Starting as a political news and celebrity portrait photographer in DC, Sam was instantly drawn to wedding photography as a space to promote more inventive ideas. Sam’s focus is on photographic techniques that are deceptively simple but have the potential to transform difficult or uninspiring shooting environments into one-of-a-kind opportunities for every photo made.
Introduction to the Nikon Z8 Review
Welcome to my long-awaited (for me) review of the Nikon Z8! After spending considerable time with this camera, I’m excited to share my insights and experiences.
Every image you see in this post was made w/ the Z8 – except for images of the camera itself. Everything was also edited with my custom profile in lightroom classic.
I’ll be diving into various aspects of the Nikon Z8, from its performance and features to its handling and ergonomics. My approach is grounded in a methodology I trust: the 10,000 image rule. This means I don’t review equipment until I’ve captured at least 10,000 images with it, ensuring a thorough and authentic evaluation.
Nikon Z8 Review Camera Ratings
- Value - 6/106/10
- Build - 8/108/10
- Battery Life - 9/109/10
- Image Quality - 7/107/10
- Autofocus - 9/109/10
- Size & Weight - 9/109/10
8/10
Quick Summary
Overall, the Nikon Z8 is a remarkable camera with a lot to offer, especially in terms of autofocus and lens compatibility. However, the electronic shutter sound and dynamic range limitations are factors to consider. For those who prioritize these aspects, it might be worth exploring other options or waiting for future updates from Nikon.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus capabilities with a sticky focus feature.
- High-quality lens performance, especially with the 50mm and 24mm lenses.
- Impressive battery life, suitable for long shoots.
- Flexible storage options with both SD card and CFexpress slots.
Cons
- Lack of a mechanical shutter, leading to an unsatisfactory shutter sound.
- Limited dynamic range compared to expectations.
- Sensor sound and lack of tactile feedback during operation.
- Slightly longer editing process compared to the Nikon Z9.
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The 10,000 Image Rule and Its Importance
In the world of photography, patience and thoroughness are key, especially when it comes to reviewing equipment. This is where the “10,000 Image Rule” comes into play. Unlike many photographers and camera reviewers who might rush to share their thoughts, I adhere to this rule to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the gear.
The essence of the 10,000 Image Rule is simple: I don’t review a camera body, lens, or any other equipment until I’ve taken at least 10,000 shots with it. This doesn’t mean 10,000 fully edited and delivered files, but rather 10,000 clicks. This approach allows me to use the equipment in various locations and over an extended period, providing a well-rounded perspective.
“That doesn’t have to be ten thousand fully edited delivered files or anything like that.”
By reaching this threshold, I gain a genuine feel for the equipment’s usefulness and can accurately identify any shortcomings. This is particularly crucial for camera bodies, where understanding the nuances can significantly impact the overall experience.
This method not only helps in avoiding biases but also ensures that the review is based on extensive use, making it more reliable and insightful.
First Impressions of the Nikon Z8
Full disclosure - Nikon provided this entire setup for me to experiment with
The Nikon Z8 is a camera that immediately captures attention with its multifaceted capabilities and the excitement it brings to any photographer. However, it’s easy to get swept up in the allure of new technology, much like the “new car smell,” and overlook some of its shortcomings. It’s important to acknowledge both the strengths and the potential pain points of this camera body.
I’ve had the opportunity to shoot approximately 10,917 images with the Nikon Z8, paired with Nikon’s pro series 50mm f/1.2 lens and the 24mm f/1.8. Full disclosure, Nikon provided this entire setup for me to experiment with at no cost, although I do have to return it. Typically, I prefer purchasing my own equipment to maintain an unbiased perspective, ensuring that my reviews are genuine and not influenced by the hope of receiving more gear in the future.
Despite the need to return it, I must say that overall, it’s a great followup to the Z9. The Nikon Z8 has impressed me, but I will also share why I won’t be purchasing it and why I’m content to send it back. This review aims to provide a balanced perspective, highlighting both the excitement and the challenges of using the Nikon Z8.
Using the Nikon Z8 in Real-World Scenarios
When diving into the real-world usage of the Nikon Z8, the focus naturally shifts to the photos it helps create. Using a new camera can significantly alter your approach to photography, and this change can be quite challenging to pinpoint. I’ve been grappling with this as I’ve developed Insight (a real time idea generator for photographers) over the past few months.
Insight integrates seamlessly with the Z8, allowing me to shoot live, review images on the camera, and send them to Insight for quick feedback. Within a minute, I can receive AI-generated pose ideas and composition suggestions, which I utilized extensively during a session in Iceland.
The introduction of flip-out screens on mirrorless cameras, like those from Nikon, Sony, and Canon, has been a game-changer. These screens allow for shooting from the hip, offering dynamic angles and creative compositions without the need to constantly use the viewfinder. This shift has dramatically increased the speed and creativity of my compositions, enabling me to capture unique angles without the need to contort myself into uncomfortable positions.
Performance and Features of the Nikon Z8
When diving into the performance and features of the Nikon Z8, it’s essential to look beyond the on-paper specifications and focus on real-world results. The Z8 is said to have the same sensor as the Nikon Z9, which I have reviewed previously. While editing the Z9 files, I noticed a unique color quality that seemed to bring my photos closer to completion more quickly than with the Z8. This could be due to different lighting conditions, as my Z9 experience was in Hawaii, contrasting with the Icelandic light for the Z8.
Despite these differences, the autofocus of the Nikon Z8 stands out. It’s incredibly snappy and has a “stickiness” that allows it to lock onto subjects and maintain focus even when the camera is moved around. This feature is particularly impressive, though it does lose focus if the subject is completely out of frame.
Additionally, the performance of F-mount lenses through the F to Z adapter, is excellent, making the Z8 a versatile choice for photographers who have already invested in Nikon’s lens ecosystem.
For more insights, you can compare this with my Nikon Z9 Review.
Challenges and Shortcomings of the Nikon Z8
The biggest shortcoming, just to jump right into a bit of a negative thing, is the sensor sound.
While the Nikon Z8 boasts impressive performance, especially with F-mount lenses through the second series adapter, it does have its challenges. One of the most notable shortcomings is the sensor sound. The Z8 lacks a mechanical shutter, opting instead for a fully electronic one. This decision results in a shutter sound that some might find… less than satisfying.
The absence of a mechanical shutter means you miss out on the familiar tactile feedback of the shutter curtain’s movement. This might seem trivial, but for many photographers, the sound and feel of the shutter are integral to the shooting experience. The Z8’s electronic shutter sound is a bit awkward, and despite spending considerable time with the camera, I never quite got used to it.
Interestingly, Nikon’s ZF model, with its retro styling, includes a mechanical/electronic shutter that delivers a much more pleasing sound. This contrast highlights that Nikon can achieve a satisfying shutter experience, making the Z8’s sound a significant drawback for me.
Ultimately, the shutter sound is a primary reason for my decision to return the Z8. While some might argue that shooting in silence is preferable, the lack of both a sound that i find enjoyable, and the slight vibration of a mechanical shutter can feel odd.
Handling and Ergonomics of the Nikon Z8
When it comes to the handling and ergonomics of the Nikon Z8, the experience and tactile feel is generally good, though opinions on the grip can vary. Personally, I find the grip to be just the right size for my hands, eliminating the need for an extended mount plate, which I had to use with the Nikon ZF due to my pinky slipping off.
The actual grip in the hands, you know, everybody’s gonna have a different opinion on this.
The buttons and customizability are excellent, offering a seamless experience. I didn’t find anything lacking in this regard. The control ring is particularly smooth and well-placed near the mount, which I prefer over the placement on some Canon lenses where it’s positioned at the edge. This setup allows for easy adjustments, and I have mine set to control the ISO.
Overall, the Nikon Z8 offers a well-thought-out design that enhances the shooting experience, making it a pleasure to use in various scenarios.
Lens Performance with the Nikon Z8
Exploring the lens performance with the Nikon Z8 has been an exciting journey. I’ve been testing a variety of lenses, and the results have been quite impressive. Most of the photos I’ve taken are with the 50mm f/1.2 lens, which has proven to be incredibly sharp and reliable.
Also worth nothing that the 28mm f/1.8 lens also stands out for its sharpness. It’s a lightweight option, typical of lenses with a 1.8 aperture, yet it manages to minimize distortion effectively. This is a bit surprising given its size, which is slightly larger than expected. This might be due to the enhanced optics that Nikon has incorporated to reduce distortion.
In comparison, Canon’s 24mm f/1.8 lens is smaller and lighter but suffers from significant distortion without correction. I have examples showing the distortion with and without correction, and the difference is quite noticeable. The Nikon lens, on the other hand, didn’t require any such adjustments, which speaks volumes about its optical quality.
I’m planning to write dedicated posts for both the 50mm f/1.2 and the 28mm or 24mm f/1.8 lenses, as they deserve a deeper dive into their capabilities and performance.
Sensor Flexibility and Dynamic Range
One of the critical elements in any camera review is the sensor’s flexibility and dynamic range. The Nikon Z8 features a full-frame sensor that is said to be similar to that of the Z9. However, my experience showed that the dynamic range is somewhat limited compared to what I had anticipated.
I noticed that pushing and pulling files in post-processing revealed noise and banding more quickly than expected. For example, while trying to recover highlights in an overexposed image, I found that noise became apparent sooner than I would have liked.
“The dynamic range on this is a bit more limited than I’m comfortable with.”
Shooting at ISO 200, I noticed that the image quality began to break down beyond a usable point fairly early. Ideally, I would have shot at ISO 100, but the difference should be minimal. In some cases, I found myself considering editing the image in black and white to mask the grain.
While Lightroom’s built-in denoise feature can recover a lot of detail, I prefer not to rely on it unless absolutely necessary. Other camera sensors, even older DSLRs, have managed to recover four and a half to five stops of exposure without significant noise.
In practical terms, this means that photographers need to be more cautious with exposure settings. While the Z8 can handle a certain degree of overexposure, it does not recover as gracefully as some other models. This limitation is something that I had to adapt to during my shooting sessions.
In contrast, I recall the Z9 handling similar situations with greater ease, allowing for more flexibility in post-editing. Although I was able to achieve satisfactory results with the Z8, it often required more effort to get the colors and tones to resonate as I wanted.
Battery Life and Storage Options
When it comes to battery life, the Nikon Z8 truly shines. I’m absolutely confident that I could shoot an entire wedding with just a handful of batteries—probably three, maybe four at the most. This is a testament to its excellent battery performance, making it a reliable choice for long shoots.
The storage options on the Nikon Z8 are equally impressive. It features both an SD card slot and a CFexpress slot, offering a fantastic blend of speed and flexibility. This dual-slot configuration is something I wish had been included in the Z9, as it provides the best of both worlds. The SD card offers flexibility, while the CFexpress card delivers the speed needed for high-performance tasks.
The flexibility of having an SD card and a CFexpress slot is so great.
This setup is reminiscent of the configuration I got used to with the R3, and I absolutely love it. It allows for seamless transitions between different shooting scenarios, whether you’re capturing high-resolution images or recording video.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts on the Nikon Z8
As I wrap up this Nikon Z8 review, it’s clear that Nikon has successfully taken the best features of the Z9 and packaged them into a more compact and versatile body with the Z8. This camera offers impressive performance and flexibility, making it a strong contender in the market.
I’m very impressed, very happy with it, but I’m sending it back only because Nikon, outdid themselves with the ZF.
While I am thoroughly impressed with the Z8, my personal decision to return it stems from Nikon’s release of the ZF, which better suits my shooting preferences. The ZF’s shutter sound and articulating screen align more closely with my needs, especially given my familiarity with Canon’s side-flipping screens.
For those interested in a deeper dive, including high-resolution sample images and raw files, you can find the full-length article on my Patreon. I welcome any questions or feedback you might have about the Z8.
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