Nikon Z8 vs Z9 | Full Comparison | Why I prefer the Nikon Z8

In this video I provide a complete side-by-side comparison of the new Nikon Z8 versus the Nikon Z9. I personally prefer now the Nikon Z8 and will explain my reasons. If you have not yet decided which of the Nikon flagship system cameras is for you, then this video will provide all the datapoints you need for your decision making process.
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#NikonZ9 #NikonZ8 #Nikon

[@Photojouralist123]

I have both and love them so much! In fact they had a baby ! The Zf which I dearly love to

[@mathphotographer]

Lol - the Zf as "baby" of the Z9 and Z8, love your comment :)

[@tedk2814]

As always, a complete comparison video. I shoot high school and some collegiate sports in my area of Florida. About five years ago I began my hobby using a Nikon 7200 which was a great platform on which to learn, then the Nikon D5 and WOW what a difference. Lenses were added to build out my kit and I was satisfied. When the Z9 was available I purchase one and sold off the D5. Now Im in my second year with the Z9. I love the tracking focus on athletes however many sports have the athletes wear caps and helmets which obscure the eyes, add this to under the lights games of poorly lit high school venues represents a challenge for the camera but with a little iso love, it works out and I get useable shots for on line use and many times I get lucky and come up with a printable image. I did purchase the FZ a month ago and am trying to use it in my stills work of poster and senior banner producing. Thanks so much to Mathphotographer for your always spot on videos, Ted in Sebastian, Fl.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing Ted, appreciate your comment and your kind feedback!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

good choice ! I love my Z8 ... though not as much as I love my Hasselblad X2D !!

[@humanfirst11]

Mind the price difference. Hence the higher attraction.

[@martinbowen9928]

I love the Z9 - it’s so robust and capable and that big old battery is fantastic especially in very cold conditions which sap the juice. I’ve used it in horrendous conditions and it’s shrugs off all the weather can throw at it. I’m sure the Z8 is great too but I’m not binning my z9.😊

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Martin, fully agree, the Z9 never let me down no matter where I was shooting and under which conditions. The Z8 is perfect too, and more my taste based on design, but the Z9 has the advantages I clearly point out in the video. So I wish you continuous happy shooting with your Z9 :)

[@vinyalonde]

This is a very thorough and helpful review. Thank you. Have you ever put together a video that would explain why you would choose Leica versus Hasselblad versus Nikon or other camera make for different jobs?

[@user-xm9ri7cw5j]

I have a similar question in terms of how do you handle the different menu systems and buttons. For me, switching between my Sony, Leica and Panasonic cameras slows me down.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for your positive feedback. I am actually used to switching cameras for different shooting situations, do this for many years. so I know the menu system of various cameras very well as you can see in countless videos on my channel. It does not slow me down but it needed practicing over years :)

[@vinyalonde]

@@mathphotographer No doubt on that! You seem to switch back and forth without skipping a beat or taking a breath. Impressive. I was curious though as to why you would choose one camera over another. Would you use a Hasselblad for landscape versus a Leica for street photography for example? I am just curious as to how you decide to use once camera over another for your work?

[@Tornado.NKN.Software]

I appreciate the emphasis on the user-friendly interface and intuitive controls of the Nikon Z cameras.

[@mathphotographer]

Fully agree.

[@SolarChronicle]

I enjoyed the video. I noticed you have a matte screen protector on the Z8/Z9. Can you share which brand you use? Thank you.

[@dsimon9s29]

Thanks for posting. I always enjoy your videos.

[@mathphotographer]

Glad you like them!

[@KibbitUpIt]

I have both. Once the Z6iii comes I'll probably trade my Z9 for it. I love the Z9 but it's too big for my needs.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing.

[@boblozano]

Balanced and practical, very good treatment. I came to the same conclusion, so much so that I considered selling the z9. But was reluctant to give up the backup, so recently decided to rig out the z9 for video work (cage, monitor, handles etc etc). That plays perfectly to the z9's strengths and is a perfect fit. Plus the bulk issue sort of disappears within the handling of the video rig. Side note: one of my favorite aspects of both is the ability to control shutter noise without compromising image quality ... absolutely perfect in sensitive situations

[@mathphotographer]

Great comment and experience sharing, many thanks!

[@bmwohl]

I agree with everything EXCEPT I bought my Z9 in early 2022, before I had any idea a Z8 was coming. As a result, I use my Z7 more than my Z9 due to its size, but I have the features of the Z9 available. I'm strictly amateur, so I'm prepared to live with the Z9 compromises until the next generation comes along. If I could have seen the future and accurately known my own behavior, I'd have waited for the Z8. That said, they are both great machines, and getting competent with either one can enhance photographic skills and results. Thanks for your comparison.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing.

[@RamonVaqueroImage]

Great video as usual, always enjoy your work thanks! I much prefer the Z8 as well, but would like to see something in between the Z8 and Z6-7II as I find the Z8 filled with too many features I’ll never use…so won’t pay for them

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Ramon. Likely Nikon will further develop the Z6 and Z7 series and maybe there is then a camera somehow inbetween a Z8 and Z9 which then is for you :)

[@huwevans4452]

Thanks for the comparison, I have a z7ii and a Z9 and use according to the job. I like the compactness of the Z7ii as it's less "in your face" for certain shoots. I'll compare the size of the Z8 with the Z7ii and maybe change.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks, if you do your own assessment whether you will keep the Z7II or switch to the Z8 bear the following in mind, if I may chime in to your thinking process: The Z8 is a bit bulkier than the Z7II, I had the Z7II for a long time and know the camera well. But the Z8 is by far superior in terms of technical specifications. What always came in as a big disadvantage on my Z7II was the slow read-out time of the sensor. I could basically not use electronic shutter when I needed silent shooting. The Z8 in contrast is electronic shutter only and has no rolling shutter effects. That for me is a big advantage. Good luck with your decision making.

[@OkwyUgonweze]

I sold the Z9 after brief use of the Z8. Like you said the compact nature of the Z8 outweighs the advantages the Z9 holds over the 8. I also noticed that the Z8 has a slight better dynamic range and iso performance over the Z9.

[@andyzimm3002]

I switched from Pentax k3iii, sold all my gear- went straight to the Z9. I think I'm pretty happy with it.

[@mathphotographer]

Great choice - love the Z9 although for the reasons I outline in the video the Z8 is more my preference. But the Z9 is likely the most pro camera out there in the wild currently.

[@alangrate5718]

I rented a Z9 for a while to help my final decision - I chose the Z8. Like you, the smaller size & weight was more of an advantage than the few things I gave up in the Z9. I'm happy with my Z8!

[@johnforbes4795]

NIce job with the comparison. I own both the Z8 and Z9 and I love them both. Interestingly, I find it very easy to move from one camera to the other during the occasions when I'm using both cameras almost simultaneously with perhaps the Nikon Z 24-120mm f4 S on the Z8 and perhaps the Nikon Z 70-200mm f2.8 VR S on the Z9. I shoot a lot of movement shots at dog shows with thousands of frames on each camera by the end of the day. I often use the Nikon MB-N12 Battery Grip on the Z8 because as you stated the Z8 battery is okay, while the Z9 battery is amazing. When I grab a camera for travel, play, hiking, or around the neighborhood, it's almost always the Z8. When I know it's going to be a long day of thousands of frames, the Z9 is the 1st choice, and if I'm using both camera bodies, the Z9 usually gets the bigger lens and more frames taken by the end of the day. Even when I'm shooting without the battery grip on the Z8 while using both cameras, the extra girth and 1lb of weight on the Z9 is lost in the heat of the battle to get the shot I want. They both do the job without flinching and I couldn't be happier with the results.

[@dance2jam]

I'll add to the algorhythms because I enjoy your channel. I shoot some hybrid style and mostly sports, action, and wildlife (with recent attention to portraits and landscape). My very first (and nearly only) complaint about the Z9 was weight. So, I'm with you on the Z8. If the battery life were longer on the Z8, and it had duel CFExpress type B card slots, I'm probably move over. As you mentioned, many times, the actual differences between the cameras isn't enough to move most needles. What is exceptional (for me) on both cameras, is the ability to nearly program any function on any button. If a Nikon user picked up my Z9, they would be very confused with some of my button reassignments (i.e. record to cycle through AF area modes, Audio button for metering, Quality button for DISP changes and the DISP button to either turn off subject detection all together, or from bird to animal). What's Missing that can reasonably be added: Zebras/blinkies in stills. It's there in video. The fact that Nikon hasn't added it yet says to me something else is in the way. PRE-Capture in RAW (even with reduced shooting rates): This may be a niche feature, but it comes in very handy when you need it. I'm sure the same can be said about Auto-Capture. Thx again.

[@gregcorker2193]

Excellent comparison.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Greg, appreciate your feedback.

[@ronaldsand3000]

Both cameras are large and heavy so for me that are cameras I use for a pre arranged specific task, as such the differences in size or weight are negligible The slightly heavier build quality, GPS, better grip/balance whilst using heavier long lenses as well as previous recalls on the Z8’s mount and sling studs makes me happier to own the Z9 Great video comparison as always!

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Ronald, the Z9 is without doubt a fantastic camera with the advantages I point out in the video. Have a nice Sunday.

[@Snapit551]

Fantastic video! Do you think the Nikon has better image rendering capabilities than Sony and canon image lenses?

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for your kind feedback. I would not go as far as saying Nikon image quality is always best but the image quality coming from the sensor in the Z8 and Z9 clearly is on top of the food chain, always enjoy my shootings and later my images.

[@eugenheller4182]

I Like the Z8 better as well. The Z9 is too heavy for my DJI RSC 2. But. If I would only shoot in a studio environment / take it to a sports event where I am stationary I would prefer the Z9. Good Video.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Eugen, always appreciate your comments.

[@domipro123]

If you had to choose (not for sports): Z8 or X2D ?

[@techsuvara]

I use it for video, filming for a few hours on and off. So prefer the Z9. No need to fiddle with the batteries.

[@Bob4golf1]

You point out the advantages of the Z9 over the Z8 and, as a sports photographer, some of these are very handy but the primary reason I went with the Z9 was battery life. I typically use 80% of a single Z9 battery shooting a football game (American football). I have never owned a Z8 so I don't know how long it's battery will last but I will typically shoot 1200-1500 frames during a game and don't have to worry about the battery. True, you could bring an extra battery for the Z8 but that's just one more thing you have to worry about. Besides, I like a large body, just feels right in the hand.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks Bob, fully agree. As a sports photographer the battery life of the Z9 truly pays back and if you don't mind the more bulky design of the camera body the Z9 is for you :)

[@daviddb4858]

Sometimes the extra weight of a camera (example the Chrome M11 vs Black M11) gives added stability for hand held shooting. But in the case of the Z8 vs Z9, when using the 400mm F 2.8 for wildlife, such as birds in flight, or Orcas, I wonder if the Z9 would be too heavy, or would its balance be better? Either would seem to be be a heavy combo for hand held shots (but just try to set up a tripod on a boat!).

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for your thoughts, David. I shot both cameras intensely and with both never had any difficulties with a balanced grip holding. These cameras are very stable and the higher weight of the Z9 is a decision factor but for shooting the cameras it is perfectly fine.

[@RobertFalconer1967]

As a working pro photographer who uses both of these cameras daily, I largely agree with this assessment. For me, the Z9 gets used for a) longer, heavier glass on account of the better balance; b) when I'm doing gallery work and/or when I am shooting in portrait orientation most of the time; c) when I'm shooting in the most difficult and challenging conditions, as defined by fast action, weather, temperature, potential dust ingress, etc. and I need maximum durability coupled with maximum horsepower. In almost every other circumstance, it's the Z8 most of the time now, and also-in concert with the Zf-for most of my personal work as well.

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Robert. Always appreciate your comments.

[@lescobrandon3047]

It reminds me of my D3 & D700 in 2008. The D3 monster was my fav until I got older and now at 83, it has gotten much heavier.

[@---us7qf]

I have the Zf, and love it! Will definitely get the Z9, because I prefer its robust build, more secure memory card door, bigger and longer enduring battery, and all-round more rugged body. A more robust body, that won't overheat when recording 8K videos.

[@mathphotographer]

Yes, I think I mentioned that at the beginning of the video, the Z9 just feels a bit more robust and safe in difficult shooting environments. Full agree with your comment and experience.

[@---us7qf]

@@mathphotographer thank you Math! Yes, YES and YEEESSS! The Z9 all the way.

[@ranjankmsphotography]

Z8 all sides, rear, top and bottom is made of Sereebo thermoplastic (only front is made of magnesium alloy). Z9 all sides, front, rear, top and bottom is made of Magnesium Alloy which is more robust and strong. Heating issues in Z8 for video shooting. Z9 having larger body made with all Magnesium Alloy has better heat dissipation than Z8. Z9 balances better with long telephoto lenses.

[@intrinsicimagery]

I own both. This is so nit picky.

[@ranjankmsphotography]

@@intrinsicimagery if comparison is done, then that has to be counted too.... Nit picky or not doesn't matter in that case

[@mathphotographer]

Thanks for sharing these additional datapoints, much appreciated. I should have mentioned in the video, glad you add to my comparison!

[@torbjornwiken]

The Z8 doesnt have heat issues before you film for a very long time (given that you use quality CFexpress B card). Most people would never film long enough to encounter this as a problem. Are you hardcore when it comes to filming, yeah sure buy the Z9. What I really like with the Z8 is that you can use a battery grip only when needed, and thus have a more flexibility as mentioned by the author. And also; you often get a bundle with the battery grip for a very good deal. I got mine for free 😅 Meaning you can invest in storage and glass instead! The Z8 is robust enough, so the magnesium is just sligtly better when it comes to heat transportation. Imo you should really think twice on how much you really need the extra futures of the Z9. For most, even the pros, you get all you need in the Z8.

[@JohnLexis]

I have the Z8 and Z9 both great but with the 600mm 6.3 on the Z9 bird photography its heavy walking around i always take the Z8 with 600mm les weight around your neck and quality is the same and i have 2 extra battery's

[@martinsepion]

I love my Z9 but might get the Z8 as a second body.

[@mathphotographer]

Good idea to have a more compact body in the same camera system as spare body on travel!

[@markgross]

I when with the z8 for the price.

[@thomastuorto9929]

I would probably too if when the move to mirrorless, but would probably prefer the z9. istill shoot the D810 & shoot portrait mode like he shows in the vid & have no problems. In fact, not sure I would want to keep moving my hand from one position to the other when rotating never have even held this type camera body.

[@mathphotographer]

The price makes a difference, agree.

[@mathphotographer]

For a significantly lower price you get with a Z8 a lot of the Z9 ...

[@dieseldavey]

Great cameras, but my z8 has left the building. Just to big for me..😢

[@mathphotographer]

Understand, thanks for your comment.

[@DJJDBass]

Bottom line Z9 has a bigger battery and the same cf express cards.. Z9 wins imho

[@mathphotographer]

Yes, if you want to put it that way, the Z9 is the clear winner. But for personal taste and preferences the Z8 is more for me than the Z9. Still love the Z9, never mind :)

[@user-oe5jl2br6u]

Disagree. I always pack extra 3 batteries for my Z8. 😊

[@user-oe5jl2br6u]

Z9 is way too heavy. 1.340 kg vs 910 gm. That 430gm, almost half kg. That a lot when you tracking and stalking wildlife.

[@mathphotographer]

Weight is a decision criteria, agree. In particular if you also carry a bunch of lenses with you.

[@markshwang6967]

My experience: NEVER BUY NIKON, you will definitely regret.

[@mathphotographer]

Ha! - Isn't that a bit harsh? :) I shoot Nikon for years with really good shooting experience. Like the cameras, the lenses, the image quality and the features. Even like the design and the menus. But you are right of course, if Nikon is not for you there are plenty of excellent alternatives out there in the wild :)

[@markshwang6967]

@@mathphotographer harsh may sound is it, but no professionals will take Nikon seriously. It is just a toy not worth the price.

[@sandordelgado9812]

@@markshwang6967you’re just a hater lol. Many professionals use Nikon

[@markshwang6967]

@@sandordelgado9812 you will realize in 5 years, maybe

[@techsuvara]

I use it for video, filming for a few hours on and off. So prefer the Z9. No need to fiddle with the batteries.