Nikon Z8 Final Review: What's the Catch?
Ғылым және технология
We were very impressed with the Nikon Z8 when it was first announced, but now we have a production model to really test things like buffer, overheating and image quality. Is this Nikon best in class, or have there been too many compromises made to get the size and price down? Chris and Jordan have the answers!
Rental equipment provided by The Camera Store
www.thecamerastore.com
0:00 - Intro
1:14 - Autofocus
2:31 - Buffer
4:34 - Battery life
5:22 - Missing Z9 features
6:40 - Puppy!
7:15 - Image quality
8:07 - EVF
9:24 - Video performance
12:25 - Who is it for?
Пікірлер: 532
As a wedding photographer and shooting two weddings on it now. I just say it the best still camera I’ve ever owned.
@sulev111
Жыл бұрын
Doesn't say a lot if you don't list the cameras you've owned. Cmon, flex :P
@drivethrou
Жыл бұрын
I can use any Camera if it comes to stilla. I hope You are not kidding
@hobbytake2845
Жыл бұрын
Just shot a graduation with it and am very happy with the autofocus sureness and accuracy, really does top our Z6ii/7ii.
@shadyninja1
Жыл бұрын
That's the reason why I'm getting one
@JMurph2015
Жыл бұрын
One would hope so, though, right? Progress and all that...
You do NOT need to ask us (at least, me) to subscribe. I love you guys so much. Chris and Jordan, you guys always lift my mood, no matter what circumstance I'm in. I love the tech reviews, talk, skits, humor. You guys are amazing. Sending lots of love and appreciation your way!
The cf express and SD card test was the most informative I've seen. Great stuff
You're puppy Penny is so cute!!! I subscribed a while ago, but I'm so glad we still got to see these amazing pictures!
Four stars, with one more for Jordan's running test faces!
I hope in the future, Nikon could implement a firmware that allows the Z8 to shoot to the CFE card only, and then when the camera is idle, backup and synchronize the files in the CFE to the SD.
@runcmd1419
Жыл бұрын
You can manually do this, fwiw.
@peterwmdavis
Жыл бұрын
Backing up asynchronously would be great. If it waits until the camera is about to die, that’s too late (how would it know?).
@makatron
Жыл бұрын
Now this is a great feature.
@geraldhewes
Жыл бұрын
I still remember the years when everyone was complaining that Nikon used xqd and cf express cards and not sd cards. And now these same people complain that sd card are slow.
@DieHardEddieEdwards
Жыл бұрын
@@geraldhewes Because back then you couldn’t take advantage of the speed of those cards with a DSLR.
Awesome review, I’ve been waiting for buffer info (and puppy pictures and Canadian trivia facts lol!). Awesome pixel art intro too! Glad you 2 are making vids together still!!!
Can we take a moment to recognize how vivid the colors are from that S5II they nailed it on this one.
@Yupthereitism
Жыл бұрын
I thought they looked shitty
@josefmolina3510
Жыл бұрын
They talk about cameras here, not toys.
Great review guys. I always appreciate the thoroughness of your reviews.
All I can think of as I’m watching this video is “Wow, that S5 ii that Jordan is shooting with is incredible!”
Super rundown and description of the Z8! Entertaining and informative! Thank you!!
Really hit the ground running guys on the new endeavor !! Thnx !!
It’s literally a high time, yes in 2024 all camera manufacturers must remove ANY cards ports. 2 usb-c both MUST TB 4 with external recording and charging capabilities is the way to go.
The Z8 is a masterpiece. Originally I laughed at the idea of fully electronic shutter. Then I tried it; one shot and I thought to myself: "Ok. Nikon know what they're doing." I just wish the mirrorless world can find a solution to extreme exposure. You will never be able to shoot a solar eclipse or laser show without frying the sensor. Which is why I will keep the D850 and D750 forever. Another symptom I noticed, as a result of continuous sensor exposure/reading, is that over long periods of use when the sensor gets a little hotter it gets a little noisier.
Love the banter. You’re to the point, but also funny. Fantastic.
Okay. I’m still order mine. I can’t wait.
Thanks for review and great weekand!))))
As always another great general review Chris & Jordan, keep it going !
Love from Ontario! We watched this excellent video on our TV. Just came here on our desktop to congratulate you on your awesome video and to subscribe.
I just love that he really committed that running test lol his expression is on point ❤
Aww, Penny was really adorable!
This is the long awaited Nikon hybrid camera that fits nicely on a gimbal and if you look at the marketing flyer and brochure Nikon pushes that point across as well. It also helps that Nikon effectively won the lawsuit against Red and can keep using its compressed raw files without legal interference.
Same here! No need to ask, I subscribed right away after a realized now I can follow you guys in this channel. You guys are fantastic, funny, professional and EXPERT in reviewing cameras ❤
The more videos I watch the more I’m convinced the z8 is the camera for me. Your videos I feel are the most honest and trustworthy reviews, thank you. Unfortunately by the time I can afford one they will be releasing the z8ii
@afryhover
Жыл бұрын
I know, my problem too! NEED MONEY! 😂😂
@coltoncyr2283
Жыл бұрын
@@afryhover welcome to the world 😂
@felixlechat1780
Жыл бұрын
Wtf buy a used D750 it will be enough for you
@dayeah765caoni3
11 ай бұрын
@@felixlechat1780the guy wants a Benz and you suggest a Toyota?! What’s wrong with y
@dayeah765caoni3
11 ай бұрын
Z8ii will lower z8’s price tag
What an amazing camera
You guys do the best, most relatable, fun and trustworthy reviews?
Love my Z8!
*BEST* Jordan run yet! 🤣
I am just glad that these old players are still adding more choices for people. And with these competitive specs, other manufacturers are driven to provide more for us consumers. Started with Canon (550D) to Olmypus (EM5-II) to Sony (A7RV currently) and picked up a G9 and GX9 (Still a M43 user). I am glad that competition still around!.
I did my part… subscribing for the puppy photos
Nice review as always. Thank you! Though I would like to see you including more aspects for the casual user. I'm a professional DoP, but imho most users will never hassle with LUTs & co. They just select the video mode and go for it. So the out of the box footage or how easy to use is teh camera are way more important to most content creators (and viewers) than the "professional" features.
I like the running test
i love that this video has no ad so i don't have to skip the fun intro, love the video :)
Thanks so much for sharing another wonderful video like always, keep up with the awesome content 👍👌
Good review. I bought the Z8 and am taking it through its paces. Like it so far! BTW, what wrist strap are you using?
THAT RUNNING TEST IS EPIC LOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Hi Chris - nice vid. It is nice to see actual testing. I would hope you had time to set the camera for you. Be very careful using HLG Tone mode unless you only want to use NX Studio. Yes. Writing to the SD card is hopeless - just copy the files from CFE to SD once a sequence is done. Don’t shoot to both unless you throttle performance. Use GP1A plugged into the round 10-pin for GPS as an alternative to SnapBridge.
@niccollsvideo
Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the suggestion on the GPS unit.
@JSS75
Жыл бұрын
Is there something in camera to transfer over to the SD card after shooting?
@livejames9374
Жыл бұрын
@@JSS75 you have that option in the menu system
@JSS75
Жыл бұрын
@@livejames9374 Used Sony most recently, I’m back to Nikon but still remembering everything, it’s thankfully 10x easier to relearn than trying to figure out the worst UI ever in the Sony cameras. Thank you.
@wirawijoga7006
Жыл бұрын
@@JSS75 I shoot both. I feel you. 😆😆
Jordan running and making faces is just true professionalism! Also, I wait until puppy photo before clicking like. It's our social contract.
I love you guys 💖💖 I test-drove a Z9 to replace my 2 D5's and I wasn't a fan for my specific purpose it didn't make sense. My D5's shoot over 3k photos per charge, and the Z9 does 700. I really hope they become more efficient in upcoming models / firmware updates.
Subbed - lost you guys for awhile but I'm back :) PetaPixel is lucky to have you both.
"I love it when you call me Peta Poppa" "Like and subscribe if you got the true vibe" 😎
Thx, that was a great review, as usual! Very tempting to make this my next camera!🙂
I'd like to make fun of your adorable pup, but I can't! Bitingly good follow-up video for this fantastic camera. Thanks!
Chris and Jordan are the best!
With your experience with other brands, like sony and canon, do you find that the AF can track through the snow and rain? This has been my only gripe so far with my z6ii and 7ii. I shoot weddings so confetti, bubbles, stray light from other light sources, splash from running in the water, etc all interrupt the AF tracking. I was curious about other brands.
Nice review fellas.
Why haven't camera manufacturers figured out the very simple workflow of writing the buffer to card 1, perform backup to card 2 when the camera is idle. So simple.
Good job‼️
You are the best ❤️ I love you guys!!!
Amazing! Right After i hit the subscribe button, you showed some adorable pet photos as promised. Thx a lot!
I hope they can fix the buffering when shooting Raw to CFe and JPEG to SD in firmware.
Love the puppy
I understand it's not really your priority, but I would love to see new 2d opening clips from time to time. That's an awesome idea and it really marked your transition to Petapixel.
I really like this new petapixel pixelart intros
Do you have recommended microwave settings for the Z8 or should I just use the popcorn button?
Yes if you have an array of Nikon lens this is a better buy. Thank you Chris and Jordan.
You could use the GP-1 with the 10-pin cable and get GPS location imbedded into the file that way, no?
More of Penny please. She stole the show!
I don't see why they couldn't include an option to slowly duplicate the files onto the SD in the background. Of course you can copy files manually in the menu but this seems like it could be a work around that would keep the shooting speed and reduce the risk of keeping photos on one card
Overall, very impressed with the Z8. Purchased the camera so I could complementing my wildlife photography with two longer reach yet light weight lenses (e.g. Nikon Z 400 mm f4.5 and Nikon Z 800 mm f6.3). Very content with the camera and aside from battery life I saw little reason to pay for the significantly heavier and more expensive Z9.
Great review, and great to see you guys still doing your thing! And your puppy looks exactly like my Lulu did - six years ago :)
Zombie Apocalypse! 😀 I would have started running away from Jordan. Great work as always. Thanks
The puppy worked! I wanted to subscribe twice...
I happen to be in Calgary today, but not got to city centre . Seems like a nice enough city you guys occupy questionably.
I might be wrong, but a Nikon is a "budget" friendly 60p wildlife/nature documentary camera with great lens options for Z8/9. I have what you're looking for in the frame it's running...until midnight :)
Nice video. I disagree in the GPS over the cell phone part. I use Nikon app with my D5600 on a regular basis and it always works. When I import the photos to Lightroom, the GPS info is there. All I need to do is to open the app on my cell phone and check if the bluetooth icon on the camera is on, indicating they are communicating with each other. I would love to have a built-in GPS (my first camera, a Coolpix P510 had it), but you can't always get what you want.
@Lets-Take-Pictures
Жыл бұрын
Totally with you. SnapBridge is a joy compared to every other manufacturer’s app, and it’s not like you need to go and change settings or dig through menus every time you use the camera, you just need to open it once.
Lovely
I am trying to decide between S5II and Z8. I do mostly photo but I would like to learn video as well. Of the 2 cameras, which one has better autofocus for photo/video?
If it was for video only would It make more sense to go with the panasonic s52x or the nikon z8?
The puppy pics ain’t gon cut it. I‘m subscribing when we get Jordans weener.
cant wait to get hold of a Z8
On video recording do most professionals use external monitors w/ SATA drives so overheating is never an issue?
informative Z8 video
Does the USB output socket allow video recording directly to T5 SSD like on the Blackmagic 6K?
Doesn't the Z8 have a UHS-II SD card slot? I'd think that would help with the buffer limitations observed.
I'd love for nikon to allow direct SSD recording so I won't even bother with expensive cards and also have a larger storage.
@sulev111
Жыл бұрын
Wish it had a 16TB HDD grip.
@MB-dq2gz
Жыл бұрын
You can connect an Atmos ninja to it and do 10bit 4k.
@gewglesux
Жыл бұрын
Hhahaha You are starting to sound like the Northrup's I think they mentioned this.
@free-qe6wx
Жыл бұрын
@@MB-dq2gz That's not even close to the same thing. Those external recorders are expensive for what you get, large, heavy, different batteries, and just a PITA to use, plus you are severely limited on what modes/bitrates/etc. you can record with Nikon cameras. Its a solution that works for basically no one.
@makatron
Жыл бұрын
@@gewglesux oh please don't compare me to that individual, I've done nothing wrong with you 🤣
Petapapa, any chance of a review of the nikon 12-28? Most reviewers seem to be skipping that one
@redauwg911
Жыл бұрын
APS-C
after watching the puppy i can't in good conscience not to sub, so subscribed.
Z8 is a monster... Love it
By using N-log, have you encounter the blue color spill issue when there is blue light source within the frame?
@PetaPixel
Жыл бұрын
I have not encountered that. I'll keep an eye out for it. -Jordan
we're waiting for fuji xs20 review!)
When will you do the fujifilm x-s20 review waiting for you guys before i buy.
Great backup to Z9.
Like 32bit processors and software; at some point we're going to have to kick SD format to the curb. In the mean time a LOT of folks are going to appreciate the fact the Z8 has the SD slot. Any dings against the Z8 SD performance is really a ding on SD. I'd really like to see a dual CFExpress version of the Z8 offered though. In the mean time the Z9 is there for people that really need the battery life and speed of dual CFExpress cards. My "fear" is that I'll get one and decide the Z9 has to go (love the battery life, not in love with the weight and my use case does not demand a tank :^)
Jordan - which skin softening setting did you use - extreme mounty ? Take care with the tonal/hugh adjustments in PC/Portrait Impression Balance. The audio ADCs are 24-bit 48Khz in the Z8/Z9 -- up from 16/48 in previous Z models. Anyone wanting higher res should use a field recorder and higher sensitivity mics. Please keep saying -- get a CINE body with active cooling if you want to shoot very long duration single shots in high res/fast fps.
@ChaplainDMK
Жыл бұрын
I really wonder how many people actually use hybrid MILCs for shooting long form video. Apart from recording concerts and a few other situations I cant imagine why someone would wish to record for an hour at 8k 60 fps. And like you said, if you are asked to record gigs at 8k, maybe just get something better suited to that.
@Ritalie
Жыл бұрын
@@ChaplainDMK I can't understand why 8K is used at all. It harkens back to how mentally damaged our society is, always wanting to buy the latest thing without any regard for the practicality or actual necessity. 1080p looks outstanding, and if you have a pro level camera, 1080p looks like beautiful cinema footage. The colors and lighting (dynamic range) are far more important than the clarity of the video. A video doesn't need high resolution, it needs correct colors, and correct shadows (dynamic range). I wish they would simply make an announcement that cameras are stopping at 8K. There's just no logical reason to keep trying to get more and more detail. Do we want to look at people under a microscope? Is that what we are going for? Eventually people will need gobs of makeup to just be on a basic KZread video.
@Ritalie
Жыл бұрын
@@ChaplainDMK I think I could buy the Z8, and keep it for the rest of my life, and it would probably work fine. I really think it has enough technology and enough resolution that you could use it for 30 years. I think we've reached a point finally where the cameras will be good enough to last 30 years, just as the cameras in the 1960's, lasted all the way into the late 1990's and were still being used for weddings and things. The next iteration of cameras will really just be an artificial intelligence, and it will make all the calculations and do everything for you, and basically it will structure the video and image, and you won't have to do anything at all. But that's not fun, and the "hobby" of photography will necessitate using an older camera before A.I. is implemented into the cameras.
Still wondering if this is a good option or not for someone who shoots a lot with studio strobes. Any thoughts about that? TIA.
Does the Z8 have an 8k timelapse mode like the D850 does? That was a really cool feature of the D850 that i hope made it to the Z8. I use it a lot.
@FlyinRyanProductions406
Жыл бұрын
Yes it does.
My people have returned!
Thanks for the review! Nikon still has those unreachable function button on the front when using many lenses, unless you have very slim fingers. That is one reason why I sold my Z camera, the other is the size (in width) of very basic lenses. On paper all Z cameras are great except for some which have confirmed AF issues, but the ergonomics are nowhere close to the D800 bodies.
That green tint of the S5II is very dominant in this one... :/
excellet review
Gotta be honest, I subscribed for the puppies :)
The catch for me. I’m a photographer and I was thinking about upgrade from the D850 to my first Nikon mirrorless. But woohoo, here in Sweden it was over 5000$ 😮
Is there gonna be z6iii or something? I dont know if i should wait for a new one or just buy z8. One of the reason i wanna upgrade from z6ii is the horizontal tilt display lol.
Are you guys going to review Fujifilm XS20?
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha... Those photo sequence of Jordan running were hilarious
Do they post a gallery online like DP review?
8k60RAW internal has always been a dream feature of mine it’s fantastic that it’s here and goes for so long without overheating. I have an R6II now but, as Chris says the better AF and megapixels are what keeping this from an uncontested pick. I can’t wait for in 5ish years when flawless AF, 8k60, and High MP, dual CF express/SSD with dual usb C are all on one body.
@xmanreturn
11 ай бұрын
how do you store all the Terabytes from 8K60.. I can't really imagine that
@Citizenflaba
11 ай бұрын
@@xmanreturn tons of drives external and otherwise. Dump a thousand or two lol
@toddysurcharge771
8 ай бұрын
@@xmanreturn honestly I look at the camera as future proofing. You won't need to get another camera for 8K down the line as you will already have it here and eventually harddrive sizes will catch up to the tech just like monitors aren't even in 8k yet....with a few high end exceptions. If you can handle some 8k footage now even if its just 3-5 minutes and upload to youtube you could get good view numbers just because 8k content is so rare right now.
Autofocus in-depth review of Z8/Z9 would be good to see. How does it differ from other cameras in sports photography and other scenarios. I believe it's good but I want to see it in a review.
@davidmarquez2821
Жыл бұрын
look for Z9 reviews after 3.0 firmware update. It is the same as the Z8.
@VIDEOVISTAVIEW2020
Жыл бұрын
In the past,Jared pollen usually do a side by side shoot out comparison of these 3 big camera makers but he has not done it yet lately.
@alwynsmit3546
Жыл бұрын
Go check out Jared Polin. You'll see the AF isn't all that, but the other reviewers seem to sugarcoat it as usual
I can't wait to sell my old F mount gear and have this alongside my awesome Z6