Nikon Z8 After Nearly Two Years of Creating: The Hybrid King

[@SamBugas]

Thanks for watching! Let me know if you think Nikon is heading in the right direction! Or if you use some other brand…my feelings won’t be hurt.

[@dakotabrownphotography]

An absolute master in his craft

[@SamBugas]

That’s waaaaaaay too kind my friend! We’ve gotta get out and shoot sometime. Appreciate the support 🤙🏻

[@shelkiefilm]

Great video, thanks for sharing ✌🏻low key considering switching to Nikon from Sony for everything, but the video on even the cheapest Sony cameras is still so good.

[@SamBugas]

Thanks so much for watching! If you have a Sony setup you like, it’s hard to justify the cost of selling and switching. That said, I’m wildly excited to be invested in Nikon with the quality they’ve produced and the direction they are going in. You can adapt Sony lenses to Nikon really easily too. Cheers!

[@markbe2412]

I have the Z8 and Z9 for shooting cycling and landscape. It's been incredible. And I would definitely agree on the color coming out of the camera... it is SO good. I have absolutely loved the end results and I frequently compare the color to my Leica SL2.

[@SamBugas]

It’s so sneaky good!

[@RamblinView]

Give yourself some credit, the quality of your photo and video work is because of you! You are seriously skilled at composition and color work. I could still make some dull work with a z8 😅

[@SamBugas]

Such a crazy kind comment, I really appreciate that! I definitely agree that buying a new camera won’t make your photos better. When it’s the right time, though, it can help you make the photos you want to make that have specific barriers. Always important to ask, should I buy this to get better, or should I practice to get better, because only one path really works.

[@Ben_Stewart]

I have the Z6iii and Z8 and I find I jump between the two often because I like the images or video out of both depending the scenario. IBIS works great and always seems to have no problem pulling the light out of the shadows of the Z8 despite the higher pixels.

[@SamBugas]

I’d absolutely love to work with the Z6iii. I hope to use it very soon. That combo seems incredible!

[@appleseedz9x38]

Great video! I'm actually about to order my z8 today! Almost went with R5C but videos like yours helped me decide! A lil worried about the over heating but im hoping a good cf express will fix that. Have you had overheating issues?

[@csc-photo]

You won't have an issue with overheating unless using a cheaper / slower CFE-B card AND recording literally non-stop for 2+ hours in 8k. And even then it would likely be a "hot card" warning (this is not the hardware overheating). Of course environmental conditions are a factor as well. My card recommendations are Delkin Black or ProGrade Cobalt. The Z8 is easily the best body on the market for the $. Congrats!

[@SamBugas]

I haven’t personally ever experienced overheating even slightly. I use fairly cheap angel bird cards and absolutely love them. You’d have to really keep your video running to generate too much heat, likely at very high codecs like raw or 8k. I think the R5C looks great, but the Z8 is ergonomically so much nicer, and the Nikon lenses are far more compelling in my opinion. Can’t go too wrong, but the Z8 is the easy choice in my opinion. Also depends if you were going to have an A cam like a C70 or C80 in which case having a canon B cam like the R5C would make more sense. Cheers!

[@SamBugas]

Agreed! I use Angelbird and absolutely love them, but I know they are budget and open the door to overheating. I’ve just never experienced it hahaha. People talk about it like it’s a constant issue but in summer conditions I’ve filmed plenty and never even seen a warning.

[@appleseedz9x38]

@@SamBugas Thanks for responding! This will be my first Nikon camera, I'm really hoping they come out with cinema cameras to compete against the fx3, SH1 , and etc. Then I can use Z8 as a B cam to a mini nikon red kamodo lol.

[@appleseedz9x38]

@@csc-photo thank you! Will probably go prograde!

[@will674]

Hi Sam, where do you see the biggest improvements over the xt5 in stills image quality? The resolution is pretty similar. Do you notice difference in other areas?

[@SamBugas]

Hey there! Dynamic range and iso performance are improved and the resolution is still a fairly large bump over the X-T5. That said, the X-T5 is absolutely incredible. The biggest difference is definitely low light performance. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@BoxingTunes]

Some stunning images. I’m a fuji shooter but just ordered the Z8 and keen to get my hands on it. Which lenses have you used mostly for the works on the display on this video?

[@SamBugas]

Hey! I also love my Fuji and feel it pairs well with the Nikon. Have fun with the new cam! Most of these photos came from the 17-28mm f2.8, my most used lens by a wide margin. More recently I picked up the 35-150mm f2-2.8 from tamron and it is now pretty much always on my camera. A handful were from the TTArtisan 75mm F2. You can’t go too wrong, just figure out what you want to shoot! That’ll help you choose the lens 🤙🏻

[@gilcarag274]

The Z8 is incredible value for sure at current prices. Sonys are too expensive. I have an a7r5 bought not long it was released. My credit card is still hot ! Never regretted leaving Fuji. What I regret is the Z8 coming just a few months too late ….

[@SamBugas]

Haha fair enough! I regretted leaving Fuji so I got another and use Nikon and Fuji hahaha. Sony cameras have never worked with me, but I know they are incredible. Only Sony that really peaks my interest is the A7CR

[@cinemaheist8]

Had the Z8 and absolutely loved it as a photo camera, but since I make money shooting video - the Z8's video didn't suit me. Yes it has monster specs, but the jerky IBIS and color science for skin tones didn't fit the type of corporate clients I shoot. Sold the Z8 and got a R6ii and even though its half the photo camera than the Z8, it's much better video camera. If win the lotto or Z8 prices come down over time I'd love to pick one back up. One underrated thing about the Z8 is it was the best vintage lens camera I've ever owned and I even owned the ZF. The viewfinder on the Z8 is so good I can manually focus without punching in. I do think for landscape videos and adventure videos the Z8 is a good option though.

[@SamBugas]

I haven’t had that experience with the IBIS, interesting. That kind of quality is usually a lens issue. Color science is pretty personal too. You may be the only person out there saying the R6ii is better for video, but hey if you prefer it, that’s all that matters. I used the R6 for years and found it generally to be amazing. Wouldn’t say there’s any advantage to it though, other than low light. Everyone has preferences, so I’m glad you use a cam that suits you! Cheers 🤙🏻

[@susanbugas4126]

🪽

[@sequoi_]

I had the Z8 and returned it actually. Even had the holy z trinity w/ it. I wouldn't agree it's THE hybrid king but it is one of a few amazing hybrid cameras (R5/A1/A1ii all keep up). I would only prioritize this camera over others IF: you don't mind increased weight compared to competition, and get on w/ the Nikon control idiosyncrasies, AND this is the biggest one: you require in-camera RAW video recording. Otherwise I'm looking forward to my future Sony A1ii. Yes, it's more money but after using the Nikon Z8 the camera made me NOT want to go out n shoot and that's a big deal to me. I think Nikon needs to rethink their lens control design and give users more customization in terms of exposure triangle and other button customization that seems artificially restricted at no benefit to the end user. People make a big deal about Nikon colors but if you shoot RAW photos this really doesn't matter, bare in mind I shot the Z8 out against my GFX100s and at no point did I see either camera producing particularly astonishing color over the other. Canon Sony Nikon all produce amazing colors for their RAW files. If your photos colors don't look good its the user not the camera. JPEGs are a different story of course.

[@SamBugas]

Hey all kinds of fair opinions. I couldn’t disagree more in regards to camera control, but if it doesn’t feel good in your hand, that’s so personal and totally fair. I’ll never use raw recording but all the other video features are best in class (I’m not alone in this analysis). A1ii is so vastly more expensive it really shouldn’t be directly compared, but since it is, it’s remarkable that a camera that’s half the price is capable of nearly everything it can do. That’s a big win for the Z8. I’m not sure what you mean about the exposure triangle but you definitely have as much control as every camera. There’s no camera available that doesn’t give you full control. Lastly, color science does matter and the whole raw argument is a bit narrow. Yes, you can manipulate colors, and will during editing, but that doesn’t discredit the value of a stronger looking raw file out of the gate. I’ve shot canon, Fuji, Leica, Sony, and Nikon, and the difference is vast, impacting professional work flow in various ways. Just have to add my two cents on all this 🙂

[@sequoi_]

@@SamBugas I have to disagree w/ you on exposure control but only because I didn't get in depth enough. On Nikon you HAVE to use the ISO button to adjust your ISO settings. Nikon doesn't allow you to assign ISO the front or rear command dials. Sony, Canon Fujifilm all allow for greater level of customization in this regard. I've also shot Nikon, Sony and Fujifilm and if your talking about SOOC RAW that's down to the convertor and ICC profile it's applying to the RAW the file during conversion so for RAWs it really doesn't matter esp. since you can create your own or use other ICC profiles and set it to apply on import for your particular camera. For me I've NEVER shot a camera that I was 100% satisfied in the SOOC color Fuji GFX (past 5 years) and Nikon Z included. So again disagree that RAW argument is "narrow" many people just aren't using or understand their RAW convertors and how to get the most out of them. If you're happy w/ Z8 colors though that's great, I just didn't find them to be better than any other modern MILC.

[@SamBugas]

@ I wouldn’t say the iso control is a downside, it’s just the build. If it’s not for you, that’s fair. For my use case, the Nikon functions better than other options I’ve used. The customization argument is also misleading. The latest cams are regarded as very customizable. Perhaps you don’t like that button, but the cam as a whole can be manipulated as far as you want to. Sony is in another tier tor customization, to an extent that doesn’t always come as a benefit. I still disagree with your raw argument as well. Every camera does have inherent qualities as per the design of the sensor, its coatings, and the camera processor. Yes, you can iterate how it appears on your computer, but you still pay for a specific quality in a file from that camera, and Nikon is known for the quality of that file up front. Sony is known for the challenge of that initial file (not to say Sony is worse, it isn’t, it’s just harder to work with from a SOOC standpoint). Functionally you and I can’t be right when it comes to what we prefer, but it’s misleading to suggest Raw file qualities are irrelevant.

[@sequoi_]

@@SamBugas Known aka "rumored" I've also shot multiple brands professionally and there are so many other professionals using all 3 cameras brands that get amazing results. The colors for RAW are the least important part and many professionals agree. Glad your happy w/ your camera. However many comparisons have been made about RAW files between cameras from far more knowledgeable individuals than you and I. Jim Kasson comes to mind I encourage you to research this area more as I feel you are honestly misinformed on the matter. Cam Mackey would be another professional who comes to a much different conclusion than your own. The reason I'm bringing it up is it's the 12" behind the camera that matters in 2025 and saying that RAW files are worse from Sony or Canon or any other modern camera mfg. is what is misleading.

[@SamBugas]

@ cheers for the conversation. I think you’re misunderstanding me a bit, but hey we all like what we like. I’m familiar with this info, watch those channels, etc… I do my research :) lastly, I never called one RAW file better, just stated which ones have better colors. You’ll find those same creators agreeing with me on their channels, trust me

[@Thorset1]

Hello Sam. As you might remember, I also shoot with the Nikon Z8 since beginning of this year. I'm most interested in landscape photography, but every now and then I also make excursions into street photography and macro photography. I started with analog photography in 1989. At that time I loved using my Minolta gear. At some point, the first digital cameras came on the market and I quickly realized that digital photography with the post-editing options in Photoshop offers so many opportunities to optimize the expression possibilities. My first digital camera was a Minolta Dynax 7D. I think that was in 2005. Then in 2013 I switched to the Nikon system. With Nikon I started with a D7100, then I photographed with the D810. Later came the D850 and then 2021 the switch to mirrorless with the Nikon Z7-II. My newest camera is the Nikon Z8 since beginning of 2024. I can tell that this is by far the most professional camera I have ever used. In combination with the Nikkor Z S-lenses it comes a dream. I can only underline your comments in this video. And I think that also in the upcoming years it will not be necessary to by another/new camera, because it gives everything what is needed for a long time. Very good and interesting video content. I love to hear more about your work with the Nikon gear. But I would like to see also more content about your photography methodology or even some POV videos. Best Regards from the south west of Germany.

[@SamBugas]

Thanks so much for watching and sharing your journey! Enjoy that Z8! I’ll definitely make more POV videos and what not soon. I really appreciate everything!

[@asiadmajeed]

First time here. Cool video and concept. I’m not on your skill lvl yet :) I love your perspective of do what you can with you have. Not so tech chart 🫡

[@SamBugas]

Thanks for watching! I’m definitely not a technical reviewer hahaha. I hate charts. Glad you enjoyed and hope to see you around!