@@bngr_bngrI wouldn’t call them a disaster, they still produce fantastic images, in some situations the autofocus doesn’t work as well as we would like but a disaster? Nah.
Nikon coming back is a heart warming feeling for me. Started photography with Nikon D3300, then switched to Sony A6400, now it feels like this is the perfect time to get back to Nikon. Z8 is amazing.
I also started on D3300 and moved to a LUMIX which I sold in less than a year and since then I’m still using an original Z6 for professional work and it is enough. I can’t imagine how the upgrade will feel like to move to Z8 but I’m still hoping for a Z6iii 😅
Last time when Nikon did something revolutionary was D3, which I still own since new. Sometimes I think the release of the Z6 was under the pressure of their marketing department. As a legendary camera maker, how can they not know the proper focus capability is the fundamental of a proper camera? But it seems like Nikon always took a few more years longer to get the hardware together. I almost switched to Canon, twice. It was a little rough watching the 1Ds, MK-ll took over the market and all Nikon had were antiquated D2x. I remember Nikon kept talking about the full frame sensor being invalid (marketing talk, as we all know it) until they dropped the D3. For the last few years, we all sit here watching Sony dominate the mirrorless sector, and take off like a freight train until Nikon did it again with Z9/Z8...5 years later. Perhaps not as revolutionary as D3 but still a pretty big deal regardless...I am still wondering what their product development timeline looks like and love to be the fly on the wall when the nikon 😅designer/engineer and marketing people arguing about the whether or not Z6 should have one or two card slot.
Although you mentioned the read out speed, Tony and Chelsea, you failed to mention the one big related leapfrog Nikon made with the Z9 and now Z8. They are not only mirrorless, but also shutterless. They are the first camera maker to do this on an enthusiast and professional interchangeable lens camera body. Now every other camera maker must follow.
I agree, I love that I don't have to worry about 'shutter count' anymore, especially because I tend to keep cameras for a long time and the very high FPS would chew it up very quickly.
Even though I don't use Nikon myself, I'm always happy when I see another company making good cameras. In the end competition is the thing that is going to push all manufacturers to making better gear, and also keeping prices reasonable.
Even the worse camera is better than most photographers. Instead of endlessly upgrading and swaping cameras take time to learn how to use the one you have. I know I just moved from Fuji to Z9 system and yes it is a big improvement over my old T2 but I am still working on getting the best from it.
Agreed, I started with a 3300 and just now “upgrade” to a 7100 maybe in 10 years I’ll get the z8. Going this rout forced me to really understand how all the functions interact with each other. A big part of learning for me was using auto and seeing what settings it chose, and then switch to manual and set the same settings and adjust to desired taste from there. With all the super high frame rates now, I see all sorts of RU-vidrs just holding the shutter down and later going frame by frame of what’s basically a video, to pick the best one. No real effort in composition , just spray and pray.
I own the Z9 and ❤️ it. As backup I have a Z6II and I don’t feel the need to change it to Z8(but I might do it when the price drops). Yes, I am now proud of Nikon. I trusted them always but I had moments when I wanted to buy a fujifilm gfx and sell all Nikon gear…I was never inclined towards Sony or cannon.
I'm not a professional nor do I have a ton of money. I have a good amount of Nikon lenses that I love. I cannot keep changing systems every time one 'leap frogs' the others. I am very glad that the Z8 came out. I traded my Z6 and Z7 for it. I get to stay in their system and have a modern cam that competes well. I almost got a D850 but waited a month+ because I heard something was coming from Nikon. I was rewarded. Thanks Nikon!
@@pjimmbojimmbo1990 I was going to get it because I had used a friend's D850 while we were on vacation and I loved it. It felt right and me being used to DSLRs, it worked well for me. But yes, I would have been upset if I did buy it then the Z8 came out
@@pjimmbojimmbo1990 worst camera, lol people nowadays are desillusional. The D850 is touted as the best DSLR of all time and it is still relevant today even in the age of mirrorless. A new technology won't render the old non fonctionnal
@@bobamarmstrong Mine was a POS. It was defective the Day I got it and 2 trips to Nikon didn't fix it, and Nikon just ran the Clock out on the Warranty. Plus they Effed it up when they supposedly Cleaned the Sensor, welding a hunk of Dirt or Snot on it.
Canon needs to throw away their 1.8 primes and start over. Nikon's are so much better and not everyone wants to pay for or carry around those giant 1.2s. For prosumer, the Nikon 1.8 primes and the 24-120 f4 really make a compelling case. They need a $2500 body next with great autofocus. Since they do not have a cinema line they do not have to worry about crippling their hybrid cameras like Canon and Sony do...there is no reason that Nikon can't be the youtube/instagram influencer brand of choice in the next few years...
Nikon had a lot invested into the Nikon 1 system. When it died they obviously moved those engineers to the Z, they took a few years to catch back up. The Nikon 1 system had potential but was kneecapped because of its small sensor size. I’m glad they recovered with the Z8.
I've been a Nikon person for almost 50 years, owning through the FM series, DSLR and now finally the Z6ii. I do amateur wildlife photography, specifically focused on raptors here in Colorado. The Z6ii is perfect for my needs and I truly appreciate the Nikon history vid as it explains what happened to Nikon. Great work!
I was a Nikon shooter from film to digital dslr. I loved all the cameras I had including the Nikon 3200, 7100, 610 and before that Nikon F50. Then mirrorless happened and I went to Sony, and now use a A7RIV but unfortunately I feel that they are more tools and not something I desire to use. Now that Nikon Z8 has my longing for another Nikon. I confess I have always enjoyed how Nikon feels in my hand and how the colors come out.
Well, give me a $2000 z6iii, that is about equal in AF as Sony/Canon, and give me 6k open gate, and open your mount to 3rd party lenses, and I am talking about not rebranded Tamron, but real Tamron/Sigma trinity, Tamron 35-150, Tamron 150-500mm, Sigma 85mm DG DN, Sigma APS-C Trinity, Viltrox etc., then Nikon is back, maybe. Also fix the N-log, and give me an N-log2 that comes close to s-log3, then I'd consider Nikon, otherwise, NOT YET.
Sigma APSC trinity is already in Nikon Z mount, Viltrox have APSC and FF lenses for Nikon Z, there are even cheaper AF alternatives like Yongnuo, TTartisan AF and Meike. Nikon is slowly opening the mount. You have a lot of primes from the Viltrox 13mm 1.4 (APSC) to the 85mm 1.8 (FF) from Viltrox or Yongnuo, and several other lenses in between, included the APSC Sigma trio (16, 30, 56), the Viltrox APSC trio and Viltrox FF trio. So, for portrait, street, casual photo, etc, you are plenty.
@@amermeleitor Keep that up, and I may just get back into Nikon Z. I own the Nikon f3 and Nikon DSLRs. But they still have work to do. The Z-mount lenses are great, but still need to work on the video front.
My Nikon journey has been Nikkormat FT, F80, D80, D90, D4, Z7, Z9. It's been great. I agree the Z7 focus wasn't the best, but I still got a lot of good photos with that camera, even some wildlife shots, but for landscapes it was great. The Z9 is another level entirely, something I couldn't have dreamed of when I was using the D4. I'm not really a switcher, so generally I'm happy to wait for improvements, even if Nikon is a bit behind. At the moment though, I feel like its at the front of the pack.
Nearly two weeks into Z8 ownership. I've been using D850 for 3+ years and I agree the Z8 feels like a mirrorless D850. Aircraft tracking is incredible, dynamically switching from nose to cockpit (if it can see it). Knowing there are likely S/W updates to make it even better is exciting. Well done Nikon.
Tony and Chelsea, you do realize the Z lenses have virtually no focus breathing? The Z lenses are probably the best for video compared to Sony and Canon.
Compare them with the Panasonic Lmount, their 1.8 are of the same size and weight for good gimbal balancing when switching lenses. Also Pana has no trombone style zooming. It is not only focus breathing which qualify for video. Set of lenses with same weight and size, parfocal, no trombone zooming that affects balancing on gimbals.
Can’t believe you didn’t mention even once the shutterless revolution Nikon has brought to the industry. They deserve a huge credit to take this massive step. Also, Nikon is not behind in video. They are ahead. Miles ahead. They don’t have a cinema line therefore they can cramp many more features without risking cannibalize higher models. The Z8 video features are above the R5 and the A7S3. So I Honestly don’t think they deserve this “behind” criticism. Also not a word on Nikon image quality which looks better than Sony sooc and sole reasons people still love Nikon.
@@mitchellriley1357 I just don't feel it's fair to say Nikon is behind (Video features) and completely ignore the shutterless technology Nikon has brought. Otherwise, it's a good content
@Elliot_LM Nikon are doing things the big 2 aren't yet, so they are innovative and trying new things. Like you said no mechanical shutter, pre capture, and the new auto shoot in v4 for Z9. Everyone needs to remember they are a much smaller company than Canon and Sony, I could imagine how much the big 2 spend on R&D versus Nikon.
I think Nikon, which is a small company, relative to Sony and Canon, will always be playing a bit of catch up. I fully expect Canon and Sony to have blockbuster reactions soon. I care not. I will be using Nikons until I die. I just love them. I still experiment and use Nikons dating back decades, including film cameras. I also own three Z cameras and really enjoy creating with them. I am not a hybrid shooter, which definitely makes this choice easier. I am glad the Z8/9 are helping Nikon’s bottom line, but they are way more than I need to create beautiful images.
At this point, catching up is not an issue for Nikon, they are updating firmware and improving more than Sony and Canon right now. You can check many forums and channels of folk mad at Sony for leaving some of their lineups with no new firmware for years. But it’s all apart of their plan to keep their users buying new, and only have subtle changes. Their marketing is very good and it have some folk thinking they need a new camera only two or three years into what they have…
I just bought my Z8 last week and already very happy with that. Upgraded from D750, trying to adapt to differences of mirrorless. Yesterday I used it on an outdoor birthday party of my nephews. Way better experience than last year with D750 especially with AF and number of shots that I was able to take. I am excited to see more from Z8. ✌️✌️👌👌
The Nikon Z6 improved so much with the firmwares, it was bad at some point. My next camera will be the Z6 III, I do prefer this size, the Z8 is a beast but I love smaller bodies.
The Z system has an incredibly seamless video-to-stills switch. I've even used it professionally without fault. Pair that with the Z8's class-leading video specs and the Z mount's versatility it's an absolutely bonkers system. So, to be completely honest, I'm really confused by that last video point. If you're only problem is a flip-out screen then I'm not 100% sure that the Z8 should be written off so quickly. (Otherwise, great summary and really good points)
Also people doesnt seem to know that you can use SnapBridge app on your phone to turn it into a monitor, which fixes the no flipping screen for vlogging.
Agree. This is the key flaw in this video! Confusing vlogging screen omission with its overall superior video capabilities! The other flaw is no reference to quality of z lenses and especially telephoto options…
Simply put, the Z8 & Z9 level cameras don’t need a flippy screen, Nikon had more than enough time to decide on that and it’s just not going to happen on their pro bodies and I don’t blame them. We’ll definitely see if it happens on the Z6III, and it won’t hurt my feelings if it doesn’t. To hell with a fllippy screen on a pro body!
Video is totaly overhyped! Ask a Couple after 25 Years how often they look thier Wedding-Video and how often they look at the Photo-Album....A Video u can´t hang on a Wall to see it 24/7 and have a pleasure. It takes Minutes to create emotions in a Video - but only one good Picture. Video mess u up with Data, thats expensive to handle.... - I am a Stills-Shooter, i try Video and i hate it. You don´t say anything about the biggest Deal for Nikon: The Mount! - No other Brand had a Mount like this! Sony has a Mount that was developed for APS-C - Canon is near by, but the Lenses are so expensive and thier APS-C Lineup is crappy. There is no Nikkon Lens with optical issues - even the slowest APC-C Kit Lenses are incredible sharp and there made the best Sports/Wildlife Lenses ever build with the highest Performace even with the build-in TC. All Lenses can be used wide open without any compromise. Nikon is THE Brand for Photographers, these People who want to Capture the special Moment and the only Brand with Leica that put thier Mainfocus on Photografy. These Brands dont need to be fast or versatile, they need to be perfect for shooting Stills - and they did! The whole Nikon System is the "roundest" on the Market.
Completely fake informations! Nikon was #1 in the 70s, 80s and beginning of the 90s with analog cameras. Then all the pros grudgingly switched to the digital Canons because Nikon had slept through the start of digialization.
He talks of new buyers, not people who begun with photography and is allready into a system. This means Nikon revenue comes from their existant old user where others get the new young users who will be buy more equipment in the next 30 years.
Based on the cover graphic - I would say if your coming from the D850 and you shoot sports or wildlife, definitely get the Z8 or Z9, if you're doing landscape and little to no sports or wildlife, either one is fine but the Z7 / Z7 II might be a better choice for size and weight reasons, as the Z8 is about 30% heavier and a bit bigger.
I don't care about your competition at all. My photos are brilliant with any camera and with good glass. Anyone who wants to follow your competition should sell their old cameras and buy new ones if they believe that it makes a big difference. I don't believe that some new difference would blow my mind away from those above-mentioned perfections. I love Nikon certainly as much as you do Canon.
the thing about the sensors is that they're made by Sony Semiconductors, which is not to be confused with Sony Imaging. Sony Semiconductors is a big manufacturer or semiconductor components, that could be processors, PCBs, etc, and that includes camera sensors. Think like both Nvidia and AMD have their chips made by TSMC, using TSMC processes. Thing is, TSMC uses designs from either company, so does Sony Semiconductors. Sony Imagine gives Sony Semiconductors schematics for camera sensors, and Sony SemiCon makes them. If they make it available on the market for everyone or not, that's a matter of do you want your competitor to be able to get their hands out your tech by buying it out. And that's why you have cameras like the Sony A6400 and Fujifilm X-T2 that use the same 24MP chip, or why the same 26MP BSI chip takes its place in both Fujifilm X-T3/4 cameras, Sony FX30s and even Pixii cameras. That's because it's a common components that anybody can buy and use in their products. Their best tech, like their stacked 24MP full frame, or their 50MP full frame, it never ends up on the catalogue. Or when it does, then it means that it has a replacement. Looking at Nikon and how they've been dealing with other companies making sensors for them : Nikon really much acts like an AMD would act with a TSMC. They do not use TSMC designs, they use THEIR designs. When Sony was putting out a 43MP sensor, Nikon designed a 45MP one. That was made by Sony SemiCon, but it was a full Nikon design. Same for the 24MP full frame sensor in the Z6, same for the APS-C 20MP sensor in the D500 and Z50. And of course, same for the 45MP stackes sensor in the Z8 and Z9. NONE of the Z cameras so far had a sensor that was a Sony design, they all ended up with a Nikon design. So you say that Sony is not giving them their best tech, I say that it much more a competition between Sony Imaging and Nikon to who's gonna use Sony Semiconductors to the best of their abilities. (also I don't know what you're on about saying that Nikon hasn't touched the high end video market while the Z8 and Z9 have litterally the best video specs on the whole market right now. Like what, it doesn't have a flippy screen so it can't do video? Ridiculous. It even have more video centric features than Canon and Sony hybrid cameras. Nikon doesn't have a video line to protect so they just wen ham on the video specs, that's the thing)
Amazing and detailed observation on Tony's remarks. I'm sure Nikon is fully aware that Canon and Sony are now going to come out swinging after the Z9 & Z8 but at the same time, Nikon is not sitting still. Their profits have improved dramatically and that will be very beneficial for their R&D team. Who knows what are they planning? And as you mentioned, they don't have a video centric line of cameras to protect like the competition, so that plays very well in their favor!!
@@rubendarilov My guess is a Hardware refresh for the Z9 will occur for the Summer Olympics! Z9ii to compete with Canon's R1. Nikon is maximizing the profits and Market share with the Z9/8 Expeed 7 and Sensor platform. When Nikon releases this at the Midrange level the D750/D780 owners that did not go for the Z8 will finally take the Nikon mirrorless plunge.
The two of you took a deep dive into predicting the death of Nikon. Overstated at the time. It isn't a miraculous rebirth. Just hard work in terms of business, design, engineering, and marketing. They were climbing a hill while you were saying they were falling off a cliff. At the time I said you weren't helping the situation. If people think a company is not going to be there in a few years, they're not going to be buying stuff from them. Fortunately you were wrong
Vintage Nikkor F Mount. The most underrated lenses of the modern age of mirrorless. I absolutely love vintage Nikon lenses on my Canon or Sony Mirrorless cameras. Such good glass.
Yeah my favorite lens right now is an old 1970s 35mm f2 nikkor. It might not compete with modern glass in raw sharpness or distortion but it definitely has great character and creates great pictures.
Mirrorless D500 !!!! That will be their next big thing! Z500 or Z90 !! That will be hotcakes ! hope it launches along with 200-600 which will be such an excellent replacement for d500 + 200-500 shooters!! I got impatient and got the z9 and man ive been happier since!
I'm Nikon shooter and never switched to any other brand, As soon as I saw Z9's specs & aggressive price I said here we gooo. It was quite obvious that Nikon will continue aggressively but slowly expanding Z cameras with high end specs as well, Z lenses are also exceptional. It's great time to be a photographer these days!
Waiting for Nikon Z5II with a BSI-CMOS, Dual Processors, Dual Highest Speed SD Cards, 4K Video, Latest Autofocus Tech. on Still and Video...for a beginner , this kills
Nikon did invest into mirrorless though. They have the Nikon 1 series launched in 2011. It's actually a lovely camera system. I felt like it was just the good product in the wrong time.
You can't really talk about Nikon history and completely omit the 1960s and 1970s, which is when the company cemented their lead in professional 35mm photography. But I digress...
Even though I don’t shoot action and wildlife I would love the Z8 because it’s the only high resolution body except for the Z9 to shoot oversampled 4k60p while being significantly cheaper and smaller than the Z9.
@@henakos Jon is referring the Nikon Bodies. Canon has nice gear, but they do not feel or handle like Nikon cameras. Enjoying Z lenses and the Z8 here!
@@henakos Yes the R6 and R6II shot oversampled 4k60p but they’re only 20 and 24 megapixels not 45 like the Z8 and Z9. In response to the R5 crop mode can be a pain because you can’t shoot wide angle. It really is a pain when you frequently switch between stills and video.
L'histoire des appareils hybrides débute en 2008 lorsque Panasonic et Olympus adaptent le nouveau format de capteur micro 4/3 sur des boîtiers sans miroir pour les modèles Panasonic Lumix G1 et Olympus PEN E-P1. Un grand merci à Panasonic et Olympus !!! et vive NIKON ! The history of mirrorless cameras began in 2008 when Panasonic and Olympus adapted the new micro 4/3 sensor format to mirrorless bodies for the Panasonic Lumix G1 and Olympus PEN E-P1 models. Many thanks to Panasonic and Olympus !! long live Nikon !!
Nikon shooter here; 4 dSLR bodies, 2 SLR bodies (inc my grandfather's Nikkormat EL I still shoot occasionally), and sooo mnay F lens... plus a Z30 for vlogging. I'll be moving to the Z8 & Z9 shortly :)
Nonsense. Since when did going to a mirror-less be an "upgrade" from DSLR? They are different systems that do different things. I have Z7ii and 2 Z6ii camera bodies are all are now gathering dust on the shelf as I went back to the D850. Why? The D850 is faster and more reliable. Auto-focus works for wildlife far better than the Z cameras especially faster moving objects. Take the Z camera in to the studio under studio Flash conditions and watch it fail. The Z cameras are good at what they do, but they are an alternative, not a replacement. I know of many sports and wildlife pros going back to DSLR for both Canon and Nikon.
The ergonomics are nice, but what I just cannot overlook is the huge height of this thing right above the lens with the hotshoe. I know it's Nikon's signature thing, but for the love of god they could have modernized it a bit. Canon made it smaller and rounder and Fujifilm made it very low profile and edgy. Just look at the height of this thing 20:08. Aesthetics could be a deal breaker for some, including me.
You talk about this like it's a sport. That's not how business works. I've analyzed many companies for a living for 40 years including 3rd, 4th, 5th ranked companies and so on. Financial institutions don't care about the rank, but the cash flow, which can be strong even with a negative bottom line. A negative bottom line can be caused by non-cash expenditures. If a company has a problem, I look for strategies to reduce expenses, which Nikon did. A company can be rated 10th, but have a strong cash flow and good revenues from their niche and pay good dividends, hence a good financial rating. I've seen companies operate like this for decades. Look at the history of of the S&P and/or Moodys' rating on Nikon. You might find it interesting. I never felt that Nikon was about to go out of business. They knew what they were planning a long time ago.
yes and no for the Z8... I am a sports photographer and the very poor battery life of the Z8 is something horrible for me. And why not buy the flag ship Z9...for that small price more. The Z8 means I have to buy 6 batteries more and also a battery housing for a soccer match...Chelsea I admire your smile talking about the Z8, but it depends on what is your photography business or interest...
“Leapfrogged the competition?” Nikon definitely took the old adage, “Never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Sorry but, Sony and Canon still have a stronghold on the market. The D850 is still a great camera though.
Sony has always built sensors for Nikon but Nikon always had better sensors than Sony, and Sony cannot copy Nikon sensor technology. Tony seems to know everything about Sony but he very conveniently hides the fact that Sony actually buys lithographic steppers needed to produce sensors from Nikon.He says Sony makes sensors for Nikon but omits mentioning that Nikon designs and patents their own sensors and outsource production to Sony, who at the end of the day is their client for their lithography products. This purposeful omissions are exactly the reason why you guys are persona non grata for Nikon, and are excluded from Nikon events.
The one thing missing in your discussion is context of company size - Nikon are about 1/10th the size of Canon let alone Sony. Those two companies have been able to throw bucket loads more money into R&D than Nikon....
No one talks about how FUGGIN AWESOME those 1.8s primes are except the loyal users... LIKE ME!! because those 1.8s primes are FUGGIN AWESOME!! BTW: the D850 when paired with a VR/VC lens is still class leading!!! I think the color depth is still better
I have been a Nikon shooter for many years and jumped from D850 to Z7 as soon as it was released. And I've owned all the Zs' since then besides from Z9 and Z8. I've tried Sony and Canon for a while during the last years and for the ergonomics and usability I love Nikon more than anything. Sharp images and great files too. But on some areas my Nikon cameras certainly lacked the same capabilities as Sony and Canon, specially on consistent auto focus but also some other areas. However, I came to a decision point where I was to upgrade my glass from Nikon (moving from their 1.8s), which is a huge investment and you need to jump directly to 1.2. And at the time I had waited forever for the Z8 and truly felt the slow innovation from Nikon compared to the other 2 who rapidly launched new cameras and functionality. And I asked myself which brand feels most innovative and then again is the natural brand to put your future money. And for me that is Sony (just my peafowl preference) . So I've sold my Nikon gear for a couple of A7IV and a A7V which I haven't received yet). The result for me is that I get a brand I trust more to be in front on innovation and in which I can invest for the future. A brand which has cheaper native 1.4 mirrorless glass rather than heavy and expensive 1.2. Cameras that are extremely capable in anything I should expect from them. So I'm very confident in my choice even though no camera is perfect. I lost the best brand when it comes to ergonomics, UX and RAW files and got the worst ones (among the top 3) on that area, but the total package of moving to Sony made sense to me. I think it's fantastic that the Z8 seems so great and let's all hope we have at least 3 companies pushing each other on innovation moving forward. Go Nikon 💪
What about watching at Nikon from an optical point of view? Nikon is an optical company and so they may have thought optical things first. They made the z-mount which will be around for how long? 20 or 30 years. And if you see their lens line up I don't think they started from the wrong perspective. Electronic developments happen in a very short time .But getting the basis wrong will restrict you for ages ,or you put out another system. It is just my personal view but i think Nikon is doing it in most consumer friendly way possible. By the way, the 800Pf and the Z6 works with every minute of practising better and better. I'am not mouning about things who seems not to work, i look a for way to make them work.
What i find interesting is that i see all the reviews objectively concluding Nikon is not great. But then everywhere I travel around the globe and whether it's a middle aged nerd with his wife or a 20 year old girl with her friends, anyone who has a "professional camera" (meaning anything other than aj iphone) it's going to be a Nikon.
Video over stills ? Nooooo! My worst nightmare. I never used my D7000 for video and again I’ve never used either of my D500s for video either. I have always hated the idea that I am paying for video capability on a still camera. Soon I will need to go for a couple of D8s but I wonder what a D8 would cost if it didn’t have all the **** in it that I won’t use. Just my opinion. Love your videos T&C x Quinny
As a young photographer, I was strictly a hobbyist, and that all started in 1971. At that time Nikon was The camera of professionals, and I dreamed of having one. Fast forward to 2002, after retiring from the military, I went to university and majored in graphic design with a minor in photography. College level photography was majority film, and I purchased a Nikon F4AS, my dream camera that I could afford. I loved that camera. The digital age was upon us and I bought a D100 to begin my digital journey. It’s been one Nikon after another, upgrading with last year’s model for affordability, but always staying consumer grade, and DX sensor, with the D7200 as my last DX camera. When I decided to go FX sensor, I had to buy an older camera, and settled on the D4. I love that camera, and it’s a beast, but I knew I would go mirrorless one day. I have been a high volume school photographer for 16 years and the company I work for used Canons up until Sony made them a deal for firmware that had a crop mask option. I’ve gotten to use the Sony A7IV for about 6 months and it had me almost convinced in getting a Sony as my next personal camera. I had tried out the Z6II, but didn’t really like it. So now here comes the Z8, and hearing your review as well as many others, this is my next camera. I am retiring from the school picture business as I have reached the age where I can begin drawing my SS payment, and plan on doing headshots, family photos, and whatever photos gigs I can get as a supplement. I will invest in the Z8 and some glass as the date of my retirement gets closer. Thanks for your reviews, you tell it like it is. And thank you for rooting for Nikon Chelsea, I am too.
Glad to see Nikon back in the mix. A longtime Nikon shooter still using D850. Always liked Nikon glass. Want to finally go mirrorless with Z8 and use adapter with 500 pf lens. That should be a nice combo.
Great video Tony and Chelsea, as a low end Nikonn fany since the 1970s I had written you off as camera infleuncers. But I really liek the way you do "history" Eg that cross secton of a DSLR which showed the two sensors - I never even knew that. Also the Canon dual pixel a/f I did not realise it was the game changer. What about the Nikon 90D as the first DSLR with video? And Sony being the brand to go all out on mirrorless! I'm waiting for the Nikon Z6iii as the Z8 is out of my budget (as a retired guy)
If the Z9 didn’t come out when it did and at the price point, I would’ve switched to Sony. I’ve been a Nikon shooter since the 90s. I’m glad Nikon is back. Always loved the ergonomics and the brand.
Please contents that no one asked for. I think we should be hitting Nikon harder canon literally relaxed R8 and R6ii in one year. Two different price point Sony has A7RV ZV-E1 and a rumoured 2 more cameras coming. Nikon just dropped Z8 guess the price ? 4000 pounds which average content creator who would be looking to have a taste of Nikon would switch ? They have the tech they have 12 weeks to drop a 2500 camera with credible AF, Z mount, better screen and EVF, put the z6 ii sensor and 3 axis screen, 4k-60 that would beat the market right now. That not too much to ask
When I did the switch to mirrorless I went Nikon -> Sony. And I love Sony. They’re incredible. My only complaint-and it’s a big one-is the lack of firmware updates. I mean their flagship doesn’t even connect to their new app. But Nikon seems to be bouncing back. And I’m happy to see that. Even though I switched, I still have sentimental feelings about Nikon (and also Fuji). The latest Nikon offerings have been catching my attention, as have their ongoing firmware updates. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if Nikon made a reappearance in my camera bag the way things are going.
Nikon updated the Z9 a couple of time because it was WAY behind the competition and was barely functional. Initially, the Z9 was basically a product in development with a beta software. Nikon needed tester, so they sold the camera at a discount to get more feedback. All their other models didn't receive the same love. To be fair, it's not a bad strategy, it's gonna pay off in the long run because all this new algorithm that they are developing (and funded by said beta tester) is going to trickle down to more consumer oriented product. Stop it with the firmware update non sense, there's not a whole lot of cameras that get substantial upgrade, not even flagship. Generally, company will do it to stay competitive but only if they really HAVE TO, if they are still competitive then, it's a waste of resources/time/effort.
@@JetBen555 You’re right. Firmware updates that add features are not at all common in the industry. In fact, looking at the change logs of various camera models, I see that only cameras made by Nikon, Canon, Fuji, Olympus/OM-D, Hassleblad, Leica, and past Sony models have been kept up to date with firmware updates. It is totally unreasonable to expect Sony to keep up with other companies like, say, themselves and the rest of that small slice of the camera industry. Not to mention the entire rest of the electronics industry. In fact, I regularly chat with my regional sony sales rep about this sort of thing and when I raised the firmware issue with him, his response was quite compelling: “I can’t defend Sony on this one.” Well, if Sony’s own rep can’t defend his company about it, clearly I should recognize that this is compelling reasoning for me to recognize the righteousness of Sony’s position. But here’s the real kicker: some random internet user who knows nothing about the industry and whose claims are easily disproven by looking at firmware change logs from any company in the industry disagrees and wants me to refrain from talking about it. Well. If that’s not compelling, what is?
The D850 was Nikons finest moment. The Z8 takes that legacy and smashes forward with it into the future. I will never sell either camera and I’m so glad I waited 5 years for the Z8 without switching.
As many others I was waiting for Z8 to make a big jump from Nikon DX DSLR to mirrorless. As an amateur with a limited budget I cannot change system every so often. Once Nikon - always Nikon. But I need a camera for both landscape/travel and wildlife, and Z8 body is too big for my requirements. I expected Z8 body being similar to Z6/Z7 size wise. So what now? Is Nikon planning to make a "baby Z8" like it made a "baby Z9"? I would be happy to have Z7 III with autofocus capabilities of Z8.
I started out with a Nikon D7100 and loved that camera! When time came to think about future upgrades to get more into wildlife photography, I was faced with a difficult decision: I always though the D850 would be the greatest next step, but 2 years ago it when mirrorless was the obvious future technology, the next great camera development from Nikon that I hoped for did not happen and was nowhere in sight. I started getting very hesitant to pay the full price for a new camera with older tech and the new z cameras did not convince me. I decided to jump the Nikon ship at this point. Now I’m a happy canon shooter, but if the z8 had been a possibility back then, I definitely would have stayed with Nikon. It took forever to retrain my muscle memory from the Nikon direction of zooming etc. to the canon way. I really hope all the best for Nikons future, we need them around alongside canon and Sony. ❤
We are still talking about the only brand that offers 8K60p internal RAW recording? That offers 4K120p both as normal speed and slow motion? That has HDMI A, mic jack, headphone jack, active hotshoe? In what aspect they are behind?
Cinema lenses, Open Gate recording, 4 channel audio recording, lenses suitable for gimbals look at the Pana 1.8 lenses all of the same size. Fully articulated screen. Different bodies at different prices with good video function to be a B or C cam. Timecode synchronisation as Pana GH6, S5, S5II, S5Iix and S1H. Look in you tube at James Jackson video. He soms this up. Nikon has a long way ahead in video.
I'm still using my original Z6. Nikon has rewarded us early adopters with a very different and more capable camera through many firmware updates. I'm very happy with it, for both photography and videography. If I have to replace my Z6, I will seriously consider the Z8. It's a lot more camera than I need, but I will be able to grow into it for many years.
I’m nearly all in for Nikon. I came close to going to Canon when they came out with the VR tech. It took Nikon several years to catch up on that. Now, I’ve sold my Z7 to help purchase a Z9 which I love and I still have a love affair with my D500 for wildlife but, I recently used the Z9 for an evening shooting Sandhill Cranes with excellent results. I am crazy about my Fuji GFX 100s for Landscapes and I use a Z Fc for travel and snapshots. When I get over my D500 addiction I’ll probably forfeit it for a Z8. In short, Nikon is definitely BACK! Love their new tech and the fact that they are determined to keep moving forward and be #1 or #2 again! Great and fair review and history lesson. But I’m still of the mind that Nikon, with their ongoing Firmware updates is squarely ahead and intends to stay there. We’ll see who comes out with what, next. Thanks!
As a wildlife photographer I absolutely love my Z9. I've been considering purchasing another Z9 as my second body, but I'm now considering the Z8 to fill that slot.
Hurray for Nikon! I'm still a hardcore DSLR user, nonetheless I want to see Nikon representing the mirrorless world as good as it's done with the mirrored ones! Keep up with always being critical of issues when you see them! Now some joy.
I shoot with D850 every day and absolutely love it. The Z8 had been rumored for years and I bought it on day 1 of its release. Here's what troubles me about Nikon. The Z8 took forever to hit the market and when it did? A recall! How could Nikon take that long to finally release this beautiful box and not get it right?
Still love my Nikon D750 and it would take the second coming for me to spend thousands to change, but I enjoyed your review. Also have Olympus mirrorless, but again prefer my D750 and collection of Nikon cameras lenses. :)
I started with Canon but quickly switched to Nikon. After many years (40+) of shooting Nikon, in 2015 I tried the early Sony cameras but sold them within the year, (yuch), then went on to try Olympus mirrorless and expanding my small Leica gear set - mostly for Street and Travel. Olympus were small, light and accurate m4/3rds cameras but lacked highlight quality, so I almost gave up on mirrorless. I went back to Nikon for shooting weddings and portraiture and loved my brace of D850s. In desperation for a decent mirrorless camera, I invested in a Leica SL which was fantastic but in desperation for a lightweight Street camera I tried the Nikon Z7. Oh dear. In the end I sold off ALL my Nikon cameras and most of my non telephoto lenses and turned completely to Leica. I upgraded my Z7 to a Z7ii for landscape and street photography but basically gave up on Nikon, expecting nothing would happen to turn their fortunes around as they were still so far behind. BUT - I finally got wind of the Z8 earlier this year and ordered one on launch day and a week later BINGO - Nikon was back. I have to say that my brace of D850s were the finest , most flexible all-purpose cameras I have ever used from Nikon, however this Z8 looks like it is the true mirrorless replacement for that camera model. It has finally restored my faith in Nikon - and the Z lenses are great! Long live Nikon.
I'm a Sony shooter considering switching. Though I'd love to consider Nikon, I can't. They have the biggest and heaviest gear between Sony Nikon and Canon. I have to carry my gear into the mountains, so size and weight matter. Sony on the other hand does some strange things. They have strange update politics and bad displays. The R6 II shoots up to 40 images per second. Sony doesn't have anything comparable in that pricerange. The R5 costs 3300€ less than the Sony Alpha 1 and is barely worse, and even has a better display. At the moment it feels like Canon has the upper hand and they will further improve their lead if they allow third party lenses.
LOVED the video. I'd argue that Nikon made more than one mistake. The biggest i feel.. is not making their own sensors and being at the mercy of anyone else especially sony. They are funding Sony's own R&D for their line of cameras.. in essence they are funding their own competition. Further if they go to Sony and say, "hey we want this sensor to do this" or "We need the sensor to do that"... well there goes your secrets. Nikon is back.. for stills but their grip is tenuous, and almost non existant for content creators and videographers. All i see at events anymore is sony and canon, i've personally worked thousands of weddings and special events in my life. And I see more Sony than Canon at most of these events these days. I cant recall the last time i've seen a Nikon photographer at an event i've worked. The Z8 reviews have been great so far, and i'm glad they are fighting back. If you're an aspiring photographer and just starting out, you can find a used 5D mark II, or a 6D Mark I, pick up a used 24-105 F4 L or a couple of nice primes (50mm and 85mm) and have a seriously banging kit for a fraction of the cost of any new mirrorless camera. Personally, i'm keeping my 5dII and 5dIII for another year or two then grabbing me an R6II when they get down to a lower price point on the used market. I will never sell my 70-200 F2.8 III.. so for me.. its canon for life lol. great vid! about to paste it to an entire discord of friends lol cheers!
I'm a non professional Nikon still photo shooter. If I win a lottery (or gifted) I would probably pick Sony. I would not care for Nikon mirrorless because my Nikon dslr lenses won't work as good as Nikon mirroless mount lenses (as far as I understand.). Nowadays I think I would get any money worth selling even for my 24-70, 70-200. For anyone thinking "if you are not a pro why you need DSLR? Just use the phone?" but since I print I see a HUGE difference between phone pics vs DSLR. I absolutely love the dynamic range, skin tone and overall colors DSLR give vs phone pics.
While the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mark 1 versions were not the greatest in autofocus, however the next version mark 2, or Z6ii and Z7ii was much better in autofocus (nearly as good as Canon and Sony (much closer) and usable by pros). An even bigger jump in AF is found in the Z9 and Z8. You guys forgot to mention the better AF in the mark 2, Z6ii and Z7ii still selling today, partly due to its dual processor improving speed and autofocus together! Along with updates in software.
Sjo. I am glad to hear your enthusiasm. I just finished my 1st concert (photography) with a brand new Z8, moving up from the Z6 II that I was used to. The AF system and customisability is just astounding. Absolutely love the camera, even compared to the Sony A1 and Canon R3/5 that I have been able to borrow. The Nikon just hits differently - in a good way :) . My only problem which I need to see if I can figure out, is that with only an electronic shutter, I am getting a lot of banding if my shutter speeds exceed 1/100th of a second. I have activated/deactivated the Flicker detection, as well played with the shutter speed fine tune setting (assigned it to Fn2 for quick recall) and it seems that the LED stage lighting just does not work well with the speed of the sensor read-out. Not sure if anyone here has any tips?
Nikon user since…1990?! N series, D series and then I bought a Z6. While I was happy having 4K video my photos were out of focus, video frame rates were slow and 10 bit was external. I limped along with the z6 and then the z6ii thinking it would be better (same problems) until now. I waited after hearing good things about the z9 (more than I wanted to spend, for decades Nikon had a model one under the flagship that worked stellar for me) and then when the z8 came out waited to hear what you’re saying here putting off a jump to Sony….I am loving my new Z8 getting it just now. Fully agree with everything you’re saying here (even if I don’t like the idea that manufacturers need to keep making new bodies) and really appreciate this breakdown. Relived to see Nikon delivering the tools we need to stay and continue creating our best work.
Nikon has caught up on specs, and with Auto Capture on the Z9 has finally introduced some ideas into the market which don’t have a precedent. It’s good to see a firmware innovation to go along with the impressive hardware. No doubt they will sell a lot more Z9s on this feature alone. Yet with video they’re stuck on 8K RAW internal as their only selling point. I have a Z9 for stills and some long lens video, though when I needed a proper hybrid, my money went into a Lumix S5IIx instead of the Z8 I had on pre-order. Basics like shutter angle, **open gate** (which is not optional for me any more), desqueeze, among a lot of other video centric features, are more important than 8K. Oh and would Nikon please rewrite the firmware so the stills/video switch has precedence over the PASM setting!!! It’s such a pain when switching between shooting modes that I also have to keep track of the last exposure mode I was using. For video I tend to shoot M, for stills I often use A or S, but if I’m shooting video and switch over to stills the M setting follows (necessitating an exposure mode change), and then I have to reverse the process when going back to video. It’s the sort of issue which can easily trip you up when working quickly. Oh and can we please retire the 8 character and 9999 file naming limits?!? MS-DOS made that 8.3 method a thing 40 years ago. It’s very much time to move the file system into the present day.
Thanks for the historic perspective on Nikon and how they got to where they are. I am primarily a video shooter and have been suffering the Z6's deficiencies, mostly in autofocus for several years. I had even budgeted a swap over to SONY (where most of my colleagues are already shooting A7sIII and FX-3 & 30's) at $12 to 15,000 with a 20% professional discount (something Nikon doesn't even come close to). Then came the Z8 just in time to save the day, at least for my budget. I've had it for a couple of weeks and am loving it! Finally I don't have to hide the fact that I'm shooting Nikon within my group of fellow video shooters.
Nikon really turned itself around and is catching up. My only complaint would be the inability to deliver new products when announced. Waited a long time for the Z9 and still waiting for the 800 f/6.3. Yes I have them preordered with two big name photography retailers. No I wouldn’t consider paying a grand over retail from someone who’s able to get one and then possess a second hand lens with no warranty. Love you Nikon; many of my friends jumped to Sony and Canon or wouldn’t recommend Nikon to new photographers but I hung in there….Please do better with regard to delivering your new and exciting products. Thanks!
Good objective review. The Z8 sounds wonderful. But, what do I stick on it?? I'm still waiting for the lenses I ordered over a year ago for my Z6II. Meanwhile, I jumped ship to Sony with the A1 which I was not especially thrilled with (don't really know why) so I sold it and bought the Sony a7R V which is A++ for what I do, and it works with all the lenses I bought for the A1. I had always shot Nikon for a LONG time, but the problem is once you change brands, it's tough to get me back. It's just too expensive to switch again!
