I use the Nikon Z8.

In this video, we give our first impressions after a week with the super powerful camera, the Nikon Z8. Birds, weddings, and portraits, oh my.
Pre-order it here:
bhpho.to/3nMyniS
See some of my other Nikon videos:
• Let's try this Nikon Z30.
• My Nikon Lens Lineup.
• Nikon's BEST picture p...
/ @themoeandophotoshowpo...
First time here? Hi, I'm Omar Gonzalez, a professional portrait and event photographer in the NYC/NJ area. On this channel, we talk cameras, lenses, and techniques to improve our photography.
My business:
www.omargonzalezphotography.com
Gear I use for business: • The Event Photography ...
Social Follow/Contact me
Instagram: ogonzilla
ogonzilla
***********************************************************************

[@wojtekw6040]

Best part for me was the begging of the video: "when Nikon contacted me..." Finally, a company that recognises the true, undeniable reviewing talent that is Omar

[@kokesjohn]

Omar is the "MAN" and he makes his reviews fun !!! Yay 🙂 He is "techie" but talks "average joe" too. He is respectful to Nikon in suggestions. His work shows he is a master with tons of Nikon experience since he is an owner already. I have followed his reviews since he first started. Thank you Omar for being on KZbin simply best because you do it ALL right 🙂

[@blizzbee]

Nikon did the right thing that will definitely benefit their business.

[@TheEurolit3]

The way you explain specs and camera is relaxed with humor is just awesome to watch!

[@ogonzilla]

🥹🥹

[@marike1100]

The images from the wedding reception were extra beautiful. Well done.

[@Billythepizza]

this is the video of the z8 I have been looking for! I am a NJ based wedding photographer shooting Nikon, currently on z7ii and finally excited to dump this for the z8! You hit every point I wanted to hear that no channel or reviewer on KZbin did, YOU TALKED ABOUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE USING IT. everyone else focuses on specs and features, you focused on a Nikon event shooter AND DEAR GOD FINALLY A PHOTOGRAPHER ON KZbin THAT TALKS ABOUT USING FLASH AT AN EVENT !( get lost Taylor Jackson hahahahajk ) this video helped me find your channel & keep going Omar! I recognized the djs & events so I know you're in the jersey area hahahaha keep crushing brotha! can't wait to see what more you got!

[@ogonzilla]

Awesome thanks! JERSEY BABY!!

[@vueport99]

YES! I'm sick and tired of event and wedding photographers who don't know how to properly use a flash! And this ranges from a guy I witnessed years ago in Central Park shooting a wedding couple with his flash pointed straight up, and not even a reflector or diffuser was attached... To people shooting indoor and about the best they can manage is a 'Fong' diffuser. SMH

[@GlennMariano]

My wallet does not appreciate this video

[@llxCELLxll]

Lmao good thing I been waiting on this model and he only confirmed I made a good choice🤣

[@atruceforbruce5388]

Call me old fashioned but I'll stick with my d810.

[@llxCELLxll]

@@atruceforbruce5388 understandable

[@webjoe]

mine doesn't either 😂

[@valentinoKun]

Amen 😅

[@livejames9374]

Awesome Nikon is finally recognizing the talent who use their products, not just ambassadors. You can add blackout instead of the border indication if you want. I think it’s D13 or d14

[@ogonzilla]

Thanks!!! For both points!

[@networm64]

Honestly it was the best Z8 review I've watched! 👌

[@iu1191]

Every time ...your reviews are some of the funniest ever. Also incredibly informative. Not the most technical in a random way, but technical in a how-a-real-human-might-use-the-camera type of way. I am all for that. I am a Z6II user coming from my D750 (which I need to get around to selling), and I do not think I will ever buy another camera. The Z6II is so much more than me, and I enjoy using it. It is absolutely fab. Your video has convinced me that I absolutely do NOT need anything more, but it is interesting to see what is happening at the top of the range. I use an L bracket to give me that extra little bit of height on the Z8ii - big hands. Thanks for doing the video and for being yourself - I loved watching it. The Z8 IS is the goldilocks of cameras. You showed that it is an excellent tool for anyone who takes photos and especially for those whose images need to earn them money and pay their bills. This sounds like the tool dejure. I also love using Nikon DDLR lenses with the FZ adaptor - it just feels like nothing has changed (In fact, my 28-300 is more responsive and focuses better on the z6ii than on the D750). Again - loved the vid. Keep doing what you do so well.

[@ogonzilla]

I needed this comment thank you. Sometimes we doubt. 😢

[@rohitkhetarpal2945]

@@ogonzilla don’t ever stop. You are probably the only reviewer, maybe a bit of Chris and Jordan too, that make me smile while watching..informative, fun, practical, technical - and those moments - “oh I didn’t think of it this way”. You are amazing.

[@hoangthai1169]

I am using the D5, and I have felt the weight of being 60, but the Z8 heating up during long shoots makes me concerned! Please give me some advice - thank you.

[@danielschmaderer]

This camera looks absolutely amazing. If I were still shooting with Nikon, I would absolutely buy this camera.

[@GeoffKirby]

If you buy one you could be! Go on just do it?

[@danielschmaderer]

@@GeoffKirby too expensive at the moment. Especially since I’m already locked into another system.

[@SkyeHack]

@@danielschmaderer what system are you locked in to?

[@danielschmaderer]

@@SkyeHack I have a Fuji X-T5. I have no issues with any brands whatsoever. They all have their pros and cons. I just got what I enjoy using.

[@GarryM66]

Hilarious as always 😂 I’ve not got a Z8 yet but do have a Z9 and the electronic shutter can be set to its lowest volume so nobody else can hear except the photographer which is perfect for me so I don’t need those confirmation bars. The high efficiency format is brilliant and save a stack load of disc space without losing any noticeable dynamic range. So much so that I’m not worried about the raw small and medium anymore. Love your videos they’re so much fun 👍👍

[@HaggenKennedy]

I've heard plenty of other people praising the low-volume e-shutter, so you're definitely not alone in your sentiment. The Z8 has that capability too, so that's a great plus. Thanks for sharing all this info, esp. on the high-efficiency formats. 👍🏻

[@kokesjohn]

As a wedding photographer and Nikon D600 plus Z6II shooter I agree that it would be nice to have the confirmation bars. Very helpful at weddings and events. I simply love the man 🙂

[@brochg]

Beautiful candid photos at the wedding!

[@carolinecamilleri5650]

This is the review of the z8 I have been waiting for … so stinking real 🥰🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 can’t wait til I own one 😂

[@joshuaconti989]

i own two D700s- one of the best cameras Nikons ever made - used to use them at weddings- that massive heavy shutter sound doesnt let you go stealth mode AT ALL. the lack of mech shutter is honestly a game changer cus you can really frame a shot however you need without disturbing everyone in a 3 mile radius =)

[@robertknudson8256]

Shot with two d700’s for 10 years, I know exactly what you are talking about! 😂

[@joshuaconti989]

@@robertknudson8256 yep!!! always sounded like I was tossing steel plates on a felt floor every click lol

[@robertl.4675]

Your flash photos look amazingly “natural”. Well done! (I’m also in love with my Z8.)

[@FiZ]

As a Nikon shooter that converted to Fuji in 2015...you are making my life difficult 🤣 I want that Z8 OMG!!!!

[@frankthissen3338]

Same situation for me.

[@scawhitwell]

Wonderful review as always, especially because it focuses on the things every photographer notices rather than a trying to provide a "which to buy" comparison. I love the way Nikon makes Nikon cameras rather than a range of cameras made by Nikon.

[@cronufc]

Omar, still the best photography gear reviewer on KZbin ✌️

[@KwyjiboVanDeKamp]

6:24 😍😍 Omar, you and your family are so great! Man, how big your children has become!

[@briantafelmeyer7337]

I bought that bracket for my z6ii last month. Makes a huge difference in comfort balance and feel. Thanks for sharing!

[@stjepanjina]

Same for Z5! great pices of metal, protecting bottom of my Z5

[@SaberKarmous]

Very nice and strangely satisfying that Nikon decided to send you the Z8. As they should! Great video!

[@LastXwitness]

Nice vid Omar. I gotta say the raw in CaptureOne (especially since I been shooting z9 for the last year or so) are really right where I like my colors to be. Accurate but still not bland I feel you on that

[@PhotoBug3042]

This is the camera I’ve been waiting to see- a mirrorless D850 with Z9 autofocus! Thanks for the review.

[@mlai2546]

Waiting to see ? not waiting to buy? 😆

[@CC3GROUNDZERO]

@@mlai2546 It's called "vicarious living". There's even a Wikipedia article about it. Or do you believe that everyone who watches Yacht-walkthrough videos on KZbin is on the market for a 60 ft yacht? Are you 12?

[@mlai2546]

@@CC3GROUNDZERO are you dumb or something? Do you not see the emoji?

[@gary7851]

Did you say mirrorless D850???

[@PhotoBug3042]

@@gary7851 Yes! The Z8 is the mirrorless version of the D850.

[@DavidVelezPhotography]

Thank you, Omar for your take on the Z8. Nikon should move you up on the list for camera reviews!

[@kokesjohn]

I agree totally because he is very very best plus nicest Nikon good will ambassador too 🙂

[@catalinmotoc7565]

Best review on the Z8! 😁😎

[@golamashraf1464]

Absolutely love your facial expressions and "handcrafted" special fx!!!

[@DownLow_SanDiego]

love your videos. The energy is contagious. Thanks.

[@lukakoprivica]

Simple, short and - to the PRO point. Thanks!

[@CareyP]

informative and entertaining what else could a person ask for! Well done as usual!

[@just_A_Hack]

Yes!!! a new moe and o show!!!!!! Great video Omar. This camera looks sick. Holding out for that z6iii. I honestly hope it has a mechanical shutter, but we will see!

[@leedoyle1510]

Awesome video and highly entertaining. This is one of my favourite channels. Great sense of humour and nothing too serious. Love ya work

[@fredericcappe6817]

Fantastic, great, professional, and more of that, you're an actor! Thanks!! Fred from Paris.

[@rubendarilov]

Nice video!! Can't wait to get my hands on one.

[@Swindie]

Damn, I love a Nikon. I always feel happy when I pick up my Z9

[@DoughBoy2024]

Wow. Your photos are cleeeeeeeeeeeeean. Looooove the edits

[@jacquelinevs]

You imitating the lines was hilarious

[@Guairenito]

What a fantastic camera. This is going to be my comeback to Nikon and my first Nikon mirrorless camera.

[@D0b3rman68]

I did the same. After shooting Sony and Fuji for a while, back to Nikon.

[@Guairenito]

@@D0b3rman68 I won’t be selling my Sony and Fuji gear though. They have their advantages . But I always wanted a Nikon Full Frame mirrorless and Nikon didn’t have what I was looking for, but now…this is it. It is going to be my wild life and landscape photography camera. Before mirrorless, I was a Nikon shooter and always liked the resulting images I got with Nikon.

[@antoineveling2650]

What a great review Omar. It was even entertaining! Refreshing to hear a photographer’s practical point of view of a camera rather than a reviewer's view. Hmmm…that’s clumsy but I think I know what I mean.

[@dsalzr]

My favorite photography channel reviewing my dream camera (preordered already) but the bonus was that it looks like a Moe and O show will be dropping soon 🎉

[@Jim_Mundy]

Wow… This is my first Omar Gonzalez video that I have watched… You’re kind of cool… This was fun and very informative… Look forward to subscribing

[@ogonzilla]

Love a first timer. :). Thanks for watching.

[@-grey]

After all this "filmic" recipe trend happening over on planet Fujifilm, I've got to say that those wedding photos you shot with the Z8 are the first images I've seen in a long while that are actually giving SLR film look. They have a great authentic tangible style and texture to them. 👏

[@acidtears]

The film simulations on Fuji are hardly a "trend" (EDIT: Okay, I misread: I agree that the film recipes were "trending") - they're a staple on that system and provide a nice & easy way to start your RAW processing, or simply get great-looking JPEGs straight-out-of-camera. Nikon, on the other hand, is the staple color ACROSS systems - you can go anywhere you want with the RAW files and the default profiles are gorgeous. Fuji simply allows you to get there "quicker".

[@-grey]

@@acidtears film simulations are pretty nice gimmicks, recipes that emulate film are generally terrible. I still shoot Fujifilm, but these Nikon files look more natural and pleasing. Fujifilm looks a little overcooked here.

[@acidtears]

@@-grey Definitely agreed on the Nikon files here, but we have to keep in mind that it's a state-of-the-art full-frame sensor, 45MP, and color science that predates Fujifilm's entry into digital lol Nikon will always deliver the best images in my opinion - it's THE photographer's brand.

[@-grey]

@@acidtears I can't really see the state of the art 45mp though, I think the quality of the image is just superior even if it was 16mp.

[@acidtears]

@@-grey I have yet to work with a Nikon RAW file - but I'm most definitely looking forward to it ;) Because I don't doubt what you're saying for one second, but I would still give Fujifilm merit for what they have achieved while existing in parallel to Nikon :)

[@andrewmason8691]

I love and my Z9 and have ordered as Z8. I also own a Z6ii and Z6, which I’ll sell now. If I wasn’t a working professional, I’d be excited for the Z6iii. I expect it will have the same AF system as the Z8, but on a 33MP non-stacked sensor. May be 10fps. Video probably doing 10 bit N-Log 4K 60fps, hopefully non-cropped. Possibly 6K 30fps. Come in around $2k. That would be a great camera for 90% of photographers.

[@davemil716]

Another great video... I do portraits and model's portfolios... I will keep with my Z5's LOL! I am curious on the family wedding... Did the photographers know you are a famous KZbinr? And what were they using! Thanks as always for a interesting video...

[@robertfeliciano5723]

Beautiful colors.

[@urumps9922]

As always, super entertaining and informative!

[@uttam1405]

The bird is just like "eeeeyyyyyyyy".. Lol.. Great review as usual! Enjoyed that - thanks Omar!

[@parmanduke]

All cameras coming out these days are fantastic. Baby Z9 is amazing

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Now I am ready to get one. I was waiting for your video. I do not shoot portraits so when you said this is an action, sport and wildlife camera. Now I know this is a great camera. As always thanks for a great honest and transparent content

[@dance2jam]

Fun and funny as always, Omar. I agree that the Z9 is bigger than I want it to be, and heavier. That said, the Z8 isn't my second camera (Currently shooting the Z9). You and many others touched on things in your review, and my comments are in those places, so I won't repeat them here. What I find interesting is that from day one, I've shot silently with only flashing bar confirmation. My friends with Canon R3 have sound turned on. The only time it's ever bothered me (to have the sound off) is when you shoot vertically and forget to lock the vertical shooting button and your palm presses it for extended periods (second) while moving around. Otherwise, the lack of sound confirmation has never bothered me - but I can appreciate why others want it - especially shooting a paid event. Thank you for your time and efforts. Thank you for not including the "Unboxing".

[@HJN67]

If you miss the good old blackout when taking pictures, the Z 9 has an option in d14: Release Timing Indicator. I have no idea what menu it will be in the Z 8 as the manual is not out yet. I also don't know it will work for you.

[@sampeep2527]

Great review now I might be regretting buying the z9 oh well too late now. I think your videos are wonderful and I had the pleasure of meeting you at Garrett mountain not long ago taking bird pics and to everyone who watches Omar’s videos yes he really is that nice and wonderful! it’s not an act thanks! Sam.

[@chuckalvarado8484]

Loved the review - I'm on the fence about the z8 since I have the z7ii. None the less loved your martial arts skills at the end 🙂

[@lloydsinggo4004]

I love the way you enacted when there is no blackout when taking photos. That was just really spot on. LMAO😂

[@Handimedia]

Yes there is a blackout option if you want to see it when taking pictures.

[@Endowpictures]

you are so real... i am subscribing

[@DanceDeepDas]

We love all your expressions... We love your reviews! We love you ❤

[@bryk701]

That was everything I needed to know. You made me want that camera even more. Z6II is too small for me as well. Z8 seems to be perfect camera. Your style matches mine. Although I'm not even half as good as you are.

[@Deanfioren]

Great review! Also, great wedding venue! My wife and I got married at the English Manor in 2021! 😉

[@CaviteTechnology]

Eyy the podcast is back

[@chuibill3970]

i like the way you present those little lines in the corner, subscribed !

[@kwstasf]

It is the menu d14 that you are looking for and seeing this video made me realise that i also like the slightly black screen indicator appearing.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

as always, thanks for the effort and sharing. nice to see the family all spiffed up (6:24). i am an appreciative subscriber. thumbs up.

[@Johnmell100]

Great video, I hope to acquire a z8 soon.

[@JasonLorette]

Looks like a mean machine…still love my Z6II but this is pretty sweet…now we need the Z6III!

[@marcusbraun8889]

Same here. Am in the z7 camp, and agree, this looks darn sweet. However, I really like the smaller form factor of the z6/7. Will wait, and see what comes. It's a bit like a board game... should I, or shouldn't I? If not to my liking it's going to be 'go back two steps and get z8'...😅

[@JasonLorette]

@@marcusbraun8889 That and the Z8 is $5400 CDN in Canada…I can wait a bit. 😂📸

[@marcusbraun8889]

@@JasonLorette - yes, coming from a z6 it's quite a step up. From a z7 less so, but still. However, oir crates are still cranking out images, so no probs to wait a while and see what the future brings.

[@JasonLorette]

@@marcusbraun8889 Don’t get me wrong, if budget was no issue, this would be pre-ordered already, lol. I went from a D7100 to the Z6II 🤪

[@marcusbraun8889]

@@JasonLorette - so the next logical step is up...up...and up! 😂 I actually prefer the smaller bodies of the z6/7, go cycling with my stuff, too big and heavy the handlebar bags isn't nicey. Wait and see...

[@ghas4151]

Nikon has just dropped a camera that users from other brands will envy? Such a solid release. Omar, will you be getting one? I’ve got the Z9 and will be adding a Z8 as a second body.

[@kalyantr7]

Amazing pics!

[@KaneLew]

Loved the review!

[@brycepinson8641]

Image being a wedding photographer and a guest at your wedding shows up with a camera so new it hasn't even been released yet 😂

[@bytecode5834]

Thanks for the review

[@lylestavast7652]

stop with the doubting ! you're awesome Omar :)

[@arttiz01]

Let's see how it goes with mine in Puerto Rico... thanks for the video

[@Mister_M3780]

Just saw your video. I don't know, if this was already said or you already found the setting, but to get a "blackout" shutter, you can go to d13 in the individual settengs and set it to "Type A". Nice video btw. Greetings from Hamburg, Germany

[@JimiCanRead]

Omar bird content is my fave 😊 (and my wife thinks of you as “the guy with the owl vid”)

[@bmeclipse]

Set shutter sound to Laser. Everyone in the room will greatly appreciate it. Especially at a bris.

[@domainsmanager1170]

In all, the Z8 is quite an achievement. I understand that the weatherproofing of the Z9 is still superior, as is heat dissipation, given that the Z8 is a smaller form factor and a bit more than half of its body is constructed of carbon fiber, which actually acts as an insulator. This is why a number of reviewers have noted issues with overheating when pushing the limits of the camera. The dual CFexpress slots of the Z9 will also be missed by those of us who use the second card slot as a backup. Ever since the F3, however, I've never shot with a camera that wasn't gripped, and if you've seen the Z8 with its MB-N12 grip, the height of the Z8 actually exceeds that of the Z9, so if you always shoot gripped like I do, this might be a consideration as well -- but again, packing in sooooo many of the Z9's features into a smaller, lighter body, along with a savings of about $1500 US, is quite an achievement. As a quick aside (to address Omar's point about shutter blackout) although you can easily enable viewfinder blackout when shooting photos (option A under d14 "Release timing indicator" -- as of firmware 3.1 in the Z9) if you turn on photo flicker reduction, regardless of your d14 setting, the screen will black out for the entire duration of your exposure as well.

[@Wave_Drop]

@omargonzalezphotography It's so nice and relaxing to watch your reviews Omar. You seem to be a beautiful human being with a lovely family. Thanks for taking the time to test and review another beast of a camera. Regards from Italy. :)

[@danbazan1691]

love the way Omar delivers, I'm so ready for this camera however the exclusion of 5x4 crop is keeping me away and still content with my z7, yes the shutter sound is just ugly too, all can be fixed with firmware, will nikon hear us? I hope so

[@jokerswild349]

I’m curious what goes into event photography. How do you go about photographing a wedding or a special event like a concert or even a high school reunion. It would make for a great addition to your videos.

[@D0b3rman68]

Great video, funny and honest as always. Which grip is that you showed?

[@DanniPortillo]

At this price all the cameras MUST BE GREAT AND AMAZING in each of their features

[@stormer1686]

This was actually a good review!

[@enoeline]

Thanks for making this review in a layman's level. I can identify, not too techy. Luv the humor too.

[@4fotolove988]

I am so gelous!!!! 😊😊😊

[@gabrielvaldezr]

the sample photos are really good

[@Vahagraphy]

Uncle Bob with a Camera that's not out yet. LOL. Was the official wedding photographer trippin when he saw you with the Z8. haha

[@ogonzilla]

😂

[@chrisrobins2843]

Great "normal" review that is fun and entertaining. 🙂

[@WestVirginiaWildlife]

I like how you state that bird videography is one of the hardest forms. The tinny little fellas often don't want you to get close, makes sense instinctually since they would die a lot more often if they just let big creatures get close to them haha.

[@sasonovoselic6106]

Hey, Omar, what is the name of the grip at 2:02 ? Thanks.

[@Digmen1]

Thanks Omar, I love your relaxed quirky style The Z8 looks great, but just a bit out of my budget. So I'm holding out for the Z6iii

[@Lucas-vj8rr]

i like those flash pics that don't look you used one. What flash is it?

[@benbadenhorst2423]

Great video man! Liked and subscribed

[@ITSPYR0N]

One subject I'm not sure I've seen covered for event photography with a mirrorless camera is losing the ability to use a speedlite's infrared focus assist beam. Focusing in low light situations like dark night clubs isn't the same without it. Sure, Nikon bodies have its own green af beam but it's more intrusive and can easily be blocked by your hand. What was the Z8's af like during the wedding reception? I've never used the Z9 before either and I heard it's low light af is better than the Z6ii. Also, small RAW is my fav!! Sad to hear it's gone.

That grip, ah, so nice and chonk. Never let this man practice karate, he will CHOP like the lines. Such an exciting camera, I actually bought a Fuji X-H1 out of frustration from too much waiting for a Nikon camera that can fit my use case at my budget(Z6II to expensive, Z50, Zfc, Z5 and Z6 not adequate), but I still want a good Nikon, those ergos and files, ah. And those chopping skills, I want them too. :) Can't wait for the the third gen of Z6/7, it will create a wonderful used market for the objectively great second gen Z6/7 cameras, hence, more Nikon good stuff for us hobbyists and enthusiasts.

[@claytonsmith1906]

If you could get your hands on the A7RV would love to know you thoughts on the pros/cons between the two.

[@GamerNxUSN]

I switched to Fuji from a Nikon d3300 switched to an xe3 because street photography was what I wanted, however I am interested in switching back to Nikon.

[@faisalee]

Awesome as always, Omar :)

[@paulspatafora8793]

Hi Omar, great vid! Where did you get the plate for your Z6ii that allows you to add a space for your finger!! Please let us know. You're right, the Z8 is overkill for portraits, but for sports and wildlife, it's the future.

[@keithsandercock1412]

Excellent overview.

[@fredmuellerphotographer4532]

"no blackout" ... but you can put a false blackout in ... But Omar ... you are the best

[@kitrachlis5768]

Wow👍🏼👍🏼

[@juliette-mansour]

Hi Omar, quick comment - I love that shot of you and your family! You can really see how much the kids have grown. You guys look great! Re: the Z8, it's exactly what I had been waiting for but... now having just bought the Fuji XH2s I'm wondering whether to take the hit and sell it. I knew it would be a risk. I don't shoot video so the question is: Keep the XH2s or go for the Z8 (for events and bird photography)? What a dilemma. Thanks for the video!

[@silenciowatford]

Are the colours more vibrant on the z8 compared to z6 and z7. Thanks so much for videos... I bought an xt20 because of your recommendation and love it