Nikon Z8 - A Sony User’s Review 

While you've used Sony with success, the Z8 has settings to fine tune many of the problems you have highlighted. In a Nikon users hands it'll clearly perform much better.

ISO and WB button can be set so you just press it once. Also there’s settings to turn that blackout on/off. I think you need more time with the camera in order to get the settings you need. 😊

Two corrections: 1) The blackout is apparently selectable and came on by default (an odd choice). It is changed in the menu item “indicator type”. Blackout can also be cause by low shutter speeds (which wasn’t my issue), or flicker reduction, which I wouldn’t recommend turning off unless shooting outside, as it’s an important feature for a sensor with no mechanical shutter, and works very well in this camera. It can also be caused by a specified shutter indication. Many potential causes! More on that: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cu83FpSSbSE.html 2) IBIS/VR for manual lenses can be selected in the menu item “Non-CPU lens data” (Not in the VR menu, another odd choice). It can’t be as quickly customized as on a Sony camera, and using this function with a manual lens lowers the amount of VR available. Here are my corrections: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-xPq5mhvFY0Q.html

I've got so use to the top information screen on my Nikons ever since I bought my first, the Nikon D90, I couldn't do without it. Thank you for your very helpful review from a different perspective.

I am very very interested in the Z8. I think Nikon is doing awesome stuff at the moment

Need to turn off flicker reduction = blackout free

I've heard/seen the low res EVF comment many times before, going back to the Z6/7 and also for other brands that still use a 3.69M dot EVF panel. But then I see others say (Chris and Jordan I believe was one set of people) that the EVF in the Z8/Z9 is one best EVF experiences available today. I personally have only used EVFs up to a little under 6M dots, but even on the both Z7 cameras I owned and now on my Z8, I have no issues seeing clearly if I'm in focus (I'm 53 and wear glasses), whether before magnifying or after (I see no reason at all to ever magnify beyond 100% because when I check my images at 100% in camera on the EVF, it's very easy to see if it's sharp/in focus). Nikon uses great glass in EVFs on their Z mount cameras also. I've owned Sony mirrorless, Panasonic, Fuji, Olympus...and the Nikon mirrorless camera EVFs so far (to me) have been the best, most natural/pleasing experience so far. The color, brightness, clarity...it's great. Everyone has their own opinion though (and their own eyes), so one man's great can be another man's mediocre. I'd just argue though, that the 'low res' EVF in the Z9/Z8 is often unfairly judged by people who don't use these cameras on a daily basis.

I think you have to use a camera more than an weekend to truly set it up where you’d be getting the max performance. Just having the wrong settings in menu can drastically change your personal view on performance . Thanks for the fair review !

Just got my z8. I’m selling my a7rv for sure

Fun and honest review from a Sony shooter. Been werking with the Z8 for 2 weeks and i love it! Little heavy and need Some extra battery ‘s. But super happy with it!

The screen blackout if configurable and you can change settings to have a blackout free experience

I love my Z8. Just as I loved my D850. Very honest review though. Being a longtime Nikon shooter, you easily get used to the dials and layout for most shooting scenarios. I go from portraits to wildlife with no problem.

Nice job -- and I agree with most of your findings - I am at odds however with a couple but since I am me and you are you that is fine. The fricking VF resolution again -- rot. I am over 1m shots in on a pair of Z9 and no issues with the EVF - the Z8 and Z9 have the same EVF. Blackout happens at very slow shutter speeds ONLY. You were below the 1/8th threshold where blackout free is disabled. Shoot between 1/8th and 1/250 the evf is not refreshed at 1/120th or 1/60th be less frequently so may appear to stutter -- this is stuff you learn as you learn the camera over long use. CFE-B -vs- CFE-A -- do I need to say more. Yes the UHS-ii/SD was a disappointment. But Nikon had to make compromises. Almost no hybrid cameras (I found 2) can write directly to an SSD - the main complaint is folk tring to use cheap storage solutions -- Don't buy a Bentley if you cannot afford the petrol !! Who shoots video with full back up to both cards - very few and adds to heat gain? For most resolutions/formats/fps - just plug in an external recorder via HDMI - you can either write full res to an internal card OR remove the cards and export upto 4320/30p or 2160/120p. For me just by a stack of v large TB ultra fast cards and get the best unless you need ultra long recordings when an external recorder is by far the best option -- reduces heat gain and large SSDs can be used. Read the fine print w'r't HDMI formats and bit depth when using HDMI. Use Profoto not cheap lights!!! OR here is a thought don't shoot at 1/32000th with flash. The hope was to have 1/400th sync speed -- but 1/250th is ok. Battery life is fine - just carry spares (I carry 4 $50 batteries and can shoot for a very long time, and recharge them in my bag as I go with a power bank and simply usb-c charger) or plug in power delivery to a 99 Whr power bank or V-battery. Yes -- we want Zebras back in photo and a few more video centric displays/info for cine work. Use the hoodman eyecup and you will find your hugh nose does not hit the nubbin - well not as often Yes Nikon please keep improving the AF. I have not found the same issue as you did in low light, but then I do not have other brands of FF bodies to compare too.

Nice review , some of your issues like the blackout are settings you just don’t know yet. Think you need to spend more time with the camera .

Might want to read the manual. You have flicker reduction on. Second the EVF has a much faster frame refresh rate than the Sony or Canon.

Good review, however, the blackout on the monitor is because you need to change a menu setting. I love both Sony and Nikon but use Nikon . Stills!

@wesperry Wes Wes Wes... I'm only 4:18 into the video and one of your cons is incorrect. You can set IBIS manually. Look up "Non-CPU Lens" in the menu system and you can dial just about any manual lens. You can save the focal length and max aperture of upto 20 lenses. Then IBIS will react accordingly. You can even customize a Fn button and scroll wheel to select with manual lens you have put on if you shoot manal lenses often, or just save the option in "My Menu" for quicker access vs menu diving. I can hand hold a 135 f/2 Ai-s lens and the video footage is super stable. And re: viewfinder..... lower resolution than the a7RV and a1 yes, but it doesn't DROP resolution when focusing & shooting. That feature alone is a deal breaker for me and Sony. All Z's stay the same, just like an OVF and that is the point! I don't want to be reminded that I'm looking at a little TV and Sony's do. Nikon's doesn't.

I've never encountered black out. My batteries last as long as they did on the D780 DSLR. Handling and usability is what you're used to. A bit of a homer review but I enjoyed it.

Excellent comparison. The Z8 is bigger than Z7 and A7 series, which makes a better grip for winter use with gloves.

In really dark place like Theater, I would suggest turning on the "Starlight" mode. Also the 3D tracking when shooting in dark theater was not the right AF mode either. 3rd party eyecup would solve your nose/screen issue.

The Z8 is just an incredible camera in every way. It has so many features that many won't use them all but so what. I personally don't need such high video features. I've been shooting for 60 yesrs and with nikon for 30 or so and I can say thst the Z8 is by far the best all rounder camera I've ever had..

Honest review I thought. Glad I watched this video. Thanks for sharing your opinion

No manual IBIS? you can setup the focal length in the camera and the camera will support IBIS on a manual lens unless of course, it is a manual zoom.

Nikon have an eyecup for the viewfinder which will solve your nose bumping into the bump on the back screen.

Were you using Starlight Mode with low light autofocusing?

Oh hey there Wes... I really liked this review because it was so neutral. You wanted to love and did a bit, but with the freedom to nit pick as we should before unloading such investment for our own long term pro use. I also liked your banding test as the 3 different types of lighting are the same as an event photographer experiences (as you would know). Those fairy lights catch me so often out of phase, I hope to get an A9ii one day with the anti flicker in silent shutter mode but my A9, no good, just drop shutter speed if possible. A7iii has anti flicker in mechanical shutter only. Anyway the banding of cheaper indoor lighting, or even on stage auditorium lighting (not all), is everywhere. Very tough to shoot indoor corporate stuff needing ambient lighting. Z8 did a lot right, but as usual... Nothings perfect. Thanks again.

I even switched from the RV to the Z8 because this camera is so much better ! I don't regret it (Ok one thing, size :D )

Love your work Wes!!

Excellent review. Pulled on punches - things we all want to know. I am saving this review. I want to watch it again,.

This camera looks fantastic and ots great than every brand now has a camera that can shoot silently. I think sonus main advantage is on the lens choices now

Can you show some tests, where the Z8 "just does not keep up" with the A1...? Because the pros say something else. Thanks

Based on ergonomics alone, I had to get rid of my Sony A7IV after six months of trying to get used to it. I don’t have large hands and it was still too compact to comfortably use. Even my Lumix G9 was easier to handle and navigate. The Nikon Z8 is on my radar for a full frame replacement system exactly because of its size and handling.

While I love camera comparisons, I don’t feel you understand the Nikon Z8/Z9 menus system to get the best results out your shooting experience. Example; there is no blackout at all on either my Z8 or Z9 when taking a photo. There is absolutely no blackout when you push the shutter. Even with that being said, I appreciate your video.

I don't understand why people are upset with this video. Except when you talk about the blackout, which I think is totally the opposite of what you say (I mean it is NO lag -important- and blackout free), the rest I quite agree and you even gave it a high score in all aspects

About the battery life issue, Z8 has 2 USB-C ports, I just bring a external Power Bank with USB-C connection. Note, must use USB-C to USB-C cable to get it working.

reason to buy A7RV when Z8 exists? Well... As someone outside of mirrorless world deciding whether to go Nikon or Sony (or buy used D850 for normal photo and used A7R3 for vintage manual lenses - here as a sony user I would ask you - will IBIS work with A7R3 as you described - set up focal length and good to go, or is that a feature in newer sony bodies?), I would say there is currently one really big reason. Lenses. its just hard to ignore range of awesome (and somehow affordable) Sigma and Tamron lenses for Sony-E mount, which arent there for Nikon Z mount. Also ergonomics, although I would prefer bigger body, 3 wheels and many custom buttons are advantage. So, concidering mechanical shutter for A7R5 which eliminates rolling shutter problems of slow sensor, and no video (there still are many people who use photo camera just for photos), I think A7R5 is still a great option even when Z8 exists (and in my country is even cheaper by around 1-2% than A7RV)

If I get this Zed 8 would like also the 135 f/1.8

A7R5 and R5 user shooting landscape and causal wildlife (400mm) for light weight hiking around. Like R5 AF during low light low contrast, superb EVF; dislike its mon not fully tilt/flip, RF lens not open, 1/8000s, 30s shutter limits, +- 3EV exposure compensation, slow shutdown (wait for curtain close switching lens) Like A7R5 lens choices, dials, good AF tracking; dislike its poor EVF, weak low light AF, poor S&Q options for timelapse, slow shutdown (wait for curtain closes switching lens) Like (on spec) the Z8 1/32000, M mode extend shutters, user friendly options for timelapse; surprised to know from your review its low light AF problem, EVF; dislike its less ideal ergo, heavy, lens choices. Thats very important to me.

Tank you for your review. You can use another EVF cap to keep your nose a bit further from the screen. 😊

Have been shooting nikon for 5 years, Am even happy with my z6ii &z6, sometimes I Use sony but the menu kills me, I miss focus with sony A7iii. But my frind loves it and he doesnt miss. After getting comfortable with a system , you learn how to use is. Thats what I can say.

Excellent presentation/review!👍

Blackout is a option to enable in display. So you don’t have to see any blackout

For me I can see better value waiting and getting two Z6iii's. All the benefits of my Z6 and Z6ii with the improved expeed 7 processor and auto focus.

Love my z8 perfect camera 🔥

As for the low light af…isnt every camera metering its af with open aperture? The a9 thus was able to meter/measure af distance with 2stops extra light and then stopped down to 2.8 for the shot of course, but im almost certain that for distance metering all cameras use the lens wide open.

My Z8 has no black-out when taking photos. I've heard other people with that issue. It is an option you must change.

A very well done review without a deep dive into a lot of tech speak.

Not being to pull files off without software is a good reason to use Windows, because this is an issue with other products on Mac.

At the end it comers to personal preferences and there's not a camera for all 😎 thanks for sharing your experiences 🤗

If the auto focus is being compared to a $6500 A1 wouldn’t you say that’s a win for the Z8 I’m just a construction contractor looking to use it for job site documentation and advertisement.

Great Video Wes >> Very balancd >> My Dream camera to update my Z7

Most of what you said in your review in cons. Is not true you don't support Nikon up to you but it's the best between the rest 👍🏻

Really great review. It’s good to get perspectives from users of other systems. Nikon should use those views for feedback and improvements. Confused at the “no manual ibis” part. I haven’t tried mf lenses on Z8 but older Z cameras have that capability. Did you try the non CPU Lens data setting? Also a setting must have been off if you had blackout so not surprised low light af struggled because my Z9 can see in the dark haha Also curious how much af struggles were because of unfamiliarty? Were you using 3D, custom area, full area, what picture profile, focus or release priority, was energy saving on? My Z9 rarely misses so I’m wondering if Z8 is truly an equal.

During low light AF, If you have a 1.4 aperture lens vs a 2.8, Aperture does not close down until you take the shot so wouldn't you automatically get better focus because of the extra light up until shutter pressed ?

Great perspective - and also the bonus chonky cat at the end 😅

I’ve been a Nikon wildlife shooter for decades. But when they took over a year and a half to deliver a 400 or 600 prime - I used that gap to explore Sony. I was able to go out and buy - no supply chain issues from Sony - a A1, A7rV, 400, 600, 200-600, 90 macro. Several dealers had all these items in stock - allow for a competitive set of quotes. I concur with your findings. I have both the Z9 and Z8 and they consistently miss shots the Sony easily gets. I use to think the Nikon has better ergonomics but the Sony with a grip extension or vertical grip works fine for those with larger hands shooting big primes. So, my heart and muscle memory is with Nikon - but my brain says pick up the Sony you fool. When I have an important shoot I absolutely grab the Sony A1. I have sooooo much Nikon gear I’ll likely keep it but the Sony is now the go-to kit - at least for wildlife/action.

A Sony User’s and Review with the Sony in his eyes , I would say. LOL

There is no blackout if you set it up properly in the menu

Mmmmh. You ca have blackout free shooter with Z8 if you would use an set it properly. (Low light) AF is usually better with Nikon. Then with all other manufactures. And I’m taking about AF here and not about subject detection. Two different things. In terms or size an weight it depends very much from you use case. For example Nikon Z8 with Z 400mm/4.5 is a combination that can simply not be delivered from any other company and is way more lighter than what you can get from Sony. No matter of the weight of the body. So as professional Sports Photographer the choose is easy. 😊 From a RU-vidr perspective that might be different.

I wish the Z8 was smaller. Weren't mirrorless cameras invented for their small form factor?

Last weekend, my first real shoot with my new Z8 garnered 3476 frames and used less than 50% of the El-EN18c battery. But then, my use case is using the EVF versus the live screen with lots of burst shooting. Today, I did about 150 landscape shots in the garden live screen along with a hike in a local state park with my wife, again using life view regularly for that total of 150 shots with 62% battery remaining. Not great, but not terrible as you suggest. Yes, the battery on my Z9 is a beast that laughs at a full day of shooting, but that's why I bought the battery grip for the Z8 when I'm shooting over 5000 frames in a few hours, with mostly burst shooting (shooting dog movement in conformation dog shows). The battery performance in my Z8 certainly isn't any worse than my old Z6ii and Z7ii. Is the autofocus really an 8 out of 10? I know the autofocus system for both Sony and Canon are said to be a step better than the Nikon Z9 and Z8. But, my hit rate is about 96 percent or better. I think there is a definite learning curve on the Nikon AF system, but 8 out of 10? Hardly. Now, the Z7ii and Z6ii are about an 8 out of 10, but the Z9 and Z8 are closer to 9.5.

I didn't know you have to look using the right side of the eye when using efv

I have one on order that I am waiting for. I am switching from a Sony A7R3 (with a fair sized "herd" of Sony lenses) to the Z8. I am an amateur and shoot a wide variety to subjects from Landscapes to Astro to Birds in Flight/Wildlife to Aviation, and the feature set of this camera is almost like Nikon tailored it to my specific needs. The one thing that I was not aware that this camera does not have that you mentioned is the Zebra Stripes in photo mode. As you said, once you use them they are pretty much essential. Hopefully, Nikon will add them in a future firmware update.

I suggest you to test the camera after going through all the settings.

Thanks! I just recently made a video where I had to choose between Sony and Nikon... Well, it seems like you use both?

Question: Has their been an update that improved the autofocus in low light please on the Z8? I have an A7 IV and am seriously thinking of getting this. But as I shoot a lot of video in low light that is an important factor. I can't worry about it losing focus if filming a speaker at an event for instance.

Most if not all reviewers that uses Sony doesn't mention that since A73 launch Sony devoted most of their Bionz X processing power to Auto Focus that's why a lot of other things or features sucks. No reviewers points out that A1 has two (2) Bionz X processor 1 is dedicated only to Auto focus and yet it still sucks on other features. On the otherhand, Expeed 7 and Digic X perfoms better overall even with only 1 processor. IMHO

Great review as always! I would looooove a Z8, but I'm really, really curious to see what comes in the Z6III/Z7III...I suspect we'll know by end of year. If money was no object, I'd buy that Z8 though as I'm already a Z shooter (z6II).

How is the autofocus compare to Sony?

The banding can be a look too like some purposely want the vintage looking of lower quality lens

You misquoted the flash sync speed of the A1. 1/400s in FF, 1/500s in APS-C using mech shutter.

My Z8 runs circles around my old Sony A1... Selling A1 for A Z9.

Awesome review, for the eye 👁️ problem, just get an eye cup 21:05

most of the gripes come down to not understanding the nikon and settings.

Are you saying this has better auto focus than the R5, R6 ii, and a7 IV?? Am I hearing that right? I would pick this up in a heart beat if it is similar to the R5, which I've owned and loved. I'm seeing other reviewers say it can't even hold up to an R8.

I shoot everything and i mean dslr mirrorless , film cameras of the old school era i grew up in late seventies and 80s , nikon z 8 is awesome, learn modes and mikd settings be better for you , brands are not to be bashed

Very true review of z8

There is no black out on my Z8. I turned it off in the settings.

About the blackout: I saw a video (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-cu83FpSSbSE.html) about this and it says that the blackout is caused by the flicker reduction turned on. The camera may need time to figure out the LED frequencies.

Nose issue: $15 eye cup/relief.

Re low light focusing: i think the a9 might open the aperture back to f1.4 to focus in low light? I am not sure about that, but that might explain the low light difference. in any case, it is weird that the z8 low light focus was that poor. Mine tracked a brown rabbit against a brown field 1h after sunset perfectly, with an f5.6 lens (70-200 with 2x TC)

Nikon Z8👌👌👌

Don't mention the strap lug falls off. RECALL! Lenses don't lock, overheating.

Does the z8 have focus breathing correction in camera, like the Sony A7iv?

Is there a way to adjust the brightness of the top display? I find that it is very dark

I can't get high speed sync to work with my Flashpoint. How did you get it to work?

I love my Z8 🙂

I have the A7rv and Z9 and the nikon viewfinder and backscreen is miles better.

I am switching to Sony after playing with the Nikon Z8 for a bit. I go street shooting with a friend, and his Sony would consistently get shots the Z8 would fail to get. Z8 just wasn't working for me.

Zebras is a dealbreaker

Looks like is a z8 complain review! I've seen a lot of other Reviews and is One of the best hybrid cameras out there.

There is not a perfect camera. I am thinking of a Z8 but love my Z7ll. My friends who have sony and canon are very happy with what they have. Things that you see. We don't. Not pros. I like your review. I do agree they should have made a better AF. They were behind. Low battery. Answer just carry another battery or batteries. The Z lens are great. Now to the important thing. Your Nose. Not a deal breaker. Sorry you have problems with it. Your just used to such a small camera. It would really be huge if you shot with the old Minox camera lol. Great review. Keep the nose.

Im almost ready to switch systems to nikon… i like this very negative review as it helps dampening a potential overhype… My main reason for switching is simply Sonys Color/Gamut handling. Skintones are fine in good light, but they get pink and nasty so quickly in mixed light or low light. Part of it is Sonys Color science part is surely whitebalance. Im a wedding shooter as well, so a lot of not-ideal light situations all the time and Sony really makes me work superhard in Post to get the images ok…rarely am i 100% happy with the files tho… Fuji does this best, but apsc completely fell apart in bad lighting as well and their af is an absolute joke (focusing wrong eye in still sitting subjekts sometimes 50% of all images taken even tho green box was on the correct eye all the time…) So im curious…is nikons colour actually THAT much better in testing? Is the AF THAT much worse? I dont care if i „only“ get 80% hitrate vs. 95% with Sony, if the resulting images then blow me away im good with that…

you can turn off blackout :D but video is very nice, thank you:)

There is no shutter in the Nikon z8 and there is no blackout what the hell are you talking about, man I own the sony a7r5 and the z8 yes, your correct about the autofocus but not the blackout

a 1.4 lens will still have 4 times as much light to work with than a 2.8 lens, no matter what stop you've set it to. Put a 2 stop Nd on it, then compare

Thanks for the detailed look at the electronic shutter with PWM LED lights, that's really really helpful, well done!

The first reviewer that isn't a total fan boy. Yeah, the stacked sensor is great (and all cameras above the $3500 mark should have it - eventually). BTW, the a7rv rear screen has the same resolution + its tilting & fully articulated... as for the AF (the a7rv has 200 more AF points for reference). The z8 is a great value, Nikon did right at pricing it very competitive to increase their market share. IMHO, I feel their lens line up isn't complete and the ones they have are way to heavy & bulky.

Just put an eye cup on it.

You can choose to have it back out free mate