Why Z8

[aniltulsi]

I have Z6, purchased in 2018, with 1.0 Firmware. I am very happy with the camera, except, obviously the AF (not obvious to many, as they don't need to push AF to the limits, in their normal photography). My assumption was that the AF performance is mostly to do with the lens, and to a lesser extent, the camera, so i purchased 400mm f/4.5, expecting to see a major jump in the AF performance, as i had read excellent reviews of it. Unfortunately, the AF improvement was not that great. I should have bought Z9 instead, to see major improvement in AF, and decided to return the lens. However, i fell in love with the 400mm lens, as it was so small and light, and i could keep clicking the whole day, without needing any tripod or monopod. So i kept the lens, but didn't have any money left for Z9.

I decided to wait for Z7iii. I am sure the Z7iii will have all that i need, that is, an excellent AF performance, and the resolution to crop, which i need for birding, where my Z6 is not good at.

But Nikon launched Z8 instead. Well, it is cheaper than Z9, but not cheap enough for me, who is retired, and has limited savings. But the Z8 is too good for the price, and as compared to any other cameras in its price range. It has the AF performance and the resolution, that i need, but also has other features, that i want now. The lag free and the blackout free EVF should help me a lot in my BIF photography. The electronic shutter's silent operation also is valuable to me, and also the absence of mechanical shutter should technically increase the life of the camera many folds, due to no moving parts. The low light AF too is much better in Z8, which should help me to capture the birds in the bushes at sunset. The quick swich-ON is one thing, that i missed from the DSLR days, which i get back with Z8. The bonus is that it is cheaper, smaller and lighter than Z9.

Looking at my stage in life, the Z8 should be my last camera. Though i have been changing my cameras every 2-4 years, I think the Z8 should last me for a decade, so saving money in the long run. Of course, there will be newer cameras coming in future, Z8ii, Z8iii, with Expeed-8, 9.., Global shutters, face- recognition etc., but i should be content with what I have. So I will buy the Z8 soon (Nikon, please don't launch Z7iii before I buy Z8, else it's cheaper price may tempt me)

What is your motivation to buy Z8?

 

[LT2412]

I’m not in the urgent need to get the Z8, so I’m waiting to see what the Z7iii would be like (if it ever comes out). If it has what I need I’ll probably get it, if not then the Z8 (I’ve always wanted the D850 because I thought it would last me for years. But I wasn’t heavily invested in F-mount lenses so I did the switch to Z mount easily)

 

[Jeff_0000]

I have Z6, purchased in 2018, with 1.0 Firmware. I am very happy with the camera, except, obviously the AF (not obvious to many, as they don't need to push AF to the limits, in their normal photography). My assumption was that the AF performance is mostly to do with the lens, and to a lesser extent, the camera, so i purchased 400mm f/4.5, expecting to see a major jump in the AF performance, as i had read excellent reviews of it. Unfortunately, the AF improvement was not that great. I should have bought Z9 instead, to see major improvement in AF, and decided to return the lens. However, i fell in love with the 400mm lens, as it was so small and light, and i could keep clicking the whole day, without needing any tripod or monopod. So i kept the lens, but didn't have any money left for Z9.

I decided to wait for Z7iii. I am sure the Z7iii will have all that i need, that is, an excellent AF performance, and the resolution to crop, which i need for birding, where my Z6 is not good at.

But Nikon launched Z8 instead. Well, it is cheaper than Z9, but not cheap enough for me, who is retired, and has limited savings. But the Z8 is too good for the price, and as compared to any other cameras in its price range. It has the AF performance and the resolution, that i need, but also has other features, that i want now. The lag free and the blackout free EVF should help me a lot in my BIF photography. The electronic shutter's silent operation also is valuable to me, and also the absence of mechanical shutter should technically increase the life of the camera many folds, due to no moving parts. The low light AF too is much better in Z8, which should help me to capture the birds in the bushes at sunset. The quick swich-ON is one thing, that i missed from the DSLR days, which i get back with Z8. The bonus is that it is cheaper, smaller and lighter than Z9.

Looking at my stage in life, the Z8 should be my last camera. Though i have been changing my cameras every 2-4 years, I think the Z8 should last me for a decade, so saving money in the long run. Of course, there will be newer cameras coming in future, Z8ii, Z8iii, with Expeed-8, 9.., Global shutters, face- recognition etc., but i should be content with what I have. So I will buy the Z8 soon (Nikon, please don't launch Z7iii before I buy Z8, else it's cheaper price may tempt me)

What is your motivation to buy Z8?

I am also a Z6 owner. My motivations are:

• having higher MP to retain more details of photographs
• having the ability to use 8K video to record the extraordinary landscapes in lifetime
• having starlight view, illuminated buttons and warm display which greatly facilitate astrophotography
• having extra SD card slot that allow me to the least expensive UHS1 card with largest storage
• having better AF than my Z6 in whatever situations
• having stacked sensor and 20 fps to deal with subjects with fast movements
• having linear manual focus with some of my Z lenses, e.g. 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 S
• having the ability to check the nos. of remaining shots of a timelapse sequence and the remaining time of a very long exposure (in 900 seconds or in time mode) so that I can plan for my next shot more efficiently
• having the tilt screen design which make vertical shooting more convenient in awkward situations

 

[mobydick]

I own a Z7, and two things would be tempting for me on the Z8:

(1) the better AF in low light and for tracking

(2) the better "no-blackout" EVF

Otherwise, the Z7 is enough camera for me. And therefore, because it is not urgent, I will also wait and see what will happen with the Z7iii or how the prices for the Z8 will develop...

 

[Leonard Shepherd]

Everybody has different needs - and different budgets.

The Z7 I regard as a mid range ability camera capable of but not ideally suited to some advanced photography.

I have previously very successfully used the slightly larger and heavier D850.

Replacing my sensor dust prone D7 with a slightly smaller than a D850 and definitely overall much more capable Z8 to complement my Z9 is my choice.

 

[Ernie Misner]

I have Z6, purchased in 2018, with 1.0 Firmware. I am very happy with the camera, except, obviously the AF (not obvious to many, as they don't need to push AF to the limits, in their normal photography). My assumption was that the AF performance is mostly to do with the lens, and to a lesser extent, the camera, so i purchased 400mm f/4.5, expecting to see a major jump in the AF performance, as i had read excellent reviews of it. Unfortunately, the AF improvement was not that great. I should have bought Z9 instead, to see major improvement in AF, and decided to return the lens. However, i fell in love with the 400mm lens, as it was so small and light, and i could keep clicking the whole day, without needing any tripod or monopod. So i kept the lens, but didn't have any money left for Z9.

I decided to wait for Z7iii. I am sure the Z7iii will have all that i need, that is, an excellent AF performance, and the resolution to crop, which i need for birding, where my Z6 is not good at.

But Nikon launched Z8 instead. Well, it is cheaper than Z9, but not cheap enough for me, who is retired, and has limited savings. But the Z8 is too good for the price, and as compared to any other cameras in its price range. It has the AF performance and the resolution, that i need, but also has other features, that i want now. The lag free and the blackout free EVF should help me a lot in my BIF photography. The electronic shutter's silent operation also is valuable to me, and also the absence of mechanical shutter should technically increase the life of the camera many folds, due to no moving parts. The low light AF too is much better in Z8, which should help me to capture the birds in the bushes at sunset. The quick swich-ON is one thing, that i missed from the DSLR days, which i get back with Z8. The bonus is that it is cheaper, smaller and lighter than Z9.

Looking at my stage in life, the Z8 should be my last camera. Though i have been changing my cameras every 2-4 years, I think the Z8 should last me for a decade, so saving money in the long run. Of course, there will be newer cameras coming in future, Z8ii, Z8iii, with Expeed-8, 9.., Global shutters, face- recognition etc., but i should be content with what I have. So I will buy the Z8 soon (Nikon, please don't launch Z7iii before I buy Z8, else it's cheaper price may tempt me)

What is your motivation to buy Z8?

I am also a Z6 owner. My motivations are:

• having higher MP to retain more details of photographs
• having the ability to use 8K video to record the extraordinary landscapes in lifetime
• having starlight view, illuminated buttons and warm display which greatly facilitate astrophotography

Can you elaborate a bit on the warm display (and astrophotography)? Thanks!

• having extra SD card slot that allow me to the least expensive UHS1 card with largest storage
• having better AF than my Z6 in whatever situations
• having stacked sensor and 20 fps to deal with subjects with fast movements
• having linear manual focus with some of my Z lenses, e.g. 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 S
• having the ability to check the nos. of remaining shots of a timelapse sequence and the remaining time of a very long exposure (in 900 seconds or in time mode) so that I can plan for my next shot more efficiently
• having the tilt screen design which make vertical shooting more convenient in awkward situations

 

[jimdelves]

I’ve got a Z7 which is terrific for people and street and landscape photography but is sorely lacking for birds and small animals. I’ve kept my D850 for that. So I’ve been waiting for the D850 replacement. By all accounts, the Z8 is it.

 

[whimsicalmike]

What is your motivation to buy Z8?

Hand fit primarily. I have a small hand with long fingers and arthritis in my thumbs. The Z7 is very uncomfortable for me even with a thick base plate. The taller Body and larger grip seems to be like my now gone D500, will know for sure next Thursday. and hopefully fits like the D500 did.

The faster AF is a bonus so I ordered the 100-400 and x1.4 to try capturing some feathered birds.

The Z7 was quite OK for getting the non feathered variety as it was for landscapes and architecture. It can also do double duty as the second cam with a different lens for occasional shots.

I suppose another biggie is I get a new toy to explore :-D

 

[shuncheung]

Looking at my stage in life, the Z8 should be my last camera. Though i have been changing my cameras every 2-4 years, I think the Z8 should last me for a decade, so saving money in the long run. Of course, there will be newer cameras coming in future, Z8ii, Z8iii, with Expeed-8, 9.., Global shutters, face- recognition etc., but i should be content with what I have. So I will buy the Z8 soon (Nikon, please don't launch Z7iii before I buy Z8, else it's cheaper price may tempt me)

Plenty of my undergrad college classmates have retired, such that I should be quite close to that myself. However, my father is still around, in his early 90's and is doing very well for his age, but I can see he can no longer enjoy a lot of things in life. For example, he stopped driving at age 90, and that adds a lot of restrictions to his life, living in the Los Angeles area where driving around is important.

My philosophy is that enjoy life while we still can. Things are unpredictable and every day can potentially be my last. But of course, don't blow all of your savings on a Z8, 600mm/f4 .... I bought a D5 in 2016, and that was my primary camera for 6 years, until I picked up a Z9. A Z8 can easily last a few years, but I expect a Z9 version 2 within 2024, and I am not going to predict what great features may come with it.

I am also a Z6 owner. My motivations are:

• having higher MP to retain more details of photographs
• having the ability to use 8K video to record the extraordinary landscapes in lifetime
• having starlight view, illuminated buttons and warm display which greatly facilitate astrophotography
• having extra SD card slot that allow me to the least expensive UHS1 card with largest storage
• having better AF than my Z6 in whatever situations
• having stacked sensor and 20 fps to deal with subjects with fast movements

Some of those points are contradictory. On the Z9, I also shoot 8K video and especially 20 fps very frequently. However, you won't be able to use the cheapest UHS-1 SD card at the same time.

If you are a landscape photographer or use your Z8 inside a studio, a slow SD card maybe just fine, but then you probably want to also write your image files onto a CFx B card for capture-time backup. Personally, I don't have enough confidence with SD.

For 8K video, 20 fps, etc., I use fast CFx B cards on the Z9, and it should be the same on the Z8. That is exactly why the CFx B + SD arrangement is a major compromise on the Z8, same for the D500, D850, and Canon R3, R5. Canon and Nikon are trying to please both worlds, but some wish they had dual CFx B.

• having linear manual focus with some of my Z lenses, e.g. 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 S
• having the ability to check the nos. of remaining shots of a timelapse sequence and the remaining time of a very long exposure (in 900 seconds or in time mode) so that I can plan for my next shot more efficiently
• having the tilt screen design which make vertical shooting more convenient in awkward situations

 

[Jeff_0000]

I have Z6, purchased in 2018, with 1.0 Firmware. I am very happy with the camera, except, obviously the AF (not obvious to many, as they don't need to push AF to the limits, in their normal photography). My assumption was that the AF performance is mostly to do with the lens, and to a lesser extent, the camera, so i purchased 400mm f/4.5, expecting to see a major jump in the AF performance, as i had read excellent reviews of it. Unfortunately, the AF improvement was not that great. I should have bought Z9 instead, to see major improvement in AF, and decided to return the lens. However, i fell in love with the 400mm lens, as it was so small and light, and i could keep clicking the whole day, without needing any tripod or monopod. So i kept the lens, but didn't have any money left for Z9.

I decided to wait for Z7iii. I am sure the Z7iii will have all that i need, that is, an excellent AF performance, and the resolution to crop, which i need for birding, where my Z6 is not good at.

But Nikon launched Z8 instead. Well, it is cheaper than Z9, but not cheap enough for me, who is retired, and has limited savings. But the Z8 is too good for the price, and as compared to any other cameras in its price range. It has the AF performance and the resolution, that i need, but also has other features, that i want now. The lag free and the blackout free EVF should help me a lot in my BIF photography. The electronic shutter's silent operation also is valuable to me, and also the absence of mechanical shutter should technically increase the life of the camera many folds, due to no moving parts. The low light AF too is much better in Z8, which should help me to capture the birds in the bushes at sunset. The quick swich-ON is one thing, that i missed from the DSLR days, which i get back with Z8. The bonus is that it is cheaper, smaller and lighter than Z9.

Looking at my stage in life, the Z8 should be my last camera. Though i have been changing my cameras every 2-4 years, I think the Z8 should last me for a decade, so saving money in the long run. Of course, there will be newer cameras coming in future, Z8ii, Z8iii, with Expeed-8, 9.., Global shutters, face- recognition etc., but i should be content with what I have. So I will buy the Z8 soon (Nikon, please don't launch Z7iii before I buy Z8, else it's cheaper price may tempt me)

What is your motivation to buy Z8?

I am also a Z6 owner. My motivations are:

• having higher MP to retain more details of photographs
• having the ability to use 8K video to record the extraordinary landscapes in lifetime
• having starlight view, illuminated buttons and warm display which greatly facilitate astrophotography

Can you elaborate a bit on the warm display (and astrophotography)? Thanks!

It makes the eyes more comfortable when you look at the LCD screen in the dark environment. Similar to the warm display on the smartphone. Not sure about your question on astrophotography. Are you asking how the above-mentioned features help astrophotography?

• having extra SD card slot that allow me to the least expensive UHS1 card with largest storage
• having better AF than my Z6 in whatever situations
• having stacked sensor and 20 fps to deal with subjects with fast movements
• having linear manual focus with some of my Z lenses, e.g. 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 S
• having the ability to check the nos. of remaining shots of a timelapse sequence and the remaining time of a very long exposure (in 900 seconds or in time mode) so that I can plan for my next shot more efficiently
• having the tilt screen design which make vertical shooting more convenient in awkward situations

 

[Jeff_0000]

Looking at my stage in life, the Z8 should be my last camera. Though i have been changing my cameras every 2-4 years, I think the Z8 should last me for a decade, so saving money in the long run. Of course, there will be newer cameras coming in future, Z8ii, Z8iii, with Expeed-8, 9.., Global shutters, face- recognition etc., but i should be content with what I have. So I will buy the Z8 soon (Nikon, please don't launch Z7iii before I buy Z8, else it's cheaper price may tempt me)

Plenty of my undergrad college classmates have retired, such that I should be quite close to that myself. However, my father is still around, in his early 90's and is doing very well for his age, but I can see he can no longer enjoy a lot of things in life. For example, he stopped driving at age 90, and that adds a lot of restrictions to his life, living in the Los Angeles area where driving around is important.

My philosophy is that enjoy life while we still can. Things are unpredictable and every day can potentially be my last. But of course, don't blow all of your savings on a Z8, 600mm/f4 .... I bought a D5 in 2016, and that was my primary camera for 6 years, until I picked up a Z9. A Z8 can easily last a few years, but I expect a Z9 version 2 within 2024, and I am not going to predict what great features may come with it.

I am also a Z6 owner. My motivations are:

• having higher MP to retain more details of photographs
• having the ability to use 8K video to record the extraordinary landscapes in lifetime
• having starlight view, illuminated buttons and warm display which greatly facilitate astrophotography
• having extra SD card slot that allow me to the least expensive UHS1 card with largest storage
• having better AF than my Z6 in whatever situations
• having stacked sensor and 20 fps to deal with subjects with fast movements

Some of those points are contradictory. On the Z9, I also shoot 8K video and especially 20 fps very frequently. However, you won't be able to use the cheapest UHS-1 SD card at the same time.

If you are a landscape photographer or use your Z8 inside a studio, a slow SD card maybe just fine, but then you probably want to also write your image files onto a CFx B card for capture-time backup. Personally, I don't have enough confidence with SD.

For 8K video, 20 fps, etc., I use fast CFx B cards on the Z9, and it should be the same on the Z8. That is exactly why the CFx B + SD arrangement is a major compromise on the Z8, same for the D500, D850, and Canon R3, R5. Canon and Nikon are trying to please both worlds, but some wish they had dual CFx B.

I have bought the Wise CFExpress 512GB Mark 2 myself. My original intention is to shoot short clips of landscapes in high quality with the Wise card. SD cards are mainly for still photos or photo sequences for time lapses. Conincidentally Matt Irwin mentions that he is able to shoot 8k 24/30p video with the Sandisk UHS-I card on his overheating video at 18:38 (

). I realize the possibility of shooting 8k video with the SD card, but that's just a bonus.

Maybe I haven't encountered a card failure on SD, so I don't see having a SD slot being an issue for me, but rather a cost-saving media storage option available. I can buy 5 128gb SD card for the price of 1 128gb CFExpress. I have also heard people saying they encounter CFExpress failure. Overall, I still think CFexpress realiability outweighs the financial costs. I also own a Prograde and Sandisk CFexpress which I can use for shooting photos.

• having linear manual focus with some of my Z lenses, e.g. 50 1.8 and 85 1.8 S
• having the ability to check the nos. of remaining shots of a timelapse sequence and the remaining time of a very long exposure (in 900 seconds or in time mode) so that I can plan for my next shot more efficiently
• having the tilt screen design which make vertical shooting more convenient in awkward situations

 

[PLShutterbug]

• having starlight view, illuminated buttons and warm display which greatly facilitate astrophotography

Can you elaborate a bit on the warm display (and astrophotography)? Thanks!

Ernie,

”Warm display” means a red display theme, which helps prevent the pupils from constricting in the dark so retains night vision. Here is a screen shot from the Nikon blurb about it, showing what it looks like:

 

[NickZ2016]

128GB CFe cards are poor value. You likely could buy a 512GB CFe card for not much more.

 

[msu79gt82]

I can relate. I have the original Z6 also and am ready to upgrade.
I’ll probably wait at least until credible rumors (is there such a thing) are out regarding the Z6iii/Z7iii updates. I want more than 24MP resolution this upgrade.

So I’ll wait to get an idea of what the Z6iii/Z7iii updates will actually entail. The Z8 checks all the boxes except cost and weight. I am more concerned about the weight than the size per se. There is currently a 7.2 weight difference between the Z6ii/Z7ii and the Z8. It wouldn’t be a surprise to me to see a weight increase in the Z6iii if it has better heat dissipation, an articulated screen, a better viewfinder, et. A 10-15% weight gain (reasonable?) could mean only a 5 ounce or so difference between it and the Z8.

Who knows the what, when, and how much of the no doubt coming Z6iii/Z7iii updates.

 

[shuncheung]

Some of those points are contradictory. On the Z9, I also shoot 8K video and especially 20 fps very frequently. However, you won't be able to use the cheapest UHS-1 SD card at the same time.

If you are a landscape photographer or use your Z8 inside a studio, a slow SD card maybe just fine, but then you probably want to also write your image files onto a CFx B card for capture-time backup. Personally, I don't have enough confidence with SD.

For 8K video, 20 fps, etc., I use fast CFx B cards on the Z9, and it should be the same on the Z8. That is exactly why the CFx B + SD arrangement is a major compromise on the Z8, same for the D500, D850, and Canon R3, R5. Canon and Nikon are trying to please both worlds, but some wish they had dual CFx B.

I have bought the Wise CFExpress 512GB Mark 2 myself. My original intention is to shoot short clips of landscapes in high quality with the Wise card. SD cards are mainly for still photos or photo sequences for time lapses. Conincidentally Matt Irwin mentions that he is able to shoot 8k 24/30p video with the Sandisk UHS-I card on his overheating video at 18:38 (

). I realize the possibility of shooting 8k video with the SD card, but that's just a bonus.

I started using SD cards in 2010 when I bought my D7000, which has dual SD slots. At that time a 32G SD card (only UHS-1 was available back then) was around $100. In the following few years I either lost or cracked several SD cards, at around $100 each. In particular, that little lock switch on the card is very fragile. SD cards are too small and thin and can easily fell into the gaps of sofas, etc.

In 2016, I bought a D500 with dual XQD and UHS-2 SD slots. I bought a 64G Sandisk UHS-ii card to keep up with XQD in the backup mode. That card was around $100, about just expensive as XQD with the same capacity. I quickly found out that even UHS-2 SD could not keep up and was the bottleneck for 10 fps on the 20MP D500. Eventually I just go with the XQD card alone on the D500. My preference is to use backup mode to write the images onto both cards at the time of capture, but that is impossible on the D500.

Maybe I haven't encountered a card failure on SD, so I don't see having a SD slot being an issue for me, but rather a cost-saving media storage option available. I can buy 5 128gb SD card for the price of 1 128gb CFExpress. I have also heard people saying they encounter CFExpress failure. Overall, I still think CFexpress realiability outweighs the financial costs. I also own a Prograde and Sandisk CFexpress which I can use for shooting photos.

Having an SD slot is not an issue on its own, but to some people, the SD slot displacing the 2nd CFx B slot is a concern; a few reviewers believe that is a mistake on Nikon's part. I happen to agree with Nikon, and agree with Canon, that CFx B + SD is the right compromise for an R5-class and Z8-class bodies, but that is a compromise nevertheless.

Any memory card can fail, of course. If you search around, there are a few CFx failures. But based on my personal experience, I used the old CF from 2002 (Nikon D100) to 2015 or so (D800E). I have had a couple of CF failures, but I have never lost any CF card. I had a couple of SD failures, but the bigger problem is physical damage to the card and losing the cards. I would have no problem if I could use dual SD cards, e.g. the D7200, D750 or Z5. The chance of both failing is negligible, but I am leery about depending on one SD card.

I have been using XQD and now CFx B cards since the D5 and D500 in 2016. So far I have encountered zero card failures and I have never lost those cards. Therefore, I am comfortable enough to use just one CFx B on my Z9, unless I am shooting something critical, e.g. a wedding, parties, an exotic trip, etc. For videos, Nikon doesn't allow writing to both cards anyway. There is no way I would depend on one SD card. On the Z8, I understand Nikon would not allow you to use the SD card on certain high-quality video, anyway.

When one is paying $4000 for a Z8, my suggestion is not to skim on cards. The SD slot is good as a backup for still photography when you are not pushing frame rates. Moreover, cards tend to fail at "old age." I reserve a few high-capacity cards for video only so reduce their usage, and I'll phase out older cards to reduce the chance of failures. For example, I understand that some wedding photographers would replace their entire set of cards after each wedding season. If one shoots a hundred weddings a year, that is pretty heavy card usage.

 

[Snapshotx7]

I can relate. I have the original Z6 also and am ready to upgrade.
I’ll probably wait at least until credible rumors (is there such a thing) are out regarding the Z6iii/Z7iii updates. I want more than 24MP resolution this upgrade.

So I’ll wait to get an idea of what the Z6iii/Z7iii updates will actually entail. The Z8 checks all the boxes except cost and weight. I am more concerned about the weight than the size per se. There is currently a 7.2 weight difference between the Z6ii/Z7ii and the Z8. It wouldn’t be a surprise to me to see a weight increase in the Z6iii if it has better heat dissipation, an articulated screen, a better viewfinder, et. A 10-15% weight gain (reasonable?) could mean only a 5 ounce or so difference between it and the Z8.

Who knows the what, when, and how much of the no doubt coming Z6iii/Z7iii updates.

That's a good plan if you're willing to wait. I'm also a Z6 user that's waited and waited. The Z9 was too big and heavy and not to mention pricey coming from a Z6 so I kept waiting. I now have the Z8 pre-order. Like you said it checks all the boxes except weight. It could've been lighter, but that would probably mean worse performance for video recording because of the needed heat dissipation. Regardless, I'm OK with the weight. More importantly, time is opportunity for using the camera. I have things I want to shoot today that can utilize the extra capabilities of the Z8 and I'm ready and willing to pay the premium rather than waiting an indefinite time for the Z6III/Z7III.

Even when the Z6III/Z7III are available they will not be designed to be a do everything camera like the Z8. So I'd rather have the Z8 if I can afford it. I always wanted the D850 in the DSLR days and couldn't afford one. Now I have the Z version of it and can't wait to get my hands on it.

Things I expect the Z8 will have that the Z6III/Z7III won't have that contribute to why I'm buying now rather than waiting:

• The bright EVF
• Illuminated buttons
• Dual axis screen
• Real time no black out viewfinder
• Stacked Sensor

These alone make a good case over the Z7III for me. I don't need more than 45MP for what I shoot. I expect the Z7III to be higher resolution and slower shooting. So the Z8 remains the best fit for me.

 

[Jeff_0000]

128GB CFe cards are poor value. You likely could buy a 512GB CFe card for not much more.

For now yes. I was a bit regretful because the 512 gb CFexpress has become less expensive than one to two years ago. I bought my Prograde and Sandisk at that time. I immediately have purchased the Wise 512 mark 2 when I realize how much cheaper it is now compared to the mark 1 version, my Prograde and Sandisk cards.

 

[Jeff_0000]

Some of those points are contradictory. On the Z9, I also shoot 8K video and especially 20 fps very frequently. However, you won't be able to use the cheapest UHS-1 SD card at the same time.

If you are a landscape photographer or use your Z8 inside a studio, a slow SD card maybe just fine, but then you probably want to also write your image files onto a CFx B card for capture-time backup. Personally, I don't have enough confidence with SD.

For 8K video, 20 fps, etc., I use fast CFx B cards on the Z9, and it should be the same on the Z8. That is exactly why the CFx B + SD arrangement is a major compromise on the Z8, same for the D500, D850, and Canon R3, R5. Canon and Nikon are trying to please both worlds, but some wish they had dual CFx B.

I have bought the Wise CFExpress 512GB Mark 2 myself. My original intention is to shoot short clips of landscapes in high quality with the Wise card. SD cards are mainly for still photos or photo sequences for time lapses. Conincidentally Matt Irwin mentions that he is able to shoot 8k 24/30p video with the Sandisk UHS-I card on his overheating video at 18:38 (

). I realize the possibility of shooting 8k video with the SD card, but that's just a bonus.

I started using SD cards in 2010 when I bought my D7000, which has dual SD slots. At that time a 32G SD card (only UHS-1 was available back then) was around $100. In the following few years I either lost or cracked several SD cards, at around $100 each. In particular, that little lock switch on the card is very fragile. SD cards are too small and thin and can easily fell into the gaps of sofas, etc.

That's unfortunate.

In 2016, I bought a D500 with dual XQD and UHS-2 SD slots. I bought a 64G Sandisk UHS-ii card to keep up with XQD in the backup mode. That card was around $100, about just expensive as XQD with the same capacity. I quickly found out that even UHS-2 SD could not keep up and was the bottleneck for 10 fps on the 20MP D500. Eventually I just go with the XQD card alone on the D500. My preference is to use backup mode to write the images onto both cards at the time of capture, but that is impossible on the D500.

The price of UHS-2 SD card is as expensive as the CFExpress/XQD, yet like you said the writing speed of it is so slow. The CFExpress is definitely better value than the UHS2.

Is there an option which allow you to copy the images you have on the XQD to the SD on your camera?

Maybe I haven't encountered a card failure on SD, so I don't see having a SD slot being an issue for me, but rather a cost-saving media storage option available. I can buy 5 128gb SD card for the price of 1 128gb CFExpress. I have also heard people saying they encounter CFExpress failure. Overall, I still think CFexpress realiability outweighs the financial costs. I also own a Prograde and Sandisk CFexpress which I can use for shooting photos.

Having an SD slot is not an issue on its own, but to some people, the SD slot displacing the 2nd CFx B slot is a concern; a few reviewers believe that is a mistake on Nikon's part. I happen to agree with Nikon, and agree with Canon, that CFx B + SD is the right compromise for an R5-class and Z8-class bodies, but that is a compromise nevertheless.

This is the compromise Nikon has to make to differentiate the Z8 and Z9.

Any memory card can fail, of course. If you search around, there are a few CFx failures. But based on my personal experience, I used the old CF from 2002 (Nikon D100) to 2015 or so (D800E). I have had a couple of CF failures, but I have never lost any CF card. I had a couple of SD failures, but the bigger problem is physical damage to the card and losing the cards. I would have no problem if I could use dual SD cards, e.g. the D7200, D750 or Z5. The chance of both failing is negligible, but I am leery about depending on one SD card.

I have been using XQD and now CFx B cards since the D5 and D500 in 2016. So far I have encountered zero card failures and I have never lost those cards. Therefore, I am comfortable enough to use just one CFx B on my Z9, unless I am shooting something critical, e.g. a wedding, parties, an exotic trip, etc. For videos, Nikon doesn't allow writing to both cards anyway. There is no way I would depend on one SD card. On the Z8, I understand Nikon would not allow you to use the SD card on certain high-quality video, anyway.

When one is paying $4000 for a Z8, my suggestion is not to skim on cards. The SD slot is good as a backup for still photography when you are not pushing frame rates. Moreover, cards tend to fail at "old age." I reserve a few high-capacity cards for video only so reduce their usage, and I'll phase out older cards to reduce the chance of failures. For example, I understand that some wedding photographers would replace their entire set of cards after each wedding season. If one shoots a hundred weddings a year, that is pretty heavy card usage.

You are very right about not skimming the cards. Fortunately, the CFExpress has become more affordable. Apart from Angelbird (which is not available in my city), the Prograde gold and Wise blue cards are good value for money and have high reliability.

 

[Leonard Shepherd]

Can you elaborate a bit on the warm display (and astrophotography)? Thanks!

It makes the eyes more comfortable when you look at the LCD screen in the dark environment. Similar to the warm display on the smartphone. Not sure about your question on astrophotography. Are you asking how the above-mentioned features help astrophotography?

After about 15 minutes in very dark conditions your night vision makes it possible to see more in the dark.

Red light does not affect night vision - white light does.

 

[Jeff_0000]

Can you elaborate a bit on the warm display (and astrophotography)? Thanks!

It makes the eyes more comfortable when you look at the LCD screen in the dark environment. Similar to the warm display on the smartphone. Not sure about your question on astrophotography. Are you asking how the above-mentioned features help astrophotography?

After about 15 minutes in very dark conditions your night vision makes it possible to see more in the dark.

Red light does not affect night vision - white light does.

Thanks for the explanation.