Nikon Z8 - The 8K Raw Camera We All Overlooked.

00:00 - Intro
00:29 - Why Not Nikon?
05:02 - The Review
08:55 - Footage
11:14 - My Thoughts
THIS EPISODE - I take a deep dive into the Nikon Z8 and see what it can and can’t do from the RED user’s perspective.
Well, a viewer quickly pointed out the monitor/viewfinder button on the side of the EVF. DOH! 1 less problem to deal with. Thanks Bill…
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[@cammackey]

Literally the most underrated mirrorless camera. If only it had open gate.. it’d be glue to my hands.

[@ScottBalkum]

Opengate would be so good. There’s so much more sensor. Gimmie timecode data without an audio track being used and I’ll be super happy.

[@darrenorange2982]

@@ScottBalkum Timecode is the only reason I won't consider any of the cameras.

[@ScottBalkum]

It can be done, you just sacrifice the audio channel

[@waveland]

@@darrenorange2982The Ultrasync Blue from Atomos will provide a timecode feed which doesn’t tie up an audio channel.

[@PastorCory]

Who is to say open gate isn't coming in an update?

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

I own both Z8 and Z63 and in my testing, and I did the whole aim both at a window type thing, set the zebras to 100, and compared when they disappear on each camera...both the z8 and z63 showed the zebras going away at the exact same aperture. People seem to be making.a big deal about z63 dynamic range, but honestly I can't see a measurable difference between these two bodies.

[@ScottBalkum]

The Z6iii does have much less DR than the Z8. Its important to use the camera as best as it can. So, if something has less DR, add some light, if, exposing the window matters. As far as your test, that’s not exactly a scientific test. But, that doesn’t mean its bad. Its just not directly comparable. The important thing is that you love the images out of the camera the way you shoot. We all shot with cameras with way less DR than any of these in the past so we’re all getting kinda spoiled. I’m the first to admit RED spoiled the heck out of me and I can’t love stepping backwards, but I do it as needed.

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

@@ScottBalkum Totally understand what you are saying, but in real world shooting so far, they seem very similar...moreso than I expected and that I think people are giving the Z63 credit for. I dunno I don't really have a dog in that fight as I already own both, and could always return the z63 if it stunk. I need to do some more testing/make some videos/etc. I think the readout is so fast on the Z63 tho, they could possibly offer a high DR mode somehow, and compromise a little readout speed for some extra range. That would be a cool update.

[@guidogiotta]

@@ScottBalkum The Z6III ist a camera with fast readouts and they sacrificed a stop of dynamic range with the partially stacked sensor. The dynamic range on the Z8 is better but the Z6III has also some advantages over the Z8. Less data in 6K, less overheating in the most demanding recording modes, 4k/120 without line skipping, faster readout speeds in 4K oversampled modes. If you can live with the drawbacks you get a very capable camera for a really good price.

[@waveland]

There is a button on the side of the EVF dedicated to changing the display mode. And you can limit which display modes it cycles through but that’s how you quickly turn the rear screen on and off.

[@ScottBalkum]

Yea, Bill messaged me right after I posted it. DOH!

[@BillHoward3]

Nice review. For turning the lcd on/off, there is a button to the left of the viewfinder (as looking from thebrear of the camera) that can turn the screen on/off without the menu.

[@ScottBalkum]

Are you kidding? Just Wow! There it is. So many buttons!!!!!

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

@@ScottBalkumI was wondering also you didn’t talk about the viewfinder / display button 😉

[@ScottBalkum]

​@@michaelmalodrums9674 I didn’t know about it until Bill (below) messaged me right after I released the video. That was a “You’ve got to be kidding me” moment. In fairness, it isn’t sticking out. You have to know its there. :)

[@mikeblack_pw]

I've been using the Z's since month 1 in 2018. It's fun to see people "discovering" Nikon and the Z's and being as excited about them as we were 6 years ago.

[@ScottBalkum]

I feel like I should set the stage a little. I’ve been shooting with REDs for nearly 10 years. The RED is a much more capable camera. So, there was few reasons to look at the video, except as a backup, B or C cam and the stills like I stated in the video. If I couldn’t have afforded the RED back when, I feel like I might have landed on a Nikon at some point.

[@mikeblack_pw]

@@ScottBalkumI get you. And when/if a RED with Z mount comes or a “Nikon C70” with RED tech inside arrives there are a whole bunch of people going to discover RED. I have a Z8 & Z9 and just got a Z6III. Good time to be a Nikon shooter. Re: quirks…. I have my menu banks set to different codecs and frame rates. Menu bank A is 10 bit .265 flat with active D lighting. 4K 24. Menu Bank B is 4K 60. C is N-Log. D is RAW. I have that as a setting in my I-menu. Easy peasy.

[@ScottBalkum]

When the Nikon/RED first cam hits, its going to hit hard.

[@Xanthos84]

switched over from sony and never regretted... z8 is a beast and all the Z "S" lenses are great.. cant do anything wrong with it.. especially with high class lenses like 85mm 1.2 - dream come true!

[@Veered2Train]

Scott I’d like to say that your Footage is Amazing, the Edits and Sync was engaging. Keep up the Great Work Meng!

[@ScottBalkum]

Thank you so much!

[@Ben_Stewart]

Luckily you can mount all that Canon glass onto a Z mount.

[@ScottBalkum]

And I am! It works great.

[@waveland]

Also, the Ultrasync Blue from Atomos works quite well and you can feed timecode to as many as 3 Nikon bodies with one unit. It’s actually quite slick because you don’t have to find a mounting point for the timecode generator.

[@ScottBalkum]

Right, but that only works in the Atomos system.

[@dm.colorist]

Got to use one during NAB week, it was awesome. There are some color issues that Nikon/Blackmagic needs to address, but otherwise amazing 8K FF camera, and a good 5.4k s35 camera. Can't wait for any of RED's tech to trickle into the Nikon line and vice versa.

[@PastorCory]

People complaining about the Nikon menu is a moot point, we nikon shooters never complained and understood and never thought the system was complicated... Baby steps i guess

[@ScottBalkum]

Its just an attractant or concern for those coming from higher end cameras.

[@stupest]

Totally agree with you on the menu system. It’s so easy to get lost and forget what you are trying to set/change. Especially in the field. If you are in the middle of a shoot, forget it. 😂

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

It's my fave! Great camera to work with.

[@ScottBalkum]

IT is a lot of fun

[@stormer1686]

The shot was freaking cool. Thank you for it.

[@waynerm002]

Great video Scott, the video menu is something I also want Nikon to change to be different than the photo menu. As far as the screen, I had high hopes for them making something like the A7R V's, sadly that did happen. I figure they decided to use part from the Z9's parts bin instead of developing something new. Maybe we will see that in a MK II version. I recall seeing information on using Atomos AirGlu over Bluetooth on the Z8, that doesn't work?

[@ScottBalkum]

It only works on their systems. I am working on getting a few timecode companies in touch with Nikon. Fingers crossed. bluetooth can be a winner here.

[@camerasutra247]

You have a very similar history as mine. Great to have met you excellent work.

[@ScottBalkum]

I enjoyed our conversation and subscribed to you as well.

[@michaelmalodrums9674]

Great to see you got one in your hands Scott !! Anything worth loving will get you scratching your head for a while , but in capable hands with experience I’m sure you’ll find ways to push it to its limits and that’s a great thought ! Artists find ways to make something do what it wasn’t meant to do and then you’re smiling ! Welcome aboard the Z 8 club ! 😉

[@ScottBalkum]

Well said!

[@aser75]

great review, very good presentation ! thx!!

[@CINENIMUS]

is the slow motion still not slowed down in camera? I remember ZF not having an option to slow down in camera to 24fps so are forced to do it in post

[@ScottBalkum]

There is an option on 1080 h.264 but not on NRAW. You have to convert.

[@almostinfamous42]

The interval timer has worked the exact same since the d200. They may actually not know how to change it at this point😂

[@ScottBalkum]

Heh. My D200 didn’t have it. They must have added it in a firmware. I had an external timer.

[@bmefilms6879]

that "lets do it" was delayed and hilarious!!!🤣

[@MLee-vcrr]

I've never owned Nikon cameras before this year. I bought my very Nikon, the Zf earlier this year and was very impressed. That led me to pick up the Z8 for the high performance. I agree that this is one of the most convoluted menu systems I've ever used( I own various brands). Menus are very thorough and offer a great deal of control but they are just all over the place! These are very good cameras but Nikon needs to completely over haul their menus guided by actual photographers and videographers.

[@waveland]

Scott, I’ve had a Z9 for a while but used it sparingly for video because initially the memory banks were not separate between stills and video, so you could easily drag exposure settings you were using in stills back over to video when switching modes. And then you’d have to rebuild your video settings. It was ponderous and just plain awful! After a fairly recent firmware update which properly separated still from video I started to use the Z9 more for video, but for me it’s the Z6III which caused me to sell off my low end Blackmagic cameras and go all in for Nikon. (Note: At ISO 100 the Z8/9 and the Z6III have identical DR measurements.) I still don’t have a firm plan for a full frame cine camera with more comprehensive I/O. I’ve tentatively put in a C400 preorder but wouldn’t it be nice if the Red division could rush out a Z-mount alternative. That’s not going to happen so it’s probably a toss up between a C400 or if Sony can get it out, whatever is going to replace the FX9.

[@ScottBalkum]

The Z9/Z8 showed the world, Nikon was serious about video. The Z6iii doubled down. Whatever Nikon/RED come up with is going to be incredible. But, for $3500, the Z8 is very hard to beat. And at 8k, there’s nothing can can come close. Its wild.

[@ScottBalkum]

The Sony A1 is the closest competitor and it can’t shoot RAW. Nikon pulled no punches on this one.

[@waveland]

@@ScottBalkum Somewhere along the way Nikon finally got a clue that they had to beat the competition on hybrid features or fade into oblivion. And on a price/performance basis they’ve rolled out some powerful hardware.

[@ScottBalkum]

Yea, its kind of incredible how much of a jump they made.

[@panaredman]

Nice review Scott do you know if the digital IBIS is for video aswell?

[@ScottBalkum]

It is yes.

[@panaredman]

@@ScottBalkum awesome thanks

[@OracleTestlab]

I shot video of a bird feeding its baby on a vertical /portrait orientation. but on the video editing software davinci resolve/ capcut it appear vertical video on a landscape frame> needed to have the frame as I shot them. But I could not figure out how to do that. The I actually cropped thy frame to have what I needed but I couldn't quite get as I shot them. Please give me a tips to resolve the issue.

[@ScottBalkum]

Right click your timeline, edit settings, then under resolution, click the box that says “vertical”

[@OracleTestlab]

@@ScottBalkum Thanks a lot

[@parasverma1604]

i love ur capturing lens.... it really amazing.

[@ScottBalkum]

Module8 tuner.. Review coming soon.

[@enricojakobsoriano]

That Tone Lōc bit caught me off guard. 😂

[@ScottBalkum]

It was a Wild Thing to see I imagine.

[@enricojakobsoriano]

@@ScottBalkum 😂

[@dannypgrizzle]

Great bokeh, Scott. And some kind of glamour glass filter also.

[@ScottBalkum]

Module8!

[@CharlieWangPhoto]

Kind of a PITA, but my current workaround for timecode to other brands of timecode generator uses Atomos Ultrasync Blue -> Ultrasync One -> LTC to Right-Angle 3.5mm Mic-Level Timecode Cable -> Deity TC-1 so I can pair my setup with the Theos 32-bit recording system. It would much better if newer Z mirrorless cameras could ship with a dedicated timecode DIN port like the R5C. Powering three different timecode generators through USB C is such a waste of space and time spent mounting and cabling. On top of that, I have to pack the Atomos Ninja V and Connect and power that too to get the Ultrasync Blue and One synced up reliably (offset correction). Would be great if I could just do Deity TC-1's, Ambient Recording ACN-L and Nanolockit, or any other brand for that matter between Nikon and other cameras and audio recorders.

[@lucariccidj]

Thank You Scott!! Great one! Ciao Rex

[@JG-sn1zz]

If the camera had all the things we desired from other Cameras we were already accustomed to then there would only be one camera, the Nicanson.

[@ScottBalkum]

Its close.

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Have you tried the Sony A9III? That’s a camera I underestimated. However, after shooting with it for awhile, I can honestly say it maybe Sony’s best video camera, save for ports.

[@ScottBalkum]

Its a great start for Sony and global shutter. They will really get it down on the next 1-2 GS sensors. Right now, its quite limited in DR.

[@neomatrix888]

Very informative and pro review, btw i see you use pro mist 1/8 or 1/4 filter on the lens but whats the cam? Red or Canon? Highlights are smooth...

[@ScottBalkum]

Which cam? The Z8? No promist filters were used.

[@ScottBalkum]

Oh, hahaha, I spaced on all the cameras. The talking head camera is using a lens tuner from Module8. Review coming shortly. Its a ton of fun!

[@nathanielcashjr.732]

Love it.

[@CinemaRepository]

Great review! But we didn't get to hear much about battery life. I'd love to know what you thought about that.

[@ScottBalkum]

I did a 10 hour night timelapse on a single battery. It surprised me. As for video, its about 1.5 hours of 8K raw recording.

[@CinemaRepository]

@@ScottBalkum That’s not bad. Have ya done any stills tests for batteries? Like take it out for an average day of shooting and see how good the battery life is?

[@ScottBalkum]

@@CinemaRepository I didn’t do any stills only tests but from what I gathered, its about 340 stills per battery.

[@reneefariasphoto40]

I agree with your complaints... However, I think that Nikon set up these cameras Z8/9 for their loyalist. Their loyalist know the menu very well and easy for us to change. Overall, I agree, if they want to grow their market place. They need to make a few changes. I love my Z9... my z7ii as well, but that is my photo camera. :) Thanks for this video.

[@ScottBalkum]

I am sure they'll adapt as they grow in this market. They seem to be making a lot of great decisions lately.

[@jmbaillard7015]

By the time they finally adapt, we early Nikon shooters, will have switched to the S1H mark ii. LUMIX division inside Pana has always been top notch regarding video ( that’s probably the reason why a big company named Arri decided to go on full collaborating mode with them ;-)

[@raredreamfootage]

What scares me though is how hot the CFexpress gets and how close it is to the image sensor which means the heat builds and builds.

[@ScottBalkum]

Its ok. There’s 100,000’s of thousands of hours on these cards as a whole in various cameras. They are designed to work with it.

[@maxbridge8921]

Nice review Scott. I'm currently choosing between this and an R5C. I'd far prefer the Z8 but I need it to have an aa filter as I shoot a lot of products. From what I've seen moire can be an issue on yhe Z8. Not a criticism of this camera, many don't have aa filters these days...

[@ScottBalkum]

I wouldn't worry about it as removing moire in post is quick and fast. Go with the camera that works with how you shoot.

[@maxbridge8921]

@ScottBalkum I always worry 🤣. One brand I work with has boxes with tight repeating patterns, hence moire happens a lot. I could get both if I sell my fx3 but I love that little camera. 12800 iso is so useful when using a probe lens

[@gnkstudios6138]

Glad to see you are embracing the Nikon overlords lol fantastic footage btw! I love my z8. What lens are you using for this video? Vintage? Quick correction. The 8k H265 format is actually 10bit 420. Not 422. Not a huge deal but some may not be happy. Only seems to affect shooting on green screen. Other than that it’s a fantastic codec that makes the 8k and 4k much more manageable

[@ScottBalkum]

Interesting. I found conflicting info on that. I’ll have to dig in and verify so my brain will let me sleep tonight. If I was shooting greenscreen, I’d shoot raw, just for protection.

[@gnkstudios6138]

@@ScottBalkumpretty certain it’s 420. One of the KZbinrs (to whom I can’t remember) mentioned this and it made me find the article by and they have the specs at 420 for both 8 and 10 bit. Interestingly enough BH has it as 422. But I’m gonna go with DPreview. But if you find something from Nikon please share

[@ScottBalkum]

Yea, verified its 4:2:0 in h.265 :(

[@jimb213]

Whoa, guitar pick bokeh! What lens/filters are you using for the studio shot?

[@ScottBalkum]

That is a lens tuner from Module8. Review coming soon. Its a ton of fun and very pretty, especially when there’s a lot of specular in the background.

[@cogmission1]

Hi Scott, I just wanna let you know I haven’t been around because I have Intense work milestones currently. Anyway, some awesome imagery there! What I have to ask, and I don’t understand is why someone who owns a V-Raptor and KX, would want a mirrorless camera?

[@ScottBalkum]

Right tool for the job, always. For me, its not a replacement. Its an addition. DSMC3 cameras can’t do timelapse like the DSMC2(1) cams can so having a camera that can do timelapse, in 8k, and shoot 8k raw video is a natural win for a B or even a C cam. Versatility is the goal.

[@cogmission1]

@@ScottBalkum ah ok that makes sense, thanks!

[@user-qe7gw4yv7y]

I have no interest in video at all so my D850 serves me well. Maybe if the Z8 prices drop I will get it but not for 4100 Euro.

[@darrenorange2982]

That's a lot of thermal warnings...do we need that many? lol

[@ScottBalkum]

Its like a play by play! :)

[@filmk36]

Whats happens if the camera turns off from heat? Working normally when is cooled down or giving some issues?

[@ScottBalkum]

@@filmk36 Yes, it will not power up for use until it cools. About 10 minutes and it was fine.

[@DevilDocPlays]

What the hell did you say in the beginning?

[@ScottBalkum]

I introduced myself and my company and welcomed everyone to the channel, discussed what I ate for breakfast, and talked about the lengthy repair I had on my Toyota in the shop.

[@laranitasantana]

What is the rush

[@ScottBalkum]

Rush?

[@EugeneMaynard]

👍🏾 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇸🇪🇹🇹

[@b34k97]

Can the winner of multiple camera of the year 2023 awards really be considered "overlooked"?

[@ScottBalkum]

Yes. By high end cinematographers. It happens. I think Nikon will be setting the record straight in the near future with Nikon/RED.

[@jimpack9622]

Flippy screens suck. Use an external monitor if you want to look at yourself

[@ScottBalkum]

Its not about looking at yourself. Its about being able to use it at any angle while keeping it compact.

[@jimpack9622]

@@ScottBalkum nothing compact about a flippy screen extended

[@ggdfggdfgdffgfddg34]

Dude, everything you need is in Panasonic! Leave Nikon to the photographers!

[@ScottBalkum]

Not so sure.