Z8 vs Z9: Which Camera Should You Choose?

[@tonyh4266]

Hello, I use both Z9 and Z8, just as I did with the D5 and D850 before. Body Weight difference is about the same. Although I am a short, small man of 5ft 5 inches, I find the larger body of the Z9 easier to achieve stable hand held shots. You are correct, the two internal electronics are very similar, (same in most instances), however, firmware apart the z9 is so much easier to use in portrait shooting for me. The construction of the cameras differs greatly, the Z8 is lighter not just because of size but also in materials used in its construction. The Z9 is without doubt more robustly constructed in build and materials used. Also heat distribution is far superior, possibly also due to more metallic base construction. Both are fabulous camera bodies, with class leading build and abilities. I’ve been using Nikon since the F2, I never took to the F3 models but have continued with Nikon since the F4s. Now in my mid 70s I use photography just for pleasure. I agree with you for 90% of the time, but must always step in when overall cost starts to make our choices. Both the Z8 and Z9 offer excellent value for money, but, please always remember, one persons choice is not everyone’s, and this should always be taken into account. Love the video, site and comments. Thank you ………. TonyH

[@JayWasserman-v5e]

I have a Z9 after having a D500. I had a vertical grip on the D500 and ending up preferring to use it with the grip since I found that I often needed it but didn’t have it with me. So I left it on. It was heavy with the grip. So I bought the Z9 and I love the versatility and the fact that I have never had a battery issue as it lasts forever. I shoot a lot of wildlife and have long lenses, including the 800z. I find the weight of the Z9 and its size is actually a plus using long lenses. I think the Z8 with the grip is actually larger and heavier than the Z9. However, it’s really a matter of what type of shooting you do. If I was a landscape photographer I would prefer the Z8. I do find that when I shoot photos of the kids or family events with my 24-70 or the 70-200, the weight of the Z9 becomes quite noticeable after a while. I am waiting for Nikon to upgrade the Z9. Maybe a global shutter and even better performance. If they offer one without a built-in vertical grip I may go for that to save the weight for when I don’t need to shoot vertically. It certainly is great to have two outstanding cameras, the Z8 and Z9, to choose from.

[@tonyh4266]

Hello, I’m an old photographer in my mid 70s. I have had my Z9 for approximately 18 months and my Z8 about 2 months. I had expected the upgrade to the Z8, but was very pleased Nikon gave us such a high level one. I expect the Z9 to be equally amassing. I have always had heavy cameras, as they always feel write and I get better stability. The Z8 is okay in weight, but I did prefer the feel of the D850, but it was too much trouble to adjust to the different operating and handling, after a day out with the Z9. May age I suppose! By the way I’m a small chap, light weight is a feature I don’t appreciate. I enjoy your channel, I don’t always agree with you but I enjoy your points and hope you continue. Finally I use AF and Z lenses, plus Sigma A DGDN for Sony with adapter. I still like aperture rings! TonyH

[@br2v]

I fully agree, for me the same reasons apply

[@myketripp3838]

I have the Z7ii and the Z9 and prefer the latter for its weight. When I picked up the Z7ii (I believe it is comparable to the Z8), it was too light, and I wanted the feel of a solid camera. The Z9 is a beast, and I love it. If it's about money, the Z8 is the go-to option.

[@marcusgrandon3640]

I also decided on the Z8 for similar reasons, especially weight and size. Money wasn't a factor. I was actually hoping the the Z8 be even smaller. I like the SD cards. I'm super happy with my decision. The faster focus has changed my shooting. I've now moved into birding.

[@gonzagasantos2290]

I bought my Z8 a few months ago. I'm very happy with her. It was almost a pain to abandon the canon that I had been using for years, but every day I realize that the decision was correct.

[@willchaneyphoto]

Awesome to hear!! Im absolutely loving mine still. Had a great time shooting with it in Croatia a few months ago and hoping to do some astrophotography with it soon!

[@gonzagasantos2290]

@@willchaneyphoto Thanks for getting back to me... I'm loving my Z8 too. I want to take her for a walk in Kenya and Tanzania at the beginning of the year. Great expectations.

[@willchaneyphoto]

@@gonzagasantos2290 that’ll be an epic walk!

[@dvongrad]

My camera upgrades have mostly been dictated by being one step lower in price, and thus affordability, than the top-of-the-line models in the same series. I went with the Z7 II instead of the D9 because the Z8 wasn't out yet. I still have my D810 because I couldn't justify the increased megapixel count of the D850 when I was content with the D810. The only issue I have with Nikon mirrorless is its inability to autofocus AF-D lenses like the 135mm F/2 DC as opposed to the AF-S "G" lenses when they are paired with the FTZ II adapter.

[@Weyco23]

Bought a Z9 when they came out. I just can’t use a camera without a vertical grip. I have not used a SLR without a grip since 2003. I can’t live without that grip. The Z8 plus a grip is basically the cost of a Z9, so it’s a no brainer for me.

[@willchaneyphoto]

It’s a really interesting perspective I’ve heard a lot is that some people can’t do without the vertical grip. Maybe for me it’s just because I’ve never used one. I’d be kind of curious now if I bought the battery grip that serves as a vertical grip if I’d feel the same way. The difference in price for the body’s after a MB-n12 and a second battery is $1290 though which is pretty substantial 😂

[@berthaduniverse]

For someone like me that has a D850, a D800e, having the same battery EnEl15c is a huge savings (I currently have ~15 a-c batteries)...

[@Mr09260]

I Chose the Z8 because of COST and weight of Z9 at my age 73 >> Otherwise I am very happy with the Z8

[@hyau512]

A factor for me is the EN-EL15C battery compatibility with my other Nikon cameras.

[@willchaneyphoto]

It’s great the that EN-EL batteries have cross compatibility!

[@OkwyUgonweze]

I have both but the Z8 is my preferred . The weight of the Z9 is not really something that is easy to handle with for events that I have to carry two on 24-70 and 70-200 .

[@willchaneyphoto]

The weight was pretty surprising when I held it even though a lb didn’t sound like a lot. I agree when I’m at an airshow with a heavy lens my arms are already struggling haha

[@paulliversage4479]

I went for the z8 with a few extra batterys...the weight,size and price outweighed the few advantages the z9 has...that dont really bother me

[@terrykellyphotography6171]

Z9 there is a reason it's a flagship.

[@ranjankmsphotography]

Z8 build quality is far inferior to Z9. Z8 body ( exceot the front mount side ) is all made of Ceerebo Plastic whereas Z9 full body, on all sides including top and bottom is made of magnesium alloy. Heat management is poor in Z8 but it's good in Z9. Poor battery power of Z8 in comparison to Z9. Many other reasons which makes Z9 superior.

[@georgedavall9449]

Wow

[@BB-doc-fan]

U should have waited for the Z6iii

[@willchaneyphoto]

I’m glad I didn’t. the Z8s autofocus is still way ahead of the Z6III which was an area I was looking for improvement over my Z6. I like having the dedicated bird mode and faster overall auto focusing. I’ll have a video in two weeks covering the Z6 III and Z8. That said the Z6 III is still a great camera.

[@BB-doc-fan]

@@willchaneyphoto great that helps > considering Z9-8-6iii and AF (birds) is for me also key. Thx a ton✔️

[@BigFoot-w4d]

Z8 is still heavy compared to Sony A1.

[@willchaneyphoto]

I’m not super familiar with the Sonys, but that is interesting as they both have a dual card slot. I’ll have to do some reading on what differences they have.