Nikon Z8

[Martin Vronsky]

Press release:

ULTIMATE HYBRID PERFORMANCE. AGILITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE. THIS IS THE NIKON Z 8.
The Perfect Follow-Up to the Z 9. True Successor to D850.

MELVILLE, NY (May 10, 2023) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the highly anticipated Nikon Z 8, a full frame mirrorless camera made to meet the needs of imaging professionals, serious photographers, videographers and advanced creators. The Z 8 defines the concept of versatile agility, featuring the latest innovations and speed inherited from the flagship mirrorless Z 9, in a lighter, more compact form-factor that’s ready for action in the field, the studio, the ceremony, the street or on-set.

The Z 8 is packed with massive technology and user-focused features, providing impressive high-resolution images and video up to 8K 60p with overwhelming detail, sharpness and precise color. Engineered to be nimble, it’s approximately 30% smaller than the Nikon Z 9, and 15% smaller than the venerable Nikon D850 to which it is the true successor. As the final word in workflow efficiency, the Z 8 gives professionals the confidence to capture without boundaries while yielding stellar files and uncompromising Nikon color science that can minimize time needed for post-production or editing.

“We continue to rapidly expand the entire mirrorless ecosystem to support users, and with every Z series camera added to the line, the advantages of the next-generation Z mount become clearly apparent,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “As Nikon continues to roll out more Z series cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, we push forward and continue to break new ground in optical and technological innovation.”

Ready for Action

Like the flagship Nikon Z 9, the Z 8 is at the industry apex of speed and versatility. At its core, Nikon’s powerful EXPEED 7 image processing engine has been combined with the proven full-frame (FX-format) 45.7-megapixel BSI stacked sensor with a scan rate so fast that no mechanical shutter is needed. This configuration can be completely silent and has virtually no rolling shutter distortion, while the removal of moving parts reduces wear and tear. Other favorite flagship features include the truly blackout-free Real-live viewfinder, internal 12-bit RAW video recording in a variety of formats and frame rates, along with additional new features for portrait photographers.

The Z 8 brings together speed and precision like no other, embracing the extremes to create a camera that can focus in candlelight during a first dance, yet is fast enough to freeze a falcon in flight. Like the Z 9, this new camera uses Nikon’s most powerful and precise AF system, which has been developed with deep learning technology. The focus is immediately responsive and reliable, offering a range of functions from fully Auto-Area AF, Nikon’s acclaimed 3D tracking and a fully customizable Wide Area AF. These modes take advantage of the enhanced Subject Detection capability for photo and video that recognizes humans, pets, birds, trains, cars, motorbikes and bicycles, and now various types of airplanes.

Ready for Production

The Z 8 is an extremely capable video camera for a diverse mix of productions, enhancing the process from capture to post by providing cleaner files from a variety of frame rates and resolutions. Because of its reduced body size and internal recording, it’s ideal for gimbal use, but also suitable as an A-cam for extended events and weddings, corporate clients, documentaries or even independent cinema. Benefits don’t stop at image quality, as users will appreciate the Nikon colors and consideration for the modern multimedia professional’s workflow.

• Experience the intense resolution and freedom provided by 8K60p (N-RAW) and 8K30p video capture, and the ability that this massive resolution gives in post to crop and pan. Expansive 4K UHD video options for when the look you’re going for is anywhere from cinematic to slow motion, ranging from oversampled1 24p/30p, all the way to 120p with sound.
• The Z 8 can record up to approx. 125 min. in 4K UHD/60p1 and up to approx. 90 min. in 8K UHD/30p2
• Internal 12-bit RAW footage can be captured as ProRes RAW 4K60p, or up to 8K60p in N-RAW, Nikon’s RAW video format that is approximately a 50% smaller file size. N-RAW also creates a 1080p proxy file for easier editing. Capturing RAW footage allows for the most image data and highest bit rate for maximum range and flexibility.
• For more latitude with color, footage can be captured internally in 10-bit ProRes 4:2:2 HQ, while other profile options are available in-camera, including an enhanced N-Log, HLG as well as the easily gradable Flat color profile.
• The camera features two USB-C ports which are dedicated to charging (PD) and communication for accessories, further opening options for a truly modular configuration to fit any production. It also utilizes a full-size HDMI, minimizing the use of adaptors.
• The camera focuses on videographer centric features, including those added to the Z 9 in subsequent firmware updates. These include Hi-res zoom3 function for 4K, highly visible red REC Frame Indicator, focus peaking, zebras, waveform, linear focus capability on many NIKKOR Z lenses, fine ISO control, Customizable AF speed tracking, timecode sync4, 24-bit stereo audio and more.

Ready to Capture the Impossible

The Z 8 enables users with a powerful combination of the latest hardware and curated features implemented to help make the most challenging creative vision a reality.

• The 45.7-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor combined with the EXPEED 7 Imaging engine can render incredible image quality, stellar colors, fantastic dynamic range and high-speed calculations up to 120 cycles, even in low light with minimal noise.
• Users now have the option to shoot in a 10-bit HEIF image file, a superior file format to JPEG that is approximately equal in size yet offers approximately one billion more colors.
• 14-bit RAW image file formats include the proven high-efficiency RAW format, plus a new HLG RAW option for use on compatible devices.
• The Z 8 features settings specifically for portrait photographers, including the Portrait Impression Balance function for precise control of skin tone accuracy, in addition to a new Skin Softening function and improved white balance.
• Burst speeds range from 20 fps full res RAW+JPEG, 30 fps full-res JPEG, 60 fps DX-format JPEG, or up to 120 fps as 11 mp JPEG with High-speed frame capture +. Pre-Release Capture5 is also available to capture the moment in the camera's buffer before the shutter is even depressed fully.
• Get a wide and bright view with the truly blackout free Quad-VGA viewfinder, which provides a clear picture, especially when shooting at 120 fps. The same 3.2” horizontal and vertical tilting 4-axis touchscreen LCD from the Z 9 is also used, enabling creative composition from any angle.
• Vibration Reduction image stabilization has been enhanced with Synchro VR to achieve up to 6.0 stops of compensation with compatible lenses.6
• Upcoming features will be added in planned firmware updates, including an Auto Capture function, which will allow a photographer to automatically trigger a remote camera on user-set parameters. An update will also allow for the base ISO to be extended down to 200 when shooting video footage with N-Log enabled.

Ready to Impress

Like all pro-caliber Nikon cameras, the Z 8 has a robust build quality, further reinforcing the company’s ethos of usability and reliability as a paramount consideration. When asking professionals why they choose Nikon, ergonomics and reliability are always top answers.

• The Z 8 is fully sealed and gasketed, exceeding the durability of the D850 and built with maximum consideration for dust and drip resistance, while it can also be operated down to -10°C/14°F. Materials including a new pro-grade carbon fiber composite and magnesium alloy are used in the construction to reduce weight and enhance durability.
• Exceptional handling with thoughtfully laid out functions and buttons that are customizable.
• To resist dust, the optical filter includes a dual coating to repel dust in front of the sensor, in addition to a sensor shield that protects the sensor when the camera is turned off.
• The Z 8 makes it easier to capture in low light environments, with illuminated buttons, warm display color option, low viewfinder brightness adjustments, and Starlight View which enables focusing down to -9 EV.7
• Dual card slots with one CF Express Type B / XQD and SD balance speed and widespread availability.
• The MB-N12 battery grip will be an optional accessory that provides approximately 1.8x more battery life8, while adding a vertical grip and vertical shutter button /controls. The grip is also weather resistant to the same level as the camera and allows for hot-swapping batteries.

Price and Availability

The new Nikon Z 8 will be available on May 25, 2023 for a suggested retail price of $3,999.95.* The MB-N12 battery grip will be available in May for an SRP of $349.95.* For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire collection of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa.com.

1. Supported when [Extended oversampling] in the video recording menu is [ON], image area is [FX], and frame size/frame rate is 3840×2160 60p/50p. Note that battery power consumption increases when [ON] is selected.
2. H.265 8-bit (MOV), [Extended oversampling]: [OFF], [Auto temperature cutout]: [Standard], at 25°C/77°F, using a Nikon MC-CF660G memory card and external power source. H.265 8-bit (MOV), [Auto temperature cutout]: [High], at 25°C/77°F, using a Nikon MC-CF660G memory card and external power source.
3. Hi-Res Zoom is available only with video recording in the following codecs: at ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit (MOV), H.265 10-bit (MOV), H.265 8-bit (MOV), or H.264 8-bit (MP4) — with image area set to FX (36 x 24). Restrictions apply to some camera features.
4. Dedicated accessories are required.
5. Pre-Release Capture can be set only when shooting in High-Speed Frame Capture+, which enables continuous shooting at the frame rate of up to 120 fps.
6. Based on CIPA Standards. When using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S with NORMAL mode.
7. Disclaimer: *3 Still image mode, single AF servo (AF-S) focus position center, ISO 100, f/1.2 lens used, at 20°C/68℉.
8. Actual endurance varies with such factors as the condition of the battery, the interval between shots, and the options selected in the camera menus.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

[Martin Vronsky]

Specs:

Price
MSRP - $3999 (body only)

Body type
Body type - SLR-style mirrorless
Body material - Magnesium Alloy

Sensor
Max resolution - 8256 x 5504
Image ratio w:h - 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
Effective pixels - 46 megapixels
Sensor photo detectors - 52 megapixels
Sensor size - Full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm)
Sensor type - Stacked CMOS
Color space - sRGB, AdobeRGB
Color filter array - Bayer

Image
Boosted ISO (minimum) - 32
Boosted ISO (maximum) - 102400
White balance presets - 9
Custom white balance - Yes (6 slots)
Image stabilization - Sensor-shift
Image stabilization notes - Synchro VR with select lenses
CIPA image stabilization rating - 6 stop(s)
Uncompressed format - RAW
File format:

• JPEG
• HEIF
• NEF Raw 14-bit (Lossless, HE*, HE)

Image parameters:

• Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Flat. Selected Picture Control can be modified, Storage for custom Picture Controls

Optics & Focus
Autofocus:

• Phase Detect
• Multi-area
• Center
• Selective single-point
• Tracking
• Single
• Continuous
• Touch
• Face Detection
• Live View

Autofocus assist lamp - Yes
Manual focus - Yes
Number of focus points - 493
Lens mount - Nikon Z

Screen / viewfinder
Articulated LCD - Tilting
Screen size - 3.2″
Screen dots - 2,088,960
Touch screen - Yes
Live view - Yes
Viewfinder type - Electronic
Viewfinder coverage - 100%
Viewfinder magnification - 0.8×
Viewfinder resolution - 3,686,400

Photography features
Minimum shutter speed - 900 sec
Maximum shutter speed - 1/32000 sec
Built-in flash - No
External flash - Yes
Flash modes:

• Front-curtain sync, Rear-curtain sync, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction with slow sync, Slow sync Off

Flash X sync speed - 1/200 sec
Drive modes: 

• Single frame, Continuous L, Continuous H, High-speed frame capture, Self-timer

Continuous drive - 30.0 fps
Self-timer - Yes
Metering modes:

• Multi
• Center-weighted
• Highlight-weighted
• Spot
• Spot AF-area

Exposure compensation - ±5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps)

Videography features
Format - H.264, H.265
Modes    

• 7680 x 4320 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 7680 x 4320 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 7680 x 4320 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, ProRes, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 120p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 100p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 60p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 50p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 25p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.265, Linear PCM
• 1920 x 1080 @ 23.98p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM

Microphone - Stereo
Speaker - Mono

Connectivity
USB - USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
USB charging - Yes
HDMI - Yes
Microphone port - Yes
Headphone port - Yes
Wireless - Built-In
Wireless notes - 2.4, 5Ghz
Remote control - Yes (Via app)

Physical
Environmentally sealed - Yes
Battery - Battery Pack
Battery description - EN-EL15c
Battery Life (CIPA) - 340
Weight (inc. batteries) - 910 g (2.01 lb / 32.10 oz)
Dimensions - 144 x 119 x 83 mm (5.67 x 4.69 x 3.27″)

Other features
Orientation sensor - Yes
Timelapse recording - Yes
GPS - None

[Martin Vronsky]

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The Z8 is here, let's chat about my hands on experience with this amazing little camera.

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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Is this the crowning of the finest allrounder ever made?
Meet the Nikon Z8, a stunning technological achievement, even more so for its market segment.

The poll is here: https://www.youtube.com/@MattIrwinPho...

• 00:00 Intro
• 00:17 Let’s talk family
• 00:33 New family member coming
• 00:43 The Z8 is here
• 01:00 It is a mini Z 9
• 01:20 What are our expectations?
• 02:00 Size comparison Z 7, Z 9 and D850
• 02:15 Pricing
• 02:40 Same stills experience?
• 03:10 What can we expect in video?
• 03:45 Handling and IBIS, what is the like?
• 04:00 Which 45.7MP camera should I buy?
• 04:30 TWO USB ports !!!
• 04:50 Audio, Mic, HDMI Jack
• 05:00 Ethernet dongle via USB-C
• 05:10 Plugging in the MC-N10 and power at the same time
• 05:25 Can we use that 2nd USB-C port for anything?
• 05:58 Does this mean more video options to come? 
• 06:07 10 pin port is there, flash sync port is gone
• 07:00 Let’s talk ergonomics
• 07:16 Size vs D850
• 07:26 Let’s talk buttons
• 08:01 Card door
• 08:11 Card slots, what does it have?
• 09:39 Skin Softening a new feature
• 09:50 Will the images look the same as a Z9
• 10:05 Z8 now has HEIF files
• 10:45 What type of screen does it have?
• 11:25 What video codecs and running times?
• 12:08 What else is happening with buttons?
• 12:20 Flash mode button replaced with white balance button  
• 12:35 How many function buttons on the front?
• 12:58 What does the Nikon Z8 vertical grip look like?
• 13:44 Size and weight of Z9 and Z8 with grip
• 14:02 You can still have a voice memo button with remapping
• 14:12 New AF detect mode Aeroplanes
• 14:30 Weather sealing
• 14:40 Build quality and weight compared to Z9
• 15:20 Summary of the Z8
• 15:40 Z 8 and Z 9 have bleeding edge tech
• 16:10 The value of the sensor shield
• 16:30 Z 8 is a high endurance proposition
• 17:40 Z8 is a Smaller Lighter Cheaper Z9
• 18:08 What is the future of firmware?
• 19:18 The processor in the Z 8 is 10x more powerful than a Z7 II
• 19:30 How much more can be pushed out of the Expeed 7 platform. 
• 20:20 This is a D850 +++ moment
• 21:45 Poll - Getting a Z8?
• 21:55 YOUR turn to comment?
• 22:05 200-600 coming soon?
• 22:15 Outro

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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The Nikon Z8 has arrived. Here's our first look at the camera after shooting with it for a day in New York City. Is the Z8 the mirrorless equivalent of the Nikon D850, a baby Z9, or a combination of the two? We tell you what you need to know

• 0:00 - Introduction
• 0:32 - Shooting portraits in New York, 32}
• 1:03 - Camera overview
• 1:35 - Price
• 1:50 - Body size
• 2:37 - Handling
• 3:00 - Image quality expectations
• 3:17 - Battery
• 3:34 - Electronic shutter
• 4:00 - Twin USB-C connectors
• 4:16 - Price comparisons, 256}
• 4:45- The wrap

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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The Nikon Z8 Announced | Specs, Features, & Everything You Need to Know

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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Hands on with the Nikon Z8!!!

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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Today Nikon has released the brand new Z8. Basically a mini Z9 at a lower price point and a few new features. This camera is probably one of the best value's of any camera currently on the market. It features a 45.7 megapixel, stacked-cmos sensor that can capture images blackout free at burst speeds of 20 fps raw, or 30fps/120fps JPG. It shoots 4k video up to 120p and 8k video up to 60p in N-Raw. The camera features 2 USB ports for simultaneous power delivery while connected to a network. And it comes in at a price point lower than the Z9.

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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The new Nikon Z8 is here! Nick is joined by Nikon Ambassador Jerry Ghionis and wedding filmmaker Sharrone Calafiore to test the Z8 in various situations, such as weddings and aerial photography. The Nikon Z8 is 30% smaller than the Z9, but still maintains key specs such as up to 20fps RAW shooting and 8K internal video recording.

• 0:00 Intro
• 0:28 Aerial Images
• 0:55 Key Specs
• 2:02 Jerry's Experience
• 5:26 Photography Specs
• 7:08 Video Specs & Animal Eye Tracking AF
• 9:23 Sharrone's Experience
• 10:52 Z8 vs. Z9
• 14:18 Final Thoughts 

 

[Martin Vronsky]

 

[Martin Vronsky]

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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We were very impressed with the Nikon Z8 when it was first announced, but now we have a production model to really test things like buffer, overheating and image quality. Is this Nikon best in class, or have there been too many compromises made to get the size and price down? Chris and Jordan have the answers!

• 0:00 - Intro
• 1:14 - Autofocus
• 2:31 - Buffer
• 4:34 - Battery life
• 5:22 - Missing Z9 features
• 6:40 - Puppy!
• 7:15 - Image quality
• 8:07 - EVF
• 9:24 - Video performance
• 12:25 - Who is it for?

 

[Martin Vronsky]

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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We've had a chance to check out the Nikon Z8 in the real world, testing it out for photography and for video and this is something special. You hear the term 'hybrid camera' a lot these days but the Z8 really feels like a no compromise hybrid. It can absolutely be a photography first camera or a video first camera depending on the way you want to use it and it has some serious power under the hood.

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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Is the Z8 the best camera ever, certainly considering the price point and the epic range of features. Let's discuss. 

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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The Z8, perhaps the ultimate allrounder in 2023, has just come back from tour with the epic rockstar to the rockstars photographer, Michelle Grace Hunder (socials below). How was the Z8?

Follow Michelle here
https://www.michellegracehunder.com
https://www.instagram.com/michelleghu...

• 00:00 What it takes!
• 00:34 Introduction to Michelle Grace Hunder
• 01:00 Tour Images
• 01:12 First Impressions / expectations of Nikon Z8 / expectations
• 01:38 How was the Z8 on tour? What is in Michelle’s travel kit?
• 02:10 Size, Weight, Ergonomics Z8
• 02:57 Michelle talks about her cover shoot for Rolling Stone Magazine
• 03:40 Lenses on tour
• 04:00 Z 14-30mm f/4 S on tour
• 05:45 Michelle’s studio tour part 1
• 06:15 What was Michelle’s back up camera body?
• 06:45 Does Michelle shoot with one or two cameras during the concert?
• 07:24 Michelle’s studio tour part 2
• 07:50 Changing from Z6 II to Z8, how was that?
• 08:24 How good is the Z8 AF for concerts?
• 09:45 Michelle’s studio tour part 3
• 10:27 How was Z8 ISO on tour?
• 11:25 What do Michelle’s clients need?
• 12:14 What are Michelle’s deliverables?
• 12:36 Some of Michelle’s favourite film cameras?
• 13:12 Summary of the Z8
• 13:40 What is it like being on tour?
• 14:30 The joys of touring
• 14:55 Michelle reminds us, just take the gear you need !!
• 16:05 How is it being a Nikon Creator?
• 17:15 You can hire Michelle’s studio !!!
• 17:45 A Thank you from me, and some exciting channel news !!

 

[Martin Vronsky]

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My thoughts after using the Nikon Z8 for photography and video for the last 6 months.

[Martin Vronsky]

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Nikon's new flagship camera! Well it's a miniaturised Z9, anyway, and that's nothing to complain about. Let's take a look.All pictures taken by me on a Nikon Z8 camera.