Z 8

Like other reviews I have seen here, it is too early to be comprehensive with my review of the Z8. I have shot Nikon since 1982, and have watch the capabilities grow beyond my wildest dreams. Movement of the users manual to a pdf format on the web page is probably a smart move, as the shipping cost increase due to the weight of a 900+ page manual would have been tremendously expensive - the pdf now lives on my phone, accessible anywhere.The difference between the Z9 and my D800 is astounding. The speed of operation is amazing, and the backward compatibility of the lenses with a ZTN adapter makes this upgrade. The increase of the sensor to 45.7 from the D800 36.2 is a hugh step for me, bringing greater sharpness and sensitivity to my images.Unfortunately, the battery backward compatibility is not there, but is understandable, due to the Z8 higher power demands. So just a subdued grumble on that. But at the price for the body, throwing in a second battery would be a boon.So far, I am loving the wide range of capabilities the Z8 brings, and am digging into tutorials on the webpage and Youtube, and may follow up later in the journey.

Too early to tell but i like the feel and the familiarity of the controls. I had many Nikon’s over the years, just recently moved from a 850 to the Z8. I am disappointed Nikon to the cop out saying they were saving me money by not providing a printed manual. With the capabilities of the Z8 having a manual in my bag would be great. Electronics present their problems in the field. Maybe provide an option for people like myself to get a printed manual i can take in the field.

This is a fantastic camera. My only issue is that I purchased it along with the 24-70mm 2.8 S. A few days after receiving this combo, Nikon made the 24-70 2.8 SII available for purchase. I wish there uup some upgrade process so I could get the latest lens.

As a full-time, professional photographer, I needed a pro camera. The Z8 is that pro camera. I have two Z8s, and I have no problem with the menu and educating myself about the numerous capabilities of the cameras. Auto focus is fast and good in really low light, especially with the focus assist beam. A significant advantage is the automatic sensor cover, which activates when the lens is removed. No chance for dust to get on the sensor. Get the S-class Z lenses and a high-speed card, and you're all set to be the photographer you want to be.

An amazing camera. Moving from a D600 to the Z8 was smoother than I anticipated. I hope to enjoy this camera for many years to come.

14 September 2025
I just sprung for a new Z8 after longing for one for the last two years. I thought my Z7 was great with its large sensor but the Z8 takes the cake. I have never been so excited about a camera since I got my Nikon D300 way back when. The big difference for me in the Z8 is the fast and accurate autofocussing which surpassed my expectations despite the praise lavished on it by reviewers since it came out. They were right. This thing sings when you need fast action on moving objects in the lens. I have a flash but the high ISO on this makes a flash almost unnecessary. The Z8 has a solid heft to it that fits right in the hand. The new positioning of some of the buttons seems more intuitive which I like. The swing out monitor makes sense but the EV is still my go to viewer for photography. The use of double memory cards is finally right after only one on the Z7. The CF Express cards are so fast now and the SD card V series aren't far behind. The weather proofing of the Z8 body takes the worry out of getting moisture in the camera, a feature I have always admired in Nikon bodies. I bought a Nikkor Z 24-120 S lens last year, my first Z lens and the S-line quality is humbling. In combination with the Z8, this is the camera I have always wanted since the old days of medium format fim cameras.
My initial forays inside the house and outside have produced the sharpness, colours and fast lighting controls I want and I am ready to head out to find some local wild birds in their habitats along the shore. With fall approaching, the ducks and geese heading south will be stimulating to shoot with the Z8 and long lenses on tripods. The colder air will also provide some clear nights for astrophotography as well as city skylines. I feel a renewed energy with this Z8 to get out and shoot more which is what it is all about. Good one, Nikon!

Beast of a camera. Jumped from the Z6ii and I have no idea how I was taking pictures before.

Truly a better replacement to D850. Superior autofocus right into the corners of the frame. Amazing subject tracking. No blackout viewfinder (most of the time), 20fps raw capture. Rear screen tilting in both axes is great on a tripod. And significant improvements via firmware updates. And those Z lenses are fantastic! Got mine when it first came out, not regretted it one second.

Z8 performs as described. As a macro/micro hobby photographer I find Nikon's failure to design and market a Nikkor 200mm f/2.8 macro lens for the Z platform a glaring omission on their part. With all the pixel shifting, focus stacking capabilities built into the Z series camera bodies Nikon is missing a unique opportunity to corner a niche market of dedicated users by failing to support their Z camera bodies with a macro zoom lens and a 200mm macro lens.