Did the Nikon Z8 Kill My Landscape Photography?

[@jbairdexp]

📷 See the photos from this video in more detail here - julianbaird.com/blog/2023/11/17/did-the-nikon-z8-kill-my-landscape-photography 📷

[@keithwhiting4075]

Welcome back. Good to see you out and about and hope to see more videos.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you!

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Nikon, D850 and I absolutely love that camera but when does Z series came out?…z7 Z7ii I just never warmed to them for some reason (colour and dynamic range) I just didn’t, and then the price in Australia of the Z8 was like $7000. I couldn’t justify and then I picked up a Fuji film XT5 which is smaller lighter bit less dynamic range interestingly enough that made me a better landscape photographer going to crop sensor. I had to work harder to get the right images because I didn’t have the dynamic range anyone that’s ever gone from full frame to crop sensor would know this….. I’ve happened I truly fell in love with Fuji colours and anyone that uses Fuji camera will know what I’m talking about. I missed the dynamic range after a while with certain scenes so now I’ve ended up with a GFX 50s ii and for landscape photography. I absolutely love it. I’ve only had it two weeks and it is my dream camera now I will be committed to the system and I just feel with the Nikon Z8 is way overpriced and it wasn’t a major leap forward from the D850….. Issue is that the D850 was so good you could’ve stuck with that be a landscape for you for the rest of your life and you would’ve been happy. I’m also an addiction counsellor for 13 years and I understand the psychological impacts of things that we go through. It might be a relationship or it might be old but this can impact the way we do things. I’m glad you’ve recovered I too suffered something about a year ago, and I went through a very similar period face something our life that knocks is down but if you can get back up and get back out there a lot of good. Great job.

[@jbairdexp]

That's the great thing about the camera market...there are so many choices out there that there is a camera for everyone! The world would be boring if we all took pictures with the same camera. :-)

[@nevvanclarke9225]

This is so true and a very good point that you've made

[@kghareeb]

Julian, It’s great to hear that you are in control and in a happier place. The images here are really beautiful, and keep them vlogs coming!

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you for your support! :-)

[@lightsandtones]

Good to see you back behind the camera, Julian! We have all been there. Real life can have a huge effect on our photography. I myself haven't produced a single video for four months. I'm glad it sorted out for you and hope we can see more quality content like this very soon.

[@jbairdexp]

I can promise you content, but only you can judge if it's quality! lol I hope you get back to vidoe making soon. :-)

[@alyamaut]

Great,thanks fo the info, question when you take a picture in any aperture do you use the hyperfocal for focusing or just focus on the subject,in this case the water? Muchas gracias 🤘

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks. I just focus on the subject - which is arguably the most important thing to be sharp. At f/11 or f/13, this renders everything else reasonably sharp. :-)

[@alyamaut]

@@jbairdexp thanks a lot for your time,un abrazo 🤘

[@robroyig-robroyphotography9225]

Thank you for sharing Julian, my heart goes out to whatever it was that caused your world to go upside down, and hope each day gets better. I appreciate you candid, honest approach to photography, and it is that passion which draws me to watch your videos, as I am sure it is the same with others. You said it on one of your other videos, it is about getting out and getting a composition in, taking the shot, the experience. But I also love the tech stuff too.. :-). Keep doing what you are doing

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much for your support! It's comments like that one that keep me motivated to produce videos! :-)

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Hi Julian, I’m not a regular viewer of your videos but it’s good to see a new video by you pop up again!

[@jbairdexp]

Hey Tim, I always appreciate the support no matter if you watch one or all of them! Cheers :-)

[@cynical1952]

Good to see you back and thank you for your honesty. I have just bought the Z8 and now want to get the 14 - 30 to go with my 24 - 200 and 100 - 400. Keep doing what you do Julian 🙂

[@marcusgrandon3640]

Wow! I'm pretty excited too becuase I just ordered a Z8 with the 14-30, 24-120, and 100-400

[@jbairdexp]

That's a cracking Nikon Z setup - you've got it all covered there. :-)

[@jbairdexp]

Another great Nikon Z kit list!!! :-)

[@nigelmorley8092]

Very honest video Julian and some lovely shots. Great to see you back out there. I have been through my own journey where I have only just picked back up my camera after about 2-3 years..I had (and loved) my KZbin channel and even got 270k views on one of them with lots of nice feedback but just stepped away from it. I always loved where I ended up (Scottish Highlands, Lakes, Skye etc) but for whatever reasons the "process" just stopped inspiring me along with other reasons...Life is never a straight road and so glad to see you're back in the saddle and even if it's less often we have to do what makes us happy ! I found this video as I am contemplating (finally) going mirrorless and your Z8 video (and others like Tom H) are making me contemplate getting the Z8 to re-inspire me ! Culling a load of gear and getting back to a great camera and say 2 lenses and hitting the hills really appeals a lot to me...Have a great Christmas

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you Nigel. You're so right, life is never a straight road and inspiration comes and goes! The Z8 is a fine camera, and if you do decide to go down the mirrorless road, I doubt you'll be disappointed. Thanks again for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. :-)

[@rodza23]

Welcome back, Julian. I always enjoy your videos. Looking forward to the next one.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much for you support. There will be another one along soon! :-)

[@davidthompson8153]

Great to have you back Julian and sorry for your difficult times. Life is never easy and when I was in a bit of a dark place my photography actually carried me through it. Being good for both physical and mental health. Going to pull the trigger on the Z8 I think and have a trip to Dartmoor next month so your videos are very inspirational, keep them coming. You take care mate.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks so much David, I really appreciate the support. Congrats on your future Z8 purchase. I hope you have an amazing time on Dartmoor when you visit. :-)

[@andrewlunn]

Sorry to hear of your news Jules but always great to see your videos pop up. Hope you get back to creating and sharing more moving forward pal

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks mate, I appreciate that. I've got my motivation back now, but if you could sort out the weather for me that would amazing! lol

[@craigcarlson4022]

Julian, Good to see you back and sharing your thoughts and experiences. All the best sorting through the life changes.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you Craig. :-)

[@carletonlong3374]

Glad to see you back

[@jbairdexp]

It's good to be back! :-)

[@GingerPhotographer]

Great to see you back on track, you've certainly been active on strava! 😊

[@jbairdexp]

Cheers mate! I think I substituted one addiction for another! lol

[@GingerPhotographer]

@jbairdexp I tend to photograph a lot less these days - biking kinda takes over everything! Will get out more with the camera soon!

[@DavidCourtenay]

Glad to see you back, We have all been there and i found photography a great way to get thru the hard times

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you David, it's good to be back! :-)

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

Greag video and photos. Nice you are back 🙂👍

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you! :-)

[@stigfloberghagenphotography]

@@jbairdexp 👍

[@BosePhotography]

Really nice to see you back Jules, and glad to hear you’re doing ok mate. Some lovely images too! S

[@jbairdexp]

Cheers Sam! I'm getting back to watching videos as well. Need to watch your last three to catch up on what you've been up to. :-)

[@marcusgrandon3640]

1Great to watch, Juilian. You're a great inspiration!

[@jbairdexp]

That's most kind of you to say. Thank you. :-)

[@andrewjamieson8876]

Excellent video and Images Julian!! Great to see you back onward and upwards 🙂

[@jbairdexp]

Onwards and upwards..exactly!! :-)

[@keithpinn152]

Hi Julian: I am glad to see that you are creating some new videos. Keep well . . . Keith

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Keith, always nice to read a comment from you. :-)

[@laurencedunkley8097]

Good to see you back 'on the tube' ! Good luck tomorrow with the Kase workshop, weather might be challenging, sadly didn't make the draw !

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks! Unfortunately the Kase workshop was postponed because of the weather :-(

[@peterobinson5465]

Julian I am really glad to see you out with your camera again ,,I know exactly where you are coming from ,as really struggling myself at the moment .Because of something that happened to me this year .Seeing you out with your camera and enjoying Dartmoor, my special place is pushing me out the door ..Thank you for posting this video .

[@jbairdexp]

Hey Pete, so sorry to read you're having some challenges and struggling this year. Hopefully you've got a got a good support network to help you and that you make the time to get out to your special place. :-)

[@paulowen5539]

Great to see you back!!!!

[@jbairdexp]

Great to be back Paul! :-)

[@wellwhatthen10101]

Great to see you back on the scene Julian no rush mate take it easy. Dartmoor always looks good in any weather

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much. Dartmoor's character changes with the weather. :-)

[@shaunjackson1210]

As a beginner photographer your video's have always been inspiring. Great to see you back Julian and enjoying your photography.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Shaun and glad I've been able to provide you with a little inspiration for your photography :-)

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

Great to see you back in the saddle buddy ! I’ve just had the z8 for 2 weeks and it’s a good piece of kit 🎉

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks mate. As you know it's not been an easy time but it's so good to be back. Going to get back into watching videos as well and I can't wait to see you Z8 video! :-) Never thought you'd move from Canon!

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

@@jbairdexphell will freeze over first mate 😂😂 #canon4life :-) only had it to try out

[@jbairdexp]

@@DarrenJSpoonley Boo, I'm not watching your video now! lol Just joking, will be interested to hear your thoughts on the best camera in the world lol ;-)

[@DarrenJSpoonley]

@@jbairdexp lol To be fair it is a phenomenal camera and it impressed me in many ways ! I never thought those words would ever leave my fingertips but they have :-)

[@davidtaylor8724]

Great to see you back taking photos, I missed your content too. On a more serious note great to see you on the up again ❤

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much David. :-)

[@G0FUW]

Good to se eyou back on top form Julian. Was good to see you at Fotofest too. What an inspiring day that was! Thanks for sharing and looking forward to the next one.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks and yes, Fotofest was excellent wasnt it. It gets better every year. :-)

[@keithdaniel264]

Sorry to hear youve been through a bit of a rough patch in your life.I've missed your videos so looking forward to more videos in the future.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Keith! :-)

[@SteveMorris1964]

Great video Julian, your excitement and enthusiasm was shining through in the video and it was good to see. The sunrise on the cloud cover looked epic and you got some great shots throughout the day. I had a similar problem when I purchased the Z9, my photography just seemed to tail off and I lost all motivation, but I have the bug back now and looking to get out and about again and I have a fantastic trip already planned for the Faroe Islands in April next year, take care and will be looking forward to seeing more videos from you soon mate.

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Steve. Glad my enthusiasm came through in the video. Good to hear that you've got the bug back and that you are going to the Faroe Island....very jealous! Have an epic trip!

[@alanpinn2266]

Great to see you out again Julian! Hope you're well and ready to 'grab the bull by the horns' with your photography. Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@jbairdexp]

As soon as I find a bull I'll do just that! lol Thanks Alan :-)

[@rocketmanab]

I find sometimes I go thru long stretches where I have zero desire to do photography...I have no explanation for it. It used to bother me, (like Oh no, I've spent all this money on gear and now I'm not into it anymore...) but I've realized that's just how I am, and I'll get inspired again eventually. Good to see you back out there!

[@jbairdexp]

That's pretty well much how I felt! Thanks for sharing that :-)

[@LenCarey]

Good to see you back out again Julian. I live in Plymouth so love seeing your Dartmoor images. Please keep them coming 👍

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks Len, that's all the encouragement I need! :-)

[@typhoon-7]

Great to see you happy. I didn't know you'd been struggling but I hope you have your mojo back now. You're too good at what you do not to do it. Enjoy it and don't put yourself under pressure. Take care.

[@jbairdexp]

That's so kind of you to say. It certainley feels like I've got my mojo back! :-)

[@dansouth2088]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you Dan! Hope you have a great 2024!

[@robertdavis1255]

Thanks for sharing your story and comments..... great results with this camera & lens combination..... keep up the good work.... cheers from Australia 🦘🦘😊

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you and always nice to read a comment from Australia! :-)

[@tomaszstramel3594]

Crazy weather, beautiful light, a nice opportunity to go out and see the glory of nature in general - good to see you back, Julian!

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you, it's great to be back! :-)

[@anthonyhedger4301]

Hey Julian. Good to see you buddy. I hope all is good with you? Lovely photos my friend

[@jbairdexp]

Cheers Tony - Yes, all good now thanks. Hope you are keeping well also.

[@bryanspark]

Great to see you back Julian, enjoy your new toy

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you! :-)

[@edwardekman9832]

Julian, glad you are doing well and back out doing photography. I like your channel.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much. :-)

[@CookedLight]

What a coincidence, the last two days I have meant to look up your channel to check if YT wasn’t showing me your uploads! Glad your images were worth the drenching 🥃

[@jbairdexp]

Well, here I am now!! :-) Yes, they definately were worth a bit of a soaking. lol

[@SimonBurnCreative]

Good to hear things are back on track Julian, life stuff does have an annoying habit of knocking us down once in a while. 🙂

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks mate. As long as we get back up that's the main thing eh!

[@davem3925]

I can see the excitement and energy in your face Julian. Please know that you’re not alone in stuff. It was great watching this video. So good to see you at your fav place. Life eh ..? Hang in there Sir😊. As ever, thanks for the inspiration. Dave

[@jbairdexp]

Thanks so much Dave! I appreciate the support and if I can provide a little inspiration then it's all good. :-)

[@MrSte007]

Good to see you back ! Life can throw a lot at us, I find photography good for the head - at least getting out - even if you don’t get a shot getting up and out for a sun rise is a sense of achievement and no else is up an annoying you . Good to be out , good to see you back ! Get back to doing what u enjoy ….don’t put your self under pressure for video ..shoot and enjoy! Good to see you back .👍🇮🇪

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you so much. I agree, there is something special about getting up for sunrise isn't there. Always good to be out and sometimes you just need to relax and enjoy being outdoors. :-)

[@jimwlouavl]

Glad to hear you’re doing better. It seems that some artists create their way out of adversity. I have always been one to create more when I am attuned to beauty and grace.

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you. I'm more in the camp of being creative when I'm in a good place. :-)

[@TMORAN1140]

Thank you Julian for your frankness, we all missed you. . In the meantime we all wish you good health and peace in your life

[@jbairdexp]

And thank you again! :-)

[@PrinceJvstin]

Take care, and be well

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you. :-)

[@eltinjones4542]

Great to see you back. Making videos isn't easy, not withstanding what life throws up at you 📷👍

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you! Life is full of ups and downs isn't it! :-)

[@TMORAN1140]

Thank you Julian we all missed you. In the meantime we all wish you good health and peace in your life

[@jbairdexp]

Thank you! :-)

[@tomleachphotography1]

Welcome back! Just in time for some early snow? 😂

[@jbairdexp]

lol, if only Tom! :-)

[@tonyhayes9827]

That was a fascinating journey, mainly the part where you lost your inspiration. That's not necessarily a bad thing but might be `just the thing' to gain perspective. More profound than we can ever say of course because every version of this story is personal. We all profess the journey is the thing but not if it's not going anywhere. Perspective plays a big role in helping us see the destination of a journey and when the destination is beautiful the journey is worth it, no matter what. Keep walking.

[@jbairdexp]

Kee walking...enough said. :-)

[@iainmc9859]

Hey, unless photography is your business its something you can put down and pick up when you wish. There's people who say you should just keep shooting even when you don't feel like it ... I ain't in that camp. Whatever comes and goes in your personal life, as choppy as it gets, no matter how seasick you feel, all storms pass. You've just got to keep bailing the lifeboat until you get to port, even if it isn't the port you originally set sail for. Enough metaphor, good luck mate.

[@jbairdexp]

Great metaphor Ian! :-) I also don't agree that you should shoot even when you don't feel like it. Photography should be enjoyed. :-)

[@briw1286]

Your clickbaity title sucked me in, so I suppose it worked. If I might suggest some future titles to do the same: Is my Nikon Z8 a serial killer? The Nikon Z-ate my homework? Did the Z8 cause the apocalypse? etc etc

[@jbairdexp]

I'm sure I could make one of those titles work for a video! lol

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Hi Julian, Glad to see you out and about again. So sorry to hear about your problems. Great images as usual. Look forward to the next one. Take care and look after yourself mate. Catch up with you soon.

[@jbairdexp]

Cheers Tim, that's most kind of you to say. It's great sharing my passion again. :-)