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Weight saving Z9 to Z8

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AlireaPhotography said:
RL Photography said:
AlireaPhotography said:
So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
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Weight in my bag is not the same as weight in my hand.
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like 400g is making huge difference? size of one 50 1.8 lens?
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In your first post you wrote: “Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this.” Now suddenly it’s a meaningless distinction.

How long am I holding it? What else is attached? What else am I doing at the time? (Using it one-handed or are both hands free?) There is a line for everyone.

You appear to be here just to argue.
 
While the Z9 is marketed as the camera for professional use, I have to disagree that the Z8 is not.

While I do not own a Z8, I do have a Z9 as my primary camera in my occupation as an equestrian event photographer. I also have a D850, D810, and a Z6II that all get heavy use by either myself or additional photographers that work for me.

All of these cameras get extremely heavy use. 8 to 14 hours a day at events lasting as long a 4 weeks.

My Z9 is usually in my hands, with the Z6II getting as much use by one of my other photographers. My point is that even being considered a Pro_sumer model most of the Nikon line are built to near professional standards.

As for the Z8, the size seems to be what most people like about it, but the first thing I always do is add a grip, and once you do that, the Z8 is actually a bit larger than the Z9, so I will stick with my big bulky Z9. But that's jus my preference.
 
MrHollywood said:
The Z8 is a fantastic camera and a "flagship" if you don't want the full size rig. The D700 was pretty darn close to the D3 in many of the same ways. I bought the D700 over the D3 and never regretted it. But I did eventually add a grip to my D700. This time I went straight to the Z9.

Robert
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The Z8 is Not a Flagship. Those that say that, are like Buick and Olds owners, trying to claim their Electra 225 or 98 Regency were the same Car as a Cadillac... As an owner of all 3, I can certainly say they certainly weren't
 
capanikon said:
I never understood the whole "It's heavy! It's big!" complaint anyways.

When I was a kid I got paid ten bucks to mow a yard with a push mower. Up hills in parts.

I've held half a dozen jobs that require regularly lifting of 50-pound bags of goods or heavy equipment.

I've hiked steep mountains -- for fun -- each step making my quads feel like they're burnning.

I used to run cross country and track in high school where every step was pain and I continually asked myself why I ever decided to join in the first place.

But a camera is heavy?
Click to expand...
I'm 60 and pretty strong, so it would seem that the camera weight wouldn't be an issue. I shot an event with my Z7II and a 24-70s and after a while that little rig got sorta heavy!

Think of it like boxing. Those gloves do get heavy after a while.

On the other hand, my Z9 is lighter than a Z8 (for me) because it's easier to hold and it balances better, so there's that. Everyone's hands are different and my wife finds the Z9 way too big, which puts a smile on my face. ;-)

Robert
 
Z9 is more expensive and that usually associates with weight and purchasing... I myself would not waist my money on a Z8 but thats just me...
 
Jerry_P_M said:
While the Z9 is marketed as the camera for professional use, I have to disagree that the Z8 is not.
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I think the distinction I'm making here is that the Z9 is certainly more optimized for it, with longer battery life, GPS, dual CFExpress cards, integrated vertical grip. Nikon USA says "This is the new Nikon flagship."

The Z8, in contrast, is marketed as "Compact follow-up to Z 9. True successor to D850.". Inasmuch as the D850 was marketed as second tier to the D6, the same is true for the Z8.

That doesn't make it an incapable camera, nor should it imply that it isn't vastly better than previous professional cameras, because it's hugely capable and significantly better than prior pro cameras.

In choosing brevity of words, I probably blurred what I really meant.
Jerry_P_M said:
While I do not own a Z8, I do have a Z9 as my primary camera in my occupation as an equestrian event photographer. I also have a D850, D810, and a Z6II that all get heavy use by either myself or additional photographers that work for me.
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Oh definitely. And I'm planning on using both my Z8 and my Z9 for sporting events. I formerly took my Z7 along with me, but wound up not using it because of the deficiency compared to the Z9. I also preferred my D850 to the Z7 for similar reasons.
Jerry_P_M said:
All of these cameras get extremely heavy use. 8 to 14 hours a day at events lasting as long a 4 weeks.

My Z9 is usually in my hands, with the Z6II getting as much use by one of my other photographers. My point is that even being considered a Pro_sumer model most of the Nikon line are built to near professional standards.

As for the Z8, the size seems to be what most people like about it, but the first thing I always do is add a grip, and once you do that, the Z8 is actually a bit larger than the Z9, so I will stick with my big bulky Z9. But that's jus my preference.
Click to expand...
 
RL Photography said:
AlireaPhotography said:
RL Photography said:
AlireaPhotography said:
So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
Weight in my bag is not the same as weight in my hand.
Click to expand...
like 400g is making huge difference? size of one 50 1.8 lens?
Click to expand...
In your first post you wrote: “Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this.” Now suddenly it’s a meaningless distinction.

How long am I holding it? What else is attached? What else am I doing at the time? (Using it one-handed or are both hands free?) There is a line for everyone.

You appear to be here just to argue.
Click to expand...
I really didn't get you comment. Of course with different lens, the overal weight of setup will change. no mystery about that.

I am deciding again and again between these two. I have been considering every aspect of Z8 and Z9 side by side. Reading your comments and answers help me to think more if weight is anything to consider and so far I cannot find any much weight advantage for Z8 or Z9, but of course size and dimensions, and ease of traveling Z8 is the winner. You can call it argue but I really do not care what you or others choose for yourself but the reasoning behind it is what matters for me.
 
LensWizard said:
Z9 is more expensive and that usually associates with weight and purchasing... I myself would not waist my money on a Z8 but thats just me...
Click to expand...
it is a tough choice for those who are now deciding. I personally know I will not have budget to update either of Z8 or Z9, in next 5 years so I have to think ahead and far in future. What I want and what I "might" want. It is quite a lot of money and cannot be invested if one is not sure.

Z9 feels more future proof, I like grip and enjoy ergonomics of Z9. Weight is not an issue but bulky and dimensions as discussed here can be an issue, when traveling, hiking and so on.

Z8 has advantage of size but then again Z8 seems to constantly overheating, the current trend about quality control is a bit discouraging, and battery is bad. SD card initially I was thinking it is a good thing, but reading more, I feel it was a mistake from Nikon.
Overall, when you pay for more than 4k, then you ask yourself pay a bit more and get better one. We are anyway in that price territory.
 
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AlireaPhotography said:
ajcooper said:
AlireaPhotography said:
Quite interesting trend for myself to observe and help me understand if I am missing something...Z8 is around 910g while Z9 is around 1340g.
Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this. But Many Z8 users are now putting big cages around Z8 to avoid anchor issues and so one. The cage itself is weight around 200-300g. Considering Z8 needs more batteries, so people are carrying around 2 more batteries, each around 100g.

So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
I certainly wouldn’t say “many users”. The internet and forums are a cesspool of confirmation bias. You don’t hear from the so-called “silent majority” who don’t have problems. We know that the 1st batch of Z8s sold out rapidly - all 12,000 of them. We also know that the 2nd batch sold out rapidly. Let’s assume that’s another 12,000.

We’ve seen - at least on DPReview - a grand total of 2 issues w.r.t. anchor posts.
Click to expand...
Well, there is no way that we know what majority thinks, but checking online here and facebook, seems everyone is buying now a cage and others recommend it.
Click to expand...
With respect, that is a ridiculous statement
 
love my Z8. will get another one this fall. also love that others love their z9. I jumped away from the D5 when the d850 came along and just prefer the smaller body profile. but as camera bodies go ive put over 10,000 shots though my 8 and my clients have loved the work. at the end of the day (to me) thats what counts. and I cary extra batteries. and cards and lenses but don't want to put a grip on it and I really don't want to cary the larger battery. I'm good with it as is. and as all things go in a few years there will be and 8ii and a 9ii with photographers on both sides of the fence justifying their purchase. lets all have fun making ART.
 
AlireaPhotography said:
Quite interesting trend for myself to observe and help me understand if I am missing something...Z8 is around 910g while Z9 is around 1340g.
Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this. But Many Z8 users are now putting big cages around Z8 to avoid anchor issues
Click to expand...
No.
AlireaPhotography said:
and so one. The cage itself is weight around 200-300g. Considering Z8 needs more batteries, so people are carrying around 2 more batteries, each around 100g.

So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
 
AlireaPhotography said:
ajcooper said:
AlireaPhotography said:
Quite interesting trend for myself to observe and help me understand if I am missing something...Z8 is around 910g while Z9 is around 1340g.
Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this. But Many Z8 users are now putting big cages around Z8 to avoid anchor issues and so one. The cage itself is weight around 200-300g. Considering Z8 needs more batteries, so people are carrying around 2 more batteries, each around 100g.

So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
I certainly wouldn’t say “many users”. The internet and forums are a cesspool of confirmation bias. You don’t hear from the so-called “silent majority” who don’t have problems. We know that the 1st batch of Z8s sold out rapidly - all 12,000 of them. We also know that the 2nd batch sold out rapidly. Let’s assume that’s another 12,000.

We’ve seen - at least on DPReview - a grand total of 2 issues w.r.t. anchor posts.
Click to expand...
Well, there is no way that we know what majority thinks, but checking online here and facebook, seems everyone is buying now a cage and others recommend it. I personally cannot trust having Z8 now and attach strap to my anchor points until enough time and we make sure people are really have no issue.
AlireaPhotography said:
Similarly, there’s very little chance that a majority, or even a significant minority of Z8 owners will have bought cages to deal with anchor issues. Rather, those who have bought them would have done so for other reasons - like mounting accessories for video usage, for example - and would have done the same with a Z9.

As to batteries - when I take my Z9 with me, I take a spare battery. That weight is at least double the weight of a single EN-EL15c. If I’m going to need a power bank for the Z8, then I’m also going to need one for the Z9 - that’s pretty much a fairly extreme edge case.
Click to expand...
I believe you are confusing what I said. Of course you can still choose to have extra battery for Z9. But if you think about it, Z8 battery is equal to 2.3 * Z8 batteries = 1 Z9 battery.. now do calculation and see how much weight is increased.

EN-EL18d is 160 g -> 36Wh
EN-EL15C is 100g -> 16 Wh (almost equal to 40% less power than EN-EL18D)
you need more than two Z8 battery to be almost equal Z9 battery.
Click to expand...
That's the point. The option is there because it's shifting the weight away from the camera. Do you need to carry everything with you when you shoot? Say for example, are you able to leave your bag elsewhere while you're shooting? In that case, you're not carrying that extra weight.
 
AlireaPhotography said:
Quite interesting trend for myself to observe and help me understand if I am missing something...Z8 is around 910g while Z9 is around 1340g.
Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this. But Many Z8 users are now putting big cages around Z8 to avoid anchor issues and so one. The cage itself is weight around 200-300g. Considering Z8 needs more batteries, so people are carrying around 2 more batteries, each around 100g.

So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
Oh no, not the DSLR vs mirrorless logic all over again! I feel like it's 2013 all over again!
 
RL Photography said:
AlireaPhotography said:
RL Photography said:
AlireaPhotography said:
So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
Weight in my bag is not the same as weight in my hand.
Click to expand...
like 400g is making huge difference? size of one 50 1.8 lens?
Click to expand...
In your first post you wrote: “Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this.” Now suddenly it’s a meaningless distinction.

How long am I holding it? What else is attached? What else am I doing at the time? (Using it one-handed or are both hands free?) There is a line for everyone.

You appear to be here just to argue.
Click to expand...
I don’t think he is - I think that he’s struggling to decide whether to go for the Z8 or Z9, because both stretch his budget. And English is not his first language, at least that’s my impression, so some nuances of the language may be lost.
 
AlireaPhotography said:
Quite interesting trend for myself to observe and help me understand if I am missing something...Z8 is around 910g while Z9 is around 1340g.
Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this. But Many Z8 users are now putting big cages around Z8 to avoid anchor issues and so one. The cage itself is weight around 200-300g. Considering Z8 needs more batteries, so people are carrying around 2 more batteries, each around 100g.

So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
Weight of Z9 was high no doubt but its the form factor that made me switch to Z8.

The Z9 with a lens attach is a very odd shape for bags and slings. also a bit awkward or me to carry with a strap.
 
jimdelves said:
AlireaPhotography said:
ajcooper said:
AlireaPhotography said:
Quite interesting trend for myself to observe and help me understand if I am missing something...Z8 is around 910g while Z9 is around 1340g.
Obviously Z8 is lighter than Z9 and many people chose it just because of this. But Many Z8 users are now putting big cages around Z8 to avoid anchor issues and so one. The cage itself is weight around 200-300g. Considering Z8 needs more batteries, so people are carrying around 2 more batteries, each around 100g.

So after all we are again going back to the weight of Z9 without additional benefits. Of course handheld Z8 is lighter still than Z9, but if I think the weight in my backpack, it is kind of the same specially if you plan to add power bank also instead of extra batteries.
Click to expand...
I certainly wouldn’t say “many users”. The internet and forums are a cesspool of confirmation bias. You don’t hear from the so-called “silent majority” who don’t have problems. We know that the 1st batch of Z8s sold out rapidly - all 12,000 of them. We also know that the 2nd batch sold out rapidly. Let’s assume that’s another 12,000.

We’ve seen - at least on DPReview - a grand total of 2 issues w.r.t. anchor posts.
Click to expand...
Well, there is no way that we know what majority thinks, but checking online here and facebook, seems everyone is buying now a cage and others recommend it.
Click to expand...
With respect, that is a ridiculous statement
Click to expand...
It is useful to develop one's skills in Critical Thinking when reading stuff on the internet, else one can jump to incorrect conclusions that have a self-serving bias.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_thinking
 
Jake James said:
MrHollywood said:
The Z8 is a fantastic camera and a "flagship" if you don't want the full size rig. The D700 was pretty darn close to the D3 in many of the same ways. I bought the D700 over the D3 and never regretted it. But I did eventually add a grip to my D700. This time I went straight to the Z9.

Robert
Click to expand...
The Z8 is Not a Flagship. Those that say that, are like Buick and Olds owners, trying to claim their Electra 225 or 98 Regency were the same Car as a Cadillac... As an owner of all 3, I can certainly say they certainly weren't
Click to expand...
I would agree it’s not the Z Flagship, but I read “flagship” with quotes and a small f by a current Z9 owner. 🙂 IMO, not an unreasonable characterization of a mini Z9 for those preferring the smaller but high-performing form factor.

--
Alan Clark
https://arclark.smugmug.com/
 
Last edited:
capanikon said:
I never understood the whole "It's heavy! It's big!" complaint anyways.

When I was a kid I got paid ten bucks to mow a yard with a push mower. Up hills in parts.

I've held half a dozen jobs that require regularly lifting of 50-pound bags of goods or heavy equipment.

I've hiked steep mountains -- for fun -- each step making my quads feel like they're burnning.

I used to run cross country and track in high school where every step was pain and I continually asked myself why I ever decided to join in the first place.

But a camera is heavy?
Click to expand...
+1
 
capanikon said:
I never understood the whole "It's heavy! It's big!" complaint anyways.
Click to expand...
I usually find my inability to understand something turns out to be a failure on my part, and not that it is untrue or invalid.
 
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