Lens Review, Camera ReviewMorten ByskovOctober 08, 2023Nikon Z8, Nikon Z8 sample images, Nikon Z8 sample photos, Nikon Z8 First Impressions Review, Nikon Z8 First Look, Nikon Z8 Specs2 Comments

Nikon Z8 - First Impressions

Lens Review, Camera ReviewMorten ByskovOctober 08, 2023Nikon Z8, Nikon Z8 sample images, Nikon Z8 sample photos, Nikon Z8 First Impressions Review, Nikon Z8 First Look, Nikon Z8 Specs2 Comments

Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S - a first impressions look by camera reviewer, Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog — Nikon Z8 and Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S

A First Impressions Review of the Nikon Z8 From a Fujifilm Photographer

A couple of years ago I did a comparison between the Sony A7R IV, Canon EOS R5, and Nikon Z7 II. All three cameras had weaknesses and strengths but when it came down to ranking them The Nikon Z7 II ended up last.

This perhaps sounds very dramatic as an entry to this “first look impression” of the Nikon Z8 and as I recall, the more I used the Nikon Z7 II the more I grew fond of it and most of my gripes had to do with the initial setup which proved a bit challenging for a Fuji shooter like myself. The weather was also rather foul for my Z7 II test which may have affected my mood.

So the question is. What has happened in the Nikon realm in the last couple of years and is it better to test a camera out in finer weather with a couple of friends? Let’s find out.

The Nikon Z8 and Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S — My friend Kyle trying out the Nikon Z8 and impressive Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S in the wonderful fall sunshine

The Nikon Z9 and Z8

Nikon has rocked the boat in the last couple of years by going against the grain. First, they released the impressive pro-grade Nikon Z9 hybrid camera in December of 2021 with a stacked sensor, a new processor, new AF algorithms, 8K video capability, and much more.

Strangely enough, at least to some of us, it does not have a focal plane shutter so it’s an electronic shutter only on the Z9.

What surprised me the most, however, was the fact that Nikon designed a camera that is much larger than most mirrorless options. I even snickered slightly at this. It seemed we had gone full circle with a departure from digital SLRs to enjoy smaller mirrorless cameras, and now we are back at full size again. What gives?

Nikon proved that they were onto something as the Z9 became a huge success and it wasn’t until Jason at Beau Photo Rentals here in Vancouver showed me a Z9, that I understood the appeal.

A Jaguar E-Type parked in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Z8 and Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S. — Granville Island, Vancouver, Nikon Z8, Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S @ f/3.5

The Z9 felt incredibly good in the hand, and rock solid. And I almost immediately understood the appeal. I have owned larger cameras in the past such as the Nikon F3 and Canon EOS 1 with grips back in the film days. Later on, when digital cameras took over I had the Canon EOS 1D and EOS 5 series, with and without grips.

I have been an advocate for smaller and lightweight cameras on this site but at times I have also missed the heft and solid feel that you get from a larger pro-grade camera. In the ideal world, you would of course own both if you have the funds and needs for these rugged pieces of camera gear.

The Nikon Z8, although smaller than the Nikon Z9, continues this trend as it is larger than the Z6 and Z7 cameras from Nikon. It also feels very solid with a nicely molded grip. It instantly felt comfortable to hold and use the Nikon Z8.

Alberta all beef hot dogs at English Bay Beach in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S. — West End, Vancouver, Nikon Z8, Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S @ f/2.8

Nikon Z8 Specs

45.7MP FX-Format stacked CMOS sensor
Continuous, up to 20 fps. RAW, 30 fps. JPEG Shooting
Video: 8K 30p and 4K 120p Video, 10-Bit Internal, 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
Blackout-free real live viewfinder
CFx type B & SD memory card slots
Lightweight design in comparison to the Z9, 30% smaller
493-Point AF, AI-based subject detection
3.2" 4-axis tilting touchscreen LCD
Weight: 1.8 lb / 820 g (body only)
2.0 lb / 910 g (with battery, recording media)

At the time this “first impressions look” was posted the Nikon Z9 retailed for $3,996.95

Kyle, @secondteamkyle, is testing a Nikon Z8 and Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S with 5050 Travelog — My friend, Kyle, @secondteamkyle, trying out the Nikon Z8 with the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S

In Action

As mentioned above the grip on the Z8 is superb. The rubber has the right amount of softness and overall, it feels like the camera will stand the test of time in a durability test.

I took the Z8 to see my friend Goran. He told me he once asked to try out several cameras in a local shop to see if the grip felt right. We agreed that we found this very important with any camera and could also agree that the Z8 hit the mark.

At 2.0 lb, 910 g, the Nikon Z8 is by no means nimble but it was not as bad as I had feared. I had two lenses for this test, the Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S and the Viltrox AF 28mm f/1.8 Z.

As an EDC (everyday carry camera) I would find the Z8 too big and cumbersome but would welcome the rugged feel if I was on an assignment or found myself out with larger lenses.

During my test where I mostly did street photography and general travel photography, I gravitated toward the smaller Viltrox lens as I found the overall size and weight weren’t too overwhelming.

The Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S has its place though and it reminds me more of my time with the Canon EF 85mm f/1.2L II, on a paid portrait shoot. It’s a stunning lens but much larger and a bit of a burden to carry around.

The Nikon Z8 and Viltrox AF 28mm f/1.8 S — My friend, Goran, Nikon Z8 and Viltrox AF 28mm f/1.8 Z

Speed

The Nikon Z8 is a speed demon and shoots video at 8K, two features which mostly would be wasted on me as I rarely if ever shoot sports or wildlife these days, and nor do I shoot video.

This does not mean that I cannot appreciate the deep feature set and can envision how this could be an excellent option for the demanding hybrid shooter who encounters a vast array of topics and scenarios for pro gigs or challenging situations.

I did take the Nikon Z8 to the race track and tracked the horses at 20 fps. with the Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S. I assume the 85mm lens is not the fastest tracking lens in Nikon’s lineup but it did a great job tracking in this situation.

When I played back the images on my rear screen the images appeared almost as a movie clip. That’s how many frames you have at this frame rate. You can go even higher at 30 fps. if you shoot JPEGs only.

My friend, Kyle, loved how fast the autofocus was and how it locked onto a topic’s eyes, even during a quick street photography session we did. Kyle tried the Z8 with the 85mm f/1.2.

Horses along the final stretch at Hasting Race Course in Vancouver. Sample image from a Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S. — Hastings Race Track, Vancouver, Nikon Z8, Nikon Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S @ f/2.5

Electronic Shutter Only

The tactile feel you normally get with a camera having a focal plane shutter is missing with the Nikon Z8 and it is something you have to get used to. The camera is completely silent unless you turn on the digital sound mimicking a shutter sound.

You can discuss the quality of the digital sound. I did not mind it, nor was it great and I am probably in the camp of photographers who would miss the shutter sound, at least for a while.

Normally you would associate an electronic shutter with a rolling shutter effect creating warped-looking images but the fast read from the stacked sensor in the Z8 keeps this to a minimum and I did not have any issues during my test.

You could also argue that electronic shutters will be the way of the future, and in theory, it should mean less wear and tear as shutters usually do have a limited lifespan. With that said only once have I had a shutter fail. It was not from prolonged use but in the first few days and the camera was replaced under warranty.

Check the sample images in this article which can be viewed up to 2500 pixels wide depending on the size of your monitor or pinch zoom if on your cell/mobile phone.

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, reviewing a Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S — Yours truly with the Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S
Photo by: Kyle, @secondteamkyle

Wrapping Up the Nikon Z8 First Look

I would need more time with the Nikon to Z8 to bond with it but I am fairly confident that the Z8 would perform well in a variety of situations. Add to this the 45.7-megapixel sensor which should be great for landscape photography or wildlife photography where you inevitably would want to crop some of your images.

The overall experience with the Z8 tops the time I spent with the Z7 II. The Z8 felt more responsive and the viewfinder was better on the Z8. The rear LCD looks great and the iMenu came to my rescue several times and is a quick way to change your most often-used settings.

Although I quite liked the Z8, personally, the newly announced Nikon Zf would probably be a better fit for me. It has a real shutter, costs half of a Z8, and as a long-time user of Nikon film cameras such as the Nikon F3 HP, the retro look of the Nikon Zf with tactile dials, combined with a slightly smaller and lighter body hits a sweet spot for me.

Morten Byskov, 5050 Travelog, testing a Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S — Yours truly with the Nikon Z8 and Nikkor Z 85mm f/1.2 S
Photo by: Kyle, @secondteamkyle

I do realize this contradicts my comments regarding the solid feel and heft of the Z9 and Z8 but I think the Nikon Zf will also be a hefty camera in its segment according to early reviews.

Your situation, however, could easily be entirely different, and If you can see past the lack of a shutter in the Nikon Z8 and you are looking for a combination of speed, great video specs, and high resolution, the Z8 deserves a series look and your consideration.

Update: January 2024

I have now acquired the Nikon Zf and you can see my review here:

Nikon Z f - Review

Please see more sample images below.

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