Nikon Z8 Review
The photo world has been full of the new Nikon Z8 over the past few weeks. I’ve noticed a few landscape photographers moving over and last week I was asked twice if I’d be buying one. Will I be handing over my money? Read on to find out. Sadly there are few if any real surprises if you keep your ear to the ground and join the occasional dot when your usual sources get a bit hazy. The Z8 was clearly signalled and while perhaps not the next camera everyone at Nikon might have chosen to launch, filled what they saw as a very clearly defined user group. Part of this group was defined as the, ' I'm not moving to Mirrorless until there's a Mirrorless D850' group and much of the rest is composed of those who either want a smaller Z9 or wish they'd waited for a smaller Z9.
I write this as a pure landscape photographer and one with zero interest in video. If I use my camera for anything else, I accept the compromises.
What then does the new Z8 bring to the table for the landscape photographer? Similar image quality to the Z7/ii in a larger, heavier and more expensive body. The promise of a slightly better EFV, an articulating rear screen and shorter battery life. The return of the round pin MC remote is a positive and the sensor cover may reduce dust spots acquired while changing lenses in the field. However, I'd say good lens changing technique may have a more significant impact. I've owned the same Z7 for 5 years and used it exclusively outdoors on a daily basis - I've cleaned my sensor 3 times. There is some mention about greater choice of viewfinder gridlines but I've not seen anything definitive.
When the Z series was launched, one of the key selling points was reduced size. The other was of course improved lenses.With the Z8, we're right back where we started at a D850 sized body.
Z8 vs D85 Image courtesy of camerasize.com
Here side by side with a D850, the D850 is very slightly taller. All comparative images from www.camerasize.com
Z7 - Z8 - Z9
A substantial increase on the Z7 and with a battery grip, even slightly bigger than a Z9.
For some photographers the Z8 will be perfect and that’s one of the joys of what we do. What works for one of us is a nightmare for another and vice versa. Those seeking high frame rates, magical autofocus capabilities or just a bigger form factor will be delighted. For landscape photographers who also make photographs in other genres such as events, sports or weddings I can see the Z8 as a real winner. For this landscape photographer, having limited interests, the Z8 offers nothing at all.
It says a great deal for the original design of the Z7, that five years on, I've not been tempted to change camera. If I had to replace following damage, I'd buy the ii version and enjoy the slight improvements. I'll wish ( and continue to throw my suggestions on deaf ears at Nikon) for useful improvements in a Z7iii that might tempt me over the line. Some of my original ( Day 1) wishlist was granted in the Z7ii and the remaining wishes could all be achieved, I believe, through firmware. What would a Ziii need to look like in order to tempt me to jump?
I accept that the market would probably demand round about 61mp. I'm not that fussed but it wouldn't hurt.
An option to remove all info from the EVF and just give a completely clear screen.
Change the 'fighter pilot' electronic level aid for a more subtle version like we used to have on the D8xxx series. A tiny indicator at the very top of the frame that allows you to use while not obliterating the entire frame area.
I never use the mechanical shutter so that could be left out but no big deal either way.
I'd like greater ability to be able to customise buttons and switches.
That's it. Not too much and nothing that would compromise any other user groups. Give me that Nikon and my money will be yours. But for now, Z8, no thank you.