I have to say that it's so refreshing to see an influencer that is not just pushing the latest product. Thank you for being authentic, honest and sharing your perspective.
I don't think people with other opinions are 'just pushing the latest product'. The Z8 is getting quite a lot of good reviews - essentially the Z9 without the big battery, grip and a bit less weather sealing. Also the focusing seems to be better than Z7ii. It depends what is important to you and what you do. If you shoot concerts in virtually zero lighting and can't compromise on focus the Z8 might be for you. If you're a sports photographer who can do without the screen blackout at high frames per second the same. It's about what suits you. It's hardly about being authentic either. Do you buy a 3.5 litre engine car if you just drive to Tesco?
@@anewcareerinanewtown I don't disagree that this camera is interesting to photographers who shoot more than landscapes. Thomas was referring to landscape photographers with his main takeaway to stick with the Z7, so that's what my comment is referring to. So far, the likes of Nigel Danson and others are painfully trying to push the camera because they're so excited Nikon sent them one to try and I appreciate that Thomas is honest enough to call it as he sees it.
I have the original Z7. Small, light, fabulous images. All this is needed for most landscape photography. Don't even need a Z7II. But if you want to photo wildlife, or sports, or motion, or if you want video or low light, then Z8. Remember how unhappy you were a few videos ago that you could not track the arctic foxes as well as you wanted to? I am thinking about dealing with the extra weight and the price in order to get the other features. But for when I want to travel light, I will keep the Z7. Not your primary focus but try walking around with your Z7II and the tiny 40mm f2 Z lens. I put this in monochrome mode and call it my "Poor Man's Leica M11 Monochrome." Quite fun!
I currently shoot with a Z7II. I pre-ordered the Z8 this morning primarily for the low light auto-focus capability, the screen over the sensor, and the articulating LCD screen. I shoot landscapes mostly, and occasionally wildlife. I will keep the Z7II to use if I am hiking a fair distance, but other than that I plan on using the Z8.
LD, that's exactly my situation as well, only I have a Z7. So, contrary to what Thomas suggested, I'm hoping that I will see a difference in image quality between my already good Z7, and the new Z8! Good luck with yours!
I, for myself, am completely hyped by the z8. Everything I felt missing in z6 and z7 - especially the bigger body, without being a z9 - is what I wished for. Because even as a woman, I felt the z7 being to small in my hands. And the autofocus is soooo much better...
This is how I feel about the AF after trying to switch from the D750 to the Z6 (and briefly the A7III), is that they're just not as good as a DSLR. The Z6/7/II don't seem to change that, but the Z8/9 do. And blackout free shooting means it's more possible to nail timing on shots
I shot landscape with the Z7ii, and found it fantastic for that particular genre, but not particularly good for wildlife or anything else that required AF. I bought a Z9 thinking I'd find it overkill for landscape, but the bevy of additional features made it my favorite landscape camera of all time, with one fatal flaw...the size and weight. I tend to wear my camera on my sleeve, literally, with a Peak Capture, and the Z9 is just not the right camera for that. Here's the thing though...now that the size/weight problem is solved, the total package that the Z8 represents for landscape photographers across a variety of applications is unmatched and puts the Z7ii into a corner in my opinion. Things for landscape/nature photography the Z8 gives you that the Z7ii doesn't: - Dual Tilt Screen for low angle portrait orientation shots - Red menu for night/astro - Starlight view for astro - Backlit buttons for operation in the dark - Better IBIS for handheld hiking shots - Sensor cover for in the field lens changes - Better weather sealing - Better ergos - HE* RAW files that are smaller and easier to work with in post - A playback button that's actually in the correct spot It's a very compelling package for many types of photographers, and even though some landscape photogs will feel it might be "overkill", the overall feature set you get is honestly unmatched in the industry right now. For everyone crying about the CIPA battery rating...odd that most people who have actually shot the Z8 for multiple days are saying it's much better in real world use.
As soon as I saw the anodized orange L Bracket, I knew you were getting the camera from Ricci. Great set-up for the beginning story 😊 Even though you wanted more time and maybe felt a bit rushed for time, you still captured some amazing images. True to your style.
I can't believe Nikon came up to you in the middle of nowhere, just amazing! The Z8 is a perfect combination of the D850 body and feel with the Z9 technology!
Thanks for your kind words, I felt like I was really missing the light in this episode, but it's one of those locations that produces is all conditions.
Thank you for your frankness, it is increasingly rare. Thank you again for all your videos, I've been following you for 5 years and I still love it so much. You always make me want to put on my boots and go out to take pictures :-)
For me the Z8 is what I've been waiting for since my D850 died. The Z7ii has been a place holder. The D850 was my favorite camera ever. Right next to my F3HP in the film days as the best of its generation. Pros of Z8: Sensor cover, Tilt screen, Timlapse and low light focus, form factor/larger grip than the 7ii.. Cons: Mix of cards - Wish they went with Dual CFExpress. Maybe a 60+ MP sensor to be the Nikon king of High MP (but they were going for hybrid I think and that would also hinder the low light performance). But the 7ii has pretty much the same image quality and does all I need it to right now, so I can wait a bit longer before upgrading.
Great discussion and frankness as always, and good to see Ricci out there with you. I didn't plan to pre-order as felt it would be too heavy and too expensive and not much an upgrade over my Z7ii. I was wrong. Now $3995 isn't cheap but less than I was told might be the price, and I think the weight is manageable and larger grip size will be better me. The AF, tilt screen, upgraded sensor (with screen!) and processor for more firmware upgrades put me over the top. Will wait for it to get here one day and then decide what to do with my Z7ii. All good issues to deal with...
I have a question for you Thomas. I'm curious how you manage to keep your photography enthusiast when you always need to bring a lot of gear with you to produce these videos? How do you feel about most of the time prioritizing video for us? I created my own channel and LOVE LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY, but the biggest issue for me right now is knowing that I might shoot a wonderful sunrise and have quality video, but I might be missing out on the photography... Anyway, I like what you're doing! Cheers!😉
Oof, it's a tough balance. You want to get your video skills to the point where you're on autopilot, then you can easily focus on photography. When push comes to shove; throw a GoPro on your head, hit record and forget about it. Photography should always come first.
Sounds fair!😉 Thanks for taking time to answer! My problem I think is wanting my videos to have a cinematic feel. It might be a greater challenge because as you know, best lighting conditions just give you a small window to get what you want. But that’s not your problem!😉 I don’t want to post any link over here but if you feel like seeing my attempt to crack the Matrix, well, I guess you know where to go! ✌️🙂 Thanks Thomas, great work and great commitment to help others 🙌🙌🙌
Thomas is one of the best at capturing the process of landscape photography on video. As someone who’s shot stills for 40 years, and now shoots video as well, I know how difficult it is to do both. For me, the video side of it requires a LOT more effort than the stills, but I’m thoroughly enjoying the challenge. Like you, I want to produce high quality video, but it’s at least 50 times harder than producing high quality stills!! 🦘
Love the start of the video with the handover of the Z8 in the dim morning light just like an old spy movie 😎 Beautiful test shots with the trees ...love! the sensor cover very nice feature hope that will be a future thing for all dslr 😍
Ricci has had the camera for months and was able get into a lot more detail. Of course, he works for them. Now that the embargo is over, maybe they'll give you a few more days with one.🎯 The sensor cover and multi angle view screen could tilt the balance. 👍🥂
Thanks for the glimpse of the Z8, Thomas. I mostly do birds with a D850 which I've used for the last 5 years +, so the features I will be looking for will be autofocusing on BIF; autofocusing and exposure for mixed lighting in woodlands; continuous auto focus; image quality; image captures per second; and price, price price. It will take a lot to pry me away from my D850 which has about 60,000 shutter activations now.
Thanks for the review Thomas. I’m still very much struggling to part with my D850 as it’s such a great camera for landscapes. As good as the Z8 sounds it’s not convincing me either, especially as one of the main reasons often suggested as an advantage for moving to mirrorless, weight, isn’t much different to the D850. Think I’m waiting until your review of the Z7iii
Excellent video, Thomas! I think you explained it perfectly, for landscapes the Z7ii is the best camera in Nikon's lineup. It is great to hear your thoughts on it and I look forward to some of the new Z8 technology coming into future bodies that may offer an advantage for landscape photographers.
It seems that with the Z8, Nikon have gone back to the superb D200/D300 ergonomics, which themselves were developed from that unsung masterpiece of camera design the Nikon F4. All other Nikons film or digital camera, and quite a lot of other camera makes were actually based on the deisgn of the F4. It is a very welcome return to Nikon's roots. Some lovely photography too, Mr Heaton. It is a shame that these new Nikons are very very expensive. I guess I have to keep the D810 for quite a while.
I bet the Nikon chappy spat his dummy out ! 🙂 But you were fair and laid out the Z8's strengths. I will not forget Gavin H describing you as a man of integrity during the F4 trip, and you continue to be so. Nice photos btw, of both trees and boy, what a sun rays! I was literally saying "Go on, hurry up before it disappears" - but on reflection, I am sure that you already had one in the bag!
"Bad light" on not, the 14mm tree shot is B&W was fantastic in my opinion. Z8 seems like a wildlife and sports photographer's dream, but I understand why a landscape photographer would be just as happy with a Z7II
I just recently moved to the Z7 II, and I can't justify taking a bath to move to the Z8. I have not had issues focusing on the Z6 II or Z7 II, and I shoot in several genres, including portraits. weddings, landscapes & astrophotography. Great review, I love the honest feedback and hands-on. The Z8 looks like a great camera, perhaps in the future!
Agree Thomas....good camera but everything depends on individual needs. I love my Z7ii for landscape and portrait, my Z9 for wildlife and bird photography
Good video on the camera - my thoughts as well. I’ve been interested in what the Z8 would be for some time, and while I like some of the changes vs the Z7/Z7ii, it’s seems like most of additional Z9 features here are ones I wouldn’t use for landscapes. So that makes it a high premium over the Z7ii for the few features I would enjoy having (dual axis screen, rubber mode dials, lower light autofocus, sensor cover, etc.)
Thanks for an honest opinion from a landscape photographer point of view. I will stay with Z7II which is great apart from lack of sensor cover. And much lighter, which is important to me.
Nice that you had the change using the Z8! I think weight of a camera is something people tent to forget. Overall I think the Z8 is a amazing camera, and for everybody that was thinking Z9 but don’t need the battery this is now a no-brainer. But, as you mentioned, as far as image quality goes, the Z7 is great, and overall is still a great option for less money. If you like to hike and weight is a limitation, option like the Z7, Sony A7 or canon R8 shouldn't be overlooked! Also, Nice colour backpack you got! It looks like a Shimoda but in Yellow!
Indeed Thomas, I never understood what the attraction of the Z8 would be for a landscape photographer. The Z8 looks like a great all-round camera but I see no advantages for landscape shooting over the Z7II. A 60+MP Z7III might be more interesting.
Nice video introducing the Z8. Like Q giving Bond some new gadget, only going with him on the mission 😁. Imagine if you had been up in the highlands of Scotland or similar, and having a secretive Nikon chaperone come up with the camera, proper "secret agent" style then 😆. Actually would they have come that far? Pity you didn't get the light, but a good second image, but what a location. Glad they've put an articulated screen in, and it will be interesting to see what the price is when it comes out. When the Z8 does come out, will you rent one for a week and take a trip?
Well, i wasn't able to test the Z8 obviously, but i decided to do the exact same thing myself. Despite loving wildlife photography too, i just think I'll stick with the Z7II as well
I noticed these yellow ones have popped up on several RU-vid channels in the past few weeks. I’m guessing Action X v2…..with a new colour (which I don’t like!)
Having a Z 6II and a Z 9, I appreciate the form factor of the smaller body. The Z 8 seems like it would be a compromise. I know many people were frustrated with the lack of the shutter delay, but that was a compromise with harder access to the self timer on the Z 6/7. With it being easier to access on the Z 8/9, I don't find I miss that at all. But I find that 4 way flip screen is worth the extra weight. I do a lot of vertical compositions and I find that very variable. With the other timelapse features, I think the Z 8 is a worthy upgrade.
Hey Thomas, I understand that you wish you could’ve had it longer and have been alone. We would have loved to have seen you take it out on an adventure and explore more. You only had a couple of hours which is not enough time. However, the two shots that you took look fantastic!
A different type of video for this channel and I'm here for it. I'm glad you aren't looking to become yet another spec reading channel, but I really enjoyed your fresh take on the gear reveal/review.
Not only did I enjoy that, I found it very, very refreshing and inspiring. It is all too easy to get excited about the features of a new camera, but you nailed it on the head when you talked about size and weight for the style of shooting that you do. I am not a photographer, but a cinematographer and I have a Sony FS7 and FS5 as my two main workhorses. The FS7 is fantastic, but I rarely take it out to shoot with as it gets so damned heavy by the time you've added a lens, monitor to actually see as the Sony one is useless and battery to power the energy-hungry monitor as well as all the rigging to hold it all together. So, my FS7 is restricted to shooting indoors or on shoots where there is a crew to help me lug all of my stuff around with me. When it comes to cameras, size is important and to Nikon's credit, that is what they have acknowledged and seemingly the main point of the Z8.
Excellent video as always I was waiting for this announcement to decide on Z7ii or Z8. If I already had a Z7ii, I wouldn’t upgrade. But since I don’t, I’m definitely on the fence. Mainly landscape and nightscape shooting. With the occasional wildlife that may cross my path Z8 pro: two way tilt screen (low to the ground portrait landscape benefit), illuminated buttons, red light screen, star mode (nightscape benefit) Z8 con: battery life (TBD - a bit unknown but not insurmountable), weight and size. Not sure yet whether it’s worth the extra $$$
Thanks for the video! I'm a long time Nikon user and happy to see them come out with such a powerhouse of a camera. But, as a landscape photographer primary, I have been coming to the same conclusions as you, I'll likely stick to my z7ii for the moment. And maybe hope some of those features for the still side of the world (mainly the sensor shield, more tiltable screen, and low light focus ability come to a z7iii at some point.
A fair "review". Much more authentic than just banging on about all the bells and whistles of the new model. And you did highlight all the good things about the Z8, and the only downside for you seems to be weight and size - which are important for many people. The images are as good as ever, maybe with better light the next time … 😁
I’m super happy you got to test this camera! I agree though, the size of the z7ii is a massive selling point for travel and landscape. Hopefully they trickle down some features on a potential z7iii.
Looks like a cracking piece of kit, thanks for sharing, Ps you should shoot more ultra wide stuff that black and white tree image was awesome., Thanks for sharing.
It's Heaton ... and then also Ricci? When my different RU-vid channels come together it blows my mind!! Aren't they from different parts of the Earth??
I almost skipped this video because 1) it’s Nikon and I don’t use them; and 2) gear videos bore me. BUT what a great little shoot at a terrific location. I’d love to see a longer shoot there.
I have watched many of your videos over the years. One thing struck me as I was watching you struggle to find the 2 second timer on this Z8, and that is you never use an electronic release. I find the electronic release a much better option, you choose the optimal moment to press the button. These things are cheap enough and totally reliable. You use a cable release with your Hasselblad and your 6×17 film cameras.
You hit the nail on the head that for current z7/l/ll shooters, like myself, who exclusively shoot landscapes, the Z8 provides little to no incentive to upgrade besides a bit better weather sealing and a sensor protection screen. For most others, the Z8 seems perfect although 200 grams heaver then the z7 but more then a pound lighter then the Z9. It seems the perfect multifaceted combination for fast, slow and no action demands for the active and inactive hybrid shooter. I suspect very many current Nikon holdouts who currently shoot with Z6/7 cameras or DSLRs will be pounding those preorder buttons. With the popularity of Nikon lenses, I suspect the same may be true for many currently shooting Canon and and even those small handed Sony shooters.
For me, I've always been a fan of lightweight, small cameras, so the z7 is the ultimate landscape cam. It's not perfect, but what it boils down to is image quality and lens selection. Can't think of a better value for money camera. My next choice after this would be the GFX50R, but of course that does not offer the lens selection.
No pre-order pounding here! In fact I'm looking forward to picking up another D800 absolutely great camera for this type of work. And for the price of this how much gear can I get? A lot basically an entire system set up!
Love that second shot! Two really good features of the Z8 for time lapse would also be the articulated screen (pretty important for low slider shots etc.) and most importantly, the SENSOR COVER, because sensor dust is the bane of a time lapser's life. You can't clone it out when every frame is different, and the eye picks it up immediately. I was constantly cleaning my Sony a77 when I shot time lapse back in 2015, it was such a pain.
That better autofocus in low light is major. Opens a world of possibilities especially for landscape photography. Personally I like bulkier camera bodies as they give a better grip when walking around with the camera. I never use tripod. Always just walk around with camera in hand, so I can shoot right away when I see something interesting. So to me the Z 8 is alluring… we’re it not that I am a Canon shooter. I started out decades ago with the very first models of Sony alpha, then moved onto Nikon, then sold all that to have access to the brilliant Canon lens line up. Tried Sony again last year but they suck. Very bad experience. So totally on Canon now. However. I am peeking at Nikon now and then… the new 600mm lens… Keeps drawing my attention. Who knows if I will try them again.
Very intresting review. The tools matter less than the artist. loved the black and white tree shot . How about getting an IR 7II ? thanks for an honest review. It will be intresting to now watch Moretn's review whilst using it for bird photography. thanks
I agree with your argument about the image quality, if you mainly shoot landscapes, there's no real advantage between the two cameras. What I don't agree with is that 200g makes a difference in a backpack because they don't (and I know because I've been doing long-distance hikes and multi-day outings carrying everything that I need, both for the activity and photography, for 20 years). If I load 2 backpacks with everything you normally carry with you for your shoot except that in one I slide a 200g weight on and give them to you, I'd be surprised if you noticed the difference. What makes a difference in a system is the lenses, the compound weight of multiple lenses. But carrying 200g more is not a factor. Now if you carry that camera in your hand all day because you're doing some travel photography etc, then, is different. I know is a stupid thing to niggle about but is just not true that it would make a difference in a backpack.
Good video. My main issue with all of this is decide if I end up buying a Z7ii by October or just wait a bit more in the hopes Nikon eventually announces/releases a Z7III.... :/
The rumour mill seems to lean towards a DX D500 replacement (Z90?) in The autumn. As a consumer, that sounds logical, as a manufacturer, Nikon may have other ideas.
I have a Z7ii with a Z5 backup body. Combined with the trinity of Z mount 2.8 lenses (14-24, 24-70, 70-200) For me its the perfect set up here in the Scottish Highlands. They're weather proof (important!) and not too big or heavy to hike/climb with and all full frame goodness. Honestly everyone the actual camera is 10% of the job at most. The rest is split 45/45 between the glass you put in front of it and the organic thing behind it pressing the buttons. They make a far bigger difference.
I agree that the Z7ii is enough for landscape, but I sure do like the sensor cover, the tilting screen, the button layout, the 10-pin terminal, and the memory banks for controls. But, US $4,000 is a lot for that. I can’t help but think that the z8 is going to get more firmware updates than the Z7ii. That’s probably what will push me to get one.
Thank you very much! I was curious about how the weight feels! I do spend a fair amount of time failing to shoot birds, but still usually need to hike to get to them. Just looking at the size, I'm not hiking with the Z8 strapped to my chest.
I don’t own either of the cameras but some of the biggest differences are probably that the Z8 has better video features and far superior autofocus. The Z8 seems to be a more versatile camera than the Z7(probably don’t want to shoot wildlife or action with the Z7s relatively lacking autofocus), while they both have pretty much identical image quality.
Looks like the Z8 took a page out of the R5 book with the sensor cover. It is reassuring to not have to constantly worry about dust/dirt/mist/etc. The one complaint I have about the GFX 50S II is that it leaves that huge sensor wide open when changing lenses!
I think the Z8 will be as popular as the D700 and D850. Maybe Ricci can pull some strings and arrange for one to be winging its way to you for a proper evaluation.
Hello Thomas, thanks for this video, it´s very interesting to see your opinion on the Z8. BUT I am more curious about this yellow Shimoda bag..what is this? I haven´t seen anything like that before, is this some special edition? Thank you, have a great day!!
It's hilarious to me how Nikon are going back to adding buttons back onto the body. There's no beating having a button and a flick of the wheel to get the mode or setting you need rather than scrolling through menus! Love to see it. This new Nikon seems like the closest replacement for my D810.
I don't mind the flat light it actually adds to the desolate feeling of this environment, warm sunlight might be dramatic but maybe to gentle for this harsh isolated environment ;-), the new camera seems excellent, I am not a nikon shooter though, and not ready to step over to nikon yet 🙂
I guess Thomas the only negative is the size. Kinda strange when the whole idea of mirrorless is size. I was under the impression that the Z8 wasn't going to be that different from the Z7. Thanks Tom great video some nice shots as well.
5:17 is where it drove me batty when using my old Z5, my previous cameras like the Z8 has a physical button for the self timer. This is what form factor they should have released for the original Z6 & Z7 but no; shrink the cameras down in size & design massive oversized lenses. Yeah that makes sense! Well I sold my Z5 & upgraded to an D810 (plus I have A D700); happier now!
I'm thinking unless you need the additional features of the Z8, if you're primarily doing landscapes the Z7 II is more than plenty, and if the sensor is similar to that of the z9, you may get slightly better dynamic range and color reproduction than the Z9, so it sort of would be a win-win. Personally, I plan to get a Z8 for everything but landscape, and keep my Z7 II for landscape purposes for this very reason (the best IQ).
Most of my gear comes from MPB. Good company. I'm wondering about eye tracking and how well this camera works for portrait & event photographers. Personally, I want two D850 bodies.
Thanks for the great video (as usual!!!). In my case I’m shooting with a z6 mkI and I’m looking for an upgrade. I will probably go for the z8 instead of the z7 mkII for a few reasons: protective shutter on the sensor, tilting screen and 8k Timelapse. Also I’m gaining an interest in wildlife, and really struggling with the z6 AF, so one more reason to go for the z8. Anyway I have no intention in getting rid of my z6 and will keep it as a backup/light travel camera!
I priced a Z8 and a decent zoom and a prime in Canada. It was well over $8000. For that amount, I can buy fully automated astro-rig with a cooled camera, mount, APO scope with reducers a control unit and an autofocuser.
Still waiting for a reason to abandon my D850 for a mirrorless camera. I'm super happy with the images, and so far, the camera has never been the limiting factor (I always am.)
I admit to lusting over the sensor cover- it hypothetically solves- or at least reduces- the infernal dust problem. BUT- dust and other boogers are going to get on that shutter, and when it opens and closes said stuff has to go somewhere, like onto the sensor or lens? Can one clean the shutter without damaging it? I would bet it's more fragile to ham fisted cleaning attempts than the sensor. If 'wet' dust lands on it, will it goo up and not open- or close? Sigh. Time will tell. Maybe Z9 owners could chime in on that. I guess with film it's self cleaning- it rolls up the dust with each new shot. Wait... what we need is a hybrid! A replaceable roll of sticky film (flypaper?) alternating with a rectangular cutout. Each time changing the lens, one gets the sticky facing out. Lens mounts, and sticky advances to the cutout. A roll of 50 for $2. What could go wrong? That said, my finger is hovering over the 'buy' button.
I was hoping for something closer to the Z6/7ii than the Z9. The Z6ii has been the perfect camera for me. I honestly just want a Z6ii that can shoot raw video, even if it's just 4K and a slightly better AF system at the Z6/7ii price points. It's insane in this day and age with what BMD, Sony, Canon and everyone else offers that in the Nikon ecosystem if you're not getting their top of the line (at double the price) you're stuck with 8-bit h.264
@@jeanleguique4280 we really had this camera already in the Z9 though, as far as capability goes. I personally don't actually want 8K RAW. I don't want an interview to fill up a 1tb CF Express card that costs $1000. Very much looking forward to the Z6iii/7iii and the potential of them
Hi Thomas thx for your opinion. Now from what I can see the Z8 looks awesome but I'm waiting for the Z7iii to come as I think/hope it will have/ should have some great upgrades from the Z7ii that should close the cap between it and the Z8.
One of the main reasons with going with the R7 and R6MII was the cover covering the sensor which you seem to have a lot of issues with from a previous video you had mentioned. Glad Nikon is getting back in the game.
It sounds like you may want to wait until the z7 III comes out. It'll probably have the same type of flip out screen as the z8 and z9. I doubt it will have a stacked sensor but you won't need that for landscape photography. And the z7 III might have the 61 MP sensor. It might not come until next year. Who knows, Nikon may all you to be one of their testers for the z7 III.
Shooting in Black and White does allow for more atmospheric shots in so so lighting conditions, Something most people bought up shooting film are well aware of but not enough people in the Digital age care to experiment and find new discoveries in Photography. A very honest appraisal on not just one but two of Nikons cameras.I do really appreciate the leaf style sensor cover to keep dust bunnies at bay a really good innovation in the Z 8 and well worthwhile. I do appreciate your aspect on Camera size as among my many camera bodies and systems I can go from my Nikon FM2 or F4 to my Canon AE1 or T 90 and then to my D80 or D 200 which I kept for the type of sensor they both use, Or shoot my Nikon D 7100 or for a real retro timewarp my Zeiss Ikon Contina and they all can give great resuts but each has it's merits and potential pitfalls but they all allow creative shooting when approached the right way bearing in mind that thankfully Film is not dead and the scope of what is available continues to increase thankfully. A friend who shoots weddings tells me that when clients find out he still has and shoots an F5 often request he shoots both digital and film for the event, I guess people relate to film images like audio afficiendo's equate to Vinyl compared to Digital sound and often like to have both options available. I must admit that working in the Darkroom it can be so much faster correcting other people's work when various aspect are either under or overexposed with the simple use of sometimes a pencil or a ruler to control the exposure when developing the film, Much easier and quicker than the digital equivalent but there are some things where the digital workflow can achieve what no other method can achieve so I firmly believe both Film and Digital can and should coexist alongside each other.
My thoughts also. No doubting it's a great camera and the improved video and AF spec is quite desirable but, in essence, like you, I'm a landscape stills photographer and I'm not seeing anything that gives me a real benefit over my current Z7 II. It's not going to give me "better" photos. I'll most probably wait until the Z7 III or Z8 II.
love the video, was originally a nikon shooter for 20 some odd years before moving to canon a couple years ago. Always enjoy watching gear stuff even if its not mine. Speaking of gear, that bag looks like a shimoda but ive never seen that color before? is it something new?
During my photography life i used different cameras: zenith, canon, nikon, sony. Never used Fuji- just don’t understand it. My latest camera is z7ii. It’s not a plastic toy, I was in heavy incident ( fully destroyed motorcycle, broken me and my rider) , but z7ii which was hanging on my neck is ok. So if you fall it - don’t worry. 2 third of my photos is action and 1 third- landscape. I’m not agree with anyone who told that z7ii is not for sports or wildlife. If you have good reaction and make one right shot instead 100 shots serial you can use it. I dreamed sell my z7ii and purchase z9, but war was started and i changed my priorities, I’m Ukrainian from Nikolaev. Dust protection is very important for me. Weight is important but not so principal. Mostly I don’t use tripod. By the way, I’m in love with 100-400 lenses, my favourite. So my resume: if I will have possibility to change my camera I still don’t know for z9 or z8. I should check if mount adapter from z7ii is good for z8 to use my old lenses …
Good video I am on the fence about changing from my z7.2 to the 8. The size and weight factor may be the deciding issue, since most of my photography is travel. Thanks for the review.
Interesting perspective on the Z8, Thomas. As a landscape and product photographer with a Z7, I am very interested in the Z8, and keeping the Z7. This way, on hikes, I can have a wide-angle on the Z7 and a telephoto on the Z8, and mitigate frequent lens changes. OK, regarding your comment about "near identical" image quality between the Z8 and Z7ll, I would be a bit surprised if that's indeed true, because certainly the 2 year newer stacked sensor, combined with the new Expeed7 engine, would impart better image quality in terms of sharpness and detail, especially in low-light?! Of course, I plan to do comparsion testing once the Z8 is available. And a question please...what's the brand of L-bracket you had on the Z8? Thanks!
