That's Why I Bought the Nikon Z8 Over Sony & Canon! 

🔥QUICK QUESTION: What type of photographer are you? Landscape, Wildlife, Sports, Portrait, etc

Feedback: there are those of us that are primarily listening to these videos while we do other things (cleaning, crafting, yes even driving). When the auto drops entirely mute and you introduce the questions as a title card (ex @2:44) it means we have to find the remote or unlock the phone, then rewind the video just to see what the question was. I do really like having the title cards, but could you please read the questions in your voice along with the screen cards? Thanks!

I don't think that anyone needs to justify any brand that they use, period. That will be the brand that offers what they want. All the main companies offer brilliant systems, each offer certain features missing in others. I shoot a Nikon Z8 and Z6ii mainly because I've been shooting Nikon for decades, know the system and have some legacy lenses that work fantastically on the Z system still. It's a brilliant system with really fine files but also missing some features of other brands, especially with the Z6ii's auto focus system, but we have a wonderful choice of lenses on the Z mount plus thousands of F mount ones that are fun to use. Choose what you want, who cares. It's the images that count.

The prodigal son returns! Welcome back to the Nikon Family! I really don’t know about the other brands but Nikon is very good at supplying updates to their cameras in the form of firmwares. I have the z9 and love it. I have smaller hands and at first I thought maybe it is too big. I have become so accustomed to using it I don’t notice it anymore. One difference between the z9 and z8 is an extra function button. The battery is more robust too. I do shoot some fast action genres and with the Delkin Black Diamond CF Express card it seems like the high frame rate is endless. I have not hit a buffer limit yet. Again happy shooting with the Z8!

I bought the 24-120 S last year to take on my backpacking trips. It’s amazing and has slowly replaced my 24-70 2.8 S. Welcome back to Nikon 😀

I really think Z8 will become very important in Nikons history, it is such a beautifull piece of gear...you can also say the same for 24-120 f4 S lens, it produces such good images. Great from Nikon

I've had my z8 since Christmas and I love it. I so haven't used it for landscape yet. It's great for action and wildlife. It's such a versatile camera. Another good reason for buying a z8 is because Nikon is giving great support with firmware updates.

The R5 has a sensor curtain to avoid dust on the sensor while changing lenses. The disadvantage is that the curtain is not a shield and actually more sensitive for mechanical damage than the sensor. I do like the Z8 and would buy it today but after 40 Canon years and 8 lenses including the 1.2-2.8 lenses changing system is very expensive.

it amazes me people still argue about camera brands. At this point it’s simply personal preference. There’s so little difference now and no one will get better photos by choosing one camera brand over another.

As long as you can get good results, brands don't matter at all.

Thanks for another thoughtful video. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the top tier cameras these days. I use the Sony A7RV, and I love it for landscape. These are my thoughts: 1) Sony A7RV has a shutter-closed-when-camera-is-turned-off mode that helps prevent dust from getting on the sensor. I don’t know if it is different from the “sensor shield.” I suspect Nikon’s is a bit more sturdy, since the shield/shutter is only used for long exposure noise reduction. Nikon does not use a shutter under normal shooting situations. 2) I clearly experience a difference between my 50 megapixel A1 and my 60 megapixel A7RV images when cropping. The A1 is more versatile, but the A7RV is always my go to for landscape. I doubt I would experience a difference between 45 and 50 megapixel. I’m sure that’s a personal preference - I am very nit-picky. 3) I suspect the Z8 is better for low light at 100%, and may have a bit more dynamic range because of the larger photosite area, but I don’t find the A7RV to be lacking, even for night photography. 4) I really like the Nikon lens lineup. The zoom ranges are well suited for landscape - I am sometimes envious of the 24-120 lens. Canon also has a good lineup also with the 14-35, 24-105, and 100-500. That said, I do like my Sony 20-70 and 70-200 MACRO, a super lightweight pair, (or 20-70 and 100-400 pairing) very much! I rarely need wider than 20mm. I do wish Sony had a 14-24 or a 14-35, with front filters, instead of a 16-35. I feel the 12-24 GM is too big, with a bulbous front element, and the 12-24 f/4 just does not have the IQ. I sometimes just throw in a 14mm with my 20-70 and 70-20/100-400 pair. 5) I also wish Sony had a top screen, and more programmable buttons. 6) Finally, I am 6’-5” with XXLarge hands and I’ve never found the size of Sony cameras to be an issue.

I love my Z8

The shutter shield is even better than people realise, as you can put your camera down in the sun and not worry about your sensor getting fried by the focussed light. Even the cameras that close the shutter blades can't do that as shutter blades burn really easily. I love that whenever I turn the camera off (which is also the easiest on nikon) I know the sensor is safe. As far as I know the boot up is also the fastest, you can bring the camera to your face as you flick the power with your shitter finger and be firing off a burst straight away as it gets to your eye.

I just switched to the Z8 from Fujifilm and I’m totally loving it!! I would be really interested in your landscape settings on the Z8, if at all possible.

That’s why I love Nikon, for those small details and the colors right out of the camera are great

I've watched about a thousand reviews of the Z8 and no one mentioned backlit buttons! No one! So +1 point now to purchase this camera in addition to a tiny Z6

24-120 is a beast :D

Another great video Mark. The Nikon Z 100-400 and 24-120 are the only two lenses I own. You didn't mention it but are probably aware of how close you can focus with these lenses. I believe it's like .38x for both or there abouts. That was a game-changer for me!

I bought a used Z7 a couple years ago, specifically so that i could use the 24-120, and I have no regrets. That lense is amazing. I have no plans to replace my Z7 anytime soon, but the sensor shield and backlit buttons on the Z8 are tempting quality of life features. Maybe in a couple years when used prices come down...

Any modern camera is better than what I shot magazine covers with 35 years ago! I’ve used an R5 and R6 for the last few years, and various Nikons and Mamiya cameras before that. Now I’m enjoying the Hasselblad X2D. They’re all amazing. I’d argue it’s not even about the photos. It’s about enjoying the outdoors with creativity and intention.

All reasons you stated make a lot of sense. What I like about Nikon is the color rendition ❤

You really seem enthusiastic about the cam, glad you're enjoying it.

Thank you for your content. I am thinking about switching from A6500 to a FF and miss my old Nikon (7100) a lot especially the two rings placement for aperture and speed. Another point for Nikon. Thanks again.

What you find out..... is exactly why I have the Z 8. I do landscape, wildlife, sport and car racing, airshows, some macro and I can do everything perfect with the Z 8. I bought it as a kit with the 24-120 f 4 and the FTZ adapter from B&H in May 2023. Almost never have to deal with sensor dust. The 300 mm f 2,8 VR F mount works great with all 3 Nikon TC on this lens, Also the 70-200mm 2,8 FL. Set up and custom setting took a while to set up to my best use. Had the D3, D3x, D810, D 500 in combination with the D850 before. I use about 80% the 24-120 on the camera with stunning result. The only what I miss ... not autofocus with my D lenses. 24 mm tilt and shift and the 200mm f 4 macro.

For me camera ergonomics and aesthetics definitely play a role in enjoying photography

Mark, I've been using the Z8 siince May 23. I never(!!) had to clean my sensor. Thats a point!

If you are a wildlife or bird photographer you definitely need to use CF Express cards to utilize the speed of the Z8/Z9 cameras. And you will never hit the end of the buffer. And transfering files to ssd drives is a lot faster. The latter point is probably the only advantage for landscape only photogs.

This camera looks great but, I don't shoot anything that moves much-if at all. You can get a Z7II now for under 2k (body only). That would save me a lot of $$$$. I don't need the benefits of a stacked sensor.

My Canon R6 MKII and my Canon R5 have that. Or am I missing something?

Welcome to the happy Nikon Z8 owners club and I'm sure there are happy owners of other brand and model cameras and lenses too ,no problem, I love mine too which I have owned for about a year, if you want to use the full potential of it you need to use the CFe type B memory card but for landscape that is not needed. That 24-120 f4S lens is great too and my favorite for landscape and generally outdoors , it also is a very good macro lens if you want to use for that because it focuses about 5 or 6 inches from the lens at 120 mm , I am looking forward to seeing more of your experiences with these.

The Control ring which you are calling as Aperture Ring is configurable.. Since Front and Rear command dials are configured by default to control Aperture and Shutter speed respectively, I set control ring for ISO. This helps me a lot during handheld shooting with "Manual" (M) Mode while watching Histogram in EVF....Even on Tripod If I have to change ISO it is easier to use the control ring than ISO button + Command Dial combo....

My Canon R6 Mark II has this sensor protection. And there is the option in the menu to leave it closed or open.

I bought it because it’s Nikon and I own 20 Nikon lenses.

Once again, great video Mark in describing reasons and answering questions. Ive seen some comments about it doesnt matter which gear you use as long as you get good results, and i totally disagree. You brought it out, but it really is almost a oart of your body in the sense that the camera has to "fit" perfectly, and have a menu system that allows you to make quick decision and changes. It also has to make you "enjoy" the photography journey, which you also stated. So, i would definitely say that the brand matters. Are they all fantastic camera's? Yes, but one is "family"..😊. Nikon is family for me. Thanks for the video Mark!

Decided on Z8 now. I was gong to go Fuji100S II but prices have increased and no longer affordable.

The Nikon Z8 and Z6iii are a great match for the field. I highly recommend trying the 180-600 or 800 PF.

Welcome to the Z8 club! Enjoy your new camera and lenses. It is the best do all camera on the photo market at this time. Maybe the Canon R5II will leap frog past it? There are no bad cameras in this age of technology. Most of us stay with the brand we started with after investing in lenses.

The sensor shield is great just make sure the rear element of the lens your putting on is dust free & if you want to be really careful about dust check the rear lens cap before you put it on when you take the lens off, takes seconds to do but can make a difference.

Thorough, fair, and objective comparisons.

Great choice Mark, I am sure you will enjoy this system. I have the same setup and I only have good words about it. Nikon really nailed it with this camera and the lenses are awesome too!!!

Good overview, Mark. Enjoy your new body. I do own the Z9, it is great, a wonderful hybrid body. I might still get a z8 as well, but at the moment, having so much fun with the Zf as a travel-body, especially when paired with the Voigtländer MZ z-mount lenses. Let’s see if I do grab a Z8 as well for those high-res landscape shots during travels.

Really enjoyed this video, Mark. The Nikon Z8 is beautiful. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts.

How about the battery life? Especially for wild life and nature photography you may need more battery life, only downside for Z8 is the battery life, what is your opinion? How many batteries do you carry for a day shoot?

Ergonomics is a huge point. I will never buy canon for that simple reason, they just don’t feel comfortable to use to ME.

Have u faced any issues working with flashes or Godox lights since it doesn’t have mechanical shutter?

I love my Z8. I shoot macro and wildlife. Why don’t you use CF cards? Which one speed?

Hey Mark quick question. Are you still happy with your Aspen ballhead? I know a lot of landscape shooters are going to a two way head plus leveling base set up so I was just curious if your still happy with that Aspen.

Hi Mark: Great review of the Z8. I am leaning toward it as I need something lighter and need to cut down the number of lens that I have. What is a good macro lens for this body? I have a D850 and 105mm nikkor macro as I do a fair bit of macro. Thanks Bruce

Canon R5 has this feature. No matter which system you buy they're all great.

Love my Z8! Great move, Mark! 🎉

I would assume those screaming in comments about how this brand/model is superior to any other brand/model are amateurs and semi-pros who need to justify to themselves the insane amount of money they have spent on gear. Or people who get paid to advertise it.

Nice buy, I'm still with the D850 which I will keep when I move to mirrorless. Hoping for the Z8 or Z9 when I can.

For me I want to change my Nikon D780 but I'm waiting to see what Nikon will offer with the upcoming Z7 Mark III and I will make my decision by comparing the Z8 and Z7 III. I'm a Landscape photographer

Nikon fits like a glove. AND you can press all the buttons WEARING a glove! Muscle£memory with Nikon is easy. Ever since moving from Nikon to Fuji 13 years ago I’ve had regrets…. But I love Fuji JPEGs and have learned how to adjust highlights and shadows in-camera that I never shoot RAW. FUJIFILM are quirky cameras and my most used lens is the Fuji 70-300mm which is compact and gives 100-400mm equivalent. Love your tutorials and frank reviews.

Hey Mark. Which L-bracket did you purchase for the Z8?

Can’t agree more about the reason for the 100-400 mm lense. i noticed t you have a tripod mounting shoe on the collar of yours, is it arc Swiss and can you recommend one? I am looking for one for my new 100-400mm. Regards from down Under!

I'm 6'4" with gorilla hands and started my career shooting Nikon film cameras and then their digitals from d70 to D2X to d800...LOVE NIKON, but now I shoot Sony a7RV with battery grip and added thumb grip and it feels great in the hand

100% agree about sensor shield. Cannot understand why any mirrorless camera would be without it, or why by default when camera is turned off, a mechanical shutter (if available) comes down 🤷‍♂️🤷‍♂️

I just sold my D850 and ordered the Z8 instead of a Z6iii. I wanted a sensor shield and 45mp for cropping if necessary.

Mark you didn't answer my question in the last video! I am in the same situation. if I go for Nikon Z8, what to do with my GFXS100 and lenses? reselling has lots of lost money that I paid earlier. What did you do?

Hey. Great video. Could you change the background color on the text slides to something not white? Watching your videos on the TV at night is blinding when those sections come on.

Absolutely agree with you Mark! on your opinions about prime lenses and the sensor screen. I too love the top screen. In fact I liked top screen of your Fuji so much so that I re-watched one of your videos that shows the top screen of your fuji. And I decided that I too would get a camera that has a top screen, may not be like fuji but should have one so I bought z6II sacrificing fully articulating screen! 😃

Have you ever shot with the LUMIX S1R? If so how did you like the file’s & resolution?

Primarily landscapes. Thanks for your inputs. A long time Nikon hobbyist from FM2 days, yet to go mirrorless, was torn between the three. Your articulation makes easy for my choice to stay with Nikon!

It´s always a matter of your own needs and feelings. I totally understand Mark when it comes to big hands and beefier bodies. Sony is really small compared to Nikon and Canon and you have to like that. Choose Nikon over Canon makes also sense for me when you used Nikon in the past already and have experience with the system. I never get used to twist the Lenses in the opposite direction to unmount them compared to Canon for example. The Z8 has also a never sensor compared to the Canon R5 and I have to admit that even for me as a Canon Shooter, Nikon has some really really nice glass in their portfolio. Everything else is simply private taste also when it comes to buttons and functions. Pretty much every Camera nowadays offers to program custom function etc. and when you mostly work on a tripod it simply doesn´t matter because you have the time ;-) One of the only things I'm a bit jealous of are the illuminated button on the Z8 besides the nice lenses ...

Welcome back to Nikon.

(Anthony) Welcome to Nikon. Again, I'm glad I had an opportunity to meet you at Out of Grand Teton. (green camera wrap all the way). The one thing to mention about the 100-400mm lens is the tripod mounting bracket (foot). The lens foot groove tends to be slightly different than what will fit most arca-swiss compatible ballhead mounts. You may want (or need) to switch to a different lens foot. RRS (LCF-21) and Kirk (LP-70) both make a lens foot specifically for the Nikon Z 100-400mm lens that is spot-on and fits arca-swiss plates perfectly. The grooves are a perfect match. Just thought I would pass it on. Thank you for the video. The shutter guard is a brilliant idea. I agree, all mirrorless cameras should have it as a standard feature.

The sensor shield makes sense for the Z8 because it has no mechanical shutter. However, for cameras with a mechanical shutter, using the shutter curtain as a sensor shield is a poor execution of the idea. The sensor is more durable and easy to clean compared to a damage shutter curtain

Mark -- If you don't mind, what is the small black tab attached to one of the strap loops on your Z8? Locator tab? Thanks for an answer!

??? If you now like these features (sensor shield, backlit buttons, good grip etc) on the Z8, why didn't you just buy the Z9 2 1/2 years ago like I did? I too have big hands, so I had to buy a battery grips for my D800, D500 & Z6ii. The Z9 grip was perfect for me. P.S. I prefer CF Express Type B cards to SD's. I have about 20 SD cards sitting idly by. Cheers.

Mark, Really agree with you on the value of the sensor shields and wish more cameras had them!

The right camera is the one that inspires you to take photos.

nice choice 🙂 I shoot both Nikon and Fuji and love both. My Fuji system is bang up to date (X-H2) while on Nikon I love shooting a vintage D700 and 105 macro. 12MP is enough and the look of the images the older equipment affords is just gorgeous. Only issue is remembering which way to screw the lenses on and off!!

I tried Sony and cannon and they just didn’t feel as good to me as Nikon in the hands. Cannon has this plastic feel to it even though is not and Sony ergonomic just feel off too. Nikon on the other hand feel like they built like tank, the grip are deep and grippy

Is the sensor shield different from setting the shutter to being closed?

There's something irresistibly satisfying about cradling the Z8 with the 24-120 or 14-24, or really any lens you choose. It's the perfect mix of size, heft, and balance-a marvel of technology that just clicks with me. Aesthetic appeal? Check. Feels like a dream? Absolutely.

I own the Canon R5 and the sensor has a cover that closes over it when you turn it off. Can't imagine going back to a camera that doesn't do that. As a matter of fact, all of Canon's mirrorless cameras from 2020 on have a sensor shield.

I have the 2nd generation 24-120 f/4G lens for Nikon's DSLR. Love that versatile lens. Used it for cityscapes and street photography, paired w/ my Nikon D800, for over a year. Only problem w/ that setup, its too heavy and bulky for street. Progressively over the years got a compact setup w/ the Z6II and 28mm Voigtlander. Now my gen 2 24-120mm lives on my Nikon F100 for anytime I want to shoot cityscape-architecture on film. Still as sharp when I got it. 🤩

I left a similar comment on your other video about the Z8, I'm curious why you went for the Z8 over the much cheaper Z7ii or even Z7? Image quality is identical or even slightly in favour of the Z7/Z7ii

The Z8 plus appropriate glass obviously make up a good camera system and it is nice to hear that the ergonomics and the haptics are so good. FF ought to be ideal for your landscapes. I was wondering why you were on medium format anyway. The narrower DOF of medium format due to the larger sensor size make life difficult in almost all genres. Quite apart from being very expensive.

I have the nikon z6 ii and it just got some dirty that does not fall by blowing air, I have some fear of cleaning the sensor by using swabs, yeah I wish all cameras had the sensor shield.

Don't make me switch back to Nikon from Fuji!

What can you tell me about the Z8 battery over heating problems and short battery life?

I have the Z8 and Zf and can't see myself wanting another camera for a very very long time!

I did the same thing switching from my GFX back to my canon but now I’m back to the GFX. There’s something about medium format files that keep me coming back, and whenever I shoot on my canon I get serious fomo. Hope you didn’t sell your GFX ;)

Just switched to fujifilm medium format system from Sony full frame. Still trying to work out my workflow but I cannot be more excited by the photos I’d already taken. Photographers change and grow, it’s only natural that our gears change, too.

Love my Z7II and Z6II. Would like to see dual CFExpress-B since they are faster and the cost is equal or cheaper to the SD equivalent.

Absolutely, that’s why I bought a D850 over a Z7 after it came out. I didn’t want to clean the sensor when changing lenses.

The one thing, above all, that keeps me with the Fuji system ( and Fuji has limitations for sure ) is the colour rendition. Fuji, for me, has always been the leader in colour reproduction. Their films were , for me, always way above the other brands, especially diapositives, even though they favoured the blue spectrum they always seemed truer to actual life. Nikon are a great system but I changed to Fuji 2 years ago and have not regretted it. Best wishes Mark from an avid fan.

Congrats Mark👌

I switched to a Canon R5 a few years ago after nearly 3 decades w/ Nikon. The reason I didn't go with a Sony A1 is that the R5 was the only camera that supported all the video modes/codecs as the A1 but for $2,500 less (and I find Sony ergonomics suboptimal). Still love Nikon, but always felt I was paying a little more, sometimes missed focus on fast-moving subjects and their declining market share. For landscapes, studio, and 90% of all other uses, you'll be fine. It's still a great brand.

People really need to stop worrying about the brand of camera and concentrate on what makes a good image.

Afaik the reason more cameras don't have a sensor shield is because they need space for a mechanical shutter mechanism, whereas the Z8 and Z9 don't, so they can put a sturdy shield in there instead.

Yes, totally agree that all cameras should have a sensor shield, Fuji GFX with their huge sensor should have one as are the Sonys. I am using GFX100S and Sony A7R4, their lack of sensor shield means I always have to put one sensor swab in my bag to clean the sensor, the sensor dust can be quite annoy when you see them after you took the photos. Regarding Z8 I agree it is the best hybrid and high resolution ( Above 45mp) camera.

So glad you switched back to Nikon. I'm resubscribed!

I agree with you about prime vs zoom when it comes to telephoto lenses. I just purchased the GF 500 for my GFX 100s, but I'll probably send it back because I also own the Canon R5 with the 100-500mm. I would probably use the Canon just because of it's versatility. I'll ask you in 6 months if you made the right decision.

good choice and rationale.

It's such an amazing feature. I don't want to go back. Haven't had a dust or oil spot in 2 years.

You may have liked the feel even more if you had put the the SmallRig or Leofoto L-Bracket (that’s the one I have) that extends across the entire bottom of the camera giving you even more length to the grip. That might have felt even better for your larger hands plus either one of those brackets fits so well it almost looks like it’s original to the camera.

It's a great camera. All high end cameras perform at a high level today, regardless of manufacturer. At the end of the day, all that matters is the light passing through the lens and hitting the sensor. Everything else are tools and features that get you to that point. Enjoy your Z 8, and yes the 24-120 is a great lens, always on my rig.