Nikon Z8 Firmware 2.0 Long-Term Review | Nikon's Best?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

This episode is sponsored by Fantom Tracker. Visit store.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN20 for 20% off.

[@NeXMaX]

Regarding 9:00, there's actually an option to make it so that you don't need to hold down the button to make the change. A single button press will allow you to make the change with the rear dial as you see fit when that option is enabled. The option is labeled "f6 - Release button to use dial" in the custom settings menu.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the input.

[@TheVitalishe]

I am glad to see you reviewing Nikon gear.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's been a long time coming, but I do really like the Z8

[@technodronesogxl9783]

Isn't the firmware up to 2.01. Awesome job as always Dustin. I love my Z8 for sure the lens selection and price of 3499.00 did it for me. That 70-200mm F2.8 VR S is the real deal vs my Fuji XH2. I love my 180 600mm telephoto, my Tamron 28-75 F2.8 G2 as well as my 16mm 1.8 lens from Viltrox. Speaking of big, the Z9 looks big, but with both grips, it feels more natural in my hands because of the grips. i do have big hands with a size 14 ring.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

yes on the firmware, but it was 2.0 that was the big update.

[@csc-photo]

17:25 Quick note regarding higher fps (60, 120), this does not hinder autofocus or metering performance in any way. The 60 / 120 limitations are JPG only, 19mp @ 60 fps and 11mp @ 120 fps. Flicker reduction also can’t be enabled at 30 fps and above.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

hmmm, I've seen some conflicting reports on that, but thanks for the input.

[@thisisbenji90]

I agree, mine still focuses and does auto exposure in those modes.

[@nathanielcashjr.732]

Nikon was founded in 1917, Canon in 1937, Fuji Film Co in 1934. Leica in 1913. Is Nikon screw mount backwards or the rest backwards?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair point, though if no one is following, you're not a leader. Not quite sure if it is worth being opposite of everyone over 100 years later just because you were the first.

[@cdavey7654]

Just because they made a mistake back then, doesn't mean they should not have corrected it when introducing a new lens mount. 🙂

[@anulearntech]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Nikon had once in a lifetime chance to fix it, and they still messed it up 😆

[@sequoi_]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I agree, this is just another barrier to future customer conversions.

[@andyqbui]

I'm a wedding photographer, but my Z8 often stays on the shelf, and I think the main reason is its size. Having transitioned from the Sony ecosystem, I’ve grown accustomed to the smaller, more compact form factor. These days, my go-to camera for weddings is the Zf-it's a fun camera to use, and I get a lot of compliments on its vintage aesthetic. The Z6III serves as my backup. Coming from Sony, I do notice a difference in the eye autofocus, and I feel Nikon still has some room for improvement in that area.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That sounds like fair input.

[@sequoi_]

Curious what prompted you to switch systems?

[@StephonRen]

9:27 From D700 and D780 experience, one can change the setting in menu to have pressing buttons (iso, exposure, etc.) once and rotate dial without holding.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

A few people have mentioned that. I'll have to make that change in the settings.

[@mylucksmiles]

Two tips . Firstly the battery I purchased 2 small rig batteries they give me me around 800 stills each + a few . Secondly the flip screen I don’t use it . Instead I use the Nikon app and connect it to my phone via the z8 . The advantage is while blogging and when set up on a tripod . On a tripod it’s main advantage is I can stay tuned into the area I am waiting of Acton to start from . Secondly with the foucs set to touch screen I can view the area . Let’s say waiting for a bird to fly in. I can be more alert to the surroundings in case something else happens , while have the screen show me me on the phone connected to the top of my z8 by a small holder via the flash mount . Both work well depending on the connection . The app is free and well worth reviewing . Just an idea !

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@rodcarnochan8452]

Much respect for answering the comments as well as you do ! Its refreshing.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's kind of you to say!

[@stefan_becker]

Thank you for the great video! I own the Z8 as well as a Sony A7rV (and used to own an Alpha 1). In my opinion the Z8 is in some regards better than the Alpha 1. It supports interesting features like focus bracketing or pre-capture, has a (in my opinion) superior video quality and also (in my opinion) better ergonomics. I also prefer the much more affordable CFExpress B type cards over the still heavily overpriced and slower CFExpress type A cards of the Alpha 1. The automatic subject detection, no matter if human or animal is also very useful in my opinion. The downsides of the Z8 are in my experience mostly the size and weight. Personally I also use the autofocus of the Z8 differently than my Alpha 1. On my Alpha 1 I usually use wide area af with eye detection and usually just press the shutter button. On my Z8 I rely also mostly upon wiede area af and eye detection, but configured the camera in such a way that I can invoke subject tracking with the af-on button. This works really nicely, if the eye detection of the Z8 behaves differently than I expect. Overall I do not regret selling my Alpha 1 for the Z8 and I love some of the Nikon lenses that are not available on Sony like the Nikon 85mm f1.2. I also plan to purchase the 135mm f1.8 Plena since there's also no lens with that bokeh characteristics on the Sony system.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I would love for Sony to have an automatic subject detection mode like either Canon or Nikon have. Very useful.

[@fuzzytalz]

Dustin, if you don’t like the hold-and-turn control paradigm on the Nikons, you can turn it off in the custom settings menu.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I've been corrected on that quite a few times! And yes, I have updated that setting in my Z8

[@williamedge9888]

Great video! It’s always a must watch when you do a review, Thanks Dustin

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I appreciate that!

[@cohoonatube]

Excellent review, thanks Dustin! Enjoy hearing your perspectives of Nikon as a Sony Shooter. I still think Nikon files are easier to work with in post, but the Z8 size, lack of fully articulating screen, and no dedicated memory recall dial/button made it a no-go for me. I'm loving the A7RV... would like it to have 15 fps and a bit better low-light performance, but i'll trade that for also having 26mp Crop Mode and instant 1.5x TC for all my lenses :D. Amazing choices today.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough.

[@TristanChung911]

Hi @DustinAbbottTWI, when you talk about third party lenses in the video, I assume you're mainly talking about auto focus lenses such as the ones from Tamron and Sigma, and I'm just wondering, in your opinion, do you think manual focus lenses, such as the ones from Voigtlander, are better off with Z8 as well? (as opposed to Sony cameras such as A7RV) I'm thinking about getting a Voigtländer 50 mm F1.0 Nokton aspherical that you've reviewed. I just can't decide whether I should get the Z mount version or the E mount version, and I wonder if you have a take on that.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I do slightly prefer them on Nikon. I think that Nikon's VR works better.

[@StephonRen]

Also, the dial direction can be reversed by changing the setting in the menu. Of course, the mount is a permanent reverse ...

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough.

[@jordanmartin324]

Where does the Z8 AF stack up against the competition with current firmware? Coming from an A7iv and interested in getting back into the Z system since it’s available with my awesome 35-150 tamron

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's very close to Sony and Canon, maybe 4-5% less. Good enough for basically everything.

[@mathiaserichsen8177]

Thanks for the review! I’m wondering what Canon and Sony cameras you’re referring to when you say they’re a step better than Nikon Z8? I’m coming from the (aging) Sony A7S III, and think the autofocus in that camera is more than enough, and wonder if Z8 is a step down from A7S III, or if you’re primarily referring to the newer Sony/Canon cameras? 😅

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Definitely the newer bodies. The newest Sony and Canon cameras (higher end) focus a bit better), but the Z8 is better than anything from a few years ago.

[@mathiaserichsen8177]

@ Great! Thank you for responding ❤️

[@doogieham]

Nice review, Dustin. Can you elaborate on the manual focus aids you referenced @21:07? Which ones I did you find helpful and how did they compare to your experience with Canon and Sony?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I really like the directional areas on the lower left of the screen that actually shows you which direction to focus to get lock.

[@ivolk_nyc]

Hi Dustin, Thank you for the review. Do you have any thoughts on Z8 vs gfx100SII/100II in terms of image quality? I'm trying to understand the cost of downgrading :)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

If you are purely looking at image quality, the GFX 100MP sensors are going to beat any full frame camera. The tradeoff with the better full frame cameras is much better AF performance and more versatility in general.

[@ivolk_nyc]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I’ve been using the GFX 100MP sensor for four years, and I’m trying to assess how FF compares today in terms of image quality. Every file I’ve tested after using the GFX feels as limited as 12-bit RAWs when it comes to flexibility. Am i wrong?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Not really. The GFX sensor does spoil you

[@garydumas3148]

Been using Z8 + 500mm f/5.6 PF primarily for birding - great combo (button push to get to 700 mm effective/19mp). Combo allows for hand holding all day long in the field. BIF focused is nearly effortless. If one of the most significant drawbacks noted is the direction to install a lens - I think Nikon will take that criticism.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It is definitely a great combo for birding.

[@kevinastley2562]

I find Nikon video tracking better than Sony. Love the Nikon range. Left Sony for it and never looked back

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Interesting. I wouldn't go that far at all, but perhaps you were using an older Sony camera.

[@kevinastley2562]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I it was the Sony alpha1. I even prefer the z8 over the Sony a7r5 because of its terrible slow sensor readout.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@@kevinastley2562 Interesting. I would definitely give the edge to my own Alpha 1 for video work, but its fantastic that Nikon is now competitive considering where they were a few years ago.

[@livejames9374]

@@DustinAbbottTWIdepends on what you’re filming really. Wildlife then Z8 is leagues beyond a1 for video af. Wish Sony updated the af video modes for their flagship.

[@kevinastley2562]

@@DustinAbbottTWI yeh. I would turn to my z8 before my a1. Just personal choice really.

[@tlgnh1]

I very much enjoyed your review, Dustin. This is my first time on your channel and was brought here by KZbin likely because I've been researching the R5 versus the Z8. I have a Fuji xt5 which I like for most things and certainly appreciate its small size but when I'm doing wildlife, sports or in particular bird photography it really struggles. With that in mind would you recommend the original R5 even though it is 4 years old? It's about $600 less than the Z8 when both are on sale.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I probably would recommend the Z8 instead now, particularly since Nikon is opening up Z-mount while Canon remains closed to third party development for full frame. There are some really great Z-mount Tamron and Viltrox lenses, and I expect we'll start to see Sigma soon.

[@tlg6339]

@@DustinAbbottTWI Thank you, Dustin. I agree the variety of lenses is one of Nikon's strengths. I appreciate your thoughts.

[@johannesimmonen2125]

What is that small tripod on your table with the Z8 on it?

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Oben Tabletop Tripod shown in video: bhpho.to/3vL8YWy

[@dominiclester3232]

Thanks Dustin, it’s great you have finally allowed Nikon into your arsenal! You can now make use of iso 32 and highlight metering, which means more options for sunsets and waterfalls etc. This is obviously a professional camera so I have literally no idea why you would test 2 to 3 stops overexposed? If anyone is in the habit of overexposing by 1 stop they should consider painting instead!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's really not about the under or overexposing, but rather about a camera's ability to recover shadows or highlights in a very high contrast scene.

[@glennn.3464]

I agree with you on the direction you mount and remove lenses and lens caps. I don’t know why Nikon did not change the direction to the more intuitive and common direction when they went to the new Z mount. To me there was just no real good reason to keep it that way just because the older F mount was reversed from the norm. The older legacy way would be forgotten soon enough after people moved on to the newer mirrorless Z mount and it just would have felt more natural. Even if you continued to own Nikon DSLRs as you moved to the newer mirrorless bodies and lenses it would have been better to make the change to the expected rotation directions and the older F mount system would have felt like the odd way before too long. Not too much of an issue if you’re used to it but I still occasionally go the wrong way when attaching or removing lens caps than the lenses themselves. BTW, I’m not sure if I understood what your criticism is on how you view setting changes when you hold, or not, a button and rotate the command dial. You can view them more easily depending on how you have the viewfinder prioritized to switch, either automatically, prioritize viewfinder mode 1 or prioritize viewfinder mode 2. You’ll then be able to view such changes easily on the rear monitor rather than the smaller top LCD display. Also, I don’t think the other camera can do it but the Z8 has subject tracking for video. You also said the Canon R5 had about a 1/2 stop better dynamic range than the Z8. Were you making that comparison using the R5’s mechanical or electronic shutter? Generally mechanical shutters do a bit better on dynamic range but obviously you trade away silent shooting and fps along with maximum shutter speed.

[@livejames9374]

They didn’t change the direction because it would piss off all of the Nikon users who are used to that direction. It’s really not a big deal at all and becomes second nature after a short time with the system. To your last point, R5 also trades away rolling shutter. And you’re right the R5 has a full stop less dynamic range than the Z8 when both are in electronic shutter! That’s partially due to canon being in 12bit with ES. R5ii improves a bit but is still behind in ES by about a 1/2 stop.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

My critique of the adjustments are not really about top vs rear LCD, but more that the in either case the adjustments you are making tend to occupy a very small and inconspicuous area of the screen. It's not immediately obvious if anything is happening if you don't know where to look. The DR on the R5 would be with the mechanical shutter, which is the way that I use it about 90% of the time.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@livejames - it only becomes second nature if you exclusively use Nikon. It will never become second nature for me when literally every other system I use or test rotates the opposite direction.

[@livejames9374]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I use Sony, Nikon and Canon for work. For Nikon I line up the dots and twist so the dot is on top. It became second nature quickly for me being originally a canon user solely because I use the dots as a cue. I understand that it might not be as simple for others, it depends on the person.

[@hishamosman4341]

The Z8 is a very compeling body because it could do virtually everything good, from stilts and video. To me, its grips well, just like my ex D850

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yes, that's true. It is definitely a jack of all trades.

[@w0lfyovi294]

Hai, can I please ask how is your experience with Animal Eye tracking (consistency and accuracy) between Canon, Nikon and Sony? I want to do action/play pet photography, especially dogs of all sizes, and so far Olympus OM-1 has been a huge disappointment with both main f 2.8 PRO zooms and the 17mm f 1.2 PRO prime and I don't want to invest in Olympus/OM System anymore (outside of Macro and Widllife lenses) because I just can not make it work for me. But I do need very good IBIS (because of persistent hand tremours), weather sealing (for wet weather and dogs playing/running through water and mud), at least 20 FPS continuous shooting (any less and there is a huge difference lack of variation of body poses and emotions, like one or both paws up, sticking tongue out, playing with others) with RAW and CAF + Tracking. Canon is hardest to commit to because their less are stupidly expensive (I literally can not work enough for the next 10 years to afford an R3 and the f 2.8 zooms). Sony is a bit easier to accept because a 1st gen a9 is more affordable and while GM lenses are expensive they can still cost less on the used market then Canon. Nikon has the advantage that it can work at top speed with 3rd party lenses (I absolutely adored the Tamron 28-75mm f 2.8 G2 and 70-180mm f 2.8 G1 with my one year time on Sony a7 IV).

[@GP996_LB]

I have used Sony and Canon, a very practical difference in experience is the screen differences lol. Unfortunately Sony cameras have shitty screen except maybe their very high end model. Me and my subject (when I am shooting portraits) felt so much better because the screen looks so much nicer on Canon. Also you don't need expensive L glass - the cheap rf50, rf35 and rf100-400 all have amazing image quality. Rf35 focus hunt sometimes but its crazy sharp. Sony has more cheaper lenses though which is a big advantage. Based on what you want to shoot , a canon r8 + rf100400 might be very affordable for you. I used it in my r8 and that lens AF on animals super quickly.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Something like the Canon EOS R8 is actually impressively good at autofocus and tracking. You could do a combo with, say, the RF 70-200mm F4 and get really great results (if not a ton of reach). The a9 is still quite good, and the Sony advantage is that there are so many more lenses available at more reasonable prices.

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

Finally i touched the Z8 in Scarborough Canada 🍁 where a part of my family live i my self live in South America and still using my Nikon D800 with Sigma art series lenses like the 105 mm f1.4 Art the Bokehmaster i am now convinced the next time were are coming to Canada i will but one!

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It's a sweet camera, for sure.

[@destinyangel5]

The old Nikon DX D70 could do 1/500 flash sync crazy. It would be good if Nikon did a fast read speed pro body 24 MP version of Z8 for those who don't need the file sizes of Z8 , the Z6III is still limited and prices are too close to Z8 when Z8 is on sale .

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Fair enough.

[@winfcad]

I love Nikon 💛

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm sure Nikon is happy to hear that.

[@MatrixfanMacUser]

“Todays episode is sponsored by the Fanum Taxx” 😂

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

???

[@BigFoot-w4d]

Looking URGENTLY for another Z8 firmware update, hopefully for massive improvements in AF, and Precapture in RAW.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I haven't heard any word on that.

[@ThatNorma]

While new firmwares are always welcome, why would you need a URGENT improvement in AF? I've been shooting very tricky subjects and situations since the camera came out, and after firmware 2.0, the AF is freaking amazing. As mentioned before, Sony and Canon might be slightly ahead in AF performance but Nikon AF on the z8/z9 is top notch as well. There was never a situation where I was let down by the AF and said "wish I had my canon or sony here". Pre capture raw would be nice and indeed I never understood why Nikon did not include it when PreCapture released, simply because looking at the specs of the bus pipeline readouts, the z8/z9 are more than capable of delivering full fledged RAWs on Precapture based on their specs. That said, a new firmware 5.01 was recently spotted on the Z9 at some event in Asia, so most likely both Z9 and z8 will get a firmware update in the upcoming months

[@stanobert3475]

I own the Z8 and also Fuji X cameras. I also prefer the Fuji colors, especially for outdoor photography. I prefer Nikon's more muted color science for indoor photography, especially for challenging indoor lighting.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's interesting input.

[@WestVirginiaWildlife]

28:39 for some reason that made me lol

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Birthdays?

[@WestVirginiaWildlife]

@@DustinAbbottTWI I meant the words you said, "while it may not be a master of none it's pretty close to being master of all"

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@@WestVirginiaWildlife Ahh, I see.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

Meanwhile autofocus on Fuji after they're updating their firmware 😞

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

It just never seems to catch up. They need new hardware, not just new software at this point.

[@Durio_zibethinus]

@@DustinAbbottTWI agreed, but I've never seen the problem that we need to downgrade for better autofocus performance except fuji, it's just silly.

[@dannyli9424]

pretty hopeless, LOL, yes I am a fuji and Nikon and Sony user.

[@rodcarnochan8452]

People buy the Z8 specifically for its ergonomics….sorry

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I'm sure people do...those that are accustomed to the Nikon way of doing things. As someone who has reviewed dozens of cameras, however, I think that I can offer a more objective take.

[@ianbrown704]

As always a thorough and in depth review with a non bias conclusion. I had used the Z8 for several months and found it to be a good workhorse but because I don't use a camera for professional work, I prefer the smaller form factor of the Sony Alpha 1 with its vast range of lenses. Ian (UK)

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

That's fair. It is a very big camera.

[@cdavey7654]

100% agree on the backwards direction for mounting/unmounting the lens. Yeah, the old F-mount was that way too annoyingly, but what an EPIC FAIL not fixing that with the Z-mount (imho). Even if someone has never used a camera in their life, most things in the world turn counter-clockwise to loosen or remove and clockwise to tighten or attach. 🤦‍♂️ - Yes, I have owned Nikon (still own some Nikon film cameras), and may end up with a Nikon mirrorless at some point, but I’d be more excited about it if they had actually fixed that issue. I do like that the Z8 doesn't have a mechanical shutter to worry about.

[@csc-photo]

Why on earth would Nikon suddenly swap the direction that their lenses are mounted, which would only serve to irritate their user base? Also, if you’re holding the body normally (pointing away from you) and turning the lens to mount / unmount - the direction makes total sense. Right tight, left loose.

[@cdavey7654]

​@@csc-photo Maybe to make it more of a standard user experience (like most all other interchangeable lens cameras). I am one of Nikon's "user base" and I would have been happy about the change. I have spoken to quite a few other Nikon users and none of them like it being backwards either. However you are holding your Nikon camera in your example, then if you hold a Canon/Sony/most other cameras in the world the same way, then they would be the opposite, so your example doesn't really make sense, but whatever works for you. 👍🏼

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

Yup. The move to Z mount was a missed opportunity, as you could still have set up an adapter from F-mount to accommodate the older lenses.

[@dannyli9424]

It would be a even bigger epic fail if they change the direction of mounting unmounting of lenses, why would Nikon user want to learn the new way after shooting with the system for years, I shot with multiple brands include Nikon never feel there is need, and have never feel " confused", maybe is more of a user problem than gear problem.

[@cdavey7654]

@@dannyli9424 Just seems absurd/strange/unnecessary for that to be backwards from everything else. I am sure that people could adjust, seeing as it would then be the same as all the other camera systems people use. Yes, I know it's not the end of the world for a lens mount, in fact I own around 10-ish Nikon (35mm film) cameras. You are welcome to your opinions as I am to mine. - I also think that the USA should actually fully switch to the metric system. Yes, people could adjust. Sometimes change is a good thing, especially when it actually makes good sense.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

I'd buy a GFX100S II over this ...unless your a wildlife photographer....get the GFX100S II .... Because the image quality added the g.Fx blows the Nikon z8 out of the water.It's not even a contest

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

I can understand that perspective. The GFX100S still has fairly frustrating AF, but the sensor is unbelievable.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@DustinAbbottTWI the 100s II is a lot better than 100 S... In terms of eye detection the latest two GFX cameras are very good. I've had no problems and I'm shooting a lot of portraits as well as my landscape stuff.

[@DustinAbbottTWI]

@@nevvanclarke9225 It is better, but far from the standard I see with smaller FF sensors.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

@@DustinAbbottTWI But the only time you need super auto focus is if you are a sports wildlife shooter? Portraits and weddings GFX 100s ii fast enough (just)

[@dannyli9424]

As a owner of Z9 and 100S, I sure see the different in terms of image quality, especially DR , but only in more challenging lighting condition, " Blow it out of the water " in my opinion is huge exaggeration. but in terms of speed and focusing I would say the Z8/Z9 is quite a bit ahead of the GFX100 s/GFX100S II, so as GFX100s user, I really really wish someday Fuji introduce a GFX with AF/Tracking capability even come close to the Z9 I have, I don't even shoot birds, but the GFX tracking is pretty bad in comparison when you have two shooting side by side.