Nikon Z8 - Worth the W8?

[@russandloz]

Who has ordered one?

[@yoelrey]

i kinda did. I am on the list. Don't no where i am gonna get the money from. Hope i can turn in my Z7ii.

[@russandloz]

@@yoelrey that’s exactly what I’m going to do as I’m worried it’ll lose value

[@borlach321]

It took Nikon forever to get the Z9 into peoples hands, will this rollout be any better? They basically made the same camera twice here. I'd be angry if I paid $5500 for a Z9.

[@russandloz]

@@borlach321 some say the the buffet and fps and battery is much better on the z9 if that’s important to you

[@wylie_photo]

I'm nearly there with pulling the trigger for one. I'm parting with the Z7ii to help fund it, once that's sorted this week, then I'll go ahead. I'm more than happy enough to use my D850 in the meantime, just in case the wait is a long one!

[@yoelrey]

This is the camera i was waiting for. Made the switch this year to the z7ii but the Z8 i was really waiting for. Just a little bigger body and more pro buttons. Sensor guard. I really want this camera. This is the perfect camera for me.

[@johnstevens4905]

Hi. I have preordered the Z8 in the first day - I am on the list but not paid - can cancel. And now when I can see more and more info, I am not sure if will buy it...maybe.. I have a Z7 and Z7 II and love them. We know now that Z8 is mostly like Z9, but smaller battery is a bit problem for me, memory cards XQD and SD makes shooting speed slower - it is not the same as Z9 (I do not want to shoot on 1 XQD only). Yes, the autofocus is much better. Z8 and grip looks like a monster and probably will be the same weight as Z9 or more... Why Nikon do not do Z9 in two version with Grip like now and without Grip - option ? Without grip would weight probably about 1000 grams like D850... many people would love 300 grams lighter camera and have all the same the features - obviously at higher price then Z8. E.G. at 10% or a bit less price of Z9. I would buy it tomorrow. Great your Video. Thanks

[@Gr1ff1D0]

CFExpress B slot not XQD. I can only say that I shoot successfully using my Z9 with slot 2 set to overflow not ‘back up’. With CFExpress B that is the option I think most people will use. The fascination with 2 slots belongs to another era. In the SD card era 2 slots was there because the cards were not as reliable as they should have been. The second slot on the Z 8 is there so you can copy stuff onto a card.

[@johnstevens4905]

@@Gr1ff1D0 Thank you for your reply

[@cotswoldphotographers]

Nikon may always be behind but it’s worth remembering why we all love Nikon. Also they are nowhere near the size of Canon or Sony so it’s no surprise. However, they always seem come up with a camera that beats the competition like the D850 and that’s where the Z8 comes in to lure those customers. As for the price the Z9 is cheaper and better imo of the competition so feel that the Z8 is probably priced about right.

[@russandloz]

Very true, good points about Nikon pulling through eventually

[@philipsutton8921]

I feel your pain and exactly. I was semi-interested, but no way now. Just checked for the new orders being taken on the Z8, here in Perth Australia, and it is an unbelievable $6999, body only - oh boy!! Both of my Z6ii's were $3,500 - one when they first came out and one recently - so in one foul swoop and one new iteration, I have to now spend double. I shoot paid gigs, weddings and events. I have no idea what people are complaining about. I shot a big all day event last Sunday, and took just on 1,800 images. Two thirds on the body with the 24-70 Z2.8s with flash, and the other with the Z 35mm 1.8s. I literally had out of focus images that I can count on my fingers and toes. There were people dancing and spinning and moving a lot. For events and gigs and weddings, I don't need those huge files bogging down my 27 inch Imac, and the images from the Z6ii are truly beautiful. Yes, I would love the AFC to be a little stickier and faster, but if you know your cameras well - like I do - and get the right settings and work your 'schtick', then even as they are, they are infinitely useable cameras, for pro work. If I was missing images and had unhappy customers, I would have to change, but I don't need to, just to get a slight increase in AFC that I would prefer. No way I'm spending 14K on two bodies, when my current system works beautifully. Just more hype and excitement from the photographic world, that will hopefully die down soon. Also, with my two Z6ii's strapped on my body for 8 hours or more on a shoot - I do not need that extra weight and size. The Z8 is 200 grams heavier than my Z6ii, so that would be nearly half a kilo in the two bodies - no thanks!

[@russandloz]

I agree. I use my z6 and z6ii but I also have a z7ii which is kind of unneeded but still valuable to trade in so might well do that. The costs their seem more expensive. It that due to import tax?

[@philipsutton8921]

@@russandloz Yes, and a stupid government who adds extra onto photographic and electrical items saying that they are 'luxury' items. Too bad for those of us who earn income from our gear.

[@johncooper9746]

So you were semi interested in a camera you have absolutely no need for....? Why

[@philipsutton8921]

@@johncooper9746 As I said in my reply, I would like a little bit of increase in the performance of my AFC. That is why I was initially interested in a Z8 - as I know it would deliver that in spades, the rest of my Z6ii is fantastic. However, now that I know the increased size and weight, huge sized files (compared to my Z6ii), and off the planet pricing here in Australia, Then of course I was not interested. Remember, before this was released a few days ago, I had no idea of what MP it would be, its size, pricing and weight - we had only heard rumours, and I don't listen to those. So in answer to your question, now that I know the Z8 is out of my realm in price, sensor size, weight and overall size, I have no need for it!

[@Gr1ff1D0]

@@philipsutton8921 They are luxury items. I agree however that the Z8 price is too high. At that price you may as well opt for the Z9.

[@csc-photo]

Every brand is going to leapfrog over the other brands when something new comes out. It's just how it works. I don't understand the mindset of "accepting that Nikon will always be behind" when it's just not true. Or rather - every single brand is "behind" at some point, ideally temporarily. Re: AF & tracking performance, we absolutely have a LEVEL playing field now. Certainly according to most wildlife photographers I listen to that shoot 2 or more brands (and they're arguably the most difficult group to please with AF). So, Sony might do something better than Canon. Nikon might do something better than Sony. And so on. I also just heard Taylor Jackson state he shot 2,214 images with the Z8. All at 1.2 using the 85 S. Three... THREE were missed. Safe to say Nikon's AF is more than solid.

[@gary7851]

They are haters out there especially Sony users who have never used Nikon cameras in their lifetime, blacklisting Nikon cameras, even though Sony's hardware sucks big time compared to Nikon, I know a guy who was shooting with Sony for years, he had to switch to Canon over his A7III because lacking hardware problems buttons we're failing plus screen issues, and I did my research a lot of Sony users were having the same hardware issues, yet they think Sony's are the best, I use to be Sony fan back in camcorder days, every single of them have different functionality, I'll stick with Nikon for various of reasons, I believe hardware is way much better than any other camera in the market, I've never had any hardware issues with my Nikon cameras, and I use them very fragile, I don't remember a day I took it to the service, not even the lenses.

[@deanzat]

I want a Z8, but the day before the release, I shot a society luncheon using a Z7, a z6ii, a 28 f/1.4e, a 50 f/1/2s, and a 105 f/2.8mc. Pretty typical of my usual work, and I really couldn't think of a single problem the Z8 would solve for me. The photos were fine; the client is happy. I wanted one for a long time; now I'm ambivalent.

[@russandloz]

Yea I have a similar setup. I just want a snapper focus system to utilise eye focus and for wildlife it’d get birds in flight

[@carlmcneill1139]

I wouldn't worry about the battery. Batteries are constantly improving. The EL15C lasts longer than the older versions and is rechargeable. Nikon knew the battery life would be shorter. That's why there's 2 type C ports. That way you can charge on one and use the other for data transfer. I've watched a lot of videos on it and so far almost everybody has mentioned something that's different between the two bodies. The z9 has a full magnesium body and better weather sealing. The z8 has a magnesium and carbon fiber chassis. The z8 only has one CF express card slot. Some people may need both slots to be CF express which the z9 has. The z8 has the same video capabilities but only with the CF express card. There's certain things the camera will lock you out of on the video when using an SD card. The z9 is smaller and better balanced with the integrated grip compared to a grip mounted on the z8. People who need the z9 will buy it. These are your sports and wildlife professionals that have to have the features the z9 has. The rest of us can get almost all the same specs in a smaller and more affordable z8. And that $4000 price is US dollars. I think it's more in the UK and Europe. I think it's £5000+ in the UK after the exchange rate and VAT added. Someone correct me if I'm wrong about that. I'm going to wait and see what the z6 III and z7 III has before I make a purchase. I don't think they will have a stacked sensor. I just remembered this, the z9 has a box in the EVF around the edges that flash when you take a picture so you have that for an indicator when in silent mode. But it would be nice to have a little feel to it when you press the shutter button.

[@russandloz]

Interesting thoughts thanks Carl. I’m the uk it’s £3999 which isn’t too bad after trading in my z7ii for £1800

[@carlmcneill1139]

@@russandloz the two main things i want in my next body is better focus tracking like the z9 and no screen blackout in burst mode. I don't care about how well the video is even though it's in all cameras now. If they can make the z6 III or z7 III with those two things I need, I'll probably buy one of them. I know the focus tracking will be there. I think Nikon will use the same processor in them. But if they have screen blackout then I will save up and get the z8. I've used my z6 II at air shows and in other situations in high burst and you can't track the subject because the screen goes black until you stop taking pictures. I have to shoot with both eyes open and try to guess at where the plane is in the frame. The z8 also has the airplane tracking mode that the z9 doesn't have. It will search for the cockpit. I don't take pictures of planes that often but I want that feature. I mainly do landscape and some portraits. I've recently got into street photography. I also do some macro and wildlife. I think the z8 is the best all around body just like the d850 was.

[@Gr1ff1D0]

It is time to stop worrying about whether the autofocus on the Z8 or Z9 is behind other brands. If you shoot Nikon it’s irrelevant. The Z9 autofocus has been evolving nicely. When I first got the Z9 there were times that the autofocus was not always helpful. Some of that was me working out how to get the best out of it but it was also the firmware. Now it seldom puts a foot wrong and I am more relaxed about the options. Firstly it is performing vey well and secondly I have learnt to trust it. The truth is now it consistently gets things right and I know that I can switch my priority to the framing choices. I shoot at 15fps and only use the FN3 option to go to 20fps for BIF. I can then pick the best wing and body position. Autofocus sometimes is a tiny bit out on a frame but it has never let me down actually. You have zoom to 200% to see it is not as pin sharp and the next or previous frame at 20 will mean you have 3 or more others which are the shot to choose. I find I have lots of shots to pick in a burst of 20+ BIF shots 18 or more are pin sharp one or maybe two will be tiny tiny bit off, but the rest are fine. The question becomes which of the 18 are actually the best action shot? The answer is usually that there are four which are all equally good. I pick two of those and that’s it. With the Z8 your learning curve will be steeper than you expect. It IS worth it. For studio or portrait work the learning curve is not as long or as steep. I like the 85mm 1.8 S best but the 50 1.8 S is good too, I just prefer the working distance and look of (same framed) 85mm faces to 50mm faces. (Slightly better I think) I like the GPS (essential for birding). I use the grip a lot. I like 2 CFExp slots. I see it as one slot. You don’t need to worry about redundancy, (unlike using SD cards). If the Z8 came out first, I would have bought that and added a grip. Yes, I have grip for my Z6ii.

[@russhermanson9369]

I love my z6 but my z9 is incredible! the speed and AF is a game changer - makes everything easier and I almost never miss. The big size is my only complaint. Z8 gives you everything for a fraction of the cost and a smaller body… a shame about the SD card slot, but I’ve never done bursts of more than 20 or 30 shots…. Try it out -and you’ll be happy and spoiled rotten in no time! Great videos, guys, really enjoy the content!!

[@russandloz]

Thanks Russ, hey we have the same name! But yes a powerful smaller body will be great. Though saying that it took 2 years just to put it in a smaller body.

[@kaminobatto]

Like you, I am a bit torn. However, my main doubt is the ergonomics. I just hate the way my Z7IIfeels in my hand. I don't get any thumb relief and my hand becomes sore very quickly. I was hoping this had the same grip as a Z9 (not the vertical, obviously) but it seems closer to the Z7/6 than the Z9. I was about to can this purchase but then decided to wait until a demo unit becomes available to me so I can try it first hand. If the ergos are good, this is a no brainer. However, if not then the Z9 fund will continue.

[@johncooper9746]

It looks to be the same size as an apsc dslr. bigger than z6/7 for sure.

[@PhilipRice]

I’ll probably wait for a Z6iii which I assume will have 33 Mpx, the same screen articulation as the Z8 and better AF. The Z8 is too pricey for me.

[@russandloz]

26mp is plenty for me. Maybe by Xmas if we are lucky. Most likely be next year

[@zenember]

I’m so happy the z6II is “just” 26mp. I’m just hobby photographer, but so many times was life savers in indoor-dark rooms.

[@johncooper9746]

Why do you assume 33 mpx?

[@vanlee0831]

My English is not so well but I will try to explain my thoughts and convince you. First , about Jared Polin , you can totally ignore his opinion about Nikon. He always test AF system between his love Canon and ex-Nikon in different unbalanced situation. For example, everytime he tests R345678 whatever…. he tests on one single moving subject , however when he tests Nikon Z system, he puts Zs in very difficult situation such as multi subjects covering each other which basically Canon , SONY fail too ! Second , you can totally ignore the minor issues people say about Z8. Battery life , no dual CF card slot , overheating(?) … in my opinion these issues won’t get in your way ! Because I trust you are a skilled photographer to handle these minor issues, not a spoiled child who needs parents take care of everything ! The last , I think Z8 ( and Z9) can truly release the power of your love 105F1.4😂😂

[@angeloplayforone]

The Z9 is 2 years and everyone that could buy it brought it already. Nikon is selling a Z9 right now with the Z8 for a lower pricepoint. When the Z8 sales drop then Nikon will release a new Z7. Nikon needs the cash flow and this release strategy is the best when there is no new customer entering your system.

[@russandloz]

That makes sense. As I was wondering why it took 2 years to release the z8

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

TL;DR: Russ should keep his Z7II. Keeping the same operational aspects for the Z6II and Z7II makes them better for simultaneous dual-camera use. Get a silver Sharpie marker and circle the mic port. The difference between 5x and 6x IBIS is barely significant, it does not change what we do. I think that part was mentioned from the G.A.S. side of Russ's brain... The video overheating was mainly for the highest video specs. I think 4K30 would be largely unaffected, probably even 4K60. The Z8 is 500 more than the Z7II. The Expeed7 processor and stacked sensor justifies Nikon increasing the price. But it does not justify Russ switching cameras. If "a smaller camera body is always better", then the Z7II wins. The Z9 is less than 1.5 years old, released in Dec 2021. It is important for the photographer who wants * Battery life * Vertical grip * Longer high-spec video recording times * Dual-CFexpress card slots. Taking Fro's evaluation of some stuff like AF performance should be done with a large grain of salt. He overstates differences a lot. It's the KZbin Photographer Way, have to create camera churn.

[@russandloz]

Some good points there. Real world use really shows the differences. But I really don’t like the z6/z7 autofocus and I’ll be glad to see the back of it

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@russandloz Yes, we like to be spoiled with excellent AF. We take thousands of images at a wedding and deliver a few hundred. It seems that we look for a 'keeper rate' that far exceeds the number of images we actually want to keep. The world of unrealistic expectations?

[@JuanPacheco-gr5hr]

Everyone is making a big deal out of the Z8 having a sensor shield...hell, the Z6 should have had a sensor shield from the start...and better auto focus...Nikon could have done it!

[@russandloz]

Yes I can’t help feel that the mark 2’s should have been much better.

[@PekkoAhlsten]

@@russandloz Processing power and the sensor read out times were the limitations regarding AF I believe. I'm happy with my Z6II. For landscapes and slow paced video work it works very well. And the weather sealing is on another level. I've had some experience with sea water. Would I like it to have more video features and better AF? Of course, but I'm not sure how much those things would Improve my photography.

[@peterfindlay2756]

Thank you, great review. I feel the Z8 will be mostly for professionals, which I am not. I would like to see a really competitive crop sensor like the Canon R7, but without the rolling shutter.

[@russandloz]

Yes I’d be really happy with a z6iii. Maybe next year

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@russandloz If Nikon waits until 2024 for the Z6III, that will be their biggest mistake of 2023.

[@kynio3433]

​@@UnconventionalReasoning Totally agree, I will not wait another year or two to have bird eye AF in a reasonably priced body. I want to buy some serious enthusiasts camera, have some Nikon lenses with Z50 and Sony GM 100-400 on A6400. Looking at Nikon's approach I'll probably sell Nikon lenses with a Z50 and go fully Sony by the end of this year. It starts to be an obvious choice for enthusiast, because of availability of 3rd party lenses. If only Sony make APS-C with proper shape body at around 2500$ with AI shit inside I'll be glad to buy it and forget about Nikon.

[@victorlim5077]

There's the Fuji X-H2S. Crop Stacked Sensor with little rolling shutter.

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

I would say the price is too high, as you say, the cost to change or upgrade your Z6 will be a fair amount. Don't be surprised if you get offered less than £1000 in px. The other thing is Nikon will always be a generation behind Sony and Canon and that worries me. PS, I have two D850's and a Z6ii I rarely use because I don't trust it.

[@russandloz]

I get that. That’s why I’m keen to see the back of the z6 and z7. So I might just take the hit and move on.

[@castieldiallo2945]

Laddy, if you don't trust the Z6ii, why dont you sell it. Kinda pointless having it sit there.

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

@@castieldiallo2945 that’s a fair question. Maybe because I’m hoping a future firmware update might transform it. I will say it’s a great walk around camera, street and landscape but it can’t do a busy scene with people, completely useless.

[@rotvonrat]

Your camera rewies are fantastic.

[@MichaelCantwell]

It's everything I could want, yet not sure I'll upgrade from the Z7II. I shoot mostly landscapes and portraits. If I was still shooting high school and pro sports, it would be a no brainer, however photographing kids soccer matches, it's hard to justify the price. I'll wait a year and see how the market shakes out and maybe pick one up during Nikon's first future sale of the Z8. I'm with you in that I'd love the better autofocus, but not sure for what I use a camera for, I can justify the price. I rarely use the camera for video so those advanced video features aren't worth it to me. I also don't shoot much in low light, so again, I think I'll likely stick with the Z7II until it's ready to be retired in another year or so. Thanks for your videos.

[@russandloz]

Yes I can see it might be worth it for you at the moment. More likely to see z9 discount or used market soon

[@MichaelCantwell]

@@russandloz Z9 is too heavy for me. I would eventually go with the Z8, but for now, I might pick up a used Z7 as a backup. Shrugs. It's hard to pass on new toys. I've been shooting Nikon since the F5 to the D700 to the D850 to the Z7II. I imagine eventually I'll move to the Z8, but not today.

[@johncooper9746]

Well this is the one I was waiting for before I switched to the canon r5. Im even more undecided now. Z8 is everything I expected it to be. I was hoping for a killer app from Nikon pushing me to buy and instead we have what is essentially a 2 to 3 year old camera for 4k. Just whelmed.

[@victorlim5077]

Doesn't make sense. You've already moved to Canon R5 and you're undecided?!

[@mikeyBee4045]

Problems is the Z7ii is now available new with a FTZii for £2140 in the UK, even less at E-infinity.

[@russandloz]

Yes, the drop down begins, I've just traded mine in for a third of what I paid for it 3 years ago

[@lolingsaraee]

Not long we’ll see you with the z8 and you know it👌

[@russandloz]

Lol, if i can get a good trade in I probably will

[@lozzom]

Ha we do !!

[@gary7851]

I'm still very happy with my Z6 and Z6ii, which i have the option mounting the battery grip while I'm shooting photography, even though the Z6 is made in Japan, i feel like the Z8 is overpriced and heavier, but definitely improvement, never a fan of Canons or Sony's no matter how well they are, i also believe that Nikon has much better hardware and image stabilization, think about that.

[@seahpengwui873]

Wait for 15 years Nikon Z8 cameras still do not have flip screen to vary-angle selfies, body size and weight are big and heavy, I have to change to Canon for R6II camera which is lighter and have vary-angle flip screen.

[@russandloz]

Yeah I can understand that. If I was starting again Canon looks a good option. Especially with the 28-70 f2. Even though its heavy, it's all i would need foe events

[@Christopher_Tristan]

Hi You are looking at videos from people with there own agenda, I look forward to a video from you both, when you have a unit in your hands. I am also watching all the videos , I am going to buy a Z8, and looking forward to your opinion , when you have a unit in your hands . Thanks for Video ..

[@russandloz]

Yes to a certain extent they do have an agenda. But the specs speak for themselves based on what I know of the ones I have

[@gianfrancomerati]

If this was supposed to be the camera that brings me out of the D850s, I'm afraid it is not. If/when Nikon decides to play seriously in the very high res space, then let's see what that is and I may move. Until then, I have no need for this camera and will stick to my beloved D850s... And that, ladies and gentlemen, is it.

[@russandloz]

Fair enough. But what doesn’t it have the d850 does better?

[@mvedda77]

@@russandloz Mechanical shutter -useful for in studio strobe work - is about the only thing I can think of. The Z8 might be Nikon’s best value in the Z lineup.

[@gianfrancomerati]

@Russ & Loz Productions I re- read my comment, just in case I had forgotten what I had written. But I had not: I did not write that the D850 is better. I wrote that the Z8 is not going to be the camera that makes me jump from the D850. 4k for better autofocus? Yeah, rrrrrright...

[@gary7851]

The 850 autofocus has no match with the Z series plus the iso, the benefit of using the 850 is that you don't have to go to the gym you already lifting a good amount of pounds, that being said once you go mirrorless you would never switch back to DSLRs, good camera but it's already outdated.

[@mlai2546]

Even thought the spec looks like the same, it is not the same camera. Smaller buffer, smaller battery, no vertical grip, and shorter recording time before overheats.

[@russandloz]

True. Battery life is the only one of those that would effect me. But it’s also cheaper, smaller and lighter which is a big plus really

[@mlai2546]

@Russ & Loz Productions with the Z8, I am not sure if you'll ever need another camera. The only thing they can improve on is dynamic range.

[@russandloz]

@@mlai2546 Yes, will tech reach a limit of what we actually need?

[@yoelrey]

Update: I got my Z8 today. To be honest it’s more heavy then I hoped for. Actually it’s kinda funny. It feels like i have my D850 back. That said it means it will be awesome!

[@russandloz]

Yes they are the same weight! I guess it's a third heavier than the z6/z7.. Shame really as that was one of the reasons I went mirrorless. 🙄

[@yoelrey]

@@russandloz well it’s interresting. The first thing I did when I got the z7II was put an smallrig under it just to make it a little bigger. Because my pinky would not fit. Also I had a little trouble with switching settings. To small the buttons. Z8 has a better layout. But the few grams in weight is a thing. I guess you can’t have it all.

[@gary7851]

​@@yoelrey it's better on humongous hands not for me, especially on gimbal balancing would be an issue, plus the lens.

[@yoelrey]

@@gary7851 if you want smaller get a Z7II

[@yoelrey]

UPDATE: A couple of days working with the Z8 and it is just AMAZING!!!!

[@nethbt]

Still overpriced for the average hobbysist. The sweet spot is still in the $2,500+ range

[@russandloz]

Very true. I think half the Nikon users would want a z6iii instead

[@jeffrey3498]

After seeing the Z8, I’ll probably just go for a Z9 and skip the Z8. The Z8 is even bigger than the Z9 with its vertical grip attached. Since the Z8 is not really a small camera, the Z9 is a little bigger than an already big camera the Z8, yet smaller than the Z8 with grip attached. Then the battery and card situation.

[@russandloz]

Yes, I am concerned about the battery life but prefer an cf and sd card as cf's are very expensive.

[@jeffrey3498]

@@russandloz Yeah, sure, understood. Everyone has different requirements.

[@paoloroggero6609]

I'm sure you'll get one😂

[@blueandwhiteeighttwo]

Stupid pricing…nikon is targeting the rich, not the hobbyist / amateur photographer

[@russandloz]

Yes unfortunately. I would prefer a z6iii too.

[@victorlim5077]

Tell that to Canon and Sony. Their stacked sensor cameras are even more crazy the pricing. Only the Fuji X-H2S stands out as the cheapest stacked sensor on the market currently.

[@yoelrey]

Pro camera pro pricing

[@markusbolliger1527]

Autofocus is now on a par with the concurrence, period.

[@russandloz]

I wonder what will be next...

[@markusbolliger1527]

@@russandloz For me the Z8 would be an overkill. I don't need and I don't want to pay for all those sophisticated video specs. What would be welcomed is an equivalent to the Sony A7IV - a camera with 33MP and good autofocus. Therefore I hope a Nikon Z6 III will appear. But I also could be interested in a Z7 III with an advanced autofocus system.

[@johnleftwich650]

Your basic premise that the Z8 is just a mini Z9. The Z9 has much more capability than the Z8. Watch Matt Granger’s video comparisons.

[@russandloz]

Yeah the z9 has a better buffer and fps. But I don’t really need that utility to that height. I guess battery life is a concern

[@marcschweiz]

I'm looking for a nikon dF to add my newly bought d850 😂

[@russandloz]

Yeah thats fair, newer doesn't mean better. I love my f mount 1.4's

[@richardayres2949]

Matt Grainger gives a different perspective on battery life and autofocus.

[@russandloz]

I haven’t seen yet. What does he say?

[@johncooper9746]

@@russandloz over 10k shots on a battery....

[@Azabaxe80]

"accepting that Nikon will always be behind" I stopped there. Sell your Nikon gear and get yourself a Sony A7RV. Make your life (and ours) easier. It's the camera Jared Polin would tell you to get. And he knows photography. He says so.

[@russandloz]

This does seem like an aggressive comment. Nothing on here is worth getting angry about. But yes I would say Nikon is Behind with autofocus. Why would it make your life easier whatever I did? Having an opinion different from yours is ok too.

[@Azabaxe80]

@@russandloz Oxford Languages defines aggression as "hostile or violent behavior". If you're going to opine in a public forum, be ready to be confronted, as in my case, with at least mild sarcasm. Oh, and anger, like hate, is a very strong word. You're a grown man, I'm sure you've seen real anger in your life. Oh, and please, don't be disingenuous. You present your opinions publicly. Unless it's some form of therapy, your channel is meant to influence other people's thinking. The YT algorithm led me to you for a reason. Thom Hogan, a Nikon and Sony shooter, compared the AF systems of both systems and wrote that if you let the camera do all the work, meaning, no user interaction with the focus system, then the Sony cameras do slightly better than Nikons. If the shooter is actually engaged, then the Nikon AF system, as it is implemented in the Z9 at least, is as accurate as Sony's. If you know how to shoot, and I assume that you do, then this isn't a real point of contention. But that's Thom's opinion. Coming from a Z6 and a D500, both used for sports, (though the latter is better equipped for it), I see the Z8 as a huge leap forward from where I am. Having used a Z9, and given all indications that the Z8 is a smaller replica of that camera, the Z8 would work for me very well. Maybe it is not so much of a leap for a Z7 system user like you because the differences may not be so great, and I respect that. You would better serve your viewers if you approached this from that perspective as opposed to projecting a sense of inferiority. Have a wonderful day. And I do mean that.

[@mikedfurman]

I stopped watching as soon as you treated Jared Polin as a legitimate voice in photography.

[@russandloz]

I like to consider all views and approaches to have the most well rounded conclusion. 😊

[@baobo67]

What a winge.

[@russandloz]

I’m mostly praising the z8. But constructive criticism is warranted 😊

[@brooker_7883]

I disagree. It’s an honest review without the hyperbole of someone that is trying keep Nikon sweet.

[@richardgorski23]

I gave up on my Nikon Z6II. I was hoping for some firmware updates but they never came. Panasonic S5IIx for me.

[@russandloz]

Yes I’m still agree about that. The mark twos were a waste of time

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@russandloz The Z7II/Z6II were released for two photographers: the one who needs two card slots or the one who wants a vertical grip.

[@russandloz]

@@UnconventionalReasoning Thats an expensive card slot. Some say the mark 2's should have been the mark 1's really.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@russandloz Yes, I've talked to Nikon reps who go back and forth on the card slot question. On one hand, they say that few ever use two cards. On the other hand, they acknowledge that it's important to have it when someone needs it. For me, it was the vertical grip, it makes portrait orientation much better ergonomically. The lack of two features definitely cost me money.