Nikon Z8 camera review - am I moving to Nikon?

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In this video I review the new Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera and answer the question - am I moving back to Nikon?
The Nikon Z8 is a mirrorless camera with a 45mp stacked CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 7 processor and a fully electronic shutter.
When I started out as a wedding photographer I shot with Nikon DSLRs so I was very excited to try out a Nikon camera again - but would it make me want to move back to Nikon?
As well as using the Nikon Z8 for the first time, I also use the Nikkor Z 35mm f1.8, Nikkor Z 50mm f1.2, Nikkor Z 85mm f1.2 and the Nikkor 12-24mm f2.8 lens.
I shoot the bride in both natural light and also use off camera flash, using the MagMod MagBox Pro 24 Octa.
A massive thank you to Nikon for very kindly loaning me all the equipment I use in this video, to Rebecca for being such a brilliant model, to Helen for filming and to all the staff at Standon Hall in Staffordshire for letting me shoot at their stunning venue.
This was my first time shooting at the stunning Standon Hall in Staffordshire - a huge thank you to the venue for all their help: standonhall.co...
A huge thank you to Rebecca for modelling and my partner Helen Williams for filming this video:
Rebecca: / rebeccakate23
Helen: / helenwilliamsphotography
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For more details about my work, please visit my website or follow me on Instagram:
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[@sekaf4125]

I’ve been shooting for 45 yrs. The Z8 has brought my photography to a whole new level. It’s fabulous

[@NeilRedfern]

Wow, that's great! Really pleased you're enjoying the Z8

[@marcusgrandon3640]

Yeah, 36 years of shooting and I'm just blown away by the Z8. I'm coming from a D810 and wow! I'm doing stuff I didn't know was possible.

[@davidscholesphotographer]

Great video mate - I've been looking forward to hearing your thoughts. I will say, as a Nikon user - I still prefer using the 1.8 lenses which are much smaller and lighter yet still really sharp. The 1.2 range is so big and heavy

[@MysticApertureStudios]

I have a tamrom 35mm f1.4, on my z8 its heavy 😅 i dont like the weight but the image quality compels me to ignore the weight. Z8 is an extraordinary piece of equipment.

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much mate - for anyone who is reading this comment and isn't aware, David is one of the very very best photographers in the UK - go check out his work! Yeah, I would definitely for the 1.8s too, maybe the 85 1.2 for the portraits. That would be my set up

[@champagneshutterphotography]

I have the 1.8s - the 1.2s are on my long-term luxury desires list!

[@Rev.DavidJTowns]

i've been shooting for 40 plus years and the Z8 is something very special, the firmware update was game-changing!

[@NeilRedfern]

What a great endorsement!

[@robingoodlad9508]

Great video. The Z8 is the best camera I have ever used, it’s just a joy to shoot with. It’s not that heavy at all with the 1.8 lenses, the 1.2’s are a workout though!. Did you get a chance to play with Starlight mode? For focusing when using OCF it is just mind blowing.

[@NeilRedfern]

Woah, that is a great review of the camera mate. Thank you also for letting me know about Starlight mode - I haven't heard of that as yet but will definitely give it a go whilst I have the camera. Thank you very much!

[@omu_omuomu]

I was impressed you took a portrait with Z 14-24 as I have that lens.

[@NeilRedfern]

It's a great lens and I love taking wide portraits to show off nice environments

[@Ben_Stewart]

She's a beast but comes packing with the latest tech. My Z6ii was also nice for light shoots but the Z8 has it all.

[@NeilRedfern]

It does seem that way and there is so much love for the Z8 from everyone who uses it

[@shard2933]

You can try to use sony e to nikon z adapter

[@ozarksdigitalcreations9254]

Don't do it. I bought it before they released the 35-150 for Nikon. It worked great for 2 sessions then would intermittently stop recognizing the lens. Seems to be a common issue with almost everyone I've reached out to that owns one.

[@MichaelAres]

The Nikon Z8 brings the best bang for your buck!

[@mjr333]

I think zf is better value

[@boostedmaniac]

I’ve been a Nikon guy for many years and almost moved to Sony for the same reason as you. I held onto my D800 longer waiting for Nikon to release something better like the Z8. Ended up with a Z9 while waiting for the Z8. No regrets! And like you mentioned about the grip on the Sony, I had the chance to shoot with a A7r4 for a day and the tiny grip coupled with a heavier 100-400 lens for sports really rubbed into my middle finger trying to hold up the camera. I liked the camera and it being lightweight, but the small grip became very uncomfortable after a full day of shooting.

[@naeemalmalek3925]

Hey Bro...I have to buy 4-5 presets...Which preset will be best for wedding ?? How do I know which is the best color preset.....??

[@alivarasteh]

nikon z8 fantastic camera

[@NeilRedfern]

I would definitely agree

[@jpdj2715]

I replaced my Z 7ii by a Z 8 the other day. It's the best. Period. Recognition AI AF is much faster and much more confident, especially in lower light that you need as wedding/event photographer. This was the reason why I upgraded. For a landscape photographer, the Z 7ii is the best you can want. Oh, in the Z 8, the sensor protection shutter. And. And. By all means, try the 50/1.8S and 85/1.8S. They save a lot of money but a lot of weight and size too. The 1.2S lenses have a T value of 1.5 at f/1.2 so they are as fast as your old 1.4G lenses that are also T 1.5 but at f/1.4. The 85/1.2S and 135/1.8S have beautiful bokeh, but you need to shoot wide open to get that and as a wedding photographer, you know that the bride only sees herself. If she doesn't look like a supermodel in her wedding photos, then it's your fault and you are not going to answer her saying, "yes, but have you seen how beautiful the bokeh is?" I have all the 20..85 1.8S lenses and they are really great. The 85/1.8S is the sharpest lens out there. The 50/1.8S comes second. I think. A very nice and sharp lens is the Z 105/2.8S macro. It has beautiful bokeh and goes down to 1:1 (at less than 1 foot distance from the sensor plane). This lens is by far not as expensive and is a bit large, but relatively light in weight. While the "S" primes may suppress focus breathing and consequently may suppress aperture breathing, the 105 does not do that. At 1:1, its focal length is about 160mm. With the Z "S" c;ass lenses, my almost 50 years old rant about chromatic aberration got silenced and tint differences between lenses seem to have been solved too. No, migrating alone to another camera system is not going to get you in the National (Portrait) Gallery.

[@livejames9374]

The 85 1.2 T value is 1.3. The old 85 1.4G is 1.6. I haven’t seen measurement of the 50 1.2. Where is the 1.5 number coming from?

[@joedanielphotography]

Hi mate, great video as ever. Just wanted to mention you wouldn’t need to get rid of all your Sony glass if you switched to it as all you’d need to do is buy the ftz adapter. Switch back to the dark side! 😊

[@Brownwhale7]

How would the FTZ adapter help him use Sony glass?

[@ShadowravenPhoto]

Welcome back to the Nikon fam! 🎉

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you! Although (sadly) it isn't permanent

[@fangli]

its just sponsored maybe@@NeilRedfern

[@NeilRedfern]

It is not. Nikon sent me the camera to try for 3 weeks. They didn’t ask me to say anything and no money was involved. Exactly as I state in the video

[@bryk701]

As Nikon photographer I work with Sony videgraphers. I just can't stand Sony ergonomics. Lately I played with Canon RP. Yes, iI's entry level full frame Canon camera but I also have experience with Nikon Z5 from the same level and I have to say that I have terrible user experience with Canon RP. That camera is just awful. I am biased by Nikon so it could be just my personal feeling. I don't deny that. For professional work I don't even think of switching to anything else. I'm pretty happy with Nikon. For personal needs I'd go for Fuji. I currently work on two Nikon Z6II's. There are two reasons I will be switching to Z8's. Namely, better AF and... bigger camera body. Yes, Z6II is too small for me.

[@Capcity44]

Stunning, stunning images. You made this bride (model?) look absolutely marvelous.

[@jerroldthompson3897]

Moved up from a D850, ditto what @sekaf4125 says, Z8 is just phenomenal.

[@pathfindercod4638]

Outstanding video, thank you!

[@patrickstonetree1]

The instant on and go of Nikon cameras is something more people should mention, every serious Nikon from their DSLRs to the Z9 are like this. The moment you hit the on button or wake the camera it is ready to shoot.

[@denizahmet2299]

Neil, I thought you would be all over the Sony A9iii for the flash benefits .

[@NeilRedfern]

I'd love to try one!

[@jeanjia0910]

NIKON Z8 真的太棒了，韌體更新後宛如是Z8第二代，NIKON真的需要被稱讚，我也願意再買一台Z9!

[@Freep-m2l]

It's the perfect camera, finally. You're kinda late to the wagon

[@youuuuuuuuuuutube]

Sony: send this man both an A1 and an A9iii for testing!

[@NeilRedfern]

I wouldn't say no! 😂

[@laranitasantana]

Nikon please, on the Z8 we would like for next firmware version 3.0, when we turn the top Control Panel display ON, to be a little brighter and with a little more contrast

[@NeilRedfern]

Great feedback - I can pass that on to my contact

[@BowlesImages]

Nice review and gorgeous work I’ve had the Z8 since release and it’s so good it seems like cheating

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much - yes, I must admit, even though I haven't used it for long I can tell it is a fantastic camera

[@RejeRush]

Honestly, the Nikon z f1.8 lenses are absolutely amazing for wedding day since they're much lighter and smaller than the 1.2's. I only use the 1.2's for engagements, portraits or studio sessions. Plus the 50 & 85 f1.8 lens are much better quality than the old Nikon 1.4's in my opinion.

[@NeilRedfern]

I can imagine! That would be what I would do too - use the 1.8 lenses for majority of the time but the 1.2 lenses for those shots where I have more time and are likely to be more important

[@lucashillier8618]

Honesty Nikons last 3 releases have been killer. Z9, z8 and zf are amazing cameras. Z6 iii is going to be a beast when it comes out in the next few months.

[@bobbullethalf]

I am holding out for the Z6 III, I hope it comes out sooner than later.

[@Vadimkatashid]

try to remove your fingers against the sun!) photo

[@Jonners]

I did also love the Z8 when I borrowed my friends and for model shoots etc it's great. But like you say for a whole wedding, weight and size plays a big part.

[@MysticApertureStudios]

Agreed. I havent shot a wedding with a Z8. I believe Z8 isnt for weddings. I shoot dance videos, reels and prewedding videos with the z8. I mostly shoot videos in raw and i never shoot raw or even 10 bit in weddings. For 8 bit i find my Z6 to be more than sufficient.

[@MarkRodriguesMrod]

When shooting wedding photos what metering frame are you in? or do you switch to any other metering frame in order to keep the same settings... is it in spot metering , ctr weight, full frame metering? Thanks for your reply.

[@NeilRedfern]

I don’t use metering as I always shoot in manual

[@davidtaranzaphotography3324]

Glad to hear you enjoyed the Z 8. It's hard not to love it with all its fabulous capabilities. I am tempted too, but for a non-pro the cost of transition is quite enormous even if I am a Nikon guy sporting a D750, another crop body and a range of good F-mount glass. Thanks for another great video!

[@wahoo236]

I'm just an amateur photographer / dad of twins. I was tired of shooting with mid-grade bodies and mid-grade lenses. I've had the D7100, the D500, Z6, and the Z6II. I finally decided to buy a Z8 and two pro 2.8 lenses (24-70 and 70-200). I could NOT be happier. Sold all my old gear, made one big purchase (fiananced). Now I am no longer chasing the next mid-grade body/lens ever year. This should be my kit for at least 5 years. When you look at it that way, its not so unreasonable.

[@davidtaranzaphotography3324]

@@wahoo236 Hi Kevin, thanks for your experience. I'm happy that you found your sweetspot. There's not much I am missing on D750, it's a joy to work with. I feel like the Z 8 would bring confusion to my ecosystem - already have a 24-70/2,8, 16-35/4 and 70-200/4 - dream kit that I worked long time towards. A Z body would require new memory cards, cable release, FTZ adapter (or new lenses) etc. Big flash functions also unsure. I really love the OVF. I'm rather thinking of replacing a D7000 with a used D780 which would fit perfectly into the mix and be done for another 10 years or so. And, in the meantime just watch the ML system to mature. Gear exchange won't make me a better photographer anyway. Cheers, David

[@daveygee434]

You state it is not a review, whilst your title literally says ‘review’. Hmmm?! 🤷‍♂️🤣

[@NeilRedfern]

That's just for the algorithm - it rules us! Haha

[@Mr.HarryPotter]

Z space 8 = Z 8

[@NeilRedfern]

You're right! I did not know that

[@SkyMissionsClub]

You can use all youre sony lenses on nikon z, just need an adaptor, the focus works perfect.

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much for letting me know :)

[@yoelrey]

Love my Z8.

[@NeilRedfern]

I can understand why 😃

[@yoelrey]

@@NeilRedfern as a Nikon shooter it’s my dream camera. Had to be patience. But it’s finaly Here. Cool that you gave it a shot.

[@r.gvideorecording254]

very cool

[@bryk701]

As Nikon photographer I work with Sony videgraphers. I just can't stand Sony ergonomics. Lately I played with Canon RP. Yes, iI's entry level full frame Canon camera but I also have experience with Nikon Z5 from the same level and I have to say that I have terrible user experience with Canon RP. That camera is just awful. I am biased by Nikon so it could be just my personal feeling. I don't deny that. For professional work I don't even think of switching to anything else. I'm pretty happy with Nikon. For personal needs I'd go for Fuji.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

It really is a fully professional camera 👌🏼

[@NeilRedfern]

I agree!

[@filmk36]

Thats some nice pictures you took man Am curious to know how you took the 50mm photos with 1.2 and it's not over exposed even before editing? Thats impressive And also how you seamlessly removed your assistant legs in your wide shots & darked the area Excellent pictures You got a new sub🤙

[@anupew3276]

about resolution, IMO 50-80 is the best place to be... IF your camera can shoot medium raw (yep, looking at you A7RIV). That way you can put it to medium raw for rebular use and have that nice 21-33MPx resolution and when you need it for some reason (super detailed print etc) put it to max res (or same resolution aps-c). Z8 looks like an amazing camera, definitely the best money/tech, especially if you arent pure photography. Its nice to see Nikon back in game and even pushing that intense firmware support. Hopefully other manufacturers will join that strong FW support too :)

[@morpheus3190]

Waiting for the z7iii to possibly upgrade from my z7II. More mega pixels and hopefully pixel shift?

[@Brownwhale7]

Any issues with noise when recovering shadows? I've read mixed things about the Z8 in that regard.

[@joedanielphotography]

Also worth having a play with the new Nikon Zf. Love mine and it’s a dream on a wedding day for size and weight as long as you’ve got small sized lenses on (inc 85mm 1.8).

[@otavioleitefotografia]

Great!

[@highdynamicphotographyfilm2235]

Nikon has an 85mm f/1.8 lens that is very small and a light lens. That lens is very sharp too.

[@poikatiikeri]

did you test the megadap pro autofocus adapter and your own sony lenses on the nikon z8?

[@LuiggiBenedetto]

Great Niel, great Nikon😊

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much

[@Tom_367]

Sometimes I stop down my 50 1.2 to something like 2.4 😂

[@kasixmc]

Great review Neil , I'm using Sony a7r5 and there's nothing that will sway me away from this brand ... just too good and size matters on a 12 hour day . My thoughts about 85 f1.2 - no need for it . 1 eye in focus other not in focus such dof is dangerous on a wedding day could really miss an important detail and blurr a wrong thing out. Sony 85mm f1.4 is good enough tbf 🔥📸🙌

[@thejohnnerparty]

This is the 3rd video I've seen on results from the Z8 and various Z lenses. Now I know that these photos are taken by professionals, but the results are just so good. I mean WOW good. If I could results like that I'm down with getting the kit to get these kind of results.

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much - very kind

[@Junior-n7r]

Love the weight shoot with it 8 hours straight no broblem

[@pathogan4854]

Incredible work ! beautiful model and beautiful setting !! superb camera (and Im a Pentaxian )😃Fairplay to Helen too.

[@NeilRedfern]

Very kind - thank you! And yes, Helen was a huge help!

[@harvymckiernan93]

A lovely video! You confused me with Standon hall (ST 21) because I've photographed weddings at Sandon hall (ST 18), also a wedding venue in Stafford. Imagine turning up to the wrong one 😂

[@NeilRedfern]

Haha, I know, I can imagine that will and has caused a lot of confusion for many people! Thank you very much for the kind words 😃

[@strippedlist]

ZET 8, Z comes from the greek word ZETA, LIKE A FROM ALPHA, B FROM BETA, ETC

[@NeilRedfern]

Cool! Thank you for letting me know 😀

[@edwardekman9832]

You used all the same old Nikons that I have. Only difference is I never got the D810.

[@NeilRedfern]

Aah, cool! So you had the Nikon D70 too - what a great starter DSLR that was 😃

[@parnilsson322]

Beautiful pictures!

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much 🤗

[@warrickcoe5576]

Great video. Your model is gorgeous. Classic portraits that look so beautiful.

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much 🙌

[@mrdoan2663]

Can you share model name of the dual quick strap u using, thank you😊

[@NeilRedfern]

Yes of course, it is a MoneyMaker strap from Holdfast

[@ZhaVioRxGFX]

Z8 the update made me even love the camera. I feel like they can add so much to this camera, and will make editing easier

[@NeilRedfern]

I agree - the updates sound very impressive!

[@rajeshtawde5230]

Fantastic 👌

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much!

[@stkuj]

I love what Nikon did with the Z8. But, I do find using two different cards a bit cumbersome, not a deal breaker. I wish their lens selection was wider. TBH, I like the size and weight of Sony's 1.4 lens (Sony's lens strategy). The Z8/Z9 can not save custom recall settings internally like Sony's 1-2-3 dial. TBH, there's really not much diff between 1.2 & 1.4... you should use the Sigma 85 1.4.

[@OkwyUgonweze]

Nikon calls it custom recall shooting and yes they can save it but just one unlike sony that can do three. The Nikon image quality is more pleasing and easier to work on than sony,the nikon rendering is more organic than sony. I was shooting a sony A7rv abd then the Z8 came along and that's the end of the sony.

[@OkwyUgonweze]

Nikon calls it custom recall shooting and yes they can save it but just one unlike sony that can do three. The Nikon image quality is more pleasing and easier to work on than sony,the nikon rendering is more organic than sony. I was shooting a sony A7rv abd then the Z8 came along and that's the end of the sony.

[@luissalazar2021]

From Fuji film to Nikon z8 , thanks for sharing!

[@NeilRedfern]

Awesome!

[@RaySawyerPhoto]

that 85 1.2 lens is an absolute bazooka. HAHA The Sony 85mm 1.2 G Master was rumoured last year Neil - meant to come out in Q4 but it never did so hopefully this year mate. Ill be getting it when it does launch. I have proper girl hands so prefer the size of the Sony, id probably struggle to hold that Z8 haha - hope your good dude.

[@NeilRedfern]

It is!! It's massive! I have been following those rumours but they just keep on rumbling on - fingers crossed for this year like you say. I'm good thank you mate - I hope you are too 😃

[@starbase218]

I think all the 85/1.2s are about the same in terms of weight though? It’s the Nikon 50/1.2 that is much heavier than competitors.

[@livejames9374]

@@starbase218yes lol it is supposedly to suppress focus breathing but who knows

[@cathlainetea]

Wow! Nice job . Nikon z8 is my wishlist .

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much!

[@robertoaranedatorres2477]

Primer comentario desde el mejor.pais de Chile jajaj. Execelente contenido y un master Don Neil

[@NeilRedfern]

Muchas gracias! Aprecio tu apoyo :)

[@BigFoot-w4d]

Is the A1 better than Z8? Or vice versa?

[@NeilRedfern]

I couldn't say I'm afraid as I haven't used the A1. I can say that both will be incredible cameras though

[@champagneshutterphotography]

Fantastic video - thank you

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much!

[@JohanTalk]

Great review. Loving my Z8

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much!

[@pyroBlastM]

The size of this thing is scary!

[@NeilRedfern]

It is! 😂

[@nitishkulkarni1498]

thanks sir for video

[@NeilRedfern]

My pleasure, thank you

[@wiingus]

Why is a single card slot a deal breaker for you?

[@NeilRedfern]

Because wedding photographs are far too important to risk. One card slot means one copy and if anything goes wrong, that could be the end of your business

[@thecapp2]

Yep. Though shooting on two bodies is a good backup too. Even if you lose a card, youll have your other cam. And cameras can fail too! ​@NeilRedfern

[@NeilRedfern]

I understand your point but don’t necessarily agree. Moments cannot be captured on two cameras, by definition they last for a moment. You could shoot group shots on two cameras but ultimately that’s a tiny part of the day. Two cars slots will always be the best solution- that is why camera manufacturers make them with two slots

[@soulpicturesfilm]

No 1

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you!

[@martinsrensen3869]

I want the a9

[@NeilRedfern]

It is still an incredible camera

[@thecapp2]

I have one to sell! 😊

[@castieldiallo2945]

It surprises me how grown men on the KZbin channel have an issue with the weight of cameras. Yet they will lug around 6 or more lenses. The gym is your friend, people.

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much!

[@pilbara67]

Not worth it considering you can buy older DSLR that can take better photos , only made for people with money to burn.

[@NeilRedfern]

I disagree but it is good that we all have different opinions 😊

[@AlbertPalmer]

Better comparison would be the A1 perhaps? Either way looks like an almost perfect wedding camera. Wish the A9iii had been closer to this.

[@NeilRedfern]

Yes, you're probably right. I haven't used either so hard for me to compare but the Z8 is really really nice

[@BowlesImages]

You can get a Z8 and a small and light ZF with the same processor for the cost of an A1

[@georgenecatu705]

So the AF is better on sony still ? :))

[@NeilRedfern]

I can't really answer that yet as I haven't tested it enough - I will be able to do in a few weeks time. Please also bear in mind that I am comparing the Nikon Z8 to a much older Sony camera in this video so I would expect the Nikon AF to perform better

[@Jonners]

You need to borrow an A1. @@NeilRedfern

[@Kinadnuf]

Not confusing at all, it’s zed! BTW your videos are helpful thanks.

[@NeilRedfern]

Thank you very much!