Nikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V Camera Comparison - Which is Better?

Nikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V Camera Comparison - Which is Better? We take a look at two cameras that I really respect, the a7R V from Sony and the Z8 from Nikon. These are incredible cameras. Let's see how they compare with each other. These are cameras that really deliver a great picture, great video specs. One of these only has an electronic shutter. We'll see if that matters.
Nikon Z8 Camera:
B&H - bhpho.to/48K503s
Amazon - amzn.to/3Sn3Fde
Nikkor 50mm Lens f/1.2:
B&H - bhpho.to/476gi04
Amazon - amzn.to/46Ozr7d
Sony a7R V Camera:
B&H - bhpho.to/3D5Vo4M
Amazon - amzn.to/45T9guR
Sony 50mm Lens f/1.2:
B&H - bhpho.to/3CxkFo6
Amazon - amzn.to/45S7z0H
SHOW US SOME LOVE! SUBSCRIBE!
Subscribe to The Slanted Lens and get new videos every Tuesday:
bit.ly/1RgdYoM
Support The Slanted Lens by shopping our affiliate links:
B&H: Weekly Photography Deals & More: bhpho.to/2AxlpH2
Amazon: amzn.to/1T7Z20D
Follow The Slanted Lens-
Facebook: / theslantedlens
Twitter: / theslantedlens
Instagram: / theslantedlens
Visit the webpage: theslantedlens.com
Visit our SPONSORS
Tamron Lenses: bit.ly/2mZgkoz
SKB: www.skbcases.com/
Westcott: www.fjwestcott.com/?sca_ref=2...
Datacolor: www.datacolor.com/
Triple Scoop Music: www.triplescoopmusic.com
TSL Store: theslantedlens.com/tsl-store/
Timestamps:
00:00 Nikon Z8 vs Sony a7R V
00:28 Specs - Top of the line cameras
00:48 Megapixels
01:05 Crossover Hybrid Cameras
01:05 Price
01:30 Picture Quality Test
03:17 Ergonomics
03:33 Weight
03:57 Top Display Screen
04:07 Monitor
04:17 LCD Touchscreen Tilting Display
04:47 Programmable Buttons
05:12 Joystick
05:29 Memory Card Slots
06:22 Battery Life
07:00 EVF - Electronic Viewfinder
07:28 Autofocus
09:59 Continuous Shooting
10:39 Electronic Shutter
11:34 Video Autofocus
12:26 Video Capabilities
14:25 Video I/O HDMI
14:35 Image Stabilization
15:02 ISO Test
18:34 Dynamic Range Test
21:15 Conclusion
---
GEAR USED:
Canon C200
B&H: bhpho.to/2FJaH8d
Amazon: amzn.to/34aYAbJ
Canon 24-70 2.8
B&H: bhpho.to/2OCKjgl
Amazon: amzn.to/2O871PH
Sony A7 RIII
B&H: bhpho.to/2DZYHut
Amazon: amzn.to/2QFH0Zu
Canon EOS R
B&H: bhpho.to/2roExVE
Amazon: amzn.to/2QEnk8s
Tamron 24-70mm 2.8 G2
B&H: bhpho.to/2J2wp4j
Amazon: amzn.to/2KCVw0v
Tamron 28-75 2.8
B&H: bhpho.to/2FsWNno
Amazon: amzn.to/2KJ3rcD
Tamron 17-28 2.8
B&H: bhpho.to/2ItePur
Amazon: amzn.to/37qnWVh
Spyder Color Checker
B&H: bhpho.to/2JgfPCz
Amazon: amzn.to/3eofTeb
Sennheiser G4 Wireless Lav
B&H: bhpho.to/2BrOeei
Amazon: amzn.to/2Mreesc
Discounts:
15% off Lens Pro To Go
www.lensprotogo.com
Use Discount Code: SLANTEDLENS15
$10 off Luminar by Skylum
macphun.evyy.net/c/2073517/64...
Use Discount Code: LuminarTSL10
__
The Slanted Lens is a photography and video KZbin channel where we feature photography and lighting tutorials, camera reviews, photo and video related product reviews and industry business tips. Our founder, Jay P. Morgan, has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director/DP in the Los Angeles area for more than 30 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work. Jay P has also taught college level photography and video courses for many years. He is happy to share his knowledge with you. Join us by subscribing and asking questions that we are happy to answer!

[@johnforbes4795]

Interesting comparison. The one place I'd raise an issue with you is in regard to the Nikon Z8 battery life. I really think it's a matter of use case. As an owner of both a Z8 and Z9, I can say without reservation that the Z9 battery is otherworldly, while the Z8 battery life is rather pedestrian. But, I shoot primarily sports-related photos, composing through the EVF and shooting lots of bursts to capture that moment of movement that I'm after, even though I dial the fps down to 15fps. Last weekend during one day with the Z9 I shot 6395 frames with the Z9 and the battery indicator told me I still had over 65% battery life remaining. Meanwhile, the same day with the Z8 I shot 2475 frames and the battery indicator said I had 50 percent battery life remaining. (I shot 14640 frames over two days between the two cameras.) For you to be limited to the 375 frames you suggested in the video, you must have shot everything through the rear screen and then found several other ways to waste battery life. I won't deny that there's a learning curve to getting the best out of the Nikon with regard to autofocus, whereas the reputation of the Sony is that it's pretty much a point and shoot camera, so the Sony is great for occasional shooters. But once you learn the autofocus the Nikon is a remarkable tool for those shooting high frame rate movement shots, superb in shooting video, and great for landscape shooters thanks to the remarkable NIkon Z lenses.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great to hear about your experience with the Nikon!

[@ArthurDent09]

Hi, My experience with Z8 is also similar. In studio environment (flash, showing images), I shoot normally around 1500 pictures with one battery, single pictures, no burst.

[@ozweddingphotography9688]

even with z6II I can shot1200 frames with on battery !!

[@AllCarsUnited]

Same with Sony.

[@jpdj2715]

It's simple. Apply your high school physics. The energy content in Watt.hour follows from multiplying Ampère.hours by Volt. Convert milli.Amp.hours into Amp.hours by division by 1,000. If you do that for the latest versions of EN-EL15 and EN-EL18, then you'll see that the 18 with high Voltage has a bit more than 2 times the energy of the 15. That higher Voltage may be used to run certain elements at higher speed, or, in any case it just gives more reserve.

[@szeinner]

I’ve had the Z8 for approx a month now and average 1,200 RAW images per battery. That’s shooting primary sports, portrait or wildlife images. I expect long exposure captures to dramatically drop that image count average.

[@csc-photo]

Easily the most thorough and balanced comparison I’ve seen on these two amazing bodies 👍🏻

[@TheSlantedLens]

Wow, thanks for the nice compliment. Appreciate your comment!

[@johnchan6664]

Balanced review? Not really!!

[@OkwyUgonweze]

I have these two cameras and can tell you truthfully that they don't belong together. The sony is purely meant for image quality and the nikon is made for everything you can think of. The Z8 is competing with A1, R3 and Z9 same can't be said of the A7rv.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your opinion!

[@emrekale8827]

Canon eos R5 vs Nikon Z8 Can you tell me for what reason?

[@nickwilliams7867]

@@emrekale8827 i would think they are thinking they are both stacked sensor and once the R1 comes out, they will both be the second tier camera. For the work I do, weddings and events I would not want to shoot a non stacked sensor again. The benefits of silent are huge for the type of work I do. Z8 Z9 R3 and A1 are all amazing cameras.

[@hungtruongle2332]

​@@nickwilliams7867sony a9 a9ii a9iii kkkk

[@sasatep]

Great review, I'm A7R5 owner and as wedding photographer the only thing I'm missing from Z8 is electronic shutter without rolling shutter and banding in church. One thing from your review that I don't understand are only 440 images with one battery. I make around 1100-1500 shots with one battery in around 4-8 hours. I change 2 batteries during the day and maybe use third at evening.

[@mlai2546]

CIPA test process : take photo every 30sec. Leave camera on between shots. Turn off after 10 shots. so it's more like testing how long the camera can stay on, and not the number of pics. People have taken 6000 shots on one battery with the Z8. With Nikon, it is designed to turn off and on very quick. Almost instant so you can have it off while you are walking, etc... I heard Sony has a boot time so most people keep them on all the time.

[@RishmeSheriff]

The sensor protection itself worth it when your changing lens

[@AR-vf7vg]

Anything ever not banding in churches?

[@poikatiikeri]

Nikon please just give us a flip out screen. Have been waiting for a camera like z8 but no flip out screen?!

[@USGrant21st]

@@poikatiikeri absolutely hate articulating screens, Nikon, don't listen to those people 😁

[@longrider9551]

I shoot Sony and I think focus tests are almost unnecessary today, these high end cameras from any manufacturer today are just crazy good

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is a good point. These are both amazing cameras!

[@gregcorker2193]

Informative, thoughtful review.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you, I appreciated that!

[@raredreamfootage]

I heard the resolution of the viewfinder / LCD of the A7RV decreases when the autofocusing point is active for tracking, is that true?

[@dukeofurl999]

Folks learning photography are very fortunate these days to have fine shooters helping viewers make serious choices. Thanks.

[@TheSlantedLens]

There is a lot of good info out there. Thanks for your comment!

[@bneil4059]

I have both cameras, the only thing I’m missing is the model. Your review is spot on.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great to hear. Thanks for your comment!

[@piyhaw]

which one do you love more?

[@bneil4059]

@@piyhaw the R5 is more compact and tends to travel better but the Z8 is a step up in size, ruggedness, speed. The R5’s sensor is very versatile. It’s like picking between two of my children. Love them equally and hope to have them a very long time.

[@joshmcdzz6925]

@@bneil4059 you said you had both cameras meaning z8 and sony a7rv, I can't understand where the r5 appeared from?

[@bneil4059]

@@joshmcdzz6925 the r5 was purchased used

[@erik1836]

Thank you for that thorough and well thought-out comparison. You helped solidify my interest in the Sony. I couldn't have less interest in shooting video if I tried; I only shoot stills and not wildlife unless a bird flies into the frame! So - the militating factors that you listed in favor of the D-8 though I understand would be nice to have would be of no use to me. Whereas the a7R V, from my perspective, given my goals - being smaller, having the flexible back screen and high resolution EVF fills the bill in all respects, but it's nice to know that someone who really knows what they are doing has gone to all this work to help me understand exactly what I am getting. Thanks again.

[@msagliocco]

Thanks for the review! Was thinking about a second Sony body, but when shooting in silent mode do we know if there is no digital banding like the a9II?

[@livejames9374]

You will get serious banding with A7r5 electronic shutter with certain lighting because of slow sensor readout speed. It doesn’t have a stacked sensor like the A9ii/Z8/A1.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for pointing that out about the digital banding.

[@doogieham]

Nice comparison, JP. How did you find the IBIS compared between the two cameras for stills shooting? I find the the IBIS on the A7RV to be really good but I prefer the ergonomics and colours of the Z8.

[@boristahmasian1644]

Great detailed comparison. Thank you. I shoot Sony A7RIV with Tamron lenses. Two years ago, had Nikon had the Tamron option, I would have gone with Nikon. I prefer Nikon colors over Sony any day. Better video in the Nikon is icing on the cake. I am surprised because Sony was a video company way before they became a stills image company.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, Nikon has really caught up with the video!

[@AllCarsUnited]

Why is it a surprise? It's a 61 megapixel camera.

[@stevetqp9152]

Excellent comparison and comments! Just wondering what your reasoning was for choosing the Tamron lenses over, say, the Nikkor S lenses? Thanks!

[@livejames9374]

A7r5 has slightly better DR. Remember max dynamic range on Z8 is iso 64 so if your testing at same settings (like iso 100 since Sony doesn’t have iso 64) for dynamic range the Sony will have a larger advantage than it already does. If you talk about EVF you need to speak on blackout and lag. The Z8 EVF is much much better in use because of lack of blackout and lag…. You mention the A7R5 as a respectable camera for wildlife/sports but it’s really struggles because of blackout. Agreed that Z8 is better overall. A7r5 is great at somethings and not so much at others. Z8 is great at pretty much everything you throw at it.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the cameras!

[@sv1201]

Yes, but the resolution of Sony's EVF is so good that sometimes you forget that it's electronic...

[@lewcehjitl3282]

The Z8 has poor dynamic range due to no mechanical shutter also very poor battery life. Not to mention it’s huge and heavy. The Sony has the best hybrid screen in the market better battery life dynamic range better lens selection better autofocus I think it’s the best camera of 2023. Also when you put on lenses on the Z8 it looks very deformed camera body has a ugly design with the huge view finder

[@livejames9374]

@@lewcehjitl3282 1st stop liking your own comments. 2nd the dynamic range difference is a 1/3 stop so the “poor” description is idiotic. 3rd nobody thinks the a7r5 is a better overall camera except you. Even this channel declared the z8 the winner. Go out and shoot and quit being a fanboy.

[@johnpeterka8355]

Thank you for your video, JP! We replaced our Canon R3 and R5's with Nikon's Z9 and Z7 II. Now, I have to question my decision as to why I never considered Sony. My wife did not care for the heavy Canon lenses. I always made excuses about how tiny the Sony camera bodies were in my hands and that I did not care for the CF Express Type-A cards. However, when I look for glass then the scale seems to favor Sony. When I examine DXOMark, they nearly always rate Sony glass higher than Nikon and Canon. I want to dabble in wildlife and sports photography. I noticed that Sony has a 200-600 lens. Nikon just released its non-S 180-600mm lens. I tried the Tamron Z 150-500mm lens. You cannot beat the price, but the lens is not for me. It sounds like the Sony A7 R V might be a camera to try. A couple of weeks ago, I handled the new Sony A9 III. I loved the new ergonomics. However, I want more than 24MP. Your thoughts?

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is a hard decision. But if you want to shoot wildlife and sports then you want really great autofocus. Sony is great for that!

[@johnpeterka8355]

@@TheSlantedLens - thank you for your response!

[@bladerealm124]

Is the Nikon Z8 AF better in video for people (face tracking) after the recent update? During the stabilization test it appears to lose focus multiple times. Has that improved with the recent update?

[@RishmeSheriff]

Yes as a Z8 owner I can confirm and the latest firmware update just made this camera a beast.

[@RishmeSheriff]

Great review

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching!

[@bladerealm124]

What are your thoughts on Sony skintones on newer bodies like the A7R5, A9III, A7CR, A7CII, etc.? When I shot Sony up through the A7RIV and A9II I noticed the skintones and AWB would improve with each generation but it appears they still struggle with skintones compared to other manufacturers. I always had trouble getting people to look natural in a variety of lighting scenarios. I haven't had nearly as much trouble with my current Canon R5's and it appears the Nikon Z8/Z9/ZF do a better job than Sony with this too. In your video example at 11:50 it highlights the green skin I experienced when shooting Sony. I'm especially curious if they've made any further improvements with the A9III.

[@phonglestudi]

Exactly 100% , 11:50

[@amermeleitor]

How Canon R5 compares with these two cameras? Is it capable to compete in image quality and stabilization?

[@leerothman7570]

I owned a A7R5 for 7 months. A great camera to be sure. However you didn't see nor mention that the Sony's viewfinder has lag (terrible in lower light) and annoying moire as well. NOT an advantage. The Nikon has NO lag even at night and is sharp, clear with NO artifacting. Forget about the so called increase in shear megapixels in the EVF. It doesn't end up an advantage.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good to hear about your experience with the EVF!

[@M4TR1X]

Yup, the same feel I had when upgraded to Canon R6 from A73.

[@doogieham]

I think this is a really good point. I’ve heard really good things about the clarity and brightness of the Z8’s VF that makes up for its lower mp count.

[@Jwitherow1964]

I have both you can’t go wrong with either, your a amazing reviewer I would love to see a canon 85:1.2 v the new Nikon 85:1.2

[@TheSlantedLens]

I am sure those are both great lenses!

[@piyhaw]

which one do you love more?

[@Image01723]

Z8, 8k upto 60fps not 30fps

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for that and thanks for watching!

[@readitoutloud]

Z8, 4K 120fps Raw video

[@johncarlan]

And N-RAW! Red lost that lawsuit.

[@amermeleitor]

​@@johncarlan now Nikon owns RED

[@johncarlan]

​@@amermeleitorYep... explains the lawsuit win.

[@mamumonkan]

is the shutter any quieter than on the SONY RRRRRRRR models - AND how BAD is BANDING in e shutter mode in LED lighting ?

[@laurent_Gournet]

Bonjour, je ne sais pas quel appareil choisir pour des photos macro avec un maximum de détails? Quelqu’un pourrait m’aider s’il vous plaît? Merci 😊

[@TheSlantedLens]

Many cameras will work for macro work. It is the lens that is important. You will want a lens that is a macro lens.

[@CristoforoBonissone]

Hello. But is the story of Moiré in the EVF of the Sony A7RV is true? Is it just a bad talk? If EVF Moirè it's true, could it be resolved/fix ?

[@sosomelodies659]

I'll take the A7r V on these merits alone: 61mp, 9.4 million dot EVF, AI autofocus, 5-way tilt screen, and the numerous dials that's bundled near the thumb and shutter finger.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Those are some great specs on the Sony!

[@RonClifford]

Yep. I have the Z9 and Im buying a z8. I do a lot of video and the extra weight is a huge plus along with amazing stabilization. I can't say enough about how good the z8 and 9 are.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad to hear you are so happy with your Nikon!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great to hear. Glad you found it informative!

[@sansin6250]

Can you please do a Fujifilm GFX 100 || vs Sony A7RV / A1?

[@ArthurDent09]

Thank you for your comparision video. I have a few comments on your tests/results: Battery life: I think you used the CIPA values, unfortunately these are not really 'useable' for mirrorless cameras. Uptime of EVF/Display has a far greater influence on battery life than number of photos taken. Image quality: When comparing image quality, it would be more usefull to compare JPGs ooc than RAWs. With RAWs you compare the capabilities of the RAW converter to interpret the data of the camera not the image quality the camera (incl. JPG engine) can produce. ISO test: Also here comparing RAWs gives no real result as it depends highly on the RAW converter When JPGs ooc are compared then also additional features of a camera could be compared: Boost DR (Sony DRO, Nikon Active D-Lighting, etc.), skin color enhancements, etc... When using RAW the colors and image quality are mainly dependent on the quality of the RAW converter not so much on the camera itself.

[@TheSlantedLens]

We will have to agree to disagree.

[@ArthurDent09]

@@TheSlantedLens A RAW file is a - kind of - bnw picture, it contains only luminosity values. The colors a caluculated (guessed?) by the RAW converter based on detailed knowledge of the Bayer-pattern and the used color filters on the sensor. Therefore have RAW files no evidence for comparing the image quality of a camera.

[@RobTiff0818]

@@ArthurDent09 Unless you're an actual photographer who's always going to shoot in RAW. At which point, the quality and presentation of the processed JPG file is completely irrelevant. I would venture to say that over 95% of the people purchasing one of these cameras will almost never look at a JPG file produced by said camera.

[@ArthurDent09]

@@RobTiff0818 You're right in case of a comparision of 'How can LR handle RAWs of different cameras compared to the JPG ooc'. But RAWs are not suitable to compare image quality of different cameras as this will skew to results.

[@TheTigers00001]

@@ArthurDent09 I disagree. When a photographer buys either of these cameras, they are after the very best image quality at this price point. Dynamic range in RAW is greater as is resolution. RAW can control how much NR you want more accurately too. Then there is the most important thing about shooting RAW and that is getting White Balance absolutely spot on, as you can adjust that very finley in post, which is incredibly important in portraying lifelike colors.

[@waynerm002]

Great comparison on these 2 cameras. I used the A7R V for a few months and when it comes to stabilization, the Sony can have an edge when Active stabilization is used. When paired with an OSS lens and further enhanced in their Catalyst software you can get some really smooth footage however, you could end up with some major cropping. Even with that kind of stabilization, I ended up trading the A7R V for the Z8 as the Z8 has better overall video codecs and it actually shoots up to 8K60 in 12 bit NRAW internally. It would have been great if Nikon had the multi-angle screen of the A7R V on the Z8, that’s the one thing I miss the most from the A7R V, the point and shoot sort of AF and the AI posing estimation. I feel that feature gives the A7R V a slight edge in overall AF usage.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your experience with both cameras!

[@waynerm002]

@@TheSlantedLens They are both great cameras to work with. Sony’s ergonomics is one of the reasons I also went back to Nikon but, I still have the FX30 which I use for my talking head videos as the fan helps here in South East Asia when I have to record without AC.

[@piyhaw]

Hi..did you like the color tones of one over another?

[@waynerm002]

@@piyhaw I didn't have both to test at the same time however, I preferred the A7R V look over the FX30 and thought they looked closer to natural. I like the results I get from the Z8, I would say they are close.

[@Jwitherow1964]

@@waynerm002 that’s hard I think Sony today but maybe Nikon tomorrow lol

[@dsalzr]

I’ve owned both and they are both amazing cameras. That being said, I ended up choosing the A7RV. Size was really the deciding factor for me. When I need it to be small, it can be. Popping on a 40mm f2.5 makes it really nice to just casually walk around with.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great point. Nice to hear about your experience with the Sony!

[@j16m02]

I was about to make a similar comment. These are both amazing cameras. Differences in stills and video are fairly nuanced. The ergonomics of the Z8 look great, but they do come at a cost. 200gm just for the body and a lot more than that when you start adding lenses. I get that for a lot of folks, that's no big deal, but personally it's a deal breaker. I have had the A7CR in my cart for a few weeks, just waiting for my A7RV to sell.

[@ottenburg]

@@j16m02 Don't go for the a7CR. I bought it and tried it - I really disliked the ergonomics and lack of features and functions compared to the a7RV.

[@j16m02]

@@ottenburg I can appreciate that. The thing is, we all put different value and weight on all the "features". I have pretty simple requirements for my cameras and suspect I use only a small percentage of the features available on any of them. I rented an A7CR for a couple weeks and was really quite pleased with ergonomics and functionality. I guess the old saying "different strokes for different folks" applies here. Thank goodness there seems to be options for pretty much everybody.

[@ottenburg]

Same here. a7RV + 40/2.5G makes for an excellent walk around package. Again, if I was shooting big zoom glass for wildlife, birds in flight, etc I would switch to the Nikon Z8/9, but for mainly photography and small prime lens shooting, Sony reins supreme at this point (but I cannot wait for the new a9III ergonomics to come to other bodies).

[@83jbbentley]

Good test

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it worthwhile. Thanks for watching!

[@airjaff]

My criticisms Picture quality obviously sony will be sharper it has more mp, looking on my 4k oled screen the nikon looks more detailed, would have been better is you dropped ae sony image down to 45pm then compare. Now the colour of the sony is horrible horrible green hue. That alone should have lost it for sony. You can even see how horrible the colour looks on your video test in the kitchen. Memory cards Id rather have the type b card. Its way better than type a, Honestly you should compare the z8 with the sony a1. They are more similar. It seems that when the sony looses a category you get way more disappointed then you do when the nikon looses haha

[@waynerm002]

Well, he owns the Sony, so there is a bit of disappointment. On the CFE type A, they are slower than type B however, the speed is now being increased, like with type B, not the same but better. I’ll say this, they seem to be better with heat management. I’ve recorded video on the A7R V, 8K and got hot camera warning at around 15-20 minutes, depending on temps however, didn’t get a hot card warning. On the Z8, I’ll get hot card warning around the same 15-20 minute mark. I’ll add that I’ve also tested the Z8 and the shut down is usually due to hot camera and not the card but, the card comes out bing hot when touched.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your observations about the cameras!

[@USGrant21st]

There should be at least two people to judge skin color. Barbie alone is not enough, there must be Ken as well. 😅 Sony skin colors are not very consistent. One thing I noticed underexposing helps a bit. Perhaps the red channel starts saturating too early producing orange hues. Perhaps it's CFA. The raw conversion software also plays big role. I find DXO doing a better job than Adobe. There is also a big problem with Sony AWB, which is very unreliable. Sony fixed many things but colors remain problematic in all their cameras.

[@Lowridersdoggs]

Nikon z8 such a nice camera.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It really is a nice camera!

[@robertleidner9703]

I didn’t hear you mention the 1/32000 shutter and real world battery is still pretty good actually

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and thanks for watching!

[@razafiarisonmichael4421]

Wow, Sony GM lens looks way more sharp in the IQ test I want the Sony IQ with the z8 features and price.... if only

[@stkuj]

IMHO, Nikon has always leaned a bit to the green tint side. That being said, I do agree that the Z8 is overall better. However, it did release a year later and things are moving faster in technology now in the camera market. But even more importantly, something you didn't touch on is - overall ecosystem. Sony is far superior with options in lenses. Additionally, Sony route on camera bodies and products lines give you the option to have a superior photo and video bodies.

[@livejames9374]

If you’re okay with adapters you can mount any Sony lens on Z8. Surprisingly the performance is like native performance for most lenses and adapter reliability keeps getting better and better. But agree, for native lenses Sony can’t be touched.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good point about the lenses!

[@alemattosbr]

Nice comparison!! I'm Sony user (A7Siii and A7iv). It seems Nikon did pretty good job on this one, the specs are WILD!!! But Nikon really need fix the Autofocus (look at 15:00, her face/head, it's out of focus with image almost still).

[@TheSlantedLens]

That test was testing image stabilization. The Sony is better for autofocus.

[@livejames9374]

I’m almost 100% positive that video portion wasn’t in AF-F, it wasn’t focusing at all which leads me to believe that it was mistakenly in AF-C. AF-F is full time af in video not AF-C. You need to press an af button with AF-C and clearly he couldn’t do that with that contraption that was being held.

[@kamalalzayer3430]

I own the nikon z8 with 4 lenses bought them az once at discount price & now I want a portrait Lens . My lenses are 1 . 14-24 f2.8 S 2. 24-70 f2.8 S 3. 70-180 f2.8 4. 105 mm f2.8 VR S Now I want a portrait Lens & need your advice Should I go to the 85 mm 1.2 Or the 135 mm f1.8

[@TheSlantedLens]

For me, personally, i would choose the 85mm 1.2. But you will have to make a decision based on your own preference and style.

[@stevebogucki6236]

I shoot the z9, however, on the z8 you have basically the same focus system. During you're still photograph. You weren't using the full tool box available on the z8 to accomplish the sharpest image. I reprogram my back focus button to zoom in at 200%. That enlarges the area underneath your focus point to 200%. And at 200%. I can find tune the focus either manually or with autofocus. Much more precisely than I can at just a regular resolution. If you haven't tried this, you might be surprised. Obtaining critical focus at 200% always looks better.

[@livejames9374]

That doesn’t work in continuous burst shooting.

[@stevebogucki6236]

@@livejames9374 That's why I specified still photography.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing that tip!

[@bab008]

If you stop the Sony a7R down to f/16 you'll see very significant diffraction softening vs. the 45.7 MP of the Nikon. There is a physical limit to how small you can make photosites on a sensor w/o running into this issue.

[@marc5279]

i love your responses to comments hahahahah one just makes a point that will take about 2000 characters to discuss something about what you said, and there goes something like "oh thats a great idea" + cool vibes... man i just spent about half an hour typing xD

[@uberschaller]

I have 2 angelbird 1tb on my 7rv…I will never experience a buffer😂 I shoot like a crazy person even the fastest sd tough cards still held up on me. Angelbird all the way! Seriously incredible

[@ALWH1314]

Nikon object tracking auto select human, animal, car…and Sony you have to manually select human, animal, bird, car…. and both have great eye focusing. I use both and I think Nikon is friendlier to use. However, Nikon is huge, both the body and lenses, not travel friendly. Sony has many small and light lenses to choose from.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great points. Thanks for sharing your experience with the two systems.

[@jigjitsu5599]

A7rV all day. Better AF, 4 way til screen is the best and 9.k evf

[@TheSlantedLens]

Those are all great specs on the Sony!

[@andyr8812]

In the dynamic range test, the a7R V performs better than the Z8, so I don't agree with your conclusion that they performed equally well.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your opinion!

[@cy9nvs]

Wouldn't be surprised if that's true, stacked sensor means some very slight compromise for DR, but the background being blown out doesn't have to be an indicator for that. He sadly doesn't explain how he set up the test, if both are set to the same ISO, shutter speed and aperture, it could just be a difference in how Nikon and Sony rate the ISO in their cameras. It isn't standardized, ISO 100 on the Sony could be equal to ISO 125 on a Nikon.

[@MichaelLaing71]

With a lot of the specs, the cameras are very similar but in reality the advantages the Sony have are pretty minor in the real world, where as the Nikon's advantages are pretty distinct. As for the body, a lot is down to personal perspective. I hate flippy screens (I have one on my X-H2 and I much prefer my GFX-100s/X-H1 screen, and as for weight, the Nikon is probably built like a tank compared to the Sony, and for me I don't think I will ever be a fan of the Sony ergonomics. For all I think the Z8 is a great camera, for my needs, I am still keeping my D850.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and preference on the cameras!

[@nickwilliams7867]

I'm with you on the flippy screens, I have the A7iv and hate the screen compared to my A9. I have tried a Z8 and loved it's feel so I have one ordered

[@AllCarsUnited]

News flash, you can tilt the screen up as well. It's the best of bother worlds

[@nickwilliams7867]

@@AllCarsUnitedNews flash , you can’t point it forwards like you can on the Sony A7RV. As a photographer I love the Z8 screen but a lot will want a screen that points forward

[@michaelyu3505]

14:55 Photos taken directly from Nikon cameras are better, while Sony ones require a lot of post-processing

[@FrancisAlbert1990]

@2:30 I think the Nikon missed focus on that one. It didn't hit the focus on the eye.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It looks sharp to me. Just not as sharp as the Sony.

[@escapetothesky]

Not in focus

[@FrancisAlbert1990]

@@TheSlantedLens Looks like it hit the eyelash more than the iris. I know that Sony is gonna be sharper because of the higher megapixel and better eye AF.

[@USGrant21st]

You are probably using Adobe to process RAW files. It doesn't do a good job in noise reduction. I'm using DXO PR, and even at ISO 51200 many pictures from Nikon come out reasonably clean with good colors. Don't know about Sony.

[@TheChadWork2001]

I think I’m going to have to go with the Z8 if I had to choose.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your preference. Different cameras work for different people. Glad you found the one that works for you.

[@ottenburg]

Jay, on one hand, I agree that the Nikon is a better hybrid camera per se, but that is only half the equation. If I was a wild-life shooter using long lenses and needing a larger body to off-set that big glass, I would go Nikon all day. But I use my camera to document everyday life, and I just don't see me dragging a Z8 along with me on a daily basis. On top of that - Nikon has nothing to compete with 24/.14GM, 35/1.4GM or 50/1.4GM - and that is where I live. On the smaller lens side, I prefer the quality of the Sony 40/2.5G over the Nikkor 40/2 (ok, twice the price). Now, if Nikon packed all that tech and performance into a Nikon Z6 style body, added a Sony a7RV style flippy screen, and more customization buttons - I would be all for that!

[@livejames9374]

You can adapt those Sony lenses on a Z8 if you feel like

[@patrickdemontalier7793]

Oui avec la bague adaptative Sony vers Nikon « megadap ETZ21Pro » qui est tout simplement extraordinaire. Je possède en effet les 2 appareils A7R5 et Nikon Z8 et j’utilise les objectifs Sony 35 mm f1,4 et 50mm f1,4 sur mon Nikon Z8. Tout fonctionne très bien comme avec les objectifs Nikon natifs( mise au point automatique, rafales, etc) J’ai le meilleur des 2 mondes! Et cette bague très costaud et très mince ne coûte que 200 euros!

[@livejames9374]

@@patrickdemontalier7793 thanks for sharing your experience using the adapter.

[@lonceyswildcairns333]

Nikon better video plus colours for sure 😊 Sony for mechanical shutter and you can preset seven different subjects faces and it won't lose focus on any of them, if they're in a group in video or photo mode which is best for crowds videoing plus photography 😊 Cheers much love your work ❤

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you. And thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@officialkimi]

Nice

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching!

[@ThomazMartinez]

I wish you start posting raw samples you take for us to compare also

[@TheSlantedLens]

We will see if we can make that happen.

[@shawketyalda7009]

Beautiful 👍👍👍📸👍📸👍👍👍

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TheArtist441]

The Sony showed better dynamic range in both the highlights and shadows, but they are quite close though! To me, dynamic range is very important factor in a sensor

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your perspective!

[@spinthma]

Very sympathetic teview

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching and keep on clickin!

[@dannyjeffers]

Really want the Z8 but the small/fast gmaster primes and 3rd party options keep pulling me away.

[@TheSlantedLens]

And lens choices are super important!

[@nickwilliams7867]

They are missing a 24 35 50 and 85 F1.4. If Nikon do not release any I hope Sigma do.

[@StevenDavisPhoto]

For purely still photos, which of the two would u take, and consider that I am a Nikon guy gear wise :P

[@ChrisGrey]

Something was not right in that sharpness comparison. I shoot both brands and get much better sharpness on my Z7 than you show with the Z8. Looks like it wasn't actually focused on her eye.

[@TheSlantedLens]

We shot multiple times and our conclusion is that the Sony is slightly sharper. Thanks for watching!

[@mohamedh0786]

I have used the Z8 many times, but I own the A7RV and also have used canon R5. I am a pro photographer, The Sony has the best Auto Focus, Spot on

[@chanchunmichael]

Interested in both and I realised I prob should stay with my Canon r3😂

[@arturaszaleskis8907]

Nikon clearly blows out highlights and you can see on faces in your tests. Was thinking about Z8 but reading complaints about problems with highlights puts me off from this choice

[@jean-philippeperetti8463]

I am not into video. So the A7RV is perfect for me. I am very lazy sometimes and rely on auto mode to shoot and, frankly, out of camera picture quality is awesome.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great points. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@anthonysmith9864]

Wonder if nikon can fix that soft autofocus in a firmware update. I got the a7r v a while ago. Then the z8 plopped itself on my radar and makes me wanna jump ship even though the lense selection isnt as great (yet), it makes me feel that good ol buyers remorse. Actually sent my a7r v to the shop cause out of nowhere the image quality leaped off a cliff and started have iso 6400 ish noise artifacting at iso 100!!! Stabilization and at least half the focus ability took a hit out of nowhere, no drops or oopsies. Kinda hard knowing my $4k is floating through the mailing system.. ps i would love to see the image capture Stabilization comparison. Everyone does video but never stills for the Stabilization test! Great video though. Its like eyeing a girl walking by while you're stuck with your wife who got fat and mean.. 😂 jk

[@thomastuorto9929]

Probably have to replace the sensor or processor. It happens every once in a while no matter what brand one uses.

[@rezahadian]

I think the stats about the battery are not correct. Are you sure?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Those are the published stats.

[@ginoraas]

When you talk about video, you should ALWAYS mention the battery life. No one would like to work on a event with a bag or a pocket full of batteries... With the a7rv you use 1 to 3 batteries filming 3 hours of 4k 25p or 50p, basically a full day. And with the Nikon?

[@TheSlantedLens]

We do talk about battery life in the video.

[@tectoramia-sz1lu]

I don't have any problem with the Z8 battery life. Not with stills anyway, as I don't do video.

[@skyscapes]

Z8 is on a higher level. Offers much more and at better quality. There are battery options for Z8 IF needed. As for Z8 AF points, 493 is more than enough. The stacked sensor with full electronic shutter with a noticeable rolling shutter. Nikon has raised the bar.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your preference!

[@marclabro]

nice comparison. I have left Nikon (z6ii) for Soy a7iv just for eye detection but wasn't fully happy. Tricky sometimes to catch an eye, but much better than z6ii however. Now I have a a7rv and it is amazing. It is IA ! a separate cpu to recognize body, pose, eye, animal, insect, bird,...

[@piyhaw]

Hi..did you like the color tones of one over the other? Or are they pretty similar?

[@poikatiikeri]

Now you can get angelbird 1tb 1tb cf type a cards way cheaper than used to

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, that is a very predictable outcome because more people are buying it so the price goes down.

[@castieldiallo2945]

Theres always complaining about birding and battery life. Those are secondary uses of the Z8. It is meant as a stills camera. Ultimately it is a back up to those with a Z9.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, it would be a great back-up for the Z9.

[@johncarlan]

I disagree. The Z8 is am AMAZING video camera. 8k60fps internal RAW... a RAW file that scared the he'll out of RED cinema cams.... that's nothing to scoff at. Nikon absolutely killed it with the Z8 as a ridiculously capable all-around camera.

[@Jawad.1]

Still waiting for #GFX100ii review on #TheSlantedLens channels!!! Please, make it happen!!!

[@seanpaulie7]

The Nikon Z8 is a beast of a camera sony is a baby in front of it.... i am going to buy the Nikon z8 awesome camera....❤❤❤

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good luck with your purchase!

[@mlai2546]

Is Sony sharper because the camera is applying a lot of sharpening?

[@TheSlantedLens]

That could be what is going on.

[@robertsaca3512]

I have both these cameras in our studio, what you didn't explain well or at all which is import imo is The Sony has more usable DR at base sensitivity, which is what it's designed for imo, it is mostly shot at low sensitivity in good ambient or studio light, the colours are more accurate also, it has a great de-bayer high resolution mode and most importantly it has MANY more and better lenses with better autofocus, these translate to better images in good light and in a studio. The Sony video autofocus is better, again, that means better video when autofocus is required. The Nikon has better ergonomics, the button placement is better and this makes a difference in use. If you're willing to put up with an adapter, all your f-mount glass of which I have dozens, work. In silent mode which is useful. Sometimes the Nikon will behave better than the Sony, especially in artificial lighting. So the Nikon is better than the Sony in some specific niche use cases, but for what the a7r5 is designed for, it is superior.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your experience with these cameras!

[@memcrew1]

😂 sure my guy.

[@AllCarsUnited]

​@@memcrew1it's a fact my guy 😆

[@Jackourd]

well z8 can shoot 8k 60fps internal too...and you missed out those specs.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good point. Thanks for sharing!

[@escapetothesky]

As long as you don't need eyes in focus, the z8 is great!

[@thomastuorto9929]

yup. I could cost only $2k & shoot 40 fps. What good are out of focus photos. Is the new 4.10 firmware any better? I hope so. I shoot a lot of wildlife & birds in flight. I don't want to pay for out of focus photos. I'll have to rent for about 2 weeks each Canon, Sony & Nikon & hope that is long enough to make a decision. See what Canon brings with the R1 that is rumored. Since I'm still shooting with the Nikon D810 & never another digital, I doubt I would have any complaints with either of the cameras in the video. Wonder if the new Nikon 600mm f6.3 would work on the Sony with an adapter? HMMM?

[@livejames9374]

My z8 and z9 for that matter nail the eye every time. I’m not surprised a Sony user doesn’t get the best results.

[@escapetothesky]

@@livejames9374 My z9 was fine. Loved the Image quality. But heavy and bulky. My Sony a1 and a7R5 are much smaller and better, so yeah. I switched from all Nikon to mostly Sony and minimal Nikon. Still have my z6ii, which I love. Some day, Nikon AF will catch up to 2021 Sony a1 AF. Hang in there!

[@thomastuorto9929]

@@livejames9374 Good to hear. A slower migration to mirrorless lenses would make it less painful on the ole wallet!

[@AllCarsUnited]

I noticed the same. The Nikon eyes look foggy compared to the Sony. I kind of chuckled when he said the Sony was "slightly" sharper. It was night and day difference

[@winfcad]

For me, I am always on Nikon side; Purely bias on my end lol.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you enjoy shooting your Nikon!

[@Krmelj]

Both great cameras - you could also argue that Sony accomplishes most of the Z8 stuff in a smaller body with better stills quality, or say that Nikon caught up to Sony's best offering and surpassed it in video and overall handling. Plus if you're shooting a Z9, having a second body like the Z8 is a no brainer.

[@livejames9374]

The comparison is done because price is similar but they are two very different cameras

[@rcdigitalstudio4437]

nikon 😍😍😍

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your preference!

[@alivarasteh]

nikon z8 better overall camera

[@RockyMaiviaMiami]

Evf, Articulating screen, bodySize, lens selection, 26mp apsc makes the Sony the winner for me.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your preference and why!

[@eser_tekin]

sorry but Nikon focus on eyelash in your photos. But it's an amazing camera specially on video.

[@AllCarsUnited]

Newsflash, a super high megapixel camera has more noise, more rolling shutter and more detail

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for your thoughts and thanks for watching!

[@MrBanda77]

second hand nikon d850 + sigma 50 1,4 art + sigma 35 1,4 art = 60% of price new nikon Z8 or sony a7rV without a lens

[@TheSlantedLens]

Sounds like a great way to go!

[@Jwitherow1964]

One more thing you may have down play the Sony with its 60 mp

[@TheSlantedLens]

Noted. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@jaywbus]

Nikon wins the gigantic lens competition. Workout kit.

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is a very hefty lens!

[@USGrant21st]

So there should be a self defense comparison category, which Nikon wins easily 😅

[@AR-vf7vg]

I don't believe it ! ! : You did not point out that the Sony flipp screen here also allows for incline in the vertical mode (portraits) ??? I stop this video here right away. Can't be trustworthy.)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing that point. We can't cover every point, the videos would be way too long.

[@AR-vf7vg]

@@TheSlantedLens That's totally incoherent with the claim to want to help people to not spend a fortune based on an ill-informed decision. Especially when YOU portray yourself to know enough basics. This "revolutionary" new mechanisme introduced precisaly on this model with highest and unanimous enthusiasm by all conaisseurs and users of other brands.. but you did not flip it, not even 2 seconds... wile demontstrating(!!) its articulations.. = Your excuse here of "not enough time' is, aditionnaly, suspect phony, of the worst kind.

[@nathanielcashjr.732]

I consistently get 1,300 shots per battery.

[@TheSlantedLens]

With which camera? Nikon or Sony?

[@strongereveryday2302]

Z8 all the way and it's not close. If it had an articulated screen all other cameras would really be irrelevant.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, that rear screen is unfortunate.

[@cameraprepper7938]

I will at any time choose the Sony A7RV which is smaller, lighter and have higher resolution sensor. The Nikon Z7II is a better choice than the Z8.

[@airjaff]

You must be crazy

[@cameraprepper7938]

@@airjaff No.

[@livejames9374]

@@airjaff😂

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your opinion!

[@borlach321]

Why does Nikon continue to make bizarre design choices? You pointed out the weird Non-flippy screen on the Z8. On the new Retro Zf, no grip whatsoever and strange layout. I used to be a Nikon shooter in the DSLR days, I really can't recommend them for mirrorless. By the way, by removing the mechanical shutter Nikon takes a serious hit on Sync speed.

[@airjaff]

Bitter

[@borlach321]

If I were I Nikon stock holder, I would be. @@airjaff

[@TheSlantedLens]

Some good points. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

[@seanpaulie7]

The Nikon z8 is beating sony alpha 7r5 is a kid 😂😂😂

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your preference.

[@moviereview-rw2xs]

come on nikon😎

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching and keep on clickin!

[@TheChadWork2001]

Barbie!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, she was great to work with!

[@mugdays]

If the Z8 falls BELOW the Z9, then it can't be the "flagship" lol

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a great camera and does a lot of what the Z9 does.

[@rnrnrkrk994]

Thanks for the detailed review. But I think a few very important factors are missing: - Nikon Z8 suffers overheating from video recording. Especially at longer recording time with high resolution. Sony does not have this overheating issue at all. - The Sony also has no time limit for video recording. Nikon has 128 min @ 4k and 90 min @ 8k. I think above might be serious deterring factor for some.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing those important specs!

[@rnrnrkrk994]

@@TheSlantedLens Cameras these days are so high tech we can miss a few details :) Thanks for the review I enjoy watching them!

[@AR-vf7vg]

He just told You : NOT a detail. Same with 4axis tilt screen that remained hidden here.