Nikon Z8 or Z9? Hands on First Impression

I own the Nikon Z9 but if I would recommend getting the Z8. It has basically all the features of the Z9, is lighter and around 25% cheaper. The biggest reason to get the Z9 is the better battery life. This was the first time I was able to get my hands on the Z8 and test it out for myself.
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Photographic equipment that I often use:
Nikon D850: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikon...
Nikon D4S: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikonD4S
Nikon F6: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikonF6
Nikon 14-24mm F2.8: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikon...
Nikon 24-70mm F2.8: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikon...
Nikon 70-200mm F2.8: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikon...
Nikon 105mm F2.8 macro: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikon...
Nikon 300mm F4 PF: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikon...
Nikon 200-400 F4: tinyurl.com/phototoolkitnikon...
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Soy dueño de la Nikon Z9, pero si recomiendo obtener el Z8. Básicamente tiene todas las características del Z9, es más ligera y alrededor del 25% más barato. La razón principal para obtener el Z9 es la mejor duración de la batería. Esta fue la primera vez que pude poner en mis manos el Z8 y probarlo por mí mismo.
我拥有尼康Z9，但如果我建议您获得Z8。它基本上具有Z9的所有功能，更轻，便宜25％。获得Z9的最大原因是电池寿命较长。这是我第一次能够掌握Z8并自己对其进行测试。
Ich besitze den Nikon Z9, aber wenn ich empfehlen würde, den Z8 zu bekommen. Es hat im Grunde alle Merkmale des Z9, sind leichter und rund 25% billiger. Der größte Grund, den Z9 zu bekommen, ist die bessere Akkulaufzeit. Dies war das erste Mal, dass ich den Z8 in die Hände bekommen und es selbst testen konnte.
Je possède le Nikon Z9 mais si je recommande d'obtenir le Z8. Il a essentiellement toutes les caractéristiques du Z9, est plus léger et environ 25% moins cher. La principale raison d'obtenir le Z9 est la meilleure durée de vie de la batterie. C'était la première fois que je pouvais mettre la main sur le Z8 et le tester par moi-même.
Possiedo Nikon Z9 ma se ti consiglio di ottenere lo Z8. Ha sostanzialmente tutte le caratteristiche dello Z9, è più leggero e circa il 25% più economico. Il motivo principale per ottenere lo Z9 è la migliore durata della batteria. Questa è stata la prima volta che sono stato in grado di mettere le mani sullo Z8 e provarlo da solo.
私はニコンZ9を所有していますが、Z8を入手することをお勧めします。基本的にZ9のすべての機能があり、軽量で、約25％安くなっています。 Z9を取得する最大の理由は、より良いバッテリー寿命です。 Z8を手に入れて自分でテストすることができたのはこれが初めてでした。
나는 Nikon Z9를 소유하고 있지만 Z8을 얻는 것이 좋습니다. 기본적으로 Z9의 모든 기능은 가볍고 약 25% 저렴합니다. Z9를 얻는 가장 큰 이유는 배터리 수명이 향상되기 때문입니다. Z8에 손을 대고 직접 테스트 할 수 있었던 것은 이번이 처음이었습니다.
У меня есть Nikon Z9, но если бы я порекомендовал получить Z8. В основном все особенности Z9, легче и примерно на 25% дешевле. Самая большая причина получить Z9 - лучшее время автономной работы. Это был первый раз, когда я смог получить в свои руки Z8 и проверить его для себя.
Έχω την κατοχή του Nikon Z9, αλλά αν θα συνιστούσα να πάρει το Z8. Έχει βασικά όλα τα χαρακτηριστικά του Z9, είναι ελαφρύτερα και περίπου 25% φθηνότερα. Ο μεγαλύτερος λόγος για να αποκτήσετε το Z9 είναι η καλύτερη διάρκεια ζωής της μπαταρίας. Αυτή ήταν η πρώτη φορά που ήμουν σε θέση να πάρω τα χέρια μου στο Z8 και να το δοκιμάσω για τον εαυτό μου."

[@tomg6286]

Appreciated the additional info on the Z8.

[@thephotographytoolkit]

And I appreciate the comment. Thanks so much Tom.

[@brianglock3099]

Both are great cameras, work great as a pair. The Z8 feels much like the D850, there are times when the size of the Z9 works best, times when the Z8 dose. Like having two different size hammers in your tool box, both do the same thing but each best for different jobs. I have both cameras and can not say I favor one over the other. Thought of a second Z9 but the Z8 gives me the same performance but in a smaller body for when the Z9 is a bit too large. You can’t go wrong with either.

[@thephotographytoolkit]

Totally agree Brian! They are both amazing. So happy with my Z9. And I will probably get a Z8. Like you said, you can't go wrong with either.

[@doogieham]

Nice video but I don’t know why you can’t digitize photos/slides with the Z8/9. Could you please explain further? Thanks.

[@madone550]

Yes, Please explain that comment.

[@Mr_Gorsky]

I thought about the same thing as well when he commented that, glad you asked!

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

I’m guessing it’s because they have yet to make an adapter for it. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@Mr_Gorsky]

After Flyin Ryan Productions' comment, I searched online what a negative adapter could look like for a camera. Then, I stumbled upon a video explaining how to use them. I've found that the Nikon D850 and others have a built in "negative digitizer" option in the camera menu. Meaning, you can attach a film adapter to your macro lens and directly invert the negatives in camera. No need to post process them at the computer. It's convenient and fast. But, it's very limited as far as option goes. I prefer to shoot them raw and then adjust as needed in post. But my needs are different than others for sure.

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

@@Mr_Gorsky yes after looking into it a bit more you seem to be correct. You can still use the ES-2 adapter on Z MC 50mm with z8 or z9 you just don’t get “negative-digitizer” option in the menus.

[@mikegarwood8680]

Neither. D4 + D3 or D700. EVF gives me a headache.

[@thephotographytoolkit]

That sucks that EVF gives you headache! Have you tried out the Z8 and Z9 or is it just any EVF? Are some worse than others? I have Fujifilm GFX 50R and the EVF in that is terrible compared to the Z8 and Z9. I know what you mean about DSLR viewfinders. I have a D4S, D850 and have used the D6 and they are great.