Hands on with NEW NIKON Z8 (Spoiler Alert: It’s INCREDIBLE)

[@NeonShores]

For portraits or landscape photography I think the Z7II is the better buy, put the savings towards glass or other equipment. But if video is a huge part of your workflow the Z8 is a stunner.

[@BelgianTex]

I’m on the same page. Was waiting for the announcement before deciding on this or a Z7ii. Nothing in the z8 would make me want to spend the difference for landscapes. Better to invest it in glass imho

[@haroldcarlson2775]

I'll go one further and say the Z7 I is still the best buy for anyone who is budget conscious.

[@NeonShores]

@@haroldcarlson2775 for landscapes specifically I'd agree, only major con is single card slot. And if you can find a mint used one you can save another $1,000.

[@madst7521]

You're forgetting about things that move fast. The auto focus is slooooow on the Z7ii. Also, the flip screen will be very useful for those low shots in portrait mode.

[@NeonShores]

@@madst7521 for sure. Wildlife, sports and video are going to be epic on the Z8.

[@bmwohl]

This video was not only a good exploration of the Z8 for landscape, but also a great tutorial for taking inspiring landscapes, irrespective of camera. I'm so glad to see you shooting landscape and astro rather than sports, dance or portraits or racecars. I am a huge Z7 (original) fan also. My dream camera is a new Z7 with the Expeed 7 and a few of the Z8/Z9 features but still with the mechanical shutter and non-stacked sensor. I love your work and I enjoy your 2023 calendar every day.

[@99Apit]

Im upgrading to this . Does it make me a better photographer, NO! Does it make me feel better, YES!

[@NigelDanson]

There is that 😂

[@jenslingspaint3523]

The truest nature of a photographer. Has a bad back but still lays out super awkwardly to shoot a fantastic wave splash photo. Excellent review on the Z8!

[@NigelDanson]

Yep / that hurt!

[@jaycanale4026]

All while walking on wet rocks too!

[@hurricane7438]

As a landscape photographer I don’t see the need to upgrade from the z7.

[@frightenedtreephotography4304]

Agreed. This vlog has convinced me to stick with my trusty Z7.

[@thephotoyak]

For landscapes there is no gain. For wildlife...

[@seansimpson752]

I’m still using my D850 and that works just fine.

[@NigelDanson]

I think the main reason I would give is the view finder and rear screen. Once you have looked at them you will understand. For me the video is obviously a no brainer but I do understand you comment

[@jeffreydewitt3686]

I think the advantage is the hybrid capability. If 95% of your photos are landscape, z8 is brilliant, and z7/z7ii are sufficient for certain. But if you do have an inkling for action shots or bird photography one day, the autofocus is (apparently) in line with z9. I certainly wouldn’t mind having the benefits of both the z9’s autofocus and the z7 for landscape in one camera while climbing a mountain…

[@rolsonn]

Although I'm a Canon shooter I enjoyed watching the video. Loved to see the incredible landscape plus interesting ideas I can use during my adventures. Also, competition good to keep all vendors moving the ball forward.

[@DAPP1J]

I picked your video over everyone else's simply for the amazing views and shots you create the camera was just a bonus

[@MrHillboxx]

Following You‘re reviews literally feels like time well spent. So much enthusiasm, directness, honesty. Fills me with fantastic views and landscape, with useful knowledge about photography and gear. And is kind of strengthening my relationship with the camerabrand I chose a very long time ago as a young man. Thanks a lot!

[@siarlp3691]

I placed a pre-order the second the countdown clock started, this video has confirmed to me that that was the right decision. I shoot a whole mixture of things, from events, street, landscape. Think I agree that it's the usability that's the main driver.

[@randyschwager2515]

Nice to finally see this camera! Thanks for taking me along!

[@michaelj.1121]

Madeira delivered - the camera delivered - but most importantly: you delivered! Stunning images, great video

[@CymruRJW]

Great honest review, we are lucky as Nikon shooters for the choices with excellent glass. For landscape Z7, Z8 and Z9, for wildlife and sport Z8 and Z9, but hey you can't go wrong with adapting to any of them. The Z7 and Z7ii are going to be an absolute bargain when people trade to Z8.

[@michelebelotti2022]

I shoot with Canon R5 and I am really glad that Nikon created the Z8. According the specs and what you are showing, it is a game changer camera: it gives the option to people to have a great camera, with affordable price. I wish Cannon would do the same with its line of cameras, but I am a bit disappointed about that. I almost have wish to change completely brand, but it stops me the fact I have too many lenses now... will see. Anyway, good job with your review. One thing I did not see in this video (and I wish I could see) is the autofocus, how it is performing with wildlife subjects. But I guess I can find other videos about that

[@warrenswales5693]

"Affordable price"? It is twice the price of the D850.

[@randygerber1565]

This has been the finest review of the Z8 I have seen today. Thank you Nigel, excellent work.

[@jpdj2715]

Much appreciated, Nigel. I had, amongst all the rumours that had kept influencers awake at night, created a spec sheet extrapolated from a Z 9 & Z 7ii interpolation. My dimensions and weight, were slightly too high, but close. This was however based on the assumption that a Z 8 would have the EN-EL18 battery of the Z 9 and that it would have two CFexpress Type B slots. But it will have the EN-EL15c battery and CFexpress Type B plus SD UHS-II. To me, in my Z 7ii, the latter combination feels like a failure when I cannot write raw to CF and JPEG to SD. My price guesstimate was a few tenners off. The question will be how the dollar/euro conversion works out. The Z 9 seems to have a discount and the other ones a penalty (except the Z 50). Some comments do not understand this camera and I guess they also do not understand the Z 9, in that case. If we put key specifications below each other then the differences are totally clear. While the Z 5/6/7 (mk i & ii) are in Nikon;s prosumer class, this Z 8 and the Z 9 are in the pro class (NPS worthy). Between the Z 7, 8, and 9, the light levels at which these work are the same -3EV .. 17EV. An important difference is in the light levels at which these cameras can autofocus: -9EV .. 19EV for the Z 8 and that is a lot less good for the Z 7ii. Now the question is how well it will do in other walks of photography life: wildlife, sports, wedding, portraits, fashion, photojournalism, etc. I got the impression that Heaton has been testing this camera as well, but that's landscape too (prejudice, I know). Maybe Hilmer had one along in Svalbard. Irwin in Oistraylya will have tested it crawling city streets as night owl. Chera used it for 2 months already. And all the usual suspects. I have a few pet peeves - nothing to do with landscape - with the Z 7ii that I feel need to be solved. And along those lines am still hoping that Nikon can do for the Mk ii what they did for the Mk i after the Mk ii got released because with all the Z 9 and Z 8 developments, nothing happened at that front.

[@peternickols2687]

Fantastic and actually non biased video Nigel. My Z7ii is all I need for landscapes but I am doing more and more wildlife and sports photography and that is where the Z7ii struggles to keep up with the action. It looks like it’s time to save up for a second camera body in the Z8, it looks like it performs so well for many genres of photography. Not just a Jack of all trades but a master at many!!

[@jackrazemagnon8297]

I love reading these comments, I can't afford buying a Camera but I'm inspired by all of you. I'll keep learning how to take great photographs so when i can finally afford a camera,I'll be just like all of you, a talented photographers who shares their creativity to the whole world. It may be very challenging but I'll get there.

[@warrenswales5693]

The 2nd hand market has great value cameras out there.

[@jackrazemagnon8297]

@Warren Swales ive been thinking about that lately, I'm saving money to purchase a second hand camera.

[@jackrazemagnon8297]

@@warrenswales5693 thank you.

[@vicpico1]

Hi! Awesome, beautiful shoots. Amazing photography. Keep it up. Your enthusiasm is infectious. Thanks for your video.

[@leric4205]

I like the new shape of this case, it is very beautiful. I hope that the future Z5 II Z6 III and Z7 III cases will have the same aesthetics in smaller and lighter.

[@timurhant469]

I thought I am the only one loving the change of the mirror/evf box!!! So much more appealing to my eyes.

[@mariopereira8261]

Fantastic Video as always, Nikon Z8 has fantastic features, and I loved Nigel testing the Z8 in Madeira Island, because Madeira is a fabulous place for anyone who enjoys landscape photography. I have a Z7 II and a Z5, Z8 will probably be my next camera A hug from Portugal

[@gabewebyt]

That first close up shot of the laurel trees in fog is epic! Different to a classic "trunk and branches" composition.

[@DanielAucoinFineArt]

I have a question for you Nigel, I'm curious how you manage to keep your photography enthusiast when you always need to bring a lot of gear with you to produce these videos? How do you feel about most of the time prioritizing video for us? I created my own channel and LOVE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY, but the biggest issue for me right now is knowing that I might shoot a wonderful sunrise and have quality video, but I might be missing out on the photography... Anyway, I like what you're doing! Cheers!😉

[@chrisparker5684]

Fantastic video as always. Great photos, and excellent commentary!

[@nldazuu]

as a sony shooter i am not bothered with a new camera but a s photo gearfreak i can see the nice features you showed us in a very nice vlog…and so true about the usability of the camera which helps to make easier good photos… fully agree to that… as you summarise in the end 🎉

[@lphilpot01]

I suspect the idea behind star light view is the same as for red light re: astronomy general (I'm an amateur astronomer, too). Once fully dark adapted, you'll be very surprised just how much you can see with no supplemental light at all, so any red light still needs to be reasonably faint to avoid damaging your dark adaptation.

[@i.m.5621]

Dear Nigel, I believe that for such a perfectly demonstrated showcase of the new camera, you deserve the manufacturer to gift you one unit as a reward. Wishing you good light.

[@NigelDanson]

👍🏼

[@juergenriss]

What really counts is that you have to be at the right locations. The camera doesn't matter at all. Certainly this camera is superbly good. Were the others before but also.

[@janicev1033]

the time lapse around 31:26 was so beautiful it made my heart ache. in a good way.

[@bobbullethalf]

It is a pleasure watching this and a wonderful pleasure that I have the phenomenal Z8

[@martinsarre]

Love your astro image Nigel, well done. Astro and wildlife is mainly what I shoot, so this camera is perfect for me. Thanks for the review.

[@mikebartow9415]

Looks like a great camera! For bracketing a fellow British photographer suggested for bracketing you can shoot a burst mode (CH), with the IBIS and VR this should be fairly easy.

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Ordered mine in the first couple of minutes after my local shop opened. Thanks for this comprehensive look at the camera in use.

[@hugaukulele]

Hi Nigel, an excellent review. The biggest difference between the Z8 and the Z9 seems to be the lack of a vertical grip and smaller battery. If you'r happy not to have a vertical grip, that's fine, but the Z8 with the optional vertical grip/battery pack is actually bigger and heavier than the Z9. And, of course, the price differential is less. Like you, I have waited a long time to see the Z8, but having sold my D5 I opted for a Z9. Having used the D5 for several years, the size of the Z9 was not an issue. In fact, it's smaller and lighter than the D5. I also have a D850, which is of a similar size as the Z8. Personally, I wouldn't want to use anything smaller. Both the D850 and Z9 fit natural in my hand. I guess that the Z8 would also be a good fit for me, but I do like the vertical grip when I'm not using my tripod.

[@DavidCarterVideos]

Another great camera from Nikon. Alas, apart from the video spec, there's nothing really to tempt me away from my Z7 II. Being a landscape photographer myself, I'm quite satisfied with what I have for the moment.

[@johndeblaquiere5218]

Great video Nigel just got my z8 can’t wait to get out and use it, your woodland shots are truly amazing cheers

[@sammadonline]

That was a joy to watch! Thank you! You are an incredible photographer

[@nolanwest6831]

That vertical flip on the screen would be awesome on the z6. My knees would like that very much. Something I miss when not using the pany g9.

[@marcherrmann9635]

That shooting star at 27:25... Love it, as well as the Z8! One day I will certainly exchange my D850 with it, I reckon.

[@steventhomas231]

Finally! The longest wait ever for a new nikon camera! Looks good though. Now we need a z6iii for those without deep pockets.

[@richardbripleyutube]

Thanks Nigel for another informative video. Very much appreciated. I'm thinking about either the Z7 II or the Z8 - moving from an Olympus EM-1 Mark II. I've had the Olympus for about 7 years and I believe it is time to up my landscape "game." Thank you for the inspiration to make thoughtful landscapes. Best to you!

[@guglielmo_arte_naturale]

in the same spot as you... i just need the money tho. i'm trying to sell my father old photography gear like hasselblad wide and normal with different lenses plus a old leica to get a new mirrorless and some nikon lenses.

[@jimwlouavl]

The seascape photography was exceptional.

[@jackstutts6439]

The most useful review I've seen today!

[@vimal.moments]

Awesome Video again, I still remembers your Z9 Video and those clips/shots of your pet.

[@GirdHerd]

Nigel, I really enjoyed this video and the amazing images you got with the Z8.

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

Really nice rundown of the key features. Thanks.

[@jtes1442]

Ordered mine, and will have a Z7 as a back up. Can't wait!

[@TLM823]

Fantastic review as always, Nigel! The Z8 reminds me of the D850 in many ways for its indestructible body and ease of use, and of course, its image quality. Would you say it's about the same size? Seems that if you are a very serious photographer interested in the highest optical quality this might be the ticket. Thanks again.

[@SteveZodiac777]

Wowser - yet another great video! I'm not in the market for a new camera having just switched to Sony but it's always interesting to see what's coming along. I think that your ability to find stunning compositions is awesome. Your photo of the Milky Way is outstanding. Thanks for sharing.

[@bryantharmon8531]

Have watched a number of reviews on the z8 now. Nigel yours is the very best one I've seen. You went over the things that I do with my cameras and you have given me pause to think about where I'm going with my photography. I am still shooting A D750 and was thinking about upgrading to a z7 I think I will still upgrade to the z7 but start saving my pennies for the z8. It will take a lot of pennies .

[@DjShamusUK]

Awesome Vlog Nigel . love the full content of the full indepth review of the Nikon Z8 . that looks liek one awesome camera so crystal clear . would love get one of them . keep the great images coming & your Vlogs . 👍

[@anewcareerinanewtown]

Nice review - seems like an excellent and versatile all round camera. The tree shot at 28.14 seems to have gained traction - Ricci Talks features a near identical night shot but lit by flash with constelation bg.

[@ThePhysicalMediaFan]

Hi Nigel! Fantastic review! One quick question - does that Z8 allow 30 minutes of long exposure or less?

[@PeterIldefonso-cp5mq]

So a couple of questions. Would you replace a D850 with the Z8? How would you rate your post-processing effort with the Z8 vs. other cameras you've been using? I'm mostly interested in post-processing comments relative to D850 but any comments would be interesting comparing the two cameras would be appreciated.

[@garnerboyd4206]

YES!

[@crayfish6735]

Nice shooting star in the top right hand corner at 27:24

[@NigelDanson]

👍🏼 good spot

[@heikki8409]

I came to comment this

[@chrislekhavanija]

Pre-ordered! Thank you for the video.

[@inspiredsol6423]

Shooting star at 27:26

[@maheshdeokar1220]

great work buddy.. keeping aside the subject of this video (which is a review of Z8) i should really appreciate your work...the images were absolutely astounding... keep it up...!!!

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

NIKON MOVED THE PLAYBACK BUTTON!!! HALLELUJAH!!! I LOVED where they put it on the Z30 and I was hoping they would do that, makes a lot more sense now. 🙂😍👍👍👍

[@carloscipriani2438]

Por precio-prestaciones me sigo quedando con la Z5!!!!! El 90% de los usuarios no necesita más. En este canal hay un video fantástico sobre el rendimiento de la Z5 en fotografía.

[@plushplush7635]

thank you for the videos, they help me a lot

[@tommccaughey5806]

I like the transitions !

[@golamashraf1464]

As a wildlife, events and sports photographer, I had often thought of landscapes as "slow art". Your video has now changed that impression! Not just a great Z8 showpiece, your video is a masterclass on composing great landscape photos. It was such a treat to watch you carefully plan your compositions, keeping light, shapes, perspective, color, contrast and motion in mind! Amazing amazing shots, my favorite being the final beach shot -- swirly incoming water in foreground and beautifully lit breaking waves far away. Also loved the dramatic woods and mountain shots. This has been the most productive 35 minutes of my day, thank you!

[@fwkl]

Thank you for this amazing video! I've bought so much Nikon lenses in the past until the point where I have practically cemented myself in Nikon's ecosystem. Although I use a crop sensor DSLR, I plan to switch to a mirrorless like this one, or maybe a cheaper one like the Z5. I may be suffering loss of MP, but what are your opinions on a DX lens on FX camera? thanks again!

[@ThatNorma]

While the Z8 is awesome , I would really love to see Nikon pull out a z7iii

[@danielzb]

Do you grade your video footage or is it right out of camera? Regardless, the composition is absolutely fantastic. It's easy to see why you're an ambassador

[@KetchMaat]

Great video, thank you for this "on stage" review

[@brianlemke6017]

Well done, Nigel. Enjoy the camera. I’m buying it to replace my Z6ii, mostly for the blazing AF for birds and wildlife - the first and second gen Zs are very subpar AF compared to the Nikon DSLRs and the mirrorless competitors - Sony, Canon, Oly. It will also be fun to shoot 45MP landscapes.

[@NigelDanson]

Tom? 😱😂

[@brianlemke6017]

@@NigelDanson sorry, fixed. You and Tom H, my two favorite British landscapers. Be thankful I didn’t call you Pebbles.

[@telemaq76]

wow what a video ! great work.

[@PaulEvans]

Did you try any other ratios 1:1, 16:9 etc? Interested to know if the Z8 throws away the pixels.

[@NigelDanson]

I didn’t but will ask

[@gonzotravelling]

Lovely work and review. Personally I'll stick with my Z6II for my portraiture and headshot work. And keep ny Z7 for landscapes.

[@stevensparks4012]

Thanks for the splendid review. I especially like that 65mm image using the Z 100-400 mm lens 😊

[@tintin69rr]

Brilliant so tempted to move over from canon R 6&R7

[@Boatzerama]

I have just pre-ordered one and selling my Z9 which is amazing but just too cumbersome. What a fantastic forest📷👍🏼

[@avnerbenzvi8757]

as Landscape Photography there is any PRO to replace my Z6 to Z8 , will you upgrade your Z7 to Z8 ??

[@srodigital]

Having watched your comprehensive video right to the end Nigel, I'm still not sure whether you like the Z8 or not, and clearly you're undecided about the viewfinder 😂. You really liked the Z9, but couldn't justify it...sounds like the Z8 hits a large proportion of the spot. Great video and Imagery. Thank you. Stay safe.

[@Trish12303]

I ordered mine! In regard to megapixels, I was happy it was a 45 and not a 60. For me, if I wanted that many megapixels, I would hop to medium format. Thanks for the video!!

[@NigelDanson]

Agree

[@simonkitchin1538]

Thanks for the review Nigel. I’m still very much struggling to part with my D850 as it’s such a great camera for landscapes. As good as the Z8 sounds it’s not convincing me either, especially as one of the main reasons often suggested as an advantage for moving to mirrorless, weight, isn’t much different to the D850. Think I’m waiting until your review of the Z7iii

[@NigelDanson]

I would say the optical viewfinder and z lenses are good reason but expensive

[@MikeHeller]

D850 is awesome and will continue to take stellar shots. If you just need to shoot landscapes the Z7II is likely the better choice given it's size and features. If you need an all-rounder the Z8 seems perfect. You do get access to the new Z lenses which seem to be better across the board compared to their f-mount counterparts. You also get IBIS and both the pros and cons of an EVF. The Z8 has no blackout though, so that is a bonus. Add better AF coverage, next gen Expeed, more focus detection modes, faster frame rates, more shutter speed options, better video specs, usb type c, the features do add up.

[@cmtrain1]

Great video, you took some beautiful pictures

[@garryhughes3747]

Another great video Nigel. I'd love it if you could do a video on Astro photography. I think the notes said 10 stacked images and 4 dark shots on one of your nightime images. I'd love to know how that works!

[@lesalterman]

Nice shooting star at 27:25 top right corner))

[@b34k97]

You catch the shooting star in the top right corner at 27:24?

[@billyburg4870]

In so many ways another inspiring video. As always, a plethora of amazing images and clips, irrespective of the fact this is really about a new camera body. The Z8 looks like an amazing camera for the money and I’d predict / hope it would place Nikon more firmly as a true rival to Canon and Sony in more people’s eyes again (If folk thought it was third place). Speaking however as a Z7ii owner I would say to Nikon, please think about the non-pro users who I’d imagine make up the most of your demographic. We’d love the newer AF implementation to be brought to our cameras (Z5, Z6, Z7, Z6ii, Z7ii) as a firmware update (I doubt anyone would care if it’s slower / not quite the same as flag ship models as long as it does the job). Stop giving us first gen Tamron lens as Nikon lenses at a mark-up. In future iterations of the bodies, all most folk want is the new AF, new screens, maybe more resolution and they will be happy. On a personal level, I’d like uncropped RAWs, 2 sec delay to stay on, blinkies for photography and more customisability of the buttons. Come on Nikon you can do it!! Sorry for the long comment Nigel. One of your best videos - irrespective of the fact it is also a camera promotion.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks! I obviously worked with Nikon on it but I always want to be honest and give something more than a review

[@dr.sandipmehta973]

Z8 is gr8 deal from Nikon Canon R5 dropped 500$ due to Z8 Sony A1 and Nikon Z9 are real competition for Z8 and look at the price point of Z8 . It gives all the features of true flagship camera and at lowest price point without compromising any features not only nikon will sell Z8 in big numbers but also the sell of Z lenses will shoot up

[@davidmaw7080]

Great video again Nigel. A question if I may, looking at the video's about Madeira, what is the best time of year to visit. I'm especially thinking for the woodland photography. many Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@rainbowtrash1625]

The price of the Z8 makes me VERY happy that my Z5 does everything I need!

[@akseone1]

Without being too uncouth, I fucking love your videos. Ha, Informative, passionate and help steer my photography journey.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much!

[@Professor_Internet_PhD]

Finally an articulating LCD screen. Is it bright enough to be able to see while shooting in broad daylight or strong sunlight? I know it's not the ideal time for shooting landscapes, but I find that on my D850, it is really hard to see anything on the LCD screen when there is strong sunlight, making it hard to review the image sharpness etc.

[@NigelDanson]

Yep - super bright

[@montagdp]

Man, so many pictures in here that are objectively better than any landscape photo I've taken, and not because of the camera. I guess that's why you're the pro and I'm not. Anyway, really nice video!

[@terilapetino6337]

How do you combine your photo stacks (focusing)? Do you use Photoshop or something else? And it looks like you don’t use the focus shift shooting feature in the Z8 or Z7? You take different shots using the display with your finger? Great video, thanks for taking us out with you!

[@NoahForeman]

Hi Nigel, at 7:08, is the wrong lens or the wrong focal length listed? thanks for the great video!

[@redonebeatbox]

With landscape photography being a more "stationary" style of photography that doesn't really require all those frames per second etc., is the Z8 that much better than the Z7 II, and what would justify buying it instead of the Z7 II, leaving aside the fact that it's a newer model? 🙄 Any thoughts?

[@JN.Visuals]

Great video, one day I will own the Z8 👌🏼 looks amazing

[@ericerickson6537]

I have the Z 6 and Z7.2. I never use the video and don’t do a lot of wildlife shooting, not sure I need to upgrade to the Z8? Have to think about it a lot.

[@jessejayphotography]

To me the Z8 is Nikons attempt at a mirrorless D850. I like the body a lot.

[@ThatNorma]

Nikon literally calls it the true D850 successor on their official page

[@warrenswales5693]

Twice the price is not a good value though.

[@sandybottom6623]

Great photos but bring the brightness up. That will give them more definition.

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you!

[@fredmorales7705]

Curious about the memory cards you used for the Z8. What was in the CFexpress slot and what was in the SD slot?

[@RussandLoz]

Nice video, but I'm not sure its much different for landscape use from the z7?

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

Fabulous photography! Was there in Madeira about 35 yrs ago before I knew which end of a camera to point...ah well...

[@ianlewisphotography]

If you touch the screen and it takes a shot is there enough delay to avoid camera shake? Or can you touch to focus and not have it shoot a frame? Great video, thanks