How the Nikon Z8 led me back to Nikon with the Z9. Goodbye Leica & Sony. My Review.

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In today's video I talk about how the Nikon Z8 tore me away from the Leica SL2S that I have owned since it was launched and led me to the Nikon Z9. This is not a tech review in any way, shape or form. Rather it is just me sharing images and chatting about why I switched after all of these years. The Nikon Z8 and Z9 are tech marvels in 2023 and two of the finest cameras I have ever shot with.
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[@peetje28021970]

Please keep reviewing cameras and lenses.

[@evaeriksson9950]

I love your camera and lens reviews and have missed them so I would love to see you make more of those videos 😊 You take fantastic photographs!

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you!

[@richthemaverick3805]

Bring back the camera reviews. Thanks for the videos, keep'm coming.

[@drrobertgoldman1806]

Love that you’re back reviewing camera gear. Go Nikon. Please pick up reviewing camera bags as well.

[@louis5352]

Keep the camera/lens reviews coming. I still like my Leicas though.

[@shaunphaneuf5018]

I honestly can't keep up anymore. I've hit my limit with the M10 own a GFX and now am moving into the SL2 system because of your amazing review, doesn't upgrading and changing our gear like our cellphones every 1-2 years get exhausting?

[@Chris-13]

Absolutely, I have hit my limit too. I have got to the point where I am going to stop watching reviews of new gear and only watch channels focusing on actual photography . The new gear doesn’t actually improve my photography, it just drains my bank account 🙄

[@D.Trider]

I moved from a gfx system 3 years ago to the sl2 kit. I just picked up a ZF for those faster af needs and keep the sl2 and m10m for my slower work. Tempting to switch all to Nikon but I just can’t get away from Leica. The quality is insane

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

Besides it is so much easier to stick with one camera model for 10 years and get to a it extremely well, as having to learn to use a new camera every few years gets harder as we age as learning doesn't get easier with age.

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

Can the SL-2 focus accurately when photographing candid portraits of say walking pedestrians?

[@stefanhammerl]

Congratulations for your choice. My first camera was a NIKON FM and I always loved the quality and the feel of Nikon cameras. Nowadays I am shooting with Fujifilm and a Leica M10, but I am sure I will return to Nikon too ….one day.

[@johnkosterimages]

I had the very same journey, though I settled on the Z8. I loved my Leicas but I needed one system and found it back with Nikon.

[@Telecoaster]

I hope you will review the Nikon Zf. Looks like it was tailor made for you!

[@Photojouralist123]

Totally agree, I use both Z9 and Z8. My Sony friends are on some kind of Koo-aid.

[@RealTechGeek]

Fantastic camera review/retrospective. I'm an audiophile myself so that was an great addition. Definitely bring back some camera reviews and doesn't always have to be about models either. Keep it down to earth.

[@photo-markus]

Same here, I own Z9 and I also love sometimes to use it also with manual lenses

[@janromo9753]

Yes more cameras and lenses.

[@jaimeduncan6167]

Thanks for your inside. First person that talks about the pre-ams, and you are correct. I know you love the sound. I love your audio reviews. I am not planning on doing lots of videos, so right now the Z8 is in my sight for the end of the year. I am waiting for the brave to find every single issue. About adapted lenses: I will love to have your opinion because I like your taste.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you!

[@DisjointedConversations]

I know next to nothing about cameras, but I enjoyed your photos. For some reason I really liked the photo of the cow. Thanks for sharing.

[@nicholasee3220]

Yes to adapted lens reviews please!

[@annarakannan6620]

Your reviews are superb. Please review Zf. I know you are going to get it.

[@ryanvacation7319]

I always enjoyed your point of view. Please keep on making reviews and sharing with us your insights

[@bsmukler]

Sure, I’d love to see videos regarding adapted lenses. Yes, there are plenty of KZbinrs producing camera and lens reviews, but yours have always been unique and informative and pleasant to watch.

[@Digmen1]

Wow, thats very disappointing about the Z8/Z9 audio pre amp. I hope Nikon are listening.

[@ericchu8272]

Love your honesty and your passion in photography, cheers!

[@helgehaukland5665]

Yepp :-) More camera/photo related videos please. Have been subscibing for many years now and been waiting for this for a long time.

[@deanstainbrook2839]

I would have to agree with you about the Z9, love mine. It is a joy to shoot with.

[@luissalazar2021]

Wow from Leica to Nikon z9 ,cool stuff great images. Thanks for sharing

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

I like the Nikon build quality on all Z-Mount cameras. They feel sturdy, robust and ergonomically great no matter if you have a Nikon Z50, Z5, Z6 or a bigger Z8. Weather sealing is also great. I tried Fujifilm X-T series before Nikon got into the mirrorless system but the buttons were too tiny for my hands, it felt like mushy controls and the camera didn't give a solid feel.

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

You will feel differently about the Fujifilm XH2-S, it's a durable semi-pro Magnesium-Alloy body.

[@intrinsicimagery]

I have one of each. As a working photographer, they are amazing.

[@intrinsicimagery]

I also have a Z30, which is a perfect piece of kit for shooting my own talking head stuff.

[@harryburnett7086]

Cameras and lenses also along with audio , Love Nikon longtime

[@Babumoshaaai]

We miss your camera related videos. All the trend now is Sony and Leica, but you were talking about them years ago when no one was paying them positive attention. Also Olympus camera reviews were fantastic.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks so much. Yea, Sony took off (they have a great marketing game).

[@TheRakeshArora]

What happened to your Leica SL2-S?

[@stanleyyow4496]

Hi, your photos are ordinary, but they each speak for themselves. Not because we are Nikon user because they are extraordinary. I subscribed.

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you so much.

[@andretim75]

OH - please - we would all love to see some adapted lenses on the nikon in use I think ! Would be great to see Videos about these in use from time to time !

[@ele4853]

Correction. The first practical DSLR from Nikon was the D1 with a woping 2.74 megapixel CCD sensor, not the D100. Before the D1 there were other cameras such as the F3 with the DCS Kodak digital apparatus connected to it and several others before that. Yes, Nikon rocks! Nikkor lenses are second to none. They made history before and after WWII. Life magazine has an article mentioning that Nikkor lenses were sharper and better than Zeiss at the time. That's when Nikon had conquered the world with their photo gear. They have created and produced hundreds of different lenses since before WWII. No other brand had the history they have on so many models and different lenses designed. This is not my opinion. Have fun with you Nikon Gear : )

[@thomasgronwall5039]

Great to see you talking cameras again. Yes, lets bring some adapted lenses to the Z9. And why not that adapter that gives you autofocus on Leica M mount lenses.

[@Elalolam]

Thinking of getting af Nikon Zf. Would appreciate your lens reviews including adapted lenses.

[@bradl2636]

The fact you need to stack all that audio gear on top of the “flagship” camera says everything content creators need to know.

[@goshaun100]

Nice perspective. I just can't imagine how I can switch system. Of the newest camera, the Z9 did rank the highest. But through the years, I have just picked up too many stuff (for Canon) on top of the lenses. Converters, extension tubes, flashes, brackets, adapters etc. Specific example. I got a hold of several of the canon 220x flashes. Can't do much on its own, but put it on a Pocket Wizard tt5, suddenly the tiny flashes becomes the most useful ETTL, radio trigger flash units. I can put it behind curtains, use it for tight backlights, bounce it against nearby walls etc. Many more unique stuff like that. It is even hard adapting to mirrorless within Canon since that setup won't work with them.

[@MrFubber]

This really resonates. I bought a D200 as my first DSLR and learned everything on it. Have owned several other Nikon since and currently have the Z8. Waiting for the Z10. I have flirted with Sony and Canon but just feel connected to Nikon and their images. You are so right about the colour style. The best ‘greens’ you’ll ever see! Loved the vid.

[@yakattac78]

Nice! Glad to see you enjoying and making camera videos more often! Ps: we'll welcome you back to the red army with open arms with the Leica SL3s one day 🎉🥳

[@KG5SNU]

Great review as always

[@DNNSBMN]

A shutter is needed if shooting lasers. Never had a problem with my "D' Series but 1 festival season and I had to replace my z9 sensor.

[@craigosterberg5045]

Thanks for sharing

[@HiFiHuff]

Thanks for watching.

[@dontdeletehistory]

best review ever

[@dsalzr]

The manual TTArtisan 28mm lens you mention is a Leica M-mount lens right? Which adapter are you using?

[@user-yr2mx9mn1j]

I am sorry but the D3s is still very magical. Nikon sensor with wonderful colors ❤😊 Z9’s only lag is low light 💡. Thinking off switching from a d850❤

[@HiFiHuff]

That's odd as I haven't had one single issue. Reliable as all get out, not one glitch, and it is in use every single day. Set it up when it came in, never had to do anything else but stream. I have mine hard wired though. Haven't heard a streamer quite like it in my room. I prefer it to some that cost almost 3X as much of sound alone. If I had issues I would return or swap it.

[@KPAki1Ler]

suppose you could partner it with a z6ii for low light / astro

[@saltymanos]

I upgraded from D850 to Z9, I’ve kept my D850 but I’m not finding much use for it nowadays tho I still love that camera very much. You won’t regret going Z8/9 👍

[@MandrakeCigars]

Still need a mechanical shutter for mirrorless cameras for high FPS/sports style shooting unless you have a stacked sensor like the Z8/Z9.

[@lars-ove8749]

May I ask what lens did you use for the photo of the resting cow by the tree? Maybe it’s just your post processing but I think there is something special with the colours. Thanks!

[@lars-ove8749]

Forget it I found the answer. You used the Voigtländer 55 f/1.2.

[@joeyfotofr]

It almost looks "antiquatated." **** Liked & subscribed...jt

[@ericwilson2632]

❤ WoW beautiful home❤

[@nupooknaka]

Thank you 😊 your voice very nice

[@HiFiHuff]

Thank you.

[@yourtallness]

From my experience with the Z6, Nikon focus peaking leaves a lot to be desired. Does it work better on the Z9?

[@BB-doc-fan]

Convinced 👌🏼🙏🏼

[@kevingoza]

BTW, my first DSLR was the D300.

[@JoeGiz64]

D300 was my first DSLR rig as well. I loved it, and still have it. My 2nd…a D5 which I’m still using today. Starting to get into street now and have a Leica Q3 on order. I am contemplating a Z8…haven’t seen on in the flesh.

[@Andy-qi3kd]

What about the simplicity of your Leicas in terms of controls and menu, the Z9 cannot offer that?

[@EdAb]

Man does not live on menus alone. The Z9 is greater than the sum of its parts, but it sure does have a lot of parts... and buttons!

[@user-zr4km5ns8t]

The new Z6iii has a line-in input supporting XLR.

[@fededuran2523]

What about Nikon vs Leica colors?

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

Aren't Nikon colours unrealistically vibrant and contrasty, whereas Cannon colours look more realistic?

[@ptrcksln]

If you were not shooting videos, would you have kept the sl2? Or sl2s ?

[@HiFiHuff]

Yes because I wouldn’t have wanted to scale down to one system/body. I switched to go from 3 bodies to one, and put some cash back in the bank. The fact that I like the Z9 even better is a bonus. It’s remarkable, best camera I’ve ever used.

[@UXXV]

Odd. I found my Z9 did great with my rose wireless go and wasnt noisy as all. No need for IZOTOPE at all

[@Ben_Stewart]

The proof is in the pudding. Sony and Canon are the de facto content creators 1st choice because they are sheep and follow the "heard". With exceptional light weight lenses Nikon as pulled ahead of the competition. The latest offerings like the 180-600 and 400 f4.5 are unmatched.

[@bradl2636]

😂😂😂

[@carlosmcse]

And yes. Bring back some photography content. Doesn’t have to be gear.

[@carlosmcse]

Oh man. No more M? Maybe you can get an M2 or something for film fun and review the M lenses natively.

[@MARZILLI]

Leica Sl2s is going to be getting Panasonic Lumix’s auto focus on it’s next iteration.

[@Madcypher]

Maybe you can use it to record some of your videos now. 😉🙃

[@peternilsson1645]

🎯👏👍🙏❤

[@CP-xt5ux]

Ken Rockwell said that 4K is only 8 megapixels. Does that sound right?

[@Old_Man_Bridge]

Yes.

[@wangyang592]

Too heavy.

[@photographydiscourse1185]

Is that a Bioelectric Shield around your neck? -PD

[@HiFiHuff]

No, it is not.

[@67tagada]

Le viseur du Z8 ne vaut pas celui du Leica SL2/SL2Sn!

[@swcblad]

very few do actually.

[@67tagada]

@@swcblad It's a shame, because it provides excellent comfort for shooting!

[@HaggenKennedy]

Then Leica's viewfinder must be otherworldly. I have a Nikon Z8 and it's the best mirrorless viewfinder I've seen. But I've only tried Nikon, Canon, and Sony. I've never used a Leica. If it really is better, then that's really incredible. Thumbs up for Leica. 👍🏻

[@MandrakeCigars]

Adapted lens reviews! Not interest in HiFi.

[@borlach321]

You must be into recalls.

[@jorgepinogarciadelasbayonas]

How many people actually have experienced problems? Was it 0,001 % or less?

[@Yupthereitism]

Lol

[@lewcehjitl3282]

No mechanical shutter is a huge bummer. Also very poor battery life on the Z8.

[@GG-zv9ku]

On the contrary. It better with no mechanical shutter

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

Not just that, but for the most part the Z8 body is made of a composite of Carbon-Fibre and Plastic, only the front of the Z8 is made of Magnesium-Alloy; thus the Z8 isn't anywhere near as durable as the Z9, which is most disappointing.

[@tonyC5757]

Most of the older dslrs' lifespans are usually tied to their shutter life count, such that when their shutter count has come close to a certain number, it also means the camera is nearer their end of life, so it seemed.

[@bradl2636]

Can you complete the sentence “I shoot Nikon because…” in simple terms?

[@Not-A-Woke-Liberal]

I own both Leica & Nikon and Nikon doesn’t compare to Leica. Photos from Leica look better and are easier to edit especially in low light and shadows.

[@udomprepraem3117]

Please try to show us the photos of your family so that we could enjoy looking at your family. It will bring reconnection with you

[@Old_Man_Bridge]

Sus