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Just Announced: Nikon Z8 - Best New Camera of 2023?
Just Announced: Nikon Z8 - Best New Camera of 2023?
by Keenan Hursh
Well folks, if you’ve been paying close attention, it may come as no surprise to you that, this morning, Nikon officially announced the next addition to their Z series of mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z8.
The brand-new Nikon Z8 is an incredibly capable and powerful camera that stacks up very well against the competition indeed. In fact, this camera even stacks up quite well when compared to the company’s flagship camera, the Z9. With the high-resolution stacked sensor and innovative autofocus system of the Z9, and excellent video performance it’s difficult to think of anything this camera can’t do. And, it's competitively priced at $4,000 - $1,500 cheaper than the Z9.
With the Nikon Z8, Nikon has finally produced a workhorse hybrid camera that will appeal to a larger market than the flagship Z9. For many Nikon users, this is the camera they were waiting from (our guide Matt Meisenheimer has already pre-ordered one).
The Z8 has been anticipated for quite some time and as soon as Nikon announced this 'big event' for this morning, I think that many of us had a general idea of what was about to be publicly released. So, without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into the brand new Z8 from Nikon and figure out what all the excitement is about!
The brand-new Nikon Z8 is an incredibly capable and powerful camera that stacks up very well against the competition indeed. In fact, this camera even stacks up quite well when compared to the company’s flagship camera, the Z9. With the high-resolution stacked sensor and innovative autofocus system of the Z9, and excellent video performance it’s difficult to think of anything this camera can’t do. And, it's competitively priced at $4,000 - $1,500 cheaper than the Z9.
With the Nikon Z8, Nikon has finally produced a workhorse hybrid camera that will appeal to a larger market than the flagship Z9. For many Nikon users, this is the camera they were waiting from (our guide Matt Meisenheimer has already pre-ordered one).
The Z8 has been anticipated for quite some time and as soon as Nikon announced this 'big event' for this morning, I think that many of us had a general idea of what was about to be publicly released. So, without further ado, let’s take a deep dive into the brand new Z8 from Nikon and figure out what all the excitement is about!
Overview
To start, let’s take a look at some of the specifications and technical details of this camera.
Key Specs
Nikon Z8
Price: $4,000
Release Date: Shipping by 5/25
With a powerful and high-resolution, stacked full-frame sensor, fast burst modes, highly advanced and massively upgraded AI-assisted autofocusing capabilities, high-resolution video recording up to 8K at 60p, and many other impressive specs, the Nikon Z8 is an incredibly powerful and capable camera all in a compact and lightweight body. If you had any doubts that Nikon wouldn’t deliver a highly competitive and very impressive camera, then you can now put them to sleep.
Not only is this an impressive camera when compared to all of Nikon’s offerings, but this thing stacks up incredibly well when compared to any other camera on the market.
The camera compares well to the Sony a1 and the Canon R5, but the Nikon Z8 will be the first camera at its price point to offer a stacked sensor. Before the Z8, you'd have to spend at least $5,500 for a stacked sensor depending on your system.
It’s impressive that Nikon has taken many of the key features from their flagship Z9 and transplanted them into a much smaller and lighter camera.
Let’s dive into this a bit more.
To start, let’s take a look at some of the specifications and technical details of this camera.
Key Specs
Nikon Z8
Price: $4,000
Release Date: Shipping by 5/25
- Sensor: 45.7 MP CMOS Sensor (Stacked) - same as Nikon Z9
- ISO Range: 64-25,600
- Max Burst: 20 fps (120 fps in JPEG mode)
- IBIS: 5-Axis IBIS at 6 stops
- Shutter Speed: 1/32000 – 900s
- Autofocus: 493 AF points
- AF Detection: EV -7 to 19 (-9.0 with starlight)
- Video: Up to 8.3K/60p N-RAW
- EVF: 3690-dot OLED - same as Z9
- Memory Cards: CF Express/XQD + SD
- Dimensions: 144x118x83mm (5.6x4.6x3.2in) - similar to Nikon Z7 II
With a powerful and high-resolution, stacked full-frame sensor, fast burst modes, highly advanced and massively upgraded AI-assisted autofocusing capabilities, high-resolution video recording up to 8K at 60p, and many other impressive specs, the Nikon Z8 is an incredibly powerful and capable camera all in a compact and lightweight body. If you had any doubts that Nikon wouldn’t deliver a highly competitive and very impressive camera, then you can now put them to sleep.
Not only is this an impressive camera when compared to all of Nikon’s offerings, but this thing stacks up incredibly well when compared to any other camera on the market.
The camera compares well to the Sony a1 and the Canon R5, but the Nikon Z8 will be the first camera at its price point to offer a stacked sensor. Before the Z8, you'd have to spend at least $5,500 for a stacked sensor depending on your system.
It’s impressive that Nikon has taken many of the key features from their flagship Z9 and transplanted them into a much smaller and lighter camera.
Let’s dive into this a bit more.
Nikon Z8 – Z9 in a Z7 Body?
The Nikon Z8 really is a Z9 in a Z7-sized body. You get almost all of the features and specifications that come in the Z9 in a smaller camera body that is roughly the same size as their Z7 offering. Unless you want the permanently attached battery grip and a few other minor features, it might not make much sense for most photographers to purchase the Z9 now that this camera is on the table.
Both of these cameras share the exact same 45.7-megapixel stacked sensors allowing you to capture all the action in stunning detail and resolution at lightning-fast speeds. The cameras have the exact same native ISO ranges of 64-25,600 meaning that low-light situations won’t stop you from getting the perfect shot. Both cameras feature the exact same continuous shooting and burst rate settings. The Z8 and Z9 have the exact same high-resolution electronic viewfinders and LCD screens. They have the exact same in-body-image-stabilization. In fact, these cameras share so many of the same specs that it makes much more sense to discuss what’s different between them.
To start, let’s take a look at some features that are included in the Z9 that can’t be found in the new Z8 (There are not many of them). The Z9 includes both a LAN terminal and a Synchro terminal allowing for slightly more flexibility. The Z9 also has a voice memo mic built into the camera. And of course, due to the larger size and the built-in battery grip the Z9 will have significantly more battery life. And that’s about it.
Now, considering that the Z8 is a newer camera let’s take a look at some of the features included in the Z8 that the Z9 doesn’t have. The Z8 actually has more file formats available to the user with the addition of HEIF 10-bit recording. The Z8 has more advanced and upgraded autofocusing capabilities with better subject detection. The Z8 also comes with built-in portrait impression balance and skin softening as well.
And one other noteworthy difference is that The Z9 has slots for 2 CFexpress Type B or XQD cards whereas the Z8 can accept one CFexpress Type B card or XQD and one standard SD card.
So, there you have it. These two cameras are incredibly similar at the end of the day. Perhaps there are a few minor differences, but the Z8 really is a Z9 in a Z7 body and I think this will be one of the better-selling cameras in the Nikon Z lineup.
The Nikon Z8 really is a Z9 in a Z7-sized body. You get almost all of the features and specifications that come in the Z9 in a smaller camera body that is roughly the same size as their Z7 offering. Unless you want the permanently attached battery grip and a few other minor features, it might not make much sense for most photographers to purchase the Z9 now that this camera is on the table.
Both of these cameras share the exact same 45.7-megapixel stacked sensors allowing you to capture all the action in stunning detail and resolution at lightning-fast speeds. The cameras have the exact same native ISO ranges of 64-25,600 meaning that low-light situations won’t stop you from getting the perfect shot. Both cameras feature the exact same continuous shooting and burst rate settings. The Z8 and Z9 have the exact same high-resolution electronic viewfinders and LCD screens. They have the exact same in-body-image-stabilization. In fact, these cameras share so many of the same specs that it makes much more sense to discuss what’s different between them.
To start, let’s take a look at some features that are included in the Z9 that can’t be found in the new Z8 (There are not many of them). The Z9 includes both a LAN terminal and a Synchro terminal allowing for slightly more flexibility. The Z9 also has a voice memo mic built into the camera. And of course, due to the larger size and the built-in battery grip the Z9 will have significantly more battery life. And that’s about it.
Now, considering that the Z8 is a newer camera let’s take a look at some of the features included in the Z8 that the Z9 doesn’t have. The Z8 actually has more file formats available to the user with the addition of HEIF 10-bit recording. The Z8 has more advanced and upgraded autofocusing capabilities with better subject detection. The Z8 also comes with built-in portrait impression balance and skin softening as well.
And one other noteworthy difference is that The Z9 has slots for 2 CFexpress Type B or XQD cards whereas the Z8 can accept one CFexpress Type B card or XQD and one standard SD card.
So, there you have it. These two cameras are incredibly similar at the end of the day. Perhaps there are a few minor differences, but the Z8 really is a Z9 in a Z7 body and I think this will be one of the better-selling cameras in the Nikon Z lineup.
A Hybrid Nikon Camera at The Top With The Sony a1 and Canon R5
Another very exciting aspect of this camera is that Nikon has finally released a high-performance hybrid camera that excels in both photography and videography. Experts are already comparing this camera to both the Sony a1 and the Canon R5 which are industry leaders in this category. Of course, it comes as no surprise that Nikon has delivered with a camera that produces excellent stills but they have also caught up and produced a camera that is up to par and has very impressive metrics when it comes to video recording.
All three of these cameras have very similar video specifications. The Z8, a1, and R5 can all record 8K at 30 fps but what’s interesting is that the Nikon Z8 can actually record 8.3K video at 60 fps in N-RAW. So, I’d say the Z8 arguably has a slight advantage here. Apart from that, all 3 cameras have very comparable autofocus capabilities, EVFs and LCDs, and comparable IBIS as well. All three truly excel when it comes to recording great videos. Recording times and rolling shutter are also better with the Z8.
You'll notice that the EVF for the Z8/Z9 doesn't seem to measure up spec-wise to similar cameras. But, that's for anyone who hasn't used the Z8/Z9. The minimal lag, and real life viewfinder is one of the best out there when it comes to performance.
Overall, you're getting a camera that does outperform the Canon R5 in many ways, and matches the Sony a1 and Canon R3, cameras that are almost $2,000 more.
Now, we're in an era where cameras are so good. We're lucky. But, it does seem like the Z8 will be a great option for Nikon users at the price.
In terms of image quality, the Z8 and the same sensor as the Z9, and the Z9 outperforms the a1 and R5 in noise performance, and offers industry leading dynamic range.
Nikon has leveled up the AF system in the Z8/Z9 and it is one of the best systems out there. Sony and Canon have revolutionized the market expectations for autofocus, but Nikon is right there with them - that was one of the biggest qualms with the Z6/7 series.
Overall, the Z8 measures up well with the competition and excels in many ways. It offers features and performance that you'll only find in higher priced cameras.
Another very exciting aspect of this camera is that Nikon has finally released a high-performance hybrid camera that excels in both photography and videography. Experts are already comparing this camera to both the Sony a1 and the Canon R5 which are industry leaders in this category. Of course, it comes as no surprise that Nikon has delivered with a camera that produces excellent stills but they have also caught up and produced a camera that is up to par and has very impressive metrics when it comes to video recording.
All three of these cameras have very similar video specifications. The Z8, a1, and R5 can all record 8K at 30 fps but what’s interesting is that the Nikon Z8 can actually record 8.3K video at 60 fps in N-RAW. So, I’d say the Z8 arguably has a slight advantage here. Apart from that, all 3 cameras have very comparable autofocus capabilities, EVFs and LCDs, and comparable IBIS as well. All three truly excel when it comes to recording great videos. Recording times and rolling shutter are also better with the Z8.
You'll notice that the EVF for the Z8/Z9 doesn't seem to measure up spec-wise to similar cameras. But, that's for anyone who hasn't used the Z8/Z9. The minimal lag, and real life viewfinder is one of the best out there when it comes to performance.
Overall, you're getting a camera that does outperform the Canon R5 in many ways, and matches the Sony a1 and Canon R3, cameras that are almost $2,000 more.
Now, we're in an era where cameras are so good. We're lucky. But, it does seem like the Z8 will be a great option for Nikon users at the price.
In terms of image quality, the Z8 and the same sensor as the Z9, and the Z9 outperforms the a1 and R5 in noise performance, and offers industry leading dynamic range.
Nikon has leveled up the AF system in the Z8/Z9 and it is one of the best systems out there. Sony and Canon have revolutionized the market expectations for autofocus, but Nikon is right there with them - that was one of the biggest qualms with the Z6/7 series.
Overall, the Z8 measures up well with the competition and excels in many ways. It offers features and performance that you'll only find in higher priced cameras.
Improved Focusing, Burst Rate, and Detection
One of the biggest upgrades Nikon has added to the Z8 is the introduction of a substantially better and more capable autofocusing system. Especially when compared to the Z7 II/Z6 II cameras. The Z8 will be able to identify faces, objects, people, or any other primary subjects of interest much faster and with more accuracy. Sony and Canon are known to already have great AI-assisted AF and now Nikon is neck-in-neck with them again. The autofocus capabilities in the Z8 will be noticeably better than any previous Nikon cameras bar the Z9.
In addition, the Z8 features the exact same burst rate and shutter specs as the Z9 so you can now capture lightning-fast action in a camera body the same size as the Z7. This was previously one of the main reasons photographers opted for the Z9 and now they can achieve the same performance in a much smaller camera body. This camera will excel at shooting sports, wildlife, or any other fast-moving subject where every millisecond counts.
If you enjoy night photography, the Z8 also gains 'Starlight View' from the Z9, which improves the LCD preview and focusing in pitch black conditions, something that is very useful for any type of night photography. One of the biggest weaknesses of the Z7/6 series was their poor performance at night. The Z8 solves that.
One of the biggest upgrades Nikon has added to the Z8 is the introduction of a substantially better and more capable autofocusing system. Especially when compared to the Z7 II/Z6 II cameras. The Z8 will be able to identify faces, objects, people, or any other primary subjects of interest much faster and with more accuracy. Sony and Canon are known to already have great AI-assisted AF and now Nikon is neck-in-neck with them again. The autofocus capabilities in the Z8 will be noticeably better than any previous Nikon cameras bar the Z9.
In addition, the Z8 features the exact same burst rate and shutter specs as the Z9 so you can now capture lightning-fast action in a camera body the same size as the Z7. This was previously one of the main reasons photographers opted for the Z9 and now they can achieve the same performance in a much smaller camera body. This camera will excel at shooting sports, wildlife, or any other fast-moving subject where every millisecond counts.
If you enjoy night photography, the Z8 also gains 'Starlight View' from the Z9, which improves the LCD preview and focusing in pitch black conditions, something that is very useful for any type of night photography. One of the biggest weaknesses of the Z7/6 series was their poor performance at night. The Z8 solves that.
Conclusion
To wrap things up, Nikon has gone above and beyond and delivered an extremely impressive and competitive camera with the Z8. Is this the D850 reincarnation we've been waiting for? It could be.
The Z8 definitely focuses on excelling as a hybrid camera - wildlife, landscape, video; landscape shooters may feel like the Z7 II delivers enough of a punch right now - and it does. However, there are some great upgrades of the Z9 that make it worth it (improved EVF, Starlight View, IQ). Our own Matt Meisenheimer was shooting with a Z7 and purchased a Z8 this morning.
The price is notable too, $4,000 for a camera with these specifications and performance is impressive. Yes, that's still expensive and out of reach for many shooters out there, but this camera is offering similar performance of cameras priced $2,000 more.
If you're a Nikon shooter, you should seriously consider this camera. I'm not sure what else photographers out there need, aside from a 60 MP sensor that may be coming in the form of a Z7 III down the road.
Although the Z9 is one of the best cameras available today, the Z8 will be Nikon's first powerhouse hybrid camera in a smaller form. It's essentially a Z9 without the battery grip (lower weight) and a lower price. It should be a slam dunk for Nikon and a great buy for any Nikon shooter out there.
Nikon's Z glass has also proved to be some of the best on the market and now, they finally have a Z7-ish body with amazing internal video capabilities, autofocusing on par or above the competition, and Nikon's tried and true sensor performance. This is big for Nikon.
From capturing impressive stills and video, cutting-edge autofocus capabilities, packing tons of high-performance features into a relatively small body, and finally delivering something to compare with industry-leading cameras, Nikon has done it.
We’re incredibly excited to see how this thing performs in the field, and we can’t wait to see the images and videos that creators manage to produce. Well done Nikon.
To wrap things up, Nikon has gone above and beyond and delivered an extremely impressive and competitive camera with the Z8. Is this the D850 reincarnation we've been waiting for? It could be.
The Z8 definitely focuses on excelling as a hybrid camera - wildlife, landscape, video; landscape shooters may feel like the Z7 II delivers enough of a punch right now - and it does. However, there are some great upgrades of the Z9 that make it worth it (improved EVF, Starlight View, IQ). Our own Matt Meisenheimer was shooting with a Z7 and purchased a Z8 this morning.
The price is notable too, $4,000 for a camera with these specifications and performance is impressive. Yes, that's still expensive and out of reach for many shooters out there, but this camera is offering similar performance of cameras priced $2,000 more.
If you're a Nikon shooter, you should seriously consider this camera. I'm not sure what else photographers out there need, aside from a 60 MP sensor that may be coming in the form of a Z7 III down the road.
Although the Z9 is one of the best cameras available today, the Z8 will be Nikon's first powerhouse hybrid camera in a smaller form. It's essentially a Z9 without the battery grip (lower weight) and a lower price. It should be a slam dunk for Nikon and a great buy for any Nikon shooter out there.
Nikon's Z glass has also proved to be some of the best on the market and now, they finally have a Z7-ish body with amazing internal video capabilities, autofocusing on par or above the competition, and Nikon's tried and true sensor performance. This is big for Nikon.
From capturing impressive stills and video, cutting-edge autofocus capabilities, packing tons of high-performance features into a relatively small body, and finally delivering something to compare with industry-leading cameras, Nikon has done it.
We’re incredibly excited to see how this thing performs in the field, and we can’t wait to see the images and videos that creators manage to produce. Well done Nikon.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.
When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.
At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.
Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.
Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.
You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com
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"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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