Nikon Z9 or Z8 for wildlife photography? What camera should you buy and why I have both!

[@intrinsicimagery]

I couldn't decide, so I got both.

[@lewcehjitl3282]

Should of saved $15000 and bought a canon R8 40fps RAW and Better AF better Depth detection. Canons Dual pixel AFii is the best.

[@Nypher91]

​@@lewcehjitl3282you never used a nikon cause if you used one you know this comment is wrong. Jared Polin fanboy

[@intrinsicimagery]

@@lewcehjitl3282 sure. Just change all of my glass. That will save money.

[@dixinggao7178]

​​@@lewcehjitl3282that's one of the most stupid camera-related comments I've ever read. Modern mirrorless autofocus have three distinct phases. First is subject detection, i.e. determining which point the camera should focus on. After that is determined, the camera then determines which direction the focus should be adjusted towards (Phase Detect AF vs Contrast AF happens here). Then the lens physically adjusts the focus. What sets apart good modern AF systems from bad ones is the subject detection and tracking, which relies on a video feed from the sensor. Where the Canon Dual-Pixel PD comes into play is actually the second phase, it gives the camera more phase detect data points to process vs the half-shielded photosite approach Sony Semicon uses on their large sensors. However, the Canon Dual-Pixel approach reduces the amount of light each photosite can absorb, whereas the Sony approach only affect a very limited amount of photosites (single digit %). Regardless, Phase Detect is mature technology and all modern mirrorless cameras can quickly process it, regardless of which PD sensor technology they use. Canon had a good reputation for autofocus during the DSLR days because their sensors could do PDAF with mirror up, whereas Nikon could only do CDAF in live view. This is not true with today's mirrorless cameras, every major manufacturer does PDAF now. The EOS R8 only does 30FPS when shooting RAW, and only with electronic shutter. R8's sensor is not stacked and have a readout time of ~1/70 seconds, which isn't fast enough to effectively eliminate rolling shutter, making it entirely impractical for photographing fast moving subjects (which is what burst is used for, BTW). Z8/Z9 can do e-shutter readout within ~1/280 seconds, slightly faster than most mechanical shutters (Sony A1 being the exception). R8 can only do bursts of up to 6FPS with mechanical shutter.

[@jurrydevries4006]

Thanks for a clear comparison, so much better then some reviewers who just list specs. I belief there is one more difference to point out as it may influence the choice of some photographers That's the fact that the Z8 has 2 USB C ports, one dedicated to power supply. Meaning you can hook it up to an external power supply and hook up some accessories. For studio pros this might be an important element. I personally upgraded from Z6II to Z8 and wow the Z8 is in a complete other league. Uncomparible

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes the double USB-c of the Z8 is very handy for those wanting to keep charging whilst using the camera!

[@WorldofSonyaB]

Thank you for the comparison. I went with the Z8 and I have no regrets. The Z8 and 400mm f4.5 is a great combination for hiking and hand holding a moderate zoom. It’s a fabulous camera!

[@852foodie]

I have looked at countless number of videos comparing the Z9 and Z8 as I am in the market buying one of them. You are the first that mention about the benefit of low shooting angle of the Z8. 👍🏻 My last Nikon camera was the F5 (film) so I am leaning towards the Z9 as I prefer having an integrated grip.

[@piyhaw]

Exactly..never thought of that benefit..btw, which one did you decide? I too am in the market and looking at either the Z9 or the Z8.

[@theonlyredspecial]

Agree with everything you said. I have the z8 and love it. The camera I tend to use a lot however for work and tough situations is the z9 however. It’s the ergonomics and battery life and the handling for me. Also the dual cf type b card slots critical for my workflow . Z8 I use a lot on holidays or around home for family stuff. Great video 👍🏻

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you very much and glad you agree as a fellow Z9 and Z8 user! The Z8 is such a solid back up to my Z9, but the Z9 is always the one I pick first when I'm shooting.The feel of the camera, especially with larger lenses is just the best!

[@jurrydevries4006]

I wanted to upgrade from a Z6II and looked at the Z8 and Z9. Ultimately, I decided on the Z8: near Z9 specs in a more petite body that's easier to handle (for me), smaller, and less heavy. Then, I invested the remaining dollars in glass and bought the new 600mm PF. Combined with the Z8, that lens is perfect for my purposes, and I am thrilled with both. Yes, a 600mm f/4 plus Z9 is unbeatable, but I am only an amateur having fun with photography, and the cash required for that combi is a bit over the top for me. On the other hand, money is always relative. A Z6II with 180-600 will also deliver great photos (although I must add that in my view, image sharpness and especially autofocus speed of the 600 PF are noticeably better than 180-600). Once again, thanks for a great video.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Glad you found the video helpful! The Z8 is a cracking camera and adding it to the 600 PF will be a stunning setup for sure!

[@jakesdewet3567]

Always shot the big bodies due to the battery life as here in Africa we often go a few days without access to charging facilities plus on the smaller bodies I always added a grip, with the Z8 add the battery grip extra batteries you end up with camera bigger than the Z9 and almost the same price. I have a Fuji kit for travelling or when I don't do wildlife. I even use the XH2s with 100-400 as a second set-up for flexibility and the Z9 with the 400 prime as my main wildlife camera and lens. Personal needs does not make financial sense to have a Z8 and Z9. But both are great cameras.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes for sure the larger size with the Z8 grip is certainly a downside for many, the full bosh design of the Z9 if you do like a grip is certainly superior! The better battery life of the Z9 is certainly welcome on longer trips when power is infrequent!

[@kontrolla1]

Excellent video Tom. I am thinking I may get a Z8 as a backup for my Z9 but am making do with my Z7ii for now until funds allow. Great to meet you and chat at the Birdfair last Saturday. 😊

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Great to meet you again Paul this weekend, certainly the Z8 will be a great backup camera for the Z9 but as you do only when you need / can justify the upgrade!

[@debojitdey7183]

Loved the way u explained, lets see which beast should i hunt z8 or z9....

[@marcusslade9804]

Good points, Tom. I bought a D6 two years ago after a lot of deliberation. At the time, knowing that the launch of a pro-level Z body (what was to be the Z9) was imminent made that process all the more challenging for me. The D6 joined my now nearly six year old D850 and these two DSLRs remain my primary cameras. I am still thrilled to shoot with both and I have long F-mount lenses to accompany them. Had I never bought a D6, yes, I’d almost certainly opt for a Z9 but the Z8 will be the choice for me when the time is right and it will be my first mirrorless body too. I don’t even want to say it will replace my D850, so much as add to it and give me some new dimensions I don’t currently have with the DSLRs. As I say so often though, getting out to shoot and some interesting locations and species is far more important. Thanks.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Certainly for sure the Z8 will be a fantastic addition to your D6/D850 setup. I’d quite like to add a D6 to my kit at some point for my SLR bag as sometimes it’s handy to have but you’ll love some of the new opportunities brought with the Z8!

[@jameshoward9700]

Mate, really helpful. I think I'm going to keep my D850 for secondary and F mount legacy and go D9 for the telephotos and bigger zooms (and to take advantage of the 180-600 and subsequent). The other reason is that the Z9 will shoot F-mount lenses faster when using the FTZ2 adapter, even with teleconverters. Nikon had a mind to sports pros with boxes of very expensive glass - they needed to keep them on-board ahead of the '24 Olympics. Also, I think it's better value. More expensive, yes, but as you mentioned, those pro Nikons are something else in terms of feel and robustness. Another features useful too, is the auto capture mode - lets you have a brew in the hide and not miss the shot of a lifetime, plus bits and bobs like GPS.!

[@stripes_in_raw]

Can you do a comparison video between Z9+Z400mm f2.8 vs Z8+Z400mm f4.5 ? Would be interesting to see.

[@m.maclean8911]

I cannot comfortably hold and operate the Z8 with my hands. I actually ordered the Z8 first, but when I held them both, and I saw the monstrosity of the Z8 grip, I easily chose the Z9. The features of the longer battery life, the built in GPS and logging, not having to carry multiple types of cards, having 2 card slots that can both be used at full speed without overheating, the top command dial, secure card slot cover, and most importantly the smaller size when the Z8 is equally gripped. When you add the money for the grip, the extra batteries you will need, an external GPS device, and 2 different types of cards the cost difference is negligible. And the Z9 won’t overheat. I had been shooting with D850+grip. I never used it without the grip as I needed the battery life and I couldn’t operate it comfortably without the grip. My small carry around bag with the D850+grip with the F mount 24-70/2.8 became a bag half the size with the Z9+Z24-70/2.8. The size and weight savings of the Z9 over the D850 was a very nice surprise, and did not compromise on features nor comfort. In fact this small Z9 package has far more features.

[@mackellyman5642]

That's different from what the people who purchased the Z8 wanted to hear...

[@saiprasad8965]

Thanks for a very practical explanation of the selection criteria. Loved it

[@inverlane1939]

Excellent and honest comparison of these top end mirrorless cameras I have a Z9 and have currently retained my D850, which at least gives me an alternative in relation to size.

[@dansouth2088]

This is a great comparison, thanks much for taking the time to spell this out!!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Dan, glad you found it helpful!

[@georgetran1766]

If one does not need vertical grip and is OK with EN-EL15c battery, Z8 should be the choice. I have been thinking about Z8 for backup but I think its price will be coming down a little bit more. Thank you so much for sharing.❤

[@64BBernard]

I'm thinking of getting the Z8. The big issue with the Z8 is that the available grip can't take an EN-EL18 battery, meaning if you use the Z8 with the Z9, you have to carry two different batteries and two different chargers.

[@jurrydevries4006]

You might want to have another look at that coz I am using them in my Z8

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes you do need two diff ent batteries but TBH I use the USB C port as my charger most of these days so don’t always need extras!

[@usmausmma]

After much consideration, I went with the Z9 for the battery and no overheating. Once I got it, my first thought was how small and light it was, what on earth were people complaining about? Has everyone gotten so used to tiny cameras? The Z9 is the perfect size for a camera, absolutely love the grips.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

100% I don’t believe the Z9 is a big camera! I’ve always found it perfect size especially with longer telephoto lenses and larger styles pro lenses, I love the layout and added grip alongside that improved battery life!

[@ronaldpollard8990]

I totally agree!!

[@DynNat]

Hi Tom, the Z9 has also GPS included and to be honest I started to greatly appreciate it when going through images after longer trips. My Z6 II does not have this feature. So when you are out in the field and want to know/document where you have taken the picture it's a great feature. Also considering the weight that I carry around in terms of glass - I have to say that I find the weight differences not so significant. But I buy your argument on the shooting angle. Still I think I would go for a second Z9 that one can get used just 500 € above the price of a Z8 - also because of the button layout and the 2 CF-Express card slots which I appreciate for video.

[@oliviermelebeck2199]

Thanks for this interesting comparison. I’ve been using dslr for years and would like to know what would be your advise for D500 users? Is the adoption of the Z8 the best option? Knowing that on the D500 you had the grip whitch allows you using the big battery of D4/D5!. Many thanks for your feedback and advice.

[@divinerdetective44]

A well thought out comparison, you touched all the bases! 👍🏻

[@meirartwork]

remember the D300 2 batteries

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thank you!

[@Karkawry1970]

Thanks Tom great as usual. It is going to be interesting how Nikon differentiate these two models through updates, as far as I am aware, they have already taken out the Auto Capture feature from the Z8, and retrospectively removed mention of it from their marketing video, a bizarre move!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Hmm that’s interesting I didn’t know that, it will be interesting to see how they differentiate for sure but I think the key points in the video really are enough, the D3 and D700 back in the day were positioned very similar to the Z8/Z9 and probably were the best selling Nikons ever!

[@Karkawry1970]

@@TomMasonPhoto Yes I agree, you'll either want one or you won't for the reasons you mention. But it can only lead to disappointment down the road if people think they are literally going to be the same camera in a smaller form, albeit a fair bit more cost effective!.I would go with the Z9, again, for all the reasons you mention. As i see that as the 'flagship'.

[@brianglock3099]

Pretty much my thoughts on buying the Z8to go along with my Z9 The Z8 also works better on a strobe frame, Z9 is just a bit to bulky on one. I’ve said from the start, having both is like having two different size hammers in your tool box. Both do the same thing but each is best for different jobs.

[@mzeeshanch]

I have the Z9... My Z6 wasn't cutting it for me for my wildlife photography (even though I just started a couple of years ago). But I have been on the fence about replacing my Z9 with a new Z8... You have given some REALLY AMAZING tips to make my decision easier...

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I wouldn't be replacing t=a Z9 with a Z8, its more of an addition unless you really wanted to strip down the weight. My Z9 will always be my primary wildlife camera!

[@mzeeshanch]

@@TomMasonPhoto Once again a very nice video... Really appreciate the amount of work you put into these videos...

[@TomMasonPhoto]

@@mzeeshanch Thank you!

[@daleroyal6449]

Had mine a week its a Beast of a camera ,I call it the mirrorless D500,Not disappointed !

[@TomMasonPhoto]

It’s certainly a beast of a camera, the performance and size of the Z8 is certainly unmatched

[@porkster5924]

Had my Z9 for coming up to 2 years myself. I bought the Z8 to back up my Z9 as I do mainly motorsport and it’s great having a lighter body for this role. It’s used with my Z70-200 and Z24-70 f/2.8 lenses and the Z9 has my 400mm f/2.8E FL stuck to it all the time.

[@MrDman1331]

First of all, great review. However, did you compare each camera to the D850. It was the ultimate camera for sports and wild life for Nikon shooters. I am interested in the performance gap between the D850 and each of the cameras. I would weigh that against the cost difference between the Z8 and Z9 before deciding which camera to buy. Also the Z8 and the D850 use the same battery and memory card (one slot on the Z8). So, if you are a Nikon shooter looking to "move up" your batteries and memory cards are still relevant. The batteries are a big issue because of cost and the EV and wireless communication capabilities drain your batteries quickly i.e. there goes your legendary Nikon battery life. Lol

[@kevingoza]

Great comparison. Now that I have the z9, I want for nothing else! It was a big jump from the z6ii, but I quickly adapted to all the differences. I actually love the larger size of the z9.

[@SwanSycorax]

Thanks Tom, I already have a Z9 and am about to get a Z8 to replace my old Z7ii. I make use of the customised Shooting Menu Banks. Is it possible to transfer the Z9 banks to the Z8 simply by using the same card to transfer the menus?

[@michelebelotti2022]

Hello, I was watching your video because I am Canon shooter and I am considering other brand (due the lack of middle range budget lenses). I see Nikon has some interesting lenses... and here my question: If I want to change from my R5 and R6 mk2 into Nikon Z9 or Z8 system, what would you advice me? I shoot primarily wildlife and landscape. If you can help me with advice (camera and lenses), I would appreciate. Thank you

[@bomberutkrec]

Instant thumbs up for pronouncing Nikon right

[@OllyBPlayz]

Great video, very informative! What’s the best CFexpress card you think would work in the Z9 or Z8 that’s fast and good reading. Thanks

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I like the Angelbird cards as they have great write speeds and performance - I also use the Manfotto ones too as I’ve found them to work great in the Z8 and Z9!

[@kingofkings89pl]

Hello, I want to buy Nikon Z8 & I want Lense that will cover me in any situation. In this couple of months Nikkon got new lenses, 2 of them are so fresh that one is not even on sale because it's not in stock. But there is many to choose. I want to buy lense that will stick with Me and My Z8 for years & cover me at weddings, parties, picture & record wild life (macro, Zooming), sport fast situations, city, concerts, low light situations, alot of light, full daylight sunny days situations. What will be the very best for that? Also, what kind of program for editing will cover all editing for photos & videos from it? Thanks for anserws :)

[@johnclay7644]

good comparision video Tom, v keen on the z8 both useful info on both cameras. informative content.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks John, it’s amazing how many people were asking between these two cameras and it really comes down to a few simple thoughts!

[@bigstroke2069]

Excellent comparison. Thank you.

[@NikCan66]

Love the Z9 but had looked at the the Z8 as a back up but different card types plus the smaller battery in the Z8 was a deal breaker for my needs.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Well the Z8 does use the same CFepress but only one slot, the smaller battery I can see for some might sway them towards the Z9!

[@NikCan66]

@@TomMasonPhoto I do sports action photography and the card type and battery are crucial

[@johnpeterka8355]

Thank you for your video! Does the Z8 have the same focusing, especially eye-AF, as the Z9? How much better is the eye-AF than the Z7 II?

[@paulrainford70]

Great timing on this video Tom! I’ve got a Z9 and been considering getting a second Z9 or a Z8. I think after watching your video, then the Z8 would be a good companion to the Z9 for use with the shorter lenses 👍🏼

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Yes it’s certainly a fantastic backup camera and companion - cuts down a bit of the size, opens a few extra shooting options for those who don’t need two Z9!

[@Red35Photography]

Love your vid mate, it's been a while since we last met, Guess what? I have a Nikon camera now too, so I am now watching more related vids hahaha.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

So what Nikon are you shooting?!!

[@ollielane656]

looking forward to getting my Z8 next month after selling my Z7ii.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

You’ll love the Z8 for sure!

[@williamkelly7507]

Great video and helpfull I have being thinging of moving to a z8 or z9 I think I lean more to the z9 now, I am using a d850 at the moment maily with 500mm ,f/4 vr and 300mm 2.8 vr 11 if I was to use theses lens on the Z9 with the nikon mount adapter will I loose quality or do I need to use Z lens

[@NCSTalkid]

Wilflife and sport very z9 centric. For pro portrait should also go for z9 but z8 is also good. I think z8 is enthusiast version of z9. Its for hobbyist and enthusiast

[@Kered-furniture-desiger-maker.]

Hi Tom, Great video. As a beginner I am after some advise for a camera full frame 24 mp and lense for taking product photography please, Mainly indoor use for my self made furniture. Thanks in advance.

[@eltinjones4542]

I'm surprised that Nikon haven't put internal memory in to their high end cameras. I think Hasselblad are doing it?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

The problem with that is if you fill it on a shoot or assignment what are you going to do? You also don’t have a backup as you can with two cars slots and CFexpess are extremely fast. I think for most pros they would rather have fast cards they can be swapped out then internal storage

[@chriskubiak7058]

What strap in on your Z9 in this video comparing Z9 to Z8? Thanks

[@MyF1Scuderia]

it's small compared to my D3 or D5 and I bought my 9 for the 600 f/4 I have

[@marknewell4973]

Which quick release strap is on the Z9?

[@soumakbinduwildlife]

I heard that autofocus of z8 is faster than z9 is it true?

[@kenthomas1845]

Brilliant video, Tom. It was helpful for me, as I am having the same conundrum that many others are. Do I dump the D850 and/or D5 and go with a Z9 or a Z8? Those DSLR bodies are not worth a whole lot anymore, but they still function beautifully (I might be able to get $2500 US for them if I sold them privately). It's the eye detection and pre-capture envy that's driving me to seriously consider mirrorless, even though I am just a wildlife hobbyist - who's missed plenty of shots over the years - and spending this type of cash is hard to justify. One thing that I have heard is that DSLR users who purchase the Z8 are shocked by the very short battery life in comparison. My local camera seller knows me pretty well and thinks I'd be unhappy with that, and I've even purchased four compatible ENEL-18D batteries over the past year (in anticipation of the Z9, but usable in both DSLR's). Another issue are the many lenses I've collected (nothing like the 400 f/2.8, but rather the pf's 300 & 500 and some zoom's). I hear that all this F-mount glass will function even better with the FTZ adapter on these mirrorless bodies. But, I would be using them for a very long time before slowly switching to the Z lenses. Any suggestions about whether to make this move, and which camera body(s) I should hang on to would be quite welcome, and if you think the move to a Z9 makes sense for me. Thanks everybody.

[@alunlambert7456]

I so want to like and buy the Z8, but for wildlife the big sticking point is when shooting pre capture it shoots JPEG, and in. 30 frames a second it shoots JPEG, why. If it shot RAW in these modes I would have jumped by now ☹️

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I can understand that for some people, but having never used pre capture once, not having needed it or had it in any other camera its not a game changer for me. The 20 FPS in RAW when I press the button is usually enough! Although it would be cool to have for certain shots!

[@alunlambert7456]

@@TomMasonPhoto Thank you for messaging back, I suppose it depends what you shoot, I’ve only just started using it, and for birds or bugs taking off it’s amazing

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

Can a D850 or D5 produce photos as good as a z8 or z9. Will publishers not except photos not made on the latest mirrorless camera?

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Of course the D5 and D850 are still exceptional cameras! Just as cameras progress new tech certainly opens up new opportunities. My D850 and the D5 whilst I had one were some of my favourite cameras I’ve ever used but having the Z9 now and a Z8 they give me a whole load of new benefits for my shooting/video production that as a pro are super helpful. Although I’ll still hang on to lots of my F mount kit for certain jobs, and I have a huge love for those cameras!

[@Ericbjohnston5150]

@TomMasonPhoto I just don't understand that if clients are willing to buy work done with top line dslrs, why bother spend thousands to go mirrorless. I can see it, If ones camera dies, sure, replace it with mirrorless and buy a lens adapter to use lenses already owned. Is it worth it to sell or trade in all ones present gear to put towards a full switchover to mirrorless? Is it fair to say some buy the latest gear cause they think they will get better photos when all they gotta do is work on composition and how light works using different settings. In the end, though, one should use gear that makes them happy. Thanks and happy light catching.

[@NiklasMalmqvist]

Who can afford a camera like this. Something I can only dream about. Maybe I can find a cheap one second had in about 20 years or so...

[@Audimann]

I choose the D700😅

[@LWRC]

Just get a Leica manual FILM camera already! Both will be obsolete in 18 months and the Leica will still be around fpr decades!!!

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Well I do still have my F3 and F6 and they are going nowhere!

[@Kayakphotography]

The money i saved by getting the Z8 paid for over half of my 600 F4G.

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Brilliant review.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

Thanks Craig!

[@jonnyanderson2271]

I struggle to fathom to spend that much money on a camera. 😕🙃

[@Mr09260]

Great Video >> I have this choice to make

[@Richard-c6u1i]

All the gear, no idea. You need neither. It's about the 6. Inches between your ears.

[@Tap-a-roo]

Those polycarbonate bodies are complete trash. Nikon even knew this when they gave up on carbon fiber composites, and went back to full magnesium on the D850 (like the D800). Then here on a $4,000 body they go back to such a trash composite, that the pin lugs for the strap just rip out? What an absolute joke the Z8 is.

[@TomMasonPhoto]

I think the half body poly is really to drop the weight down that’s rather handy for this style of camera!

[@Tap-a-roo]

@@TomMasonPhoto you missed the part where the material is complete trash.

[@SulakvelidzeCustom]

To save everybody the time - z8 is smaller, lighter and cheaper by £1500. Not a single word about comparing the af speed with 500f4 or other telephoto lenses, not a word about modes or settings. What a useless video rattling about size and balance and how low you can get to the ground by an inch.