Nikon Z8 six months later... Worth it?

My thoughts after using the Nikon Z8 for photography and video for the last 6 months.
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NIKON GEAR (Main STILLS camera)
Current landscape camera - Nikon Z7 - geni.us/nikonz7
Awesome telephoto lens - Nikon 70-200m f/2.8 - geni.us/nikon70200
Great ultra-wide angle lens - Nikon 14-30mm f/4 - geni.us/1430mm
Hiking mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f4 - geni.us/nikon2470
Sharpest mid lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f2.8 geni.us/2470mm28
Very long lens - Nikon 500mm F5.6 - geni.us/nikon5...
FILM GEAR
AWESOME DRONE - geni.us/dji_ma...
Nikon Z6 - geni.us/z6nikon
Nikon 20mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon2...
Nikon 24mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon24mm
Nikon 50mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon5...
Nikon 85mm Z F1.8 - geni.us/nikon8...
OTHER PHOTO GEAR
Clever camera strap (peak design) - geni.us/PDstrap
Microfibre Cloths - geni.us/microf...
Rab Downpour Pants - geni.us/rainpants
Awesome sensor brush - geni.us/brush4...
GorillaPod - geni.us/Kb9mV
The great printer I use Canon P1000 - geni.us/cIIc
Great bag for hiking - Tenba 24L - geni.us/orPwh
Great bag for travel (carry on) - Tenba 32L - geni.us/tenba32l
Super light Benro Travel Tripod UK - geni.us/Benrot...
A must have for tripod (L bracket) - geni.us/myLbra...
Lightweight tripod - Benro Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod - geni.us/benrom...
Paper I use for all my prints - Fotospeed - geni.us/fotospeed Use DANSON10 to get 10% off your paper.

[@dianebouchard5691]

Gear talk is necessary folks. Legitimate video. Nigel wasn't trying to sell you the Z8, he was giving out important information based on his experience of that very gear. Nothing wrong with that!

[@annstupple4087]

I switched from a z6II to the z8 a few months ago, it is better at everything but for wildlife photography which I also do it’s in a different league. Upgrading was the best thing I ever did! It is also very good for shooting in the dark, finding the controls you need when you can’t see is really easy.

[@NetvoTV]

For fun everyday creative shooting, do you think Zf which has classic dedicated dials or Z7RV which has the unique practical useful 4 ways screen better?

[@annstupple4087]

@@NetvoTV I don’t know I haven’t seen either of those cameras and that’s not really the sort of shooting I do, sorry. Was your question meant for Nigel?

[@ShashankD137]

@@NetvoTVA7RV is more comparable to the z8 than the zf tbh.

[@hafrverwey6220]

How does the z8 perform in dark situations? I've been recently shooting in venue or theater where lighting isn't always great. I ended up not getting the details I'm looking for

[@Xo1ot1]

Over the recent months, your channel has become my favorite landscape photography channel, and I don't know if I've improved as a viewer and amateur photographer, but your photos look better than ever. Maybe I was drawn in by images that are more heavily processed in the beginning and now I can appreciate less obvious elements more. Even so, I'm still learning a lot from you, because I couldn't have told you what's not optimal in the "mistake" shot you showed. Cheers and thanks for the content.

[@NigelDanson]

Thanks so much. I really appreciate that

[@randyschwager2515]

I just got my Z8 4 days ago! I’ve been going through my set -up process and just had my first major shoot of a live music event! The camera was awesome! I still have a bit of a learning curve, but it’s going to be awesome! I can’t wait to get out for some wildlife and landscape shoots! I feel like I’m a kid at Christmas! Thanks for all your guidance and thanks for taking me along!

[@lewcehjitl3282]

How’s the quality control?

[@slowlyrusting4044]

I suppose it all depends on how an individual uses the camera. I had concerns before buying the Z8 because everyone was saying the battery life was a big issue. I bought it anyway, and, to be honest, battery life *has not been an issue* for me. I can stay out the majority of the day and not go through 1 battery ( I do carry several). I absolutely love my Z8.

[@bsc001]

Yes, correct. If one shoots without reviewing every shot, easily 1200+ shots possible on a single charge.

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

As a brand new (used) Z7ii owner this is quite reassuring to hear. Not missing much, but I'm really enjoying the camera.

[@typhoon-7]

I used to have a Z7II and I think it's an under rated camera. For landscapes it's as good as the Z8 for all real world purposes. My main landscape camera is a medium format 102Mp monster but the Z7II takes some beating and I'd be tempted to buy one again as a more portable landscape tool, it's that good.

[@simontracyforster6835]

Good assessment Nigel;. I will be buying a Z8, (currently selling family heirlooms, wife, cats etc). If I just did landscapes I would buy a Z7II and I would use MPB (going to but a 24-70 f4 off them soon). The Z8 is still lighter than my D850 and will be my coffin camera. I have a ZFc as backup and that is really light.

[@holgerkroger889]

I love my Z8, as a landscape and wildlife shooter is the perfect camera. I order it after your fantastic video from Madeira (where I meet you ) and I got it in the end of may, after this time my Z7 is "only" the backup 😁 Many greetings from Germany

[@joeyrobertson4926]

Even when conditions are not optimal for shooting, it’s something about being out in nature and just looking for a good composition that is so refreshing for me. Thank you Nigel for all the information and teaching you do on your channel. It inspires me to go out and shoot more. 📷

[@aaronpalaian9116]

Spent 10 days in Iceland this summer shooting, every single day was the weather in this video. It was sooo hard to make photos but I enjoyed the challenge. Hope the weather improved for you, I'm sure you made the best of it either way. Love your videos.

[@philcampbell5827]

Great video as always Nigel. When I upgraded to the Z8, I was surprised by how much more power it uses from the battery. The battery life on the Z7 is really fantastic. But the Z8 is just such an awesome all around camera and as someone who shoots a lot of wildlife and general personal family photography in addition to landscapes, it really is as close to the perfect camera as I have owned. Looking forward to see what you have in store for next Sunday!! Until then I hope you have a fantastic week.

[@technodronesogxl9783]

I bought an extra battery for my Z8. Stop babbling about battery power when you can change the battery in seconds. Drive a Porsche Lamborghini or a Corvette and you won't get yhe gas mileage of a Honda. Pick one... p body wants a Honda over a Vette.

[@artbylukebennett]

I agree about the size and weight (though I don't really notice this when it's slung around my shoulders on a strap), but it's the best camera I've ever owned. It's just incredibly good at everything and really reliable. I moved over from Fuji this year, and whilst that system was also great, there were certain things I felt slightly restrained by or didn't have confidence in the cameras to get right. I don't feel like that with this camera. Any failings in what I produce are now largely my own rather than the camera.

[@smallbatchsessions6892]

I have seen where on several different product reviews quite a few of the people are Fuji shooters and have switched to the Nikon Z8 or some the Z9. I wonder if these two cameras have put a hurt onto some of Fujis camera sales .

[@pkennethv]

Would you mind expanding on what are some of the things you feel slightly restrained or lacking confidence in with the Fujis when compared to the Z8?

[@ddkmsanders2585]

I don’t normally comment on KZbin but you asked for feedback! I love it! I don’t watch commercial tv anymore, it’s too depressing. Love the creativity. To me it’s not about the sell on camera gear, it’s about the story, the gear, the journey and the place. I hope you keep up with the story telling.

[@mariebird01]

I like the fact that you talk about the ‘for’s AND the ‘against’s, in your own wants and needs in a camera - even though I won’t use the info, myself, I still learn from it and can always find something of benefit and something positive in all your videos, which help make my own images better. Thank you Nigel. Lovely images as always.

[@randygerber1565]

Wonderful video, Nigel. I have found the Z8 to be a vast improvement over the Z7ll. While the Z7ll is lighter, the Z8 feels better in the hand IMHO. It is worth the higher cost for the improved AF alone. Cheers from Canada.

[@kms08711]

All waste of money and time and weight 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 i would get exactly the same photo from my phone or even my rx100m1 😂😂😂😂😂 these newer cameras are absolutely overrated and overpriced unless it's a super low light situation

[@rayb1853]

Recently bought a Nikon Z7 II and lens from MPB, the camera and lens were both perfect and the transaction with MPB was fast and easy.

[@JaneshwarDas]

i own a Nikon Z7ii and Z6ii both are amazing can wait to get my hands on Z8

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Wow, I was at the exact same spot back on August 6, 2023! I really enjoyed my Iceland Ring Road adventure. I fell in love with the country. It is truly a landscape photographers' paradise. I'm glad that I got to share the country with my sister and brother-in-law. I am praying for the town of Grindavik, Blue Lagoon, and the powerplant. Also those will be impacted by the eruption.

[@bernardjohnwright]

Good review of the Z8. As you say I think it is a very personal thing but getting your insight is good. Another reason to change to the Z8 I think is if moving form DSLR to Mirrorless. I took the decision to move earlier this year and start practicing with the setup (in readiness for the Antarctica trip) and took the plunge with the Z8. So glad I did and size wise works fine for me having come from D850 & D500, getting use to the nuances with mirrorless has taken a bit of time :)

[@hughwolfe1176]

Nigel thank you for your honest review. I’ve thus far resisted the mirrorless craze for one reason, the cameras are tiny compared to my current D700/D850. I prefer a larger camera body as they fit in my hands better… The Z9 is way out of my price range, the Z8 pushes it. Perhaps in time I’ll warm to mirrorless.

[@NikonDave]

If I'm going somewhere for the first time...Z8 and 24-120mm f\4 are in the bag and in use 90% of the time. If I have something in particular I know I want to capture...There may be better tools but the Z8 is my all day every day at the moment. Cheers!

[@JodiByles]

I have the Z9 & battery life is awesome! Yes it's a heavy camera & I was worried about that at first but I am used to it now & it doesn't bother me anymore

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Spot on video about how you feel that your relationship with your new work horse is going. The rumoured Z6 III going to be interested - even if it has lower res than Z7-Z9 24MP will be a hot cake seller, Nikon may not do a Z7 III for bit as it's close to Z7-Z9 (res, maybe specs ) and may wait to say do a Z7 III 60 MP until they milk up the Z8-Z9 market.

[@TimvanderLeeuw]

Well with great gear comes great weight... 😉 I agree with you about quality EVF, and a screen that can tilt to different angles. Once I got a camera with a good EVF I didn't want to go back to smaller, lower-quality EVFs.

[@brianlemke6017]

Love my 24-120mm f4 on my Z8. The 24-70mm 2.8 is an incredible lens but since I got the 24-120 it sure stays home a lot. Looks like you do too.

[@ilduro2]

Many thanks for your hands-on review on the Z8 which compares so favorably against most others that tend to focus on features rather than handling and usability. Clearly the Z8 is not for me as I do not do video and don't fancy the larger form factor for my work. Instead, I would rather wait for a bumped up Z6iii with better AF and slightly higher resolution.

[@AlbiPhotography]

Great video Nigel 👌 . We stayed in the same cabin at Kirkjufell for 4 nights in March this year . What a beautiful place it was and right on the doorstep of this stunning mountain . Hope we'll return one day .

[@altonmarsh]

Not to brag, but…ok, I’m bragging about two things: As a Canon R5/R6 II user I have long enjoyed a sensor cover and a flippy screen, a term I first heard on the Tony and Chelsea Northrup channel (got to give credit). That said I can’t be sure I have the best brand. For example my flippy screen on the R5 short circuited from all the twisting at 43,000 actuations and I sold it after a $400 replacement of the motherboard and LCD screens. Yesterday I bought its replacement thanks to a sale price on the R5. Yours looks great. I really wish I had illuminated buttons, for example. I am learning a great deal from you and the course you sold on the 5DayDeal.

[@DaveBerthiaume]

I love my Z7 II, and the two Z8 things that temp me (sensor cover and articulated screen), don't justify the big price difference IMHO. Love the lighter weight of the Z7 II. I could see folks going for the Z8 if you shoot video or things requiring faster autofocus. I'll be keeping an eye out for a Z7 III, but in the meantime I'll be sticking wit the Z7 II.

[@richardwarren4031]

Hmm - yes I agree - the camera choice is purely personal. I split in two directions - having started with DSLRs, I have a D500 & a D850. So now, going forward into the Z range, I decided to pair the Zfc with the Z8. And I'm NOT getting rid of the DSLRs - because I enjoy shooting with them both. For me, the Zfc and the D500 are like brothers - and the Z8 is spruiked as the successor to the D850. On the subject of weight - the Z8 is about 100gm lighter than the D850. I am relieved to have the sensor shield on the Z8 - the mirror protects the sensor on the the D850, but nobody wants dust on the sensor. I'm afraid I couldn't chase around the mountains with you - I have a deep fear of heights like that, I'd probably pass out and prove how dangerous they are, by falling off the cliff. I do a lot of "available light" stuff & LOVE the illuminated dials! And wildlife, pet photography, etc. The Z7 just didn't do it - for me!

[@martinsarre]

It’s annoying having to rewind and pause the video to view the photo and read the settings. Please display the photos for a bit longer Nigel. I advise anybody thinking of buying a z7ii to buy a Z8 if you can afford it, even if you have to wait a bit longer. I’ve owned and shot all sorts of photos with both cameras. I was planning on keeping the z7ii but I have now sold it because I use the extra features on the Z8 all the time. I mainly shoot astro, night shots and wildlife.

[@Luigi13]

Definitely Nikon should have made the tilting screen vertically in the Z72 at least. Fujifilm did it a few years ago and it does help to shoot vertically when you are low. Battery life is also important unfortunately the charge depletes quickly.

[@Petecycles]

I’m considering an upgrade to the z8 so the combined discussion is really helpful. The comments and insights about shooting and the camera simultaneously is better than a dry tech review.

[@richardpesce5325]

Enjoyed the review Nigel. Thanks for doing it.

[@loitruong4821]

@NigelDanson Great video as always. I noticed a typo at 7:04, "19mm" but the lens used is 24-120

[@jimwlouavl]

I love the button placement on the Z8. Having the focus button and the metering button has made it easy for me to get the settings I need. I also like being able to pick different display components. Once I get my exposure right in steady light, I can turn off all the extraneous info and concentrate on the composition. I do wish the automatic switching between monitor and viewfinder was a little better. I have to turn it to monitor only and forget that the next time I raise it to my eye.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

I use MPB a lot to sell my old Nikon gear to upgrade. No problem selling to them. They are straightforward and never had an issue.

[@jestonyaguilar9069]

Just love how honest you are

[@dafyddthomas7299]

For me the cons on Z8 are the battery life on par with Z6/Z7 and Nikon not developing a MB- grip that takes D5, Z9 EN-EL18 batteries as well as EN-EL15 batteries ; even if Nikon up scale price to £449 still worth doing and Nikon would still be quid's in with several sales, e.g., Z8, MB-DXX Grip and several EN-EL18 purchases. Also applies to Grip for G2 of Z6-Z7, should have done grip that allowed Z8-Z9, D5 batteries to be used - these are superb longer life batteries - for me allowing a 3/4 - days shooting / video recording on one battery with my Z9

[@jameswakefield3873]

Thanks for another really enjoyable video Nigel. Sadly a Z8 is way beyond my budget. As i predominately shoot Landscapes, I’am considering a Z6 ii as an upgrade from my D7500. Looking forward to your next video on Sunday.

[@PhilipRanson-d5t]

Breath taking landscape,can feel the cold,thanks for sharing.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Nigel, Your drone footage really helps give me a sense of the majestic scale of Iceland, which i haven’t yet visited. Let’s hope their newly awakened volcano doesn’t muck things up for all.

[@marvinbeatty]

Every high-end camera should have a sensor shield like the Z8. I love that you were a little surly about some aspects of this shoot ... we've ALL been there. 🙂

[@vibrasieve]

I love this machine, I have used one D3000, it still works now

[@kylejamesstevens5845]

Photography is created with gear one way or another therefore its relevance is important and of interest to anyone making a purchase based on experience with that particular gear. If someone prefers not to watch videos regarding gear they of course have the option to pass on those specific videos. Best wishes,

[@UrdanetaPhotography]

Thank you for your observations on the Z8. I know I can take them knowing that they come from a photographer on the field that is really working with the gear he is talking about.

[@madst7521]

I absolutely love my Z8 and after 6 months I don't really notice the size compared to the Z7ii that's been relegated to a backup camera.

[@2woodpecker]

Nigel, thanks for being vulnerable and sharing that you don't always get it right, and for sharing why the composition at 10:00 is not right. It is so easy to assume that every time you go out, you get what you want first time. Would you consider doing this a bit more please as it is a great way to see why a composition might be wrong. Also consider showing from time to time where you have taken multiple shots with tweaks in your settings and explaining what you changed and why. Keep up the good work! I love getting my photography 'highs' from your videos.

[@tobywoolgar9517]

I use a z5 and Panasonic g9 so if I had a Z8 WoW I know I'd be well happy 😊 However it's that same old cliche it's what you do with it that counts!

[@davidcrossley7145]

The photos you’ve taken in this video even hand held are really impressive “love them” to say you took them in difficult weather 👍

[@NigelDanson]

Wow, thank you!

[@valrion.photography]

Got a Z8 2 months ago, in preparation to our Antarctica trip. I'm so happy with it and I'm sure it's gonna fit better than the Z6ii for that trip. To me, I find having the same batteries as the Z6ii is very practical, no need to have two different kinds!

[@peterwolf3001]

I had the z9 and I sold it to pay for my dogs cancer treatment along with a bunch of lenses, I replaced it with the fuji xt5 and I couldn't be happier it seems that Nikon gear is very bulky and heavy with very few advantages. the cost for like for like focal lengths is vast and Nikon don't dedicate much time to apsc. gone are the days of the d500. and that's a real shame. I will always have a soft spot for Nikon but I can't justify the cost or the weight.

[@exe-li3bt]

how can you even compare a FF body to an APSC body. that’s a useless comparison

[@peterwolf3001]

Camera vs camera 40 mp verses 47 !

[@sammadonline]

Loved this review! Beautifully made. So cinematic! And of course beautiful images and videos.

[@anthonymrbs]

Really nice video. I like how you are very honest about what you like and don’t like about the z8. I would love to be able to afford a z8. I really splurged and bought a new D810 in 2015 as a retirement gift to myself and have been using it ever since. I still love it but being almost 10 years old now I would really like a mirrorless camera for my next one.

[@alihamiad7849]

Those who follow you are mostly enthusiasts, and providing a camera at this price is not an easy task. I believe discussing these minor drawbacks here is a matter of personal preference. I consider this review a form of luxury, nothing more.

[@jasongold6751]

very well documented use of this Nikon. Yet like all modern cameras and lenses they are all too big! What happened to the 35mm ideal? Then the cost! Great for Nigel, if you purchase.. I use my Nikon-F some1967, 1971, and are not found wanting! Yes Film. Sure it's expensive, always was. In my case a slow bleed, compared to a non affordable hemorrhage! I don't need more lenses. Mine all are Nikkors! Then there's the Phone!

[@markshirley01]

I moved to Sony from Nikon. The only thing I miss, is the photo video switch by your thumb. Plus how Nikon's last setting are saved when you move back and forth. My only issue moving back now is I love the 20-40 Tamron for my content creation. I have heard there is a Sony to Nikon Z adapter that works very well.

[@technodronesogxl9783]

I traded my Fuji Xh2 for the Nikon Z8. Fujivwas very capable and lighter, but the Z8 best it in every way. I dont miss the XH2, and the Z8 has excellent glass.

[@thorstenbabetzki3638]

Original z7 (size) for landscape and z9 (battery and ergonomics) for wildlife. Z8 is trying to square the circle, which doesn’t work for me neither for landscape (too big and heavy) nor wildlife (poor battery life and huge grip). Especially for wildlife when your carrying long lenses/tripod/gimbal anyway, that bit more weight and size on a body doesn’t make a difference for me. I wish Nikon would bring out a pure still photography camera…..

[@timrosenburgh8597]

Enjoyed the video as usual Nigel. When i saw the waterfall with the mountain in the background i was blown away, it was awesome. What a place. You captured some fantastic image's as usual mate. I also enjoyed the you opinion of both camera's. Look forward to the next one.

[@Jeremy-am]

I want it; I had a Nikon D7100 with so many lenses and accessories I collected over the years and let my ex borrow it, and she pawned everything. I'm still mad about it and haven't done photography in years, but I want to start again it was so relaxing.

[@HoundDog871]

I've had the Z8 for over a year and it has become my "go to" camera coupled with the mirrorless lenses. The only time I reach for my Nikon D5 is low-light sports photography which still can't be touched.

[@LDam-pf6lx]

Considering it came out in May of 2023, that's quite a feat.

[@HoundDog871]

You are correct 😊! I did however get it at first release so, yeah, my timeline is a bit (way) off but I do love it. Sorry for the mistake.

[@thomasfox5476]

Thanks for the great review of your uses.

[@stevethompson8154]

Z8 batteries do deplete quickly with heavy use of the rear screen. Mine is mostly off and I only use if when I really need to. I routinely shoot 3500 images from a bird blind and use around 50% of the battery.

[@PSYCHIC_PSYCHO]

Considering that I only use the rear LCD for framing my subjects due to my age, in which case the Z8 won't be suitable due to it's poor battery life?

[@davidrushworth658]

I traded my Z6ii for the Z8 and I'm loving the 8. I couldn't agree more with your comments, particularly the flipscreen, sensor shield and weight. My wishlist for the 8 is for Nikon to have a number of images remaining countdown, when using the intervelometer for star trails. Thanks again for another great and informative video. 😁

[@effieg4879]

I'm in this channel for Nigel photographer and not salesman! Yes of course z8 has 4.500£ and z7ii 2.500, so what do you think…. I've noticed a few last videos a big commercial of Nikon?

[@Peter_Reed_Photography]

He is also a Nikon ambassador which may have more to do with the number of Nikon related content.

[@effieg4879]

@@Peter_Reed_Photography Yes I know that…thanks, just I don't like the way….

[@Peter_Reed_Photography]

@@effieg4879 Same here.

[@FraggleHammer]

Really good video, Nigel! Would be super helpful if you could do a video on how you do your bracketing. That first photo was really epic!

[@colinbilbyphotography59]

This camera has finally convinced me to go mirrorless. Upgrading from a d780 which ill probably still use as a b body because it hasnt let me down . I Liked the sound of a mirrorless d850 . Might regret it as I feel the z6iii is just round the corner.

[@ayasmus]

9:40 Nigel being so close to the f word 😀 ps: a gear talk once in a while is always welcomed 👍

[@AgillexUK]

Good to hear your thoughts on the pros/cons of the Z8. Currently biding my time before upgrading from a Z6II as my first mirrorless and wondering whether Nikon will produce a Z7iii next year that includes the sensor shield and tilting screen. Those seem to be the biggest benefits of the Z8 as a landscaper.

[@kms08711]

Your phone is probably better Or just buy nikon d3 or something who cares nobody will notice 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@rocketmanab]

Just purchased the Z7ii, barely used, for a great deal and from a reputable dealer here in Canada. Just too much value to ignore...at that price was still able to afford a 24-120 and 100-400 to go with it. Absolutely loving it so far, there are a couple of things that drive me nuts. That screen only articulating the one way is probably at the top of the list haha.. But we'll see how it goes once I have the lens lineup filled out... if I find I'm getting more into wildlife down the road, maybe I'll think seriously about the Z8.

[@detlefalbrecht938]

Thanks for this great video, I like it very much! But I always get a short heart attack when I see how you are setting up your tripod at the steep ground over the sea (e.g. at 8:30). It seems like it could fall easily into the sea with that wonderful Z8! ;-)

[@paulcollingridge8387]

I'd love to see you going back to a D850 and saying what you think is the extent of the difference

[@jpdj2715]

To me, the weight difference of the Z 8 with my Z 7ii would not be a concern. Paired with a Z 24-120/4S the 8-set weighs about 1,540 grams (with battery and card) and the 7ii-set 1,245 (without card, battery). If we take max W*H*D dimensions, the picture is different. The 7ii gets to 936 cc while the 8 takes a gross space of 1,416 cc. Note that the Z 7ii is smaller than a D500 APS-C DSLR (and can shoot DX images at similar resolution).

[@tonyjones99]

Great video Nigel. Many thanks.

[@radcoimbatore]

Incredible photographs friend, I love it . Thank you for your information about Nikon z8 too

[@Dirk67]

Great cam but one is wrong with the Z8, I miss the mechanical shutter 🤷‍♂️

[@MysticApertureStudios]

Z8 is expensive but considering what it does i'd say its priced very aggressively. 4.3k 120fps full frame 12bit RAW video, 8k 60fps full frame 12 bit raw video, all internal. The photos coming out of it are exceptionally good. The noise is minimal, i once shot with a d810, the noise in images was atrocious and i was afraid the noise in z8 will be even worse but to my surprise the noise is extremely well controlled. Z8 is expensive, it didnt burn a hole in my pocket, it rather burnt my pocket down but its worth every single penny. Z8 lets me do things i only wished i could with my z6. Z6 is still my go to cam for regular wedding shoots.

[@DM-tp1qe]

Thank you for the honest, informative review..

[@laurencedunkley8097]

Great content as ever Nigel, Iceland is certainly a magical place, must get there one day…..!

[@margot6041]

I definitely like the light weight z6ii or z7ii. It's nice to hear about the z8 though, I'll stick with what I have and like others hope for the z7iii or z6iii.

[@m.maclean8911]

Seems funny someone complaining about the weight of the Z8. Wow time to hit the gym. I used to shoot with the D850 and due to the battery life and not being able to comfortably hold the D850 I always had the grip on it. Even for landscapes. When I went to a Z body, I had ordered the Z8 but when it came in and I held it and the Z9, I was amazed at how much smaller the Z9 was compared to my current D850+grip. The Z8 was too small to hold comfortably, and when I saw the humongous D8 grip, and all the extra features of the Z9 in a smaller size when equally gripped, for a small price difference I grabbed it instead. I just love the small size of the Z9, while still being comfortable to hold and control in either orientation. No more changing batteries or getting 8AAs for the grip. No more external GPS devices, no carrying 2 types of cards or wishing I had more programmable buttons. No worries about having only 1 high speed slot or overheating when shooting video. The Z8 is a fantastic camera if you don’t need the many advantages of the Z9. I just can’t comfortably hold the Z8 but maybe as a backup body? But then I’d need to start collecting more batteries and a GPS device. Will my Nikon GP-1 device work on a Z8? I’m so spoiled with the built in GPS in the Z9 - saves so much in time. My website automatically shows the location of all shots taken with a GPS location on a map. Saves many hours in post. So for now my backup body is my D850+grip but once I have migrated all of my lenses to Z versions I will need to get either a Z8 or Z9. I’m leaning towards another Z9. Maybe I can get a deal on a used one. I’m loving the new lenses Nikon has released … I was looking at the Z 600 prime, but when I saw the results from the Z 180-600 for a third the price, I bought it, and the money I saved paid for half of my Z 800mm. Sweet. I’m still using my 300/2.8 and 300/4 PF with my Z9 as there are no Z versions yet. My F 14-24/2.8 works amazingly well on the Z9, as does my F 70-200 FL, but at some point I hope to upgrade to the Z versions… but the results I am getting are so sharp I can’t justify losing money just to get the Z equivalent. My first Z lens I bought with the Z9 was the 24-70/2.8 and I am slowly switching over but I can still use all of my F mounts until I do. It’s great that Nikon has made this possible.

[@arlennercessian4261]

The size of the Z8 is why I skipped it. Hoping the III iteration of the Z6 or Z7 will be a good match for me.

[@samb5506]

NIce video, which I agree totally wtih. I upgraded this year from a Canon EOS R to an R5 and it's mostly all the little things that makes those cameras better, they need less "brain power" to operate - which can be put to creative aspects. In the end it's a tool, and a good tool makes the job easier and more enjoyable. And from what you point here, it looks like the Z8 is such a tool.

[@thomasphillips5850]

Great video, thanks. Beautiful images, Iceland is a photographers dream. I shoot with the D850 and have been thinking Z9 , but the Z8 is tempting. I have a Z6 so I don't think the Z7ll is for me. I actually like the size of the 8s and 9s. Thanks again great video very entertaining.

[@mikewinburn]

10:06 - to each their own…. But i dont agree w your conclusion that it was a mistake. I’d buy that in a frame.

[@jpdj2715]

Focusing with the Z 8. Nikon specify IIRC that focusing with the Z 8 still works at LV -9 (LV=EV@ISO100). At that light level (absence of light, almost) you use the camera's AF system to focus, but it cannot measure light (too dark) and it cannot take a normal photo (too dark). You have to figure out very long exposure times yourself, but it can focus. Where I would want, we need, Nikon to be transparent is about its "recognition-AI-AF". My Z 7ii becomes unreliable at that at about LV 6 or 7 and likely the Z 8 does better. LV 6 is not "dark" to our eyes. Nigel is clear about it, he is not a portrait photographer. So far the tests I have seen from (other) influencers are useless (and so are their snapshots).

[@asolomon15]

Outstanding photos…. I actually love the z8

[@pascalhibon7928]

I love the tilting screen on the Z8. This is indeed missing on the Z6's and Z7's. I've been using my Z6II a bit more lately for landscapes over my D850. I must say that I really don't miss the lower pixel count that much. I print up to A3+ at home and can't see the difference between my D850 and Z6II in terms of resolution. For ease of mind I would like a slightly higher pixel count, especially when cropping to a square image. The size and weight difference between the Z6II and the D850 is a pro for the Z6. I'm curious to see what Nikon will do with the Z6III and Z7II. If those have a tilting display like the Z8 I might be very tempted because I shoot quite a lot of vertical images.

[@Freep-m2l]

The only thing i like about the Z8 is it's true to life color and rendering. It's closest to life color. AWB is just perfect in any lighting conditions. My only dislike is Autofocus is not sticky enough on the eyes, my old Canon R seems to do better. Hoping for Z8 firmware update on autofocus. Menu banks so confusing, I still do not understand those stupid banks. Anybody with me?

[@ronboe6325]

Go from a z9 to a z8 and your perspective will change a bit. I've kept the z9 because of the battery life. Now, if the Z7iii was just a smaller Z8 - I'd fling my money at Nikon. :D

[@EdwardMartinsPhotography]

When the Z8 came out I got blasted for saying it was too big and too heavy for Landscapes and I wished it was more in line with the Z7/Sony A7 size cameras... All of your positive points including for video could easily be addressed in a Z7III. The big issue I have is that the original Z7 should have been all those things 5 years ago. Nikon marketing trying to milk the cow or just a bad R&D department trying to come up to speed? The right tool for the right job, and the Z8 is a fine camera for sports and action or wildlife. The Z7/II's shortcomings are the real issue here for the landscape shooter. Here's hoping the Z7III saves the day. 🙂👍👍

[@Mowikan]

The only downside that’s keeping me from turning to nikon is their closed mount. I belief that nikon builds. Great lenses. But the price is so high that i want to buy some lesser used lenses from sigma.

[@PeterIldefonso-cp5mq]

How about the Z8 vs. the D850, for us old timers?

[@micheldriessen7238]

D850 is more rugged. Dynamic range is also better. Battery life is waaayyy longer. Optical VF. The old lenses are also more rugged. I love the D850. I also have a Z f. That’s Nikons king in low light for AF.

[@hilleviupmanis8687]

Thank you for the video!

[@robertreiter6514]

Your setup videos for the Z8 have been a life saver for me. Thank you! But there is one thing I haven’t been able to figure out. I’ve used your memory bank suggestions, with a couple of custom tweaks, but in LANDSCAPE mode, where I would like to use AF-S, if I press the Fn1 button to call up Recall Shooting Functions, I haven’t been able to set that up so the camera automatically switches to AF-C and instead, I have to access the iMenu to make the change, a cumbersome finger dance where I’ll probably miss that shot of the eagle that just flew into the picture. Am I missing something, or is this not possible?

[@tjsinva]

Nice rundown. More precarious shooting locations. 😱 I guess you got out of there before the ground opened up. Carry on. 👍🥂

[@youtubemid]

Nigel is like another version of Morten ❤❤❤❤

[@mike_qbik]

Zf, thank you.

[@Jackourd]

Proud Z8 Shooter