If the Z8 performs how you imagine, will you buy another camera?

[Smitty2]

What Z8?

I think they're just speculating given we have the Z6, Z7, and Z9 but no Z8.

Steve Perry had a recent review of the II series and said they perform similar to a D750 or D780. That clicked for me--the Z7s are basically a 45mp D750/D780.

Consequently, that would make sense for the Z8 to be like a D850 with 45mp and better tracking than the D750/D780.

Comparing to a Z7 II, I hope a Z8 would get more than improved AF over the same sensor (a Z7 III then)...

On top of better AF tracking and some other competitive improvements I would hope to see a new sensor, perhaps the stacked sensor of the upcoming Z9 with fast readouts.

I would be buying such a Z8 for sure...

A Z7II is 3000 dollars. How much do you expect the Z8, an entirely higher tier model, go to for? 4000? 4500? 5000?

I strongly doubt there is a Z8. If you want an updated Z7 II you'll have to wait for Z7 III in a couple of years. Or the Z9 thats expected to be launched this year. There is no Z8. They skipped it to provide room between tiers to distinguish just how higher the 9 series are over the other models.

 

[Hello123]

I was watching a Tony/Chelsea Northrup video on YouTube where they talked about DSLRs being dead and Sony and Canon being the only companies with the research and development to come out with innovative new "toys" every so often.

I began to wonder if photographers really wanted to have to buy a new camera every year. If the Z8 really is a mirrorless D850 and performs to that standard in a mirrorless body in terms of photo with quality video, I don't can't imagine needing a new camera.

With the ability to track eyes and subjects as easily as some of the Sony and Canon cameras, I don't think actual professionals are going to really see the point in constant upgrades.

Do you think this worries any of the camera companies?

Good grief, turn off Youtube and all of the talking heads. Don't worry about the manufactures and what they are doing. Just go out and take photographs; it will work itself out in the end. I will assume that you have either a Z6 or Z7? With that assumption out of the way, you have more than enough technology in your hands to take some incredible images. Keeping up with the Jones is exhausting.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

I was watching a Tony/Chelsea Northrup video on YouTube where they talked about DSLRs being dead and Sony and Canon being the only companies with the research and development to come out with innovative new "toys" every so often.

I began to wonder if photographers really wanted to have to buy a new camera every year. If the Z8 really is a mirrorless D850 and performs to that standard in a mirrorless body in terms of photo with quality video, I don't can't imagine needing a new camera.

With the ability to track eyes and subjects as easily as some of the Sony and Canon cameras, I don't think actual professionals are going to really see the point in constant upgrades.

Do you think this worries any of the camera companies?

Well, it depends on what the Z8 does. So far the only thing that's missing for my needs at least, would be is better AF tracking. For me, the video doesn't matter and to an extent, the DR of the Z bodies is more than enough for my needs. I just want to be able to use my Z's for wildlife so I can stop using a DSLR for that.

But I've also told myself that regardless of what new bodies come out, I'm shooting my current Z bodies for at least the next 4-5 years before I upgrade again. Even if a Z8 does offer the AF speed of my DSLR. I'll put up with the D7500 for a few more years too as it has lots of life left in it (and I don't shoot wildlife that often in reality to justify a new camera just for that).

So I guess for me, it depends, but probably not.

(The bulk of my shooting is landscapes, people/portrait and travel, none of which really need super fast AF, and now that the Z II's offer dual card slots and a true proper grip, I think I'm set myself for a while. I guess I'd rather spend my money on lenses now rather than camera bodies given what I do and that I'm not a professional making money a living.)

 

[jthomas39]

Z8: Yeah, sure we'd all be satisfied, and "this camera will be all I need".

But then, global silent shutter and a ultra high dynamic range sensor will become available, and now I need that too. 80 megapixels and 30 fps and no-lag EVF and 20+ stops of dynamic range? Needed!

(I'm happy with my Z6. But you never know.)

 

[daleeight]

I quit reading when I got to "Tony/Chelsea Northrup...."

 

[NickZ2016]

I strongly doubt there is a Z8. If you want an updated Z7 II you'll have to wait for Z7 III in a couple of years.

The Z8 takes the slot of the Z7 III. Doesn't matter what you call it.

On pricing it'll be closer to the R5 than the Z7.

One possible move is the Z6 and Z7 more or less merge and are replaced with one body.

Nikon can't keep waiting to compete with the R5. At least not a couple more years.

 

[HUN]

I would rather buy one or two excellent Z lenses instead of upggading my Z6 ii. I does everything and even more than I need.

 

[Droster]

I strongly doubt there is a Z8. If you want an updated Z7 II you'll have to wait for Z7 III in a couple of years.

The Z8 takes the slot of the Z7 III. Doesn't matter what you call it.

On pricing it'll be closer to the R5 than the Z7.

One possible move is the Z6 and Z7 more or less merge and are replaced with one body.

Nikon can't keep waiting to compete with the R5. At least not a couple more years.

Between the Z7 and the Z9 they have two cameras aimed at either side of the R5, I don't think the R5 is the camera they "can't wait to compete".

What they really cannot wait to compete is not having a video-centric camera that competes against the a7siii. They can keep the usual screens for all the other bodies but this a7siii competitor should sport the flip around screen, considerations for active/passive cooling, and full sized HDMI to name a few video-centric features. This camera should not be for us photographers and should be designed primarily for video first.

The $4k price point should be that camera that's focused on video, the gaping hole in their line up. The Z6 is the photo-video hybrid. The Z9 is the upgrade for photo purposes while the Z8 will then be the upgrade to the Z6 for video purposes.

 

[NickZ2016]

Between the Z7 and the Z9 they have two cameras aimed at either side of the R5, I don't think the R5 is the camera they "can't wait to compete".

What they really cannot wait to compete is not having a video-centric camera that competes against the a7siii. They can keep the usual screens for all the other bodies but this a7siii competitor should sport the flip around screen and full sized HDMI to name a few video-centric features.

The Z9 will compete with the R1. Not the R5

The A7siii is a 4K camera in a world that is moving on. Nikon doesn't need to compete with yesterday's cameras. At some point Sony needs to update the A7Siii so it's at least inline with the R5

What would the point be in releasing yet one more 4K camera into this market?

 

[hypercore360]

no. not at 'this' time

 

[Smitty2]

I strongly doubt there is a Z8. If you want an updated Z7 II you'll have to wait for Z7 III in a couple of years.

The Z8 takes the slot of the Z7 III. Doesn't matter what you call it.

On pricing it'll be closer to the R5 than the Z7.

One possible move is the Z6 and Z7 more or less merge and are replaced with one body.

Nikon can't keep waiting to compete with the R5. At least not a couple more years.

Z7III takes the slot of the Z7III. There is no Z8.

Z7III will likely be at or near the same price of the Z7II at launch.

Z6 and Z7 aren't merging. They're two unique tiers for different users at different price points.

Nikon is doing fine and doesn't need to concern itself with copying the R5 1:1. If you really want an R5 so much, just buy an R5.

 

[csn]

The only feature I want in my Z 7 (that is lacking right now) is dramatically improved AF-C tracking for action and wildlife, BiF in particular. (I don't want more megapixels, couldn't care less about the dual card slots or vertical grip, the deeper buffer is nice to have though.)

So if Nikon releases a Z 7 III/Z 8 (whatever), I'll be definitely buying one. And I really hope they'll do it sooner than later.

Also, I'll be keeping my gen. 1 Z 7 for everything else but action (and for backup) because it's an awfully nice camera to shoot with and the image quality is just outstanding.

 

[Paige Turner]

I was watching a Tony/Chelsea Northrup video on YouTube where they talked about DSLRs being dead and Sony and Canon being the only companies with the research and development to come out with innovative new "toys" every so often.

I began to wonder if photographers really wanted to have to buy a new camera every year. If the Z8 really is a mirrorless D850 and performs to that standard in a mirrorless body in terms of photo with quality video, I don't can't imagine needing a new camera.

With the ability to track eyes and subjects as easily as some of the Sony and Canon cameras, I don't think actual professionals are going to really see the point in constant upgrades.

Do you think this worries any of the camera companies?

They are clowns. In it for the clicks only. I don't believe anything they say. If you see how they trash Nikon, well.....

 

[Droster]

Between the Z7 and the Z9 they have two cameras aimed at either side of the R5, I don't think the R5 is the camera they "can't wait to compete".

What they really cannot wait to compete is not having a video-centric camera that competes against the a7siii. They can keep the usual screens for all the other bodies but this a7siii competitor should sport the flip around screen and full sized HDMI to name a few video-centric features.

The Z9 will compete with the R1. Not the R5

The A7siii is a 4K camera in a world that is moving on. Nikon doesn't need to compete with yesterday's cameras. At some point Sony needs to update the A7Siii so it's at least inline with the R5

My point is the 8-line should be focused on video with hardware built for video first and not for photography. That means the flip around back screen, port selection, better preamps, that kind of stuff, things that are pointless for photography and you shouldn't find on the other lines.

What would the point be in releasing yet one more 4K camera into this market?

That's kinda the point. The 6-line is fine as a 4k hybrid photo/video camera. But Nikon doesn't have a dedicated video camera to compete against Sony and Canon in this video dominated era. Just as the Z9 is a statement of intent for high end photography and photographers, the Z8 should be that same statement but for video. This is the upgrade to the Z6 for video.

Can the 8-line also sport a 50MP sensor to do 8k video? Sure. But it goes back to my earlier point, it needs to be built with video hardware and configurations first. Its should be like the a7siii, can it take stills? Yea sure. But it's target demographic is still videographers. The 8k badge is not going to make the Z9 a camera that screams "omg Nikon is finally taking video seriously". You need the Z8 to be that camera.

 

[Michael Piziak]

I was watching a Tony/Chelsea Northrup video on YouTube where they talked about DSLRs being dead and Sony and Canon being the only companies with the research and development to come out with innovative new "toys" every so often.

I began to wonder if photographers really wanted to have to buy a new camera every year. If the Z8 really is a mirrorless D850 and performs to that standard in a mirrorless body in terms of photo with quality video, I don't can't imagine needing a new camera.

With the ability to track eyes and subjects as easily as some of the Sony and Canon cameras, I don't think actual professionals are going to really see the point in constant upgrades.

Do you think this worries any of the camera companies?

They are clowns. In it for the clicks only. I don't believe anything they say. If you see how they trash Nikon, well.....

"Tony Northrup and the problematic Sony A7 III "review" http://taipeigeek.blogspot.com/2018/03/tony-northrup-and-the-problematic-sony-a7iii-review.html

 

[1llusive]

The fact that the R5 overheats pretty quickly into a shoot makes it unusable for me. They basically just wanted to sell people the R5c, which is the same camera without the deal breaking defect.

I don't think there's any conspiracy here. They probably figured consumers didn't want a camera with an active cooling solution. R5c is also bigger. We'll see how well its received.

 

[sirhawkeye64]

Between the Z7 and the Z9 they have two cameras aimed at either side of the R5, I don't think the R5 is the camera they "can't wait to compete".

What they really cannot wait to compete is not having a video-centric camera that competes against the a7siii. They can keep the usual screens for all the other bodies but this a7siii competitor should sport the flip around screen and full sized HDMI to name a few video-centric features.

The Z9 will compete with the R1. Not the R5

The A7siii is a 4K camera in a world that is moving on. Nikon doesn't need to compete with yesterday's cameras. At some point Sony needs to update the A7Siii so it's at least inline with the R5

My point is the 8-line should be focused on video with hardware built for video first and not for photography. That means the flip around back screen, port selection, better preamps, that kind of stuff, things that are pointless for photography and you shouldn't find on the other lines.

I don't think Nikon would put in that effort. If they wanted to be in the video camera business basically, they would have by now. NIkon isn't a video camera business. The only reason Canon and Sony put this into their cameras most likely is that they also have a cam corder division and appropriate cine cameras.

I think that they are planning to offer 8k 30 on the Z9 is great because it's something they probably wouldn't have done if Canon and Sony didn't. They just do it to be semi-competitive. But in the end, Nikon is not a video-focused company (at least when it comes to consumer imaging). They tried with their KeyMission to take on companies like GoPro, but even failed in that market.

What would the point be in releasing yet one more 4K camera into this market?

That's kinda the point. The 6-line is fine as a 4k hybrid photo/video camera. But Nikon doesn't have a dedicated video camera to compete against Sony and Canon in this video dominated era. Just as the Z9 is a statement of intent for high end photography and photographers, the Z8 should be that same statement but for video. This is the upgrade to the Z6 for video.

Can the 8-line also sport a 50MP sensor to do 8k video? Sure. But it goes back to my earlier point, it needs to be built with video hardware and configurations first. Its should be like the a7siii, can it take stills? Yea sure. But it's target demographic is still videographers. The 8k badge is not going to make the Z9 a camera that screams "omg Nikon is finally taking video seriously". You need the Z8 to be that camera.

 

[Paige Turner]

I was watching a Tony/Chelsea Northrup video on YouTube where they talked about DSLRs being dead and Sony and Canon being the only companies with the research and development to come out with innovative new "toys" every so often.

I began to wonder if photographers really wanted to have to buy a new camera every year. If the Z8 really is a mirrorless D850 and performs to that standard in a mirrorless body in terms of photo with quality video, I don't can't imagine needing a new camera.

With the ability to track eyes and subjects as easily as some of the Sony and Canon cameras, I don't think actual professionals are going to really see the point in constant upgrades.

Do you think this worries any of the camera companies?

They are clowns. In it for the clicks only. I don't believe anything they say. If you see how they trash Nikon, well.....

"Tony Northrup and the problematic Sony A7 III "review" http://taipeigeek.blogspot.com/2018/03/tony-northrup-and-the-problematic-sony-a7iii-review.html

Thanks for that link. Quite a bit of this going around. It was a good read.

 

[Antal I Kozma]

I quit reading when I got to "Tony/Chelsea Northrup...."

Hah, that is funny. I was about to do the same but saw your post's title so I decided to read it......

You summarized it well, that is how I feel when I see something about "Tony and Chelsea"..........

Best, AIK

 

[Droster]

Between the Z7 and the Z9 they have two cameras aimed at either side of the R5, I don't think the R5 is the camera they "can't wait to compete".

What they really cannot wait to compete is not having a video-centric camera that competes against the a7siii. They can keep the usual screens for all the other bodies but this a7siii competitor should sport the flip around screen and full sized HDMI to name a few video-centric features.

The Z9 will compete with the R1. Not the R5

The A7siii is a 4K camera in a world that is moving on. Nikon doesn't need to compete with yesterday's cameras. At some point Sony needs to update the A7Siii so it's at least inline with the R5

My point is the 8-line should be focused on video with hardware built for video first and not for photography. That means the flip around back screen, port selection, better preamps, that kind of stuff, things that are pointless for photography and you shouldn't find on the other lines.

I don't think Nikon would put in that effort. If they wanted to be in the video camera business basically, they would have by now. NIkon isn't a video camera business. The only reason Canon and Sony put this into their cameras most likely is that they also have a cam corder division and appropriate cine cameras.

I think that they are planning to offer 8k 30 on the Z9 is great because it's something they probably wouldn't have done if Canon and Sony didn't. They just do it to be semi-competitive. But in the end, Nikon is not a video-focused company (at least when it comes to consumer imaging). They tried with their KeyMission to take on companies like GoPro, but even failed in that market.

What would the point be in releasing yet one more 4K camera into this market?

That's kinda the point. The 6-line is fine as a 4k hybrid photo/video camera. But Nikon doesn't have a dedicated video camera to compete against Sony and Canon in this video dominated era. Just as the Z9 is a statement of intent for high end photography and photographers, the Z8 should be that same statement but for video. This is the upgrade to the Z6 for video.

Can the 8-line also sport a 50MP sensor to do 8k video? Sure. But it goes back to my earlier point, it needs to be built with video hardware and configurations first. Its should be like the a7siii, can it take stills? Yea sure. But it's target demographic is still videographers. The 8k badge is not going to make the Z9 a camera that screams "omg Nikon is finally taking video seriously". You need the Z8 to be that camera.

Yea they're not that kind of company and I sure hope they see what's happening in the buying market and make stuff that the bigger moving force out there wants to buy.

We online pundits like to harp on market share and marketing, this is the kind of camera that will do good to those two things.