌

[@andhib]

Same. I'd rather carry a couple of spare EN-EL15c in a pouch for quick change. Camera is lighter without grip. Great review Steve.

[@ElmaEnaguas]

@@andhibbought it!🎉

[@barrakelmahmoud]

I'm mainly an event photographer and went from a Z6 (used since it was released) till last week and got the Z8 and boy, I'm in love!

[@randyschwager2515]

Thanks Steve! You are the only one I trust on these reviews! You call it the way it is! Thanks for taking me along!

[@dontoothaker8567]

Outstanding review. I got my hands on the body last weekend and I LOVED the feel of it. I LOVE my Z9 but in a world where I want to travel lighter, I am VERY attracted to the lower profile of this camera body! Thank you for such a great open review!

[@wilteduk007]

Thanks Steve, A lot of what people wanted to hear. I'll have mine this week and a busy weekend ahead with it.

[@terrywbreedlove]

As a D850 shooter. I think these cameras in this same range are about perfect for me. My shooting is wildlife and scenics did and a little street.

[@MoalemTeacher]

Once again Steve, thanks for your objectivity, expert knowledge, and pedagogy in explaining complex things in a simple way. Your books are a must read and videos a must watch for those who are serious about photography in general and the wildlife genre in particular. Keep up the good work!

[@TerryKontopoulos]

Once more you have the best non nuances hands on review from ANYBODY in KZbin! Thank you Steve!!!

[@markusdrumm9220]

Thank you, Steve. Great teaser for the camera. Can't wait to get mine and will make sure to get your Z9 &Z8 book. BTW, I loved your Secrets to the NIkon AF system.

[@ClearSkies404]

Thank you so much for this worthful information. I'm really excited to hear more on the z8.

[@jamesgolando8862]

Thanks for the response Steve, I was leaning that way!

[@sturek]

Your videos and books have helped me improve quite a bit, thank you and keep up the great content!!

[@Kampani_2024]

As always Steve is the best teacher!

[@jurrydevries4006]

I’m shooting the Z8 for 3 months now and I agree: a perfect allround camera. Yeah some minor trade-offs but all in all I am really happy with mine

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

Great video Steve , nice solid info ! Thank you ! I preordered mine in the morning of launch

[@JohanSchmidt]

Steve - you're a treasure - thanks for all this information.

[@jss27560]

Your views are always worth watching

[@jdparadigm430]

Main reason why im learning on this. Same habit as I always turn off the camera when on idle mode or waiting for my next shot. The response time when turning on is instant like dslr compare to other mirrorless brand :)

[@ernie28ernie]

Hi Steve, thank you for your expertise, tests and honest review!

[@Photojouralist123]

I booked 2 can't wait

[@ottokruse7472]

Thank you. I appreciate your videos, to the point and covering exactly what I needed to know about this new camera (without camera specs that are easily looked up on the Nikon website).

[@brianlemke6017]

Thank you for testing AF speed on the 500mm pf lens with the adapter. I’m migrating upward to the Z8 from my D850 - the Z8 looks like the “Z850” I’ve been waiting for - and, before I picked up my OM1 + 150-400 4.5TC combo, the D850 + 500 pf was my primary bird and wildlife kit. It will be interesting to compare the Z8 against my OM1 for birds and wildlife. I find the OM1 to be a fantastic camera, except in very low light where the sensor can’t match my full frame. Great job as always Steve - and I’m ordering your Z9/Z8 book.

[@robdixon5016]

As always an informative and well done video. Great photos as usual!

[@lauramacky4083]

Thank you. Helpful! I’m looking forward to the z8 as I couldn’t handle the z9.

[@bryceacd]

As always, thank you for this!

[@orangecow20]

Ok!.. that did it for me. I shoot birds with a D500 and I love it. After being educated by you I placed the order.

[@backcountrygallery]

My Z8 and Z8 guide is now available at the link below. bcgwebstore.com/product/the-ultimate-nikon-z9-setup-shooting-guide-for-wildlife-photography/

[@kjb_tennessee]

I’ve decided it’s time to upgrade from the D500 and the Z8 is on order. Thanks for the videos.

[@stripes_in_raw]

I booked this exact combo...Z8+Z400mm f4.5. Can't wait for it.... Also eagerly waiting for the AF setup for this 🙏🏽

[@scotttucker9613]

Very simple solution for buffer for “backup” shooters: set to overflow, but use the internal file copy feature in the menu to periodically back your CF ExpressCard up to SD, that way you are maximizing buffer AND routinely keeping your files backed up. The back up is quite fast.

[@csc-photo]

This is ideal, thanks! And for paid event gigs, I’ll just write RAW + JPEG for instant backup, since I don’t need the endless buffer in that scenario 👍🏻

[@lennyvlaminov9480]

Good point!

[@siras2]

Quick question: Do you know whether this feature is z8/z9 specific, or is it available on the z7ii too ? If so I haven't found it, yet.

[@scotttucker9613]

@@siras2 On Z9 it's under Playback, very bottom option is "copy image(s)". I want to say it was on the Z7ii as well.

[@stuartwarmsley3692]

assume this cannot work for video?

[@ambrosechiu2338]

thanks Steve, i have placed order to upgrade my D7100 that i bought in year 2014 to this Z8. I do shoot birds most of the time plus insects, sunrise, sunset and milky way. this Z8 is perfect to me. i got F mount Nikkor 50mm F1.8 and Sigma 150-600mm Contemporary to start with the Z8 and will wait for discount on Z 14-24mm, Z 85mm f1.2 and Z 70-200mm plus 2xTC.

[@mikephotos225]

As a sports shooter, I appreciate that the Z8 has the SD card. When you're trading out cards for people who are doing media posts of a game in progress, everyone has the capability to read an SD card but those having the ability to read a CFE card is a much smaller group.

[@JensErikThyholdt]

Thanks! Glad I ordered it then 😀

[@johnredrup1036]

Thanks Steve, excellent info as usual. My Z8 should be here within a few weeks.

[@mzeeshanch]

Thanks a million for the awesome video... As always... I have been looking for someone to do the focus speed test... And you did it... Thanks a million once again for the information and effort you have put in the video...

[@raytariss1]

Excellent and informative video as always! Love your passion, enthusiasms and skills!!!

[@amitdutta8768]

Excellent and precise review. Thanks Steve.

[@JDLVHIGHROLLER]

Bought the book, can’t wait for your update.

[@charlesaeneas]

Thanks Steve. So glad to hear this as I've already bought one (shoukld arrive in a week or two) 🙂

[@axelgraneskog]

So good info as always! I'm waiting for my order to arrive 😍

[@jamesgolando8862]

Steve, another very informative video. Looking forward to the detailed set-up video for the Z8!

[@jackjericho]

That 400 4.5 on the Z8 looks nice and light, can't wait to try this combo out!

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

You wildlife photographers have an odd sense of the word, "light". 💪💪💪 For portraits, the Z7II and 85mm f/1.8 are light!

[@Walkinginthewoods]

Thanks very much Steve. Very useful information.

[@SolamenteVees]

Thank you for this hands-on, practical deep-dive. I'm still waiting for Nikon to deliver on the promise on their 200-600.

[@jumpingman6612]

The price on this lens will be interesting

[@mike.stefan]

Lens coming in August!

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Thank you so much for this meaningful review, Steve. First of its kind for me.

[@bisibela2701]

fantastic review ; the books steve has written on wildlife photography are a must read .. absolute gems!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@thormh]

Great video as usual Steve! I like that you are showing us the test methods you are using, it gives a good understanding on how it will perform in the field. I must say the Z8 is temptingas a backup camera for my Z9, but as for now I use my Z9 all time so it is hard to see where I would use the Z8. Though it is good to see Nikon really stepping up the game. Again thank you Steve!

[@cyrilhamel8289]

As always, an excellent review !! 😊

[@highdynamicphotographyfilm2235]

Can wait to get mine, I already have Z9 and I have been waiting for baby Z9 & Nikon Delivered it.

[@afryhover]

That's a dream setup. Thanks for making this, well done 👍👍

[@Jviotr]

It’s a little crazy when you consider reviewers already say the Z9 competes very well against the Sony A1, for less, and now you have the Z8 which should also compete against the A1 for $3999. Nikon is being very aggressive, even if it means they will be selling many less Z9s now.

[@backcountrygallery]

They really have been aggressive. I feel like they could have gotten a lot more for the Z9 and it's probably more for this one too. To get a stack sensor at this price is fantastic.

[@sinetwo]

Don't forget the price of equivalent lenses. You can get a used f mount 400mm 2.8 for 1/5th of a Sony equivalent. Sony lenses are *extremely* cost prohibitive, and whilst they are releasing a 300 2.8 soon, it won't be cheap.

[@tomg6286]

Looking forward to Full Review. Thanks for the update

[@hikhatri903]

Had been waiting for your video on Z8. Booking mine soon😅

[@MrRudyc]

Always informative. You are a great teacher and photographer. Thanks for your hard work and dedication.

[@barryinn1778]

He needs to talk a little faster, lol

[@lennyvlaminov9480]

Great upload Steve, as a Z9 owner this video hurts a bit; read: money & weight. I comfort myself with the fact that the Z9 is a far better door stopper.. Keep it up man ❤

[@SundayRacers]

Great video again Steve. I always heard (and never really believed) the theory that the pro bodies had some effect on focus on big glass, due to the extra power from the larger battery. Glad you've put that one to bed

[@backcountrygallery]

I can't speak for all pro bodies but in this case I don't see any difference.

[@victorguardia8272]

Man you really know how to teach!! 👏🏻🙌🏻

[@rubendarilov]

Great video!!. Thank you for sharing!. As for the battery, let's hope Nikon will come up with a newer and upgraded one to replace the EN-EL15C. I'm definitely getting this camera as soon as I get a chance!

[@roastedlion1]

Thank you for the video. Just love it. Very informative. I learned a lot from your book. Hope you will have video about Fujifilm cameras.

[@ericsmith9777]

Again, great presentation Steve.......

[@aprilcampbell1244]

Wonderful work. You are a truly gifted teacher. Some of my Yale professors could’ve learned a lot from you on how to connect with students.

[@backcountrygallery]

Wow, thank you!

[@cryptographerchris4856]

Informative as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@BobG-eh5fc]

Thanks for your honest review!!!

[@Mike-126]

Excellent info. I have one on preorder.

[@russozard2626]

Hi, thanks for a very good review. I’ll be purchasing one shortly

[@lukes5533]

Thanks Steve for your accurate information. 👍

[@davidcox2499]

Best bang for the buck: Reviews by Steve Perry. Well done and very trustworthy.

[@Ben_Stewart]

I love my 400mm f4.5 with the 1.4X tele. Remarkably light weight.

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always 👍🤗

[@anasan4]

Marvelous, trusted absolutely

[@enigmabletchley6936]

Great intro to the camera, Steve!

[@KevinNordstrom]

Nice video steve. Z8 looks like a banger of a camera. I know the spot youre at :30 I love that whole area for photography. Im there nearly every week. Take care and stay safe out there bro. Happy birding.

[@danielng5903]

Good morning Steve . Thanks for sharing . 🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙

[@sonulukose]

Completed my pre-order. Will be a huge upgrade for me, as I was waiting for a great economic mirror-less from by DSLRs(5300, d500) and 200-500mm, 500PF.. Getting an ftz and another 15c as well..! That would give me 3 extra batteries as I already have extra 15c..! Cheers to you and waiting for your tips for setting up for birding using the z8..!!

[@richarddenise3886]

Very cool. Thanks.

[@michaeldreese4979]

Very informative video, Steve! I already purchased the Z9 book (have read it twice now) and will be purchasing the Nikon autofocus book in the near future. Have already preordered the Z8 and I know I will hit the ground running because of your informative and well presented setup guide. You are a gifted and talented teacher who is a great asset to the community of wildlife shooters. Keep up the great work!

[@ajh5124]

Sounds like a good camera. Love my D500 so won’t be changing anytime soon.

[@angeloplayforone]

Great review.

[@longrider9551]

I dont shoot Nikon but if you do this is the guy with the truth, looks to me like a top tier camera and I could care less what others on tubeyou say

[@uaebifvideo5472]

Thank you for the information!!

[@rayrozema5960]

Thanks for the info very useful

[@lsaideOK]

Excellent review. My second card is always in overflow and I don't mind changing batteries so those are not issues for me. I don't specialize in wildlife photography. I do lots of landscapes, urban street stuff, macro, etc. as well. Sounds like a great camera for an eclectic shooter like myself. Using a d610 and d500 right now.

[@BowlesImages]

Great video, Steve. While largely as expected, it's great to hear specifics.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks Eric :)

[@Hrishi1970]

Very compelling review! 😊

[@khfishn]

Great video Steve! I have already preordered the Z8 and your book. I only wish the title of the video would have been "If you've already ordered the Z8 you'll be glad you did"

[@backcountrygallery]

Ahh, that would have been good :)

[@tomfranic]

🤣

[@sinetwo]

Steve, your content is really good and we always look forward to seeing your videos. I would absolutely love to see a head to head tracking/acquisition test between R5, Z8 and A1 - I hear so many conflicting opinions about the AF system for all three cameras, it would be great to put that discussion to rest.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

The discussion will never be put to rest. The internet prohibits that! 🤣

[@ElmaEnaguas]

I tried R6 II against this. Nikon has more keeper photos. Even my z6II is better than R6 II in terms of keeper photos.

[@juju691]

Awesome review 👍👍

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Thanks Steve -- great to hear your Z9 is back. Agree - the SD card throttles and twin CFE would have been better for a $4k body. NEVER EVER use SD on backup. The fastest OWC V90 achieves 276 MB/s --vs-- Delkin Black 650GB CFExpress-B at 1530 = so less than 1/5th the speed. So not for me except overflow and copy back-up if I need to. Compare the Z8 to other split 2 card bodies - all have the same issue with the slowness of the card in the SD slot. Turn the Brightness of the EVF/LCD down by -1 or -2 to save battery a bit still very bright. AF speed -- perfect results for the lenses I use.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

A lot of photographers who will want features in the Z8 will be fine with the performance of the SD card. It seems that so many consider their use case as what everyone needs.

[@CelsoMollo]

Thanks!

[@plantman6245]

Hi nice post thank u. Z8 is $6K in Australia. D500 is $900 for excellent condition second hand. So we pay additional $5K for another 10 vs 20 FPS, moderately higher ISO capability and eye detection AF. For us bird shooters where reach is paramount unless money no object I’ll be sticking with d500 for while and I know most by Birdo friends doing same here in Oz

[@Bikash_Jana]

Excellent Video..waiting for detailed review..thanks

[@gyalbobhutia2825]

Thanks, for this Video, I am contemplating to upgrade my z6II as I have a 500 PF lens and 100-400z, I am a serious wildlife hobbyist.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

You seem to have the easiest contemplation in the comments.

[@micha0001]

I think, I´ll stay with my complete F-Gear. D810, 24-70/2.8, 70-200/2.8, 200-500/5.6, nifty fifty and my good old F3. They work, they do, what I want from them. That´s fine with me. 😊

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

While the concerns with the card and battery are valid for some full-time pros, I think the Z8 using the SD card and EN-EN15c makes more sense for the semi-pro and enthusiast photographers. The Z8 gives two additional options for power, the vertical grip and the USB-C-PD port. Perhaps output to a SSD via the other USB-C will be added in firmware. And if a photographer really needs the dual-CFE cards or the EN-EL18 battery, there's a solution for them.

[@jthomas4859]

My Z6 with a 24-70 f/4 used just 4% battery in 5 hours, with the display timed out and just sitting on a table. So I rarely turn off the power switch, I just let it time out to a blank screen and then press any key to wake it up. (But for your wildlife photography, you probably don't like timed screen timeouts.)

[@joanneabramson2645]

For those of us that are happily using a Nikon D500, the advantages of the Nikon Z8 seem to be eye autofocus, increased frame rate, the wysiwyg feature, and, for me, I think I would use the crop DX mode for some of my bird photography, as I am so used to it with the D500. How the Nikon lenses work with the Nikon adaptor is also of interest to me as I have some incredible Nikon lenses, such as the Nikon 105mm DC, which I am in love with, that I want to be able to use on the mirrorless system. So far, as I am thrilled with my Nikon D500, I am going to wait a while and let the inevitable first-year software updates and changes take place before jumping in. Weight wise this camera is far more intriguing than the Z9, as I prefer to handhold to use my 500 zooms . I have been waiting for your first impressions of this camera and will be viewing your upcoming videos. Looking forward to your Z8 photos as well.

[@stavros.fourfourianakis]

Keep in mind that Nikon 105mm DC does not AF with the adapter (as the lens does not have an AF motor as eg an AFS lens). Otherwise, with the lenses that AF with the adapter, usually the results are better and this has to do that usually the need of AF tuning is smaller.

[@joanneabramson2645]

@@stavros.fourfourianakis Thank you for responding. AF is not crucial to me on the 105 DC as I am photographing static subjects. The bokeh it creates is outstanding. I have other Nikon lenses that should make the transition with an adaptor without a problem.

[@mikefarwell460]

nice video steve

[@joshuaconti989]

love the insight. i think the comparison is with the D850- as a D850 shooter the SD/CF fits right into my workflow- I know the dual types isnt ideal for everyone but for a run n gun guy like myself its perfect.

yea if you still have F mount lenses, i want to go for the D850 when i have the money for it. z8 z9 is too expensive for me anyway

d850 euro € 2.899,-