The tradition continues: I tuned into Chris and Jordan’s Z8 video ahead of all the others, including Nikon themselves. Thanks PetaPixel for keeping this excellent duo at the head of the pack in photo equipment reviews (and general life advice, explanations of the universe, and wildlife-licking-downtown-buildings imagery).
tradition of shit auto focus here start at 9:28 in the video enough said on Nikon garbage focus again ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Ux3Z8piSl3k.html
this Z8 really gives me strong Nikon D700 vibes. Back then, the D700 was basically the same exact thing as the flagship D3, with the same sensor, same autofocus system and very similar burst speeds once you used the vertical grip with it. Only compromise was that it lost a CF card slot and had a smaller battery, two comprimises that the Z8 seems to share when you compare it with its bigger brother The D700/D3 strategy proved out to be super sucecssful for Nikon back in 2008/2009, giving pros in search for a second body a cheaper option with te same capabilities as their D3, and for everyone else it was 90% of the capacity of a D3 without the super premium price point. My guess is that Nikon is heading to that strategy again, hopefully with great results. As much as people think the Z8 is a successor to the D850, I really think it's made to walk the steps of the D700 as no other Nikon camera shared the specs of the flagship of the time like this (the closest relative could be the Df that shared the D4's sensor, but it didn't have the same autofocus and was much more limited overall, being a niche product)
I still have a D700 with vertical grip for wildlife I use D800E for landscape and I will upgrade to D850. Z8 is not a landscape camera. No 55-60 Mpix Nikon so its Fuji GFX 100S as my next new camera
@@thomaseriksson6256 Wait What? Who in their right mind would try to make such a ridiculous claim! People shot landscapes with far fewer MP and if this has the ability to pixel-shift there's no real need to have a 60 MP camera. These cameras are now becoming a Jack of All Trades and a Master of Many types of photography. It literally is to the point, where you not being able to get the image with the camera is 100% on you and not on the camera anymore (think motion tracking and the like).
Great to see Chris and Jordan back with another in their series of fantastic camera reviews. Nice that they got out of their typical haunts and made a trip to such a fantastic destination.
Canon guy here. The similarities to my camera, the R5, are numerous. So happy for the Nikon family! I think the people that buy this camera are going to absolutely LOVE it. Great to see the dynamic duo still doing reviews! Always well done!
I'm still completely in love with my D850... but this is the first mirrorless camera that makes me actually consider making a move. As a wildlife shooter, the speed of the sensor is a must and it sounds like the Z8 delivers. I want so see more, but this one has me thinking.
The D850 is a godly camera. I waited until the Z7.II was released and then bought a Z7 (the original, mark 1) for a lower price. I was scared to leave the D850 behind, but ultimately was very pleased. And that was only the Z7. Two days ago (on launch day) I pre-ordered the Z8. I'm not looking back. However, I will concede to the fact I am a landscape photographer, not a wildlife photographer. Your particular area of activity is more demanding than mine, that's for sure. But Chad, I think the future is very promising. If you don't want to get the Z8, who knows, perhaps the Z8.II or a future upgrade to this model. But I think when you finally make the switch, you'll like what you get. I certainly did. 👍🏻
I still have a D850 and loved it for wildlife/birds in flight etc. I got the Z9 last year which is a game changer for action photography over the D850 and the ability to change exposure during a shot sequence with the thumbwheel and see this through the eyepiece. But... I have ordered the Z8 because its a pound (450g) lighter and with a big lens attached that will make it more usable over a long day in the wild...
Just bought into Nikon with a used z6, amazing to see a nice new camera from Nikon. Thanks for your content, happy to continue following you on PetaPixel
As a Canon shooter the Z8 looks *amazing* with a awesome lens lineup. If they put shutter angle support and some other video niceties it will be a killer hybrid camera too. Canon has their work cut out for them. They have been delaying R1 and R5 mark 2 and their RF lens lineup is so slow to come out! The weather sealed Z 24-200 is a killer affordable landscape lens.
I just switched from Nikon Z9 to Canon R5 and as far as eye detection/ Focusing in general the R5 works so much better. I shoot 35 weddings a year and Nikon Z wasn’t cutting it.
@@winterlynstebner3002 Even with the firmware updates? I shoot the R5 and R7 for wildlife and love the eye AF, but Nikon lenses look really good. I've heard some people say the Z9 FW updates fixed some AF issues but others say it still lags behind.
as a nikon pro/ D850 shooter I finally have a mirrorless body that would be the perfect upgrade. form factor plus same battery plus same card slot lineup and all the z9 stuff I want but without having to upgrade camera bag size, buy new batteries or worry about shutter noise and with that price update coming in from japan on the z9 - for 4k?. TAKE MY MONEY.
@@joshuaconti989 there is not much to say, it is there and it looks very busy and therefore I do not like it but on the other hand I am not focussing manually very often. I think they should reverse the representation of what is colored in focus peaking, basically I want what Sony is doing with the focus map but also for stills.
I really appreciate the way that Chris and Jordan will accept pre-release hardware to review and call out things that might change, but ALSO actually come back and do post-release reviews that dive in to those details. I know it's a rough balance when the manufacturers offer the ability to get out a review at the same time as other outlets, but y'all are a class act.
So happy to see the two of you here on PetaPixel. I'm currently a Fuji X-T3 user and since I find myself photographing HS sporting events in terribly-lit gymnasiums, I'm considering moving to full-frame. I've been waiting to learn what the Z8 would offer before evaluating my choices. As always, I can count on Chris and Jordan to cut through the fluff and give a straight product review. I think I actually exhaled when I saw the price point--The Z8's near Z9 feature set at -$1,500 is going to be hard for competitors to beat. And this camera moves up my list of strong considerations. Are you guys planning a real world comparison video against Canon and Sony when the Z8 goes on sale?
You don't need to move up to full frame to capture sports, just get a better suited body. I love fujifilm and had almost every body they've released and I have to say the XT3 was the worst performing for me out of all. If you already have lenses I would recommend testing an xt4 or 5 before you switch systems entirely,
Thanks @alexcaballero1402 . I plan to test the XH2s to confirm how well it handles low light, and that will determine whether I stay with Fuji (yes, I have lots of glass [8]). Still, good to see Nikon make an industry influencing move with the Z8.
@@HappyHubris That was never my point and modern sensors even in micro 4/3 still produce excellent results. My point was that the XT3 even though it's the same sensor in other Fuji bodies I've owned produced the worst results in low light.
@@jpirnat80 I use the XH2s professionally and it's been pretty good, even when shooting sports (bouldering) in mediocre lighting situations. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
Glad you two found another home! And you remember how not TOO long ago, people thought Nikon was "getting out of the camera business"? Ha!!! Now, they are leading the pack, with THEEE most desirable cameras. I have been using them for years ... since no one does color like Nikon. All those years of competing with Canon paid off! Now when (and IF) they bring out a Z6iii, I'll be buying another. (I have the original Z6, and it is still has a FANTASTIC image, especially for video, which is all I do, and record with a Ninja V.)
No one is talking about the fact that if you add the Nikon WR-R11a Remote Controller you can start two or three+ cameras at the same time and only put audio into one of the cameras. Really speeds up things in post and makes small crews more efficient. I use two Z9 cameras and will add the Z8 as a third camera angle as soon as I can!
I can’t believe I just found this channel. I see Chris and Jordan and I instantly hit subscribe. I can’t believe how long I’ve been watching these two. To me, Jordan and Chris are the modern day Kai and Lok.
First off, good to see you both back (I know, this isn't your first Peta Pixel video). I was encouraged to hear the many features and performance of the Z8. Nikon is trying to keep loyal customers and lure a few back, and I agree this offering is solid for that purpose. I am glad to see that this will put pressure on Nikon's competition; consumers typically benefit from vigorous competition. Thank you for the review.
That will not happen as it's not good enough compared to the competition. The same poor autofocus as the Z9 and the same poor colour performance in low light. It's not good when a £1700 Canon R8 has better autofocus and Nikons own Z6 has better colour performance in low light.
Just something about Jordan and Chris that I enjoy watching. It’s great that they are now able to get out to different locations, there are thousands of puddles in the world just waiting for their picture to be taken!
I'm only here and have only subscribed because of Chris and Jordan. I've been following them since the early days and they consistency give great, honest reviews no matter the brand, lens, or camera.
this articulating screen looks amazing and seems like Nikon continue tradition of breaking some boundaries, when F3 was introduced many people were hesitant since it was fully electronic camera with only 1/60 mechanical speed now they're abandoning the mechanical shutter, and afaik this may add to the longevity of camera pretty substantial amount of time
Saw the camera announcement in email, had to come to you guys first, and you delivered. I trust what you do because you've really got the chops in both still photography and video. Thanks guys!
GAS starting to overpower my system. I’d say that this puts Nikon at my new dream FF-system! I think it’s really cool that they are continuing with only electronic shutter. The future awaits.
Man, this was seamlessly and enjoyable to watch. It's feels good to see that Nikon is hitting the ball out of the park with their new offerings. I love it.
Ordered one! Looks like what I wanted from my Z7ii Much better autofocus and no slideshow view when taking bursts of BIF. Sensor cover great video and not a brick, like the Z9. No benefit in landscape photography but just as good in practice
Always wonderful to see you guys! And what a amazing Camera! But looking at the Z8 + 600mm f4 I found myself very happy with the OM-1 + 300mm f4! I’m not comparing, because I know the Nikon option has the better iQ. But the OM is the best option for me!
I didn't even realise I'd clicked on a PetaPixel video until the end, I was just happy that DPReview was still getting the boys to make review videos - I was a bit sleepy at the start! Quality shines through boys, keep doing what you do!
The results look great in outdoor settings (btw: Nikon-sponsored influencer junket y/n?) but I've still got reservations about the no-mechanical-shutter concept… still waiting for some tester to rent an LED stage light such as an ETC Colorsource and run through a variety of settings and shutter speeds to see if/where things get “stripey”. All the modern theater LEDs advertise “video-safe” but I don't know if that applies at the higher shutter speeds needed for still photography…
If people tell you it doesn't happen, it's straight out wrong. I've joined a Z9 facebook group and there were some really honest answers in there, with people saying "if you shoot events, stay away from it". I do editorial / studio work and weddings and it simply isn't an option. I've had a shitty LED / silent (electronic shutter) situation once with no time for micro adjustments (which is the option on a Z9) and if you don't have a backup body, you're essentially screwed.
I tried $1200 Canon 70D in 2012, brand new from the store. And it took kind of soft photos. I returned it, and bought a Nikon D3300 for half the price, and the photos were absolutely razor sharp, and just had beautiful color. The Nikon cameras have such high quality parts on them, their fit and finish is incredible. I still have the D3300 and it's still in perfect condition after 11 years. I can't wait to get a Z8, it's just a bit unfortunate that cameras are still so expensive.
I'm a Z9 owner and I might upgrade my 2nd camera (a Z6 II) to one of these as I find silent shooting incredibly useful for events and concerts (the Z6 is too limting in terms of needing longer shutter speeds to avoid banding when shooting silent during concerts). I really wish they added a digital hotshoe though, all the competition has it at this point. 2 more issues I don't like for video is the significant IBIS-wobble at wide angles and that you can't record to both card slots simultaneously.
Do you find any banding issues with the Z9? I’m confused by the electronic only shutter as banding is a serious issue with lighting both indoor or concert hall Ect. Is the fast readout speed of the sensor what keeps the Z9 from banding issues/ or do you still have those issues at times ?
@@Nylonscheme Yes, the fast readout speed from the stacked sensor means that banding is minimal = basically equivalent to a mechanical shutter. The Z9 readout speed is 4.0 ms, a mechanical shutter is 3.0 ms. Compare that to 62.5 ms with the electronic shutter on the Z7 which causes significantly more problems with banding in artificial light. In practice I've haven't had any issues with banding on the Z9, but I've had plenty with the Z6 II.
@@Geert890 Because sometimes they play silently. For example only a harp. Sometimes the venue/organizer asks for it, usually when it's few instruments. And even when it's not required it's so nice to not have to worry about clicking next to someones ear in the audience.
Thanks for this review Chris and Jordan... I have been a Nikon user and currently using D500. I am planning to go mirrorless but I think the Z6II and Z7II are slow, then I am thinking of buying a Canon either R6II or the R5. I think this will be my first mirrorless camera.
Small form factor and low weight are fantastic for shooting up to 200mm focal range. For ass cold climate with bigger lens its ideal to have bigger and body with more grip surface, and in general big battery’s last longer. 200 saved grams on the body are easy consumed by adding more small batteries to backpack. Make real life test for weight comparison, the 2 setups have last for 3 days without option to charge.
I've been a Fujifilm guy, but these new Nikons are starting to really pique my interest. Especially with the quality of the 1.8 primes. I personally prefer to fart around with the SLR style dials, if this sensor ever made it to a ZFC body I wouldn't even hesitate.
I've been using Nikon and recently got into Fujifilm. What I can say is that the Nikon colors are amazing, and the ergonomics are so great. AF isn't really bad; Z5/6/7/fc/30 are all enough for landscape or slow moving subjects. I actually felt that the low light AF performance of Z5 with 50mm 1.8 lens is better than the X-T4 with 33mm f1.4.
@@djstuc Yeah those cute little lenses Fuji keeps pooping out are way better than those 1.2 L RF primes Canon makes or the 2.8 zooms Nikon makes... And literally no one buys Fuji for video, bpmcc is a way better deal in that respect and if you want bigger sensors Fuji doesn't offer them. But they have cute dials and a cool vintage aesthetic right mate 😘
It's an awesome camera, I just wished they would have managed to make ist 200g lighter. Maybe it's nitpicking, but for hiking this makes a huge difference!
@@carlosandreviana9448 Good for you, but it's not about what someone can use, but what I want. Since companies are trying to sell stuff to me that's everthing that matters
Thanks for terrific review. Yes, I'm "one of those", i.e. just switched from D850 to the Z8 few weeks ago and never looked back. Getting into video and love the auto focus with the Z8, just incredible.
Great episode Jordan and Chris. This makes me glad I've got a year's experience with the Z9 which has been daunting and fun to begin to master. Now I could go lighter as I get older. My Z7 is 680 grams and my Z9 is 1350 grams, both with batteries and card slots filled and no body caps. I'd love to go a pound lighter with the Z8, but not yet at the cost of transition.
I'm a Sony user (since the Nex-3 came out) and I must say I am so glad to see Nikon and Canon come out with great cameras. All they need is more lenses (they already have some great ones!). Looking forward to more!
With the release of the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z30 I am interested in what Nikon will do with the future Nikon Z5 Mark 2. Especially with the release of the Panasonic S5 Mark ii and Sony A74. I just hope Nikon keeps the two SD Card slots the same on the Nikon Z5 Mark 2 and it has a flip out screen and unlimited recording time limit and N-Log and a full size HDMI port
All the good features mean nothing if they still have not got the autofocus up to par. Canon, and Sony are still way ahead with focus, why spend 4K on something that still has focus issues another Nikon Fail..
didnt knew cameras main strenght was the freaking autofocus lol. What a pathetic statement. I literally dont use autofocus whatsoever since im a landscape photographer, so you are saying a z7ii or a z8 are bad cameras for me because Sony and canon have better AF? Whats with people measuring cameras only by their AF performance?
@@ThatNorma Who gives a shit what you use, and ya ok you don't use autofocus what another bunch of shit loser statement. I took my R6 and Z9 to the beach Saturday again the R6 won out 149 out of 153 images of seagulls across the frame dead on in focus the z9 33 out of 100 in focus. i started with Nikon back when the D50 came out and shot Only Nikon until last year, I traded a lot of my nikon gear in for the canon set up I have and I have zero regrets at all I can actually go shoot a sporting or bird event and not have to weed out hundreds of wasted out of focus images anymore as long as I still take my Canon r6 and leave the nikon at home..
This camera has me really excited for what else Nikon’s planning. Please demonstrate some flash photography when the final version comes out! It’d be great seeing that it can handle that as well.
I like the new shape of this case, it is very beautiful. I hope that the future Z5 II Z6 III and Z7 III cases will have the same aesthetics in smaller and lighter.
Super Nice Camera! If I wasn't soo entrenched in Sony lenses and accessories, this would be a buy for me. But glad to Nikon bring something like this out. Great value here.
It strikes me as the change from the GFX100 to the GFX100S. Just as awesome, but smaller and less expensive. I'm pleased that Nikon didn't neuter it. I won't get one since I have a Z9 and Z7 II when I want smaller. However, well done Nikon.
Great deal camera for Nikon users. I am jealous. The stacked sensor is the real deal offering minimal rolling shutter. Nikon will sell tons of these Z8s. I wonder why people would buy Z9 though.
already have a Z9 and there is no way I would ditch it for a Z8. Yes, the Z8 looks an incredible camera and, especially with the lower price, I can see it doing extremely well. I would consider selling my Z7ii to upgrade to a Z8 as my second body, however, for me, the Z8 is missing three things - 1) GPS. I really like to geo-tag my photos, especially when travelling, and the Z9 makes this so easy. With the Z8 you would need to use an external app. I have done this in the past with my Z6 & 7ii but it was not always reliable and I often got home to find the app had failed to record all the GPS info. 2) I really don't want to go back to a mix of cards / card slots. I record both stills and video and having the ability to use two high performance CFExpress cards is invaluable. 3) I really like the feel and ergonomics of the Z9 with the large battery capacity and portrait hand-grip. Yes, you can add a plug-in grip to the Z8 but it still doesn't offer the capacity of a single Z9 battery (I always carry a spare) and it makes the Z8 even bigger than the Z9!!! I am certain the Z8 will be an incredibly successful camera but, for me, the Z9 is definitely the one to stick with.
I`m sure they`ll improve the AF consistency in the Z8 and Z9 , they worked wonders improving the original Z7's AF even after it had been replaced (which shocked everyone)
Yes. With the Expeed 7 processor, there's lot of hope for more firmware updates. I like the fact Nikon releases less cameras and more firmware updates.
