Nikon Z8 first look. Sample images / focus test/ size comparison.

[@JasinBoland]

The first and only review that anyone looking at the Z 8 will ever need.

[@RicciTalks]

Far too kind ❤️

[@rgorji]

Jasin's comment is exactly how I feel.

[@felixifloresrodriquez3306]

Agree 100 percent

[@tmartin6717]

This was about the 10th Z8 review video I watched, but the first to answer all my questions. Thanks.

[@RicciTalks]

Great to hear I do try to answer the stuff I want to know my self

[@joshuaconti989]

as a D850 pro user- this is exactly what i need. this is a 100% take my money moment when it's upgrade time.

[@BarisYener]

This is the perfect Nikon Z camera for me. I gonna buy it soon. :)

[@deeteeohbee6794]

That sequence with the squirrel was WILD. I had to pause on each frame. Excellent pairing you and that Z8.

[@acronymphotography]

26:05 the squirrel “looking at its reflection”! Wow. Just wow. I hope you’re going to make and sell prints of these. Absolutely epic shots in here; what an amazing couple of months you must have had!

[@abhijeetmahato3905]

Nikon nailed it with the new Z8.... Seriously no compromises....❤❤❤

[@Walkinginthewoods]

Finally a Z8 video with some actual information in it. Thanks Ricci.

[@RicciTalks]

I try

[@hugaukulele]

Hi Ricci, I recently sold my D5 and upgraded to a Z9. I also have a D850. I was considering waiting to see what the Z8 was like, but I think I've made the right choice with he Z9. The vertical grip and battery life make all the difference for me.

[@JoeGiz64]

They would have to pry my D5 out of my cold dead hands 😀 I do like the Z8 though. Too much overlap with my D5? Would you consider it complimentary? Looking for a smaller capable Nikon body without ditching my beloved D5.

[@hugaukulele]

@@JoeGiz64 If you like the vertical grip of the D5, then the Z9 is the better choice. It does everything the D5 can do, but better. It can also use the same batteries (and cards if you have the XQD version). I used my D850 for landscape, I now have a choice of the D850 or the Z9, not too much difference in weight either. However, the Z8 would compliment the D5 better than the Z7ii or Z6ii as it utilizes the 4 shooting banks and custom settings banks that you will be familiar with. I liked my D5, it was a great camera, but I pleased I upgraded to the Z9.

[@anand_pg]

Amazing pictures! Those squirrel shots are just flawless!

[@macmcmillen6282]

Great mini review. Loved the squirrel images, especially the reflection ones.

[@hieronymousse]

Great to see you guys settling into your new home - and a great first review of the Nikon Z8, which might be the first mirrorless camera to tempt me away from the Nikon D850!

[@tomed09]

I am in the process of moving from canon (r6 mkii) to Nikon. The z8 is one of the cameras i'm most interested in! Your vlog has helped me a lot in making my decision a lot easier!

[@tomrockwell6630]

Thanks for this, Ricci. I really love the still pictures you show - they’re great.

[@danielzb]

I've never thought of keeping both eyes open while looking at the viewfinder to help track better...brilliant

[@RicciTalks]

Been doing it for years

[@stanspb763]

Many channels are going to have reviews but as always for the straight story, I always search for your uploads. Again you proved the important points with clarity and knowledge....Now all I need is someone who wants to bankroll my future Z8.... I have been so happy with my Z6 orginal version that gets used for commercial work almost every day, that my D850 and D800 sit idle 95% of the time. Maybe it is my cooperative subjects but AF has never been a problem for me but I am not tracking Swifts in a 120mph dive. People, and events. with some architecture. Most of my work is actors and more video than I like. So my savings set aside has about 1/2 the amound needed. A lot of demand is going to cause the crazy wait times that the D800 had when it was released. The big mail-order stores had 7-9 month waits to fill the orders. By luck I was in the US for 1 week during which time that model was released and somehow, I ended up getting one before I left. The D850 was much easier to get off shelves.

[@golamashraf1464]

Amazing fast-action-small-subject shots! Very impressive indeed!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Congratulations, Nikon, on the Z8 release! And thank you, Ricci, for the always-concise first-look and great, specific information. You are my favorite source of Nikon camera and lens information, because of your straightforward method of discussing the various features. Take care!

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks for watching as always Mike !

[@neklamp2431]

A beauty! Well done Nikon!

[@ukqwerty999]

Love the Squirrel looking into the water :) The Night sky was also amazing

[@yairdvora871]

Great review nice pace, very informative and very interesting! Your shots are amazing!

[@revddf]

Hi Ricci, it was good to meet you at a couple of Nikon Schools recently. I certainly learned a lot more about my Z6 and I was pleased with the results from the Z 2x converter that you recommended for my 70-200, but the day at the Hawk Conservancy confirmed my fears about the suitability of the Z6 for shooting fast-moving objects. I have pre-ordered a Z8, I think it will be my ideal all-round camera, and I appreciate the way in this video that even as a Nikon employee you are still able to talk about features you consider to be weaknesses.

[@gosman949]

he is not a Nikon employee!

[@mlai2546]

Ricci is in this new Nikon UK school channel. So I think he got hired by Nikon to produce youtube content.

[@revddf]

@@gosman949 Nikon School UK for whom Ricci works comes under Nikon Europe BV according to their website.

[@fotohowtouk]

I have Z7ii and Z6ii both struggle focusing on fast moving subjects - the Z8 / Z9 tracking system will pretty much guarantee you will get your shots and give you much more diversity in what you are shooting - enjoy

[@revddf]

@@fotohowtouk Yes, that’s pretty much what I’m expecting/hoping for. I don’t specialise in one genre of photography, and while no camera is a true all-rounder the Z8 looks as close as I’ll ever get.

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

Thanks for teasing some days ago beauty of a beast the Zed eight

[@KyleClements]

Amazing sample shots in this video.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@rgorji]

One of the BEST reviews I've seen on the Z8. Thank you.

[@vicpico1]

Hi! Finally Nikon made a prime camera, that is small & pack with a lot of punch like the Nikon Z9. It will very good for travelling, thinking to add Z8 in my arsenal n the future. Thanks for the video review. Keep up the good work.

[@shadow479]

Damn what an amazing collection of truly fantastic photos!!

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot !

[@davidjohnson4451]

I have ore-ordered the first day, and have watched this Ricci Talks several times!

[@ericadams6608]

Wow thank you Ricci, fabulous photographs and review of course. Once again I must look at my penny supply!!! Thanks for sharing.

[@torbennielsen4708]

Pre-ordered and deposit in. Fits well with my requirements.

[@rolandoperez8248]

This is probably the best review of this camera i have seen and i have seen a few. I am rhe weirdo that still shoots with a d750 and that has postponed upgrading for years now. You are also the first i see tested the camera doing some milkyway shoots. I do a lot of astrophotography, how was the noise on your milkyway shoot? As a subjestion It will be very useful if you could share links to the raw files of some of the pictures you took so others can check them our in detail, specually the ones taken at low light to see how the camera performs. Thanks for the review.

[@Jackleong29]

I appreciate your thorough review, providing detailed insights and explanations for each area.

[@paulhab7267]

Great video and very informative and honest review will order asap thank you 😊

[@jarkkorantalainen5540]

Thanks Ricci, Best review so far. I just ordered one and now its going to be loooong waiting for delivery :)

[@RicciTalks]

Not too long first ones arrive may 25th

[@gilerpancing]

The only channel which I trust for Nikon

[@ElectroTone]

Your unique (on KZbin?) comments on the importance of viewfinder brightness at the 10 minute mark earned you one tiny sub (with notification 🔔) from me. As someone born with less than amazing eyesight, the EVF on my Z6II has been a revelation. The concept of being able to photograph indoor at night in comfort ... 🥰 Electronic image intensifier or bust. I'm never going back to SLRs. I have no idea why nobody else has mentioned this ... 'tiny' detail before in the plethora of mirrorless camera reviews found here on YT. Maybe they don't actually use the cameras they review in real world situations? Nah, surely that cannot be the reason. 🤔

[@RicciTalks]

The most important part for me Iv been meaning to do a video on it specifically because I agree not many talk about it

[@Vemovemo1]

What an amazing piece of art this camera is. This release will put Nikon on top of the game again.

[@caleidoo]

Sony & Canon are still considered more modern brands. Nikon has an image problem. Nikon took a lot of damage by waiting out on mirrorless and when they did launch their ML, offer cameras that were behind everyone else and lenses that were not spectacular (F1.8). Nikon is not going to win young people or starters, it's just has the pool of current (older) owners, convincing them to switch to mirrorless. Or from a Z6/7/II to Z8. But that Z8 price though. It's more than two times the price of a Z6II in Europe...

[@64BBernard]

​​@@caleidooActually, Nikon was one of the first to bring a mirrorless camera to market, Nikon 1 J1 and V1 in 2011. Sony introduced their full-frame A7 in 2013. The majority of the Z lenses are stellar, especially when compared to their F-mount counterparts

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@caleidoo Nikon Marketing has failed to adopt the iPhone Marketing Model, which Sony Marketing has embraced. They overhype their strengths (AF) while denying their weaknesses (color) better.

[@caleidoo]

@@64BBernard I don't consider the Nikon 1 series to have any relevance in this conversation. It doesn't change the reality of Nikon getting too late in the game of the replacement of the DSLR. And I prefer reliable and sticky AF over sharpness. Always. Imagine using your 50mm 1.2 on the bride and groom walking the aisle and your Nikon Z6II suddenly focusses on the background instead of the faces and doesn't correct itself immediately. It happens.

[@jurrydevries4006]

GREAT video, it shows the differences between Z8 and Z9. But in a way that's a strange comparison as well given the fact that the differences are so small. I would be interested in a video comparing Z6ii/Z7ii with the Z8. Especially because the Z7ii is the high resolution one and the Z6ii is supposed to be more alllround and better video.

[@markprice470]

fabulous review and the images were amazing!!!

[@RicciTalks]

Thank you !

[@DBWPhoto]

This is an excellent review, in fact it's probably the best I've seen. Thank you very much

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot 😊

[@WallImages]

Nice introduction to the Z8 Ricci: thank you! Which (orange) L-bracket are you using? I liked the three-legged thing bracket for the z6/7 but it looks like they don't (yet) have one for the Z8. Appreciate your advice.

[@andrewhurstcars]

Nice review Ricci. Glad I skipped the Z7 II. @Ricci any chance you can use a higher aperture in future filming at your presentation table, so that the camera you are holding is in focus too, please? Thanks 👍🏻

[@shaunpatterson7879]

Why.. the shallow dof looks great

[@RicciTalks]

Some people love it some people hate it I try to fill in b roll on anything a im talking about specifically so the cameras on the table don’t need to be in focus but I get some people just want to see more camera

[@andrewhurstcars]

@@shaunpatterson7879 because it’s a brand new product that no-one has seen before. Why would you want the product out of focus? Look at 2:18 for example.

[@andrewhurstcars]

@@RicciTalks yes looks great when the subject is at 1.2 etc, but when it’s a brand new product like this that no-one has seen before, I don’t quite see the point of putting it out of focus like at 2:18 etc. Bear in mind the timing of the video release - yours is the first people watch and their first sight of the camera. Any videos posted after release day can afford to be a bit more artistic, when viewers know exactly what the camera looks like and likely have handled it. If the title were different and said ‘my views on the Z8’ then it would justify the 1.2 on you with the camera out of focus. I would reserve 1.2 just for cutaway shots, and keep the main camera at a higher aperture. Great review as always, thanks 👍🏻

[@Cincy_Kid]

Plenty of still pics all over the net if you want to see the camera 🤔

[@TinaHansen-g5u]

Thanks for this info Ricci. Which L bracket are you using in the Z8? ( same 3LT as the Z9??)

[@carrollgodro9780]

Great review. The squirrel action pictures are amazing !

[@JonNikonCrew]

Ordered

[@craigcarlson4022]

Gorgeous images; well done!

[@GenAr7]

I'm wondering if there is a software astro tracker there, and how can your photo of the milky way and a tree be ISO 64 and 20 seconds? Still interesting Iso noise at 6000, how is it compared to D850 and Z7ii, Z6ii?

[@D-Professor]

Thank you, Ricci. You’ve done an awesome job as usual.

[@hishamosman4341]

This Z8 does justice as it is a mirrorless version of the D850 but it has a superb video features

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

The Z7II is a pretty good mirrorless version of the D850 for most photographers.

[@hishamosman4341]

@@UnconventionalReasoning That I agree as well. My only hiccup to the Z7II is its small form factor. For someone with big fingers, the tiny gap between the grip to that F1 button is small, hence why I'll wait when the Z8 becomes available here in Malaysia, then I'll get it. Don't get me wrong. The Z7II is a fabulous body. Only in form factor, for me at least, the Z8 will fit my fingers nicely. What I do regret though was selling my entire D850 plus a few F lenses. I should have kept that for back up

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

@@hishamosman4341 Yes, each photographer has to have the camera size fit their fingers. It's annoying when photographers talk about size requirements as a general need, I appreciate you saying what *you* need. The Z8 does have a little more room. I should have tried holding it and the Z7II with the same lenses. But you'll be happier with it.

[@alexauga]

I cannot wait to buy this camera 😍 OG Nikon pedigree in a state of the art mirrorless body. This was absolutely with the wait, chapeau Nikon 👏

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Great video Riccki

[@gregcorker2193]

Fantastic video. Great information. Stellar images.

[@acronymphotography]

I think your honest explanation of the af button might mean I get another z9 and not the z8. You’re absolutely right, it’s so important that that feels right. I’m going to check how my z7 af button sits /works before I commit though. Ps thank you.

[@RicciTalks]

Certainly try and handle a Z8 if you to can to see if it bothers you but it’s been really bugging me sadly

[@acronymphotography]

@@RicciTalks Thank you, I need something better than the z7 for events so I’ve decided to pre-order one. I might try putting self adhesive dots on the button as a DIY hack- I’ll let you know how I get on. 👍. Thanks as always, Simon.

[@JBurtonTenor]

Those squirrel and bird shots are absolutely gorgeous

[@wolfharley1]

The quality of your photos … a lot of respect from me

[@TheZahidHafeez]

Thanks for the video and providing a comparative analysis. I am planning to add a new body to my Z7II and several Z lenses and this video made very clear to me add Z8 as it does meet my requirements. 👍🏻

[@brianlemke6017]

Terrific review. I might be the very first person to get my pre-order for the Z8 registered at the Camera Store here in Calgary. It’s replacing - actually not exactly because I never sell my old cameras - my D850 and Z6ii. I’m not sure if you mentioned it but just to clarify, will it take the FTZ1 adapter? I’m assuming so because it doesn’t have the integrated vertical grip. Not a big deal but nice if I can save the money using the original adapter - and keep using my beloved 500mm 5.6 pf for birds and wildlife.

[@iyzyz]

Stunning images wow! Well done.

[@khfishn]

You mentioned card overheating warning with certain cards. What card works best to avoid that? Thanks for another great video.

[@dmyer333]

7:43

[@oboeviolin]

Thanks so much. Great comprehensive video. I suppose you could affix a 1mm thick plastic dot on the back button so that it would extend out a bit more from the camera body.

[@RicciTalks]

That’s exactly what I’m looking at doing

[@carolinelarson5940]

Where would you get such a thing? Could you give me more info on the plastic dot?

[@martyseppala3757]

Well done as always sir!

[@Lowridersdoggs]

I really want to pre order one, but I’m skeptical on the autofocus consistency

[@allenparsens5279]

Bingo.

[@photographydiscourse1185]

Nice overview Ricci - as always. Very appreciated. Thank you :) -PD

[@DrNick8002]

My Z9 and Z7ii just enough for me...as hobbyist photographer. Z8 may be a good option for those upgrading from D850

[@craiggurr300]

I got my Z8 yesterday. I have come from the D850 and it is a big jump. I am looking forward to some more instructional videos, especially around the focus modes and subject tracking.

[@Musikproduzent]

Can you record to SSD via USB c???

[@PharaohMan007]

Wow, that owl!

[@albailey6875]

Love the sample images. I currently have the D810 and thinking of getting the Z8 with the FTZ II adapter until I can build up some Z lenses.

[@castieldiallo2945]

Allen, I had that camera too. 5 years. The Z8 wilk be idea for you. Don't delay, order it today.

[@BowlesImages]

Great report - My Z8 is on order. The big question is whether to sell my Z6 or Z7ii - particularly because the Z8 is almost always going to be the primary camera.

[@PASquared]

Really nice to hear some honesty about some little nagging details like the card door popping open accidentally sometimes, and the less than ideal ergonomics of the AF-ON button. Most reviewers or reps would not dare to say such things. Truly seems like the goldilocks camera, maybe even among all 3 brands. Great move for Nikon bringing it in at the $3999 US price point.

[@JakeJakeomat]

Hi Ricci, great video - just sold my Z9 (too heavy und cumbersome for my needs) and got me the Z8. SInce I already own a Z6II I now have 3 batteries for 2 cameras, nice side-effect. But what I discovered as difference to the Z9 is: - The Z8 offers two additional menu items for portrait photography (not sure how they are called in english since my settings are german): Skin Smoothing (Off, Low, Norm High) and Balanced Portrait Impression (Off, 3 individually configurable modes for balancing luminosity and colour) - The current Z8 firmware does not yet support the new powerzoom lens - Some tester wrote, that the storage interface performance is only half of that of the Z9 so that the CFexpress Cardslot only supports up to 500 MB/s and that the SDXC slot barely reaches UHS-I level. I found nothing whatsoever concerning these technical specifities neither for the Z9 nor for the Z8. Can you shed some light onto that matter?

[@ArtandLes]

Epic shots with the squirrel and the birds ❤❤❤

[@protea5077]

Excellent review thank you. Would really like to see you complete a Z8 battery life test for stills using super telephoto lenses.

[@lesladbrook4508]

A fully detailed review, thank you Ricci. Are there any recommended memory cards for the Z8 please?

[@JDLVHIGHROLLER]

Would also love to see a video on your 8k Timelapse shooting

[@DonaldHawk]

Regarding mixed cards can you write RAW to CF Express and HEIF to SD to keep speeds up? Using SD more as a worst case scenario

[@eldindokara7868]

Yes, you can

[@t.k.1448]

Current Z6ii user here who got tired of waiting for a Z6iii. So I told my kids college is for arrogant spoiled brats and more than likely they were not smart enough to cut it anyway. Having cleared the last financial hurdles, I promptly ordered the Z8 and can't wait for it to arrive. It is more than I wanted in terms of video capability and resolution, although I am sure I will get used to the increased resolution in short order. Keep up the great reviews. Side note: A Z600 without TC similar to how Nikon introduced the Z400 f4.5 to compliment the Z400 f2.8TC would be the ideal compliment to this body. F4.5 or f5.6, at least a kilo lighter than the Z600 f4TC, and priced between the Z400 f4.5 and the Z800 f6.3PF. I know I am not the first person to express this idea, but maybe if enough people repeat it, if Nikon is not already working on something, it will give them the incentive to do so.

[@edwardphilipmarianafzger9800]

Very impressive what you are showing here ! Still shooting DSLR D800 for over ten yrs now !

[@robertpaulson1055]

Wonderful photos!! Mind blowing.

[@_Just_Some1]

Ricci is the boss.

[@RicciTalks]

Ur the best ❤️

[@matsudakodo]

Thank you for showing it next to the Z 6II. Too many other reviews are comparing it to the Z 9 which most of us don't have experience with. It still looks a little on the large side where the 6 & 7 are more portable.

[@KungPowEnterFist]

No mention on the stills buffer? Aside from that, wow, that is one heavy camera, and with the grip OMG that thing is huge!

[@davidjohnson4451]

GREAT Video, I preordered one at the first chance my photo store opened.

[@gerryphilpott9766]

Ricci, very good thanks. However, as a current Z7ii user I was hoping there would be near equal discussion as to the changes from the Z6/7 features as there was for the Z9 (I am watching this with the Z7ii in hand so I can follow along with the differences instead). I would imagine that the majority of Z8 buyers would be either new to Nikon, or primarily the Z6/Z7 users and not people who just bought the Z9. If I was landscape only there are some nice things about the Z8 but probably not enough to upgrade, but since I do other types of photography where AF, portrait, and wildlife are also important, this checks all the boxes so I pre-ordered it. Looking forward to more videos on the Z8 when it comes out as to how best to program it.

[@hhz246]

Great illustrations, thanks!

[@kevinbinks8722]

Just pre-ordered. Can you do another video about what memory card is best to use like you did when the Z6 came out. Cheers. Think it was called something black?

[@RicciTalks]

Half done already

[@kevinbinks8722]

Delkin black. That was it.

[@guyyowell8547]

Hello Ricci, thanks for the great video. As an owner of two Z9’s, I love the ability to copy settings between the two Z9’s. Have you tried copying your Z9 settings to the Z8? Do you think this would work?

[@RicciTalks]

Sadly not

[@guyyowell8547]

@@RicciTalks Thanks so much for responding to my question.

[@larrycloetta9816]

Great images

[@simontracyforster6835]

I was expecting the Sony 61MP sensor to be honest. I thought there be a greater difference to the Z9 and the Z7 II. But good review as always, thanks!

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Going from 45 to 60mp is like going from a 20 x 30" print to a 23 x 34.5" print.

[@RicciTalks]

Nikon do not use Sony sensors

[@santiagoruiz24]

@@RicciTalkstheir sensors are made by Sony, that’s probably what he meant.

[@torbjrnvrebekk3178]

Maybe there will be a Z7III with a higher resolution sensor, more optimized for landscape, studio etc.

[@simontracyforster6835]

@@RicciTalks Hi, spoke to Neil Freeman yesterday and I am now fully informed!

[@paulrobertson7580]

Hi - can the Z8 do photo stacking in camera?

[@himalayareaders]

The 8 would be a good choice for many photographers.

[@lescobrandon3047]

It reminds me of when in 2008 I bought a Nikon D3 and a D700 replacing a D300 for wedding shoots. They had used the same sensor although having several different issues. The viewfinder was 95% while the D3 was 100%. Also only one card slot for the D700.

[@UnconventionalReasoning]

Yes, the D3/D700 is the closest comparison in the Nikon digital world.

[@anthonywarry]

How good were those things!! My favourite camera to date is the D700, that thing was so good. I had 2 of them and flogged them to death without ever skipping a beat! The colour they produced was amazing.

[@peek-a-moose2491]

@@anthonywarry Still have one D700 an i use very rarely. But I did do a shoot with it as a third camera (because three of my other bodies were in the shop.) and the images were gorgeous and used in an annual report....

[@CharleyHarley01]

Fantastic video, appreciated

[@jazinzlaty4823]

I’m really interested what will be the next move from Nikon for semiprofessionals hobbyist etc Z9 an z8 are lovely cameras but honestly how many photographers can afford these cameras and where is the lovely picture from the Z6?combined with the autofocus of the new chip?

[@RicciTalks]

Who knows

[@jazinzlaty4823]

@@RicciTalks you do know 😁

[@randallbrander8157]

I know that when products are built smaller in chipsets or added memory it does make the newer version faster. Example Apple M1/M2 over Intel Macs. 😊

[@pathfindercod4638]

Thank you, Ricci! I sure Nikon release a new z9 firmware to add a couple of the extra features they put in the z8.

[@g00nther]

Amazing pics Ricci. Thanks. So, about the Z6III 😄

[@RicciTalks]

I don’t know what ur talking about 🤣

[@donconstantine-hl5jq]

Great overview. One question - can I transfer the menu settings from a Z9 directly to the Z8?

[@nsbhagwat]

Nope.

[@Keith80027]

Thank you Ricci on your review of the Z8. It took me a year to buy the refurnished Z8 from Nikon and it looks brand new. I love using this camera more than my Z7II as it functions closer to my D5. I found the EN-EL15 from my D800 days will not even power up a Z8 but the battery works just fine in Z7II with a battery that shows 0 for age. I haven't found the menu selection that allows swapping the two command dials. I like my f stop on the rear. Have you found how to do this?

[@tdalton854]

Agree with others Ricci, this was a great walk though of the camera. Preordered right away Wednesday morning. Jumped with joy when you said it can Identify military aircraft at a distance. That will be great for me. One of the things making me really want this is the AF. Thanks