Thank you for your outstanding videos on the Z8. I just upgraded to the Z8 from a D300 that I bought when it first released. I used the "shutter delay" feature for astrophotography for years. At least on the D300, the shutter delay was designed to eliminate the camera shake induced by the mirror flipping up, not the shake from the shutter opening. With mirrorless cameras, there is obviously no need to eliminate camera shake from a mirror moving. I also love your videos on banks. My D300 had them and I used them extensively. The Z8 has so many additional settings, and I really appreciate you going through all of them in detail.
Hi Hudson and Rick, this episodes is super..I really enjoy the sharing of information on this Z's and having Rick's experience with Sony A1..No camera is perfect and each brand has its strong and weak points..The most important thing is to have fun with your platform, thanks for your time and energy, Best wishes WPB,FL
I have gone from a Nikon Z6/Z7ii to a Z8. I took it for 4 days to photograph Grizzly bears in Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada. This camera blew my mind, with autofocus and quick start up and video for fast moving wildlife. It was breeze to shoot from a rocking/moving zodiac using the Z100-400 and TC1.4x Tele. I got so many amazing images, which I would have never been able to get with my Z6 or Z7ii.
I got the Z8 due to a new interest in wildlife photography. The feel of the Z8 in my hands reminds me a lot of my D850, which is undoubtedly my favorite DSLR. I'll be keeping my Z7II as a backup camera. If I am hiking very far (landscape photography), where I am counting ounces and/or pounds, I can take the Z7II to save a half pound or so.
Fantastic video guys, really enjoyed the content and the discussion. Hudson, I’m a D850 shooter, who mainly shoots aviation, primarily military aircraft. I absolutely love the quality of the images from the D850, but often get a little frustrated with AF speed and even with the grip the fps at a maximum of 9 shots. I’ve been considering the Z8 for a while and after watching your great series of vides on it I’m now definitely getting one. The 3D tracking and consistency of it have convinced me it’s the way foretold getting more keepers. Thanks for the great videos.
Thank you Hudson (and Rick)! I am sure I will miss my Sony A7R3 and especially my 14mm f/1.8 G Master lens, but I am eagerly waiting for my new Z8 as I switch (back) to Nikon!
@@dieseldavey The R5 is also a great camera. TBH, when there were issues in getting my Z8, I seriously considered cancelling my order and going for the R5 instead since my local camera store had them in stock and I could go home with one that day. Ultimately, my Z8 came in and I am now in the process of adding lenses to my collection. I hope that you enjoy your new camera.
I used it quite a bit on the Z6.. but the difference in resolution makes it way way more useable. I’ve currently got it mapped to the joy stick so I just click it for some extra reach when needed
Love my Z9, love my Z8. For me I wanted Z9 performance but in a smaller body for when the Z9 is a bit too big. One example is on a strobe frame, the Z9 is a bit too big. Not uncomfortable but a bit awkward. The Z8 is just right. Both together work well with theZ 9 using a longer lens and the Z8 shorter. Understand Hudson wanting to stay with aZ6ii for this, everyone is different and that’s what’s cool. Like different size hammers in a tool box having jobs best suited same goes for cameras. Going out on walks I’m fine just taking the Z9 or just the Z8, right now just the Z8 since I’ve only had it two weeks 🙂. Heck might even just take the D850 to let it know I remember it. 🙂🙂 Enjoy
Hey Hudson and Rick, great video! Always enjoy both of your viewpoints and detailed descriptions, helping folks like me make informed decisions. Your video on tripods a while back made me go and get the Leophoto Ranger LS-284CEX, and love it!. I am one of those who migrated from D850 to Z7ii, and have been very happy with my Z7ii. I also shoot wildlife, which i still use my D500 for. So when the Z8 came out, I was drooling, but realistically, landscape speaking, there was no reason to upgrade. However, there are some things I think possibly can add to the move from Z7 to Z8. 1) The tilting screen on z7ii is limited to just landscape orientation while on a tripod. The Z8 screen allows for that vertical view. 2) Shutter guard, really nice when changing lenses which the z7ii doesnt have. 3) Backlit buttons which we had in 850, but is nice to have back for night shooting, 4) 10 pin in the front for remote wireless shutter release (again, like we had in the 850). So, while those may be small, i think they are worth mentioning. Also, Thomas did make a 2nd video stating he was wrong and was actually keeping the Z8, after his antarctic trip (if memory serves me right), and had a proper length of time to shoot with the Z8 🙂. Again, great video, thanks for all your hard work that goes into these. Just wanted to add some more points or factors to consider for Z7 to 8
Thank you so much, Hudson, for making these videos. The Z8 is my first mirrorless camera and finding a tutorial was impossible until I found your videos. I'm a huge new fan. Steve
Going from a Z6 to a Z8 has been great.. I love my Z6 and I got used to how it worked.. it’s limitations so if eye autofocus didn’t work I’d snap to single point and get the shot.. but the Z8 is next level. The 3D tracking is something I’d always heard about but didn’t quite see what the fuss was because on the z6 you could pick a 3D like mode where it stuck to an object and followed it BUT it wasn’t the stickiest and with the Z8 not only does it track what you selected.. if what you selected has a face it goes right for that. It’s an excellent mode
Hudson & Rick, Thanks of taking the time to make this. Helpful and answered some questions. I'm moving from a Z6II with not a lot of Nikon experience behind that. So my heads been a bit spinning. Made it through the A Bank vid, setting up all the buttons - yikes. but I think I have a good starting point now. I want to complement you on suggesting using Fn1 to engage 3D tracking and Manual mode to be able to quickly shot a fast moving object right away. That' going to be helpful. I went up mostly for the cars / trains and planes auto focus and the bigger sensor when having to crop. I already know the Z8 will grab focus on a helicopter at a range where its pretty darn small at 400mm. And track it all the way as it flew over me. Same thing with a C17. But holy crap , even using just 15fps is just one crazy amount of frames. Love it. Happy. thanks again
Hello Hudson, Just like t say how much I have enjoyed your setup guides for both the Z9 and Z8, I now have both. Yes the Z9 is my main camera and the Z8 is my stand b or second body. What I like about having the Z8 as a second body is all/most of the button are in the same places, where with my (no long have Z7ii) I was always hilting the wrong button. One other thing I found with my Z7ii and its battery grip is I was forever tightening it, as it alway seemed to come loss and the camera would just dye, I never like over tightening things but this happened on a number of occasions. That was one of the thing that prompted me to get the Z9. Thank you once more for all your work.
I shoot a lot of sports and the Z6II just does not cut it as a second body in that case. I was going back and forth over getting a second Z9 when the Z8 was announced. Ultimately I decided to order a Z8 so I could have a second body that is as capabile of my Z9 but is also a bit smaller to be my wildlife and walk around camera.
I have just upgraded from z7 to z8. Two reasons, autofocus upgrade; but almost more importantly, the sensor screen. I travel and photograph a lot in the Australian outback where very fine bull dust and dirt abound. And I hated cleaning the sensor, really hated it. Loving the z8 and many thanks for the set up vids.
i think the z6iii will likely be the lightweight video camera i need for filming social media professionally for local clients. i just don’t think i can wait that long for a new body!
I went from a Z7 to a Z8. The Z7ii wasn’t a big enough upgrade but the Z8 was. I’m mostly a landscape photographer who wants to occasionally photograph animals and portraits. The Z8 fits my use case pretty well. If I were shooting commercially or doing a lot of action, the Z9 would win out with the integral grip, bigger battery, and faster second card.
I have the z6ii- shooting birds in flight has been a challenge-getting better- Waiting for the Z8 to arrive looking forward to no blackouts and the better AF options.
I shoot with two cameras a lot for events and I was using my Z 7II as the second camera to my Z 9, I got the Z 8 so when shooting events I’d have two cameras with the same AF modes and controls set up the same on both cameras. I’ll be using my Z 7II for landscapes and macro and my Z 9 and Z 8 for events and action shooting.
As the worlds number one Nikon D850 fan, the worlds best digital SLR ever made. We were reluctant to go to the Z system until Z8 was released, even then we were dubious whether it could replace the Nikon D850. Though the Nikon D850 is still an incredible Camera, the Nikon Z8 blows it out the water, the photos are so sharp the colour rendition is excellent, It's like OLED screen with deep blacks and high resolution. The lenses we are using are Nikon 24-120mm f4 and 400mm f4.5 both excellent lenses.
Overall, I think the two of you did a very highly commendable job of exploring "Why the Z9 and Z8?". I was very impressed with an inciteful and balanced approach that Rick LePage brings as a Sony shooter to the analysis. The only thought that I personally would have given is more emphasis in the difference in burst shooting between the new Z8 and Z9, within your discussion of how these differ from the e.g. D750, D850, Z6ii and Z7ii (all four of which I have owned). Maybe it's just my use case of shooting thousands of dog movement shots regularly at conformation dog shows; to me the perfect shot is characterized by showing "six feet off the ground" as the handler and dog are at that special moment of brief flight. I could often get it with the Z7ii and D850, but even setting the camera at just 15 fps versus the 9fps of the Z7ii and D850 (using the Nikon battery grip) I almost always get a 3 or 4 perfect moments in 2 seconds of shooting which is worth the $4000 to me (I now own both the Z9 and Z8 which makes both cameras go-to tools for my regular dog show shooting. The last two days I shot 7767 frames at two dog shows (I was actually trying to limit my shooting....) and I love using both of them with zero buyer's remorse. By the way, yesterday I shot 3475 shots with the Z8 using less than 50 percent of the El-EN 18c battery (I also have the battery grip if I think I'm going to shoot over 5000 frames and don't want to stop to change batteries.). Today, I only shot 817 frames with the Z8 (89% battery remaining) and 3556 with the Z9 (63% battery remaining). I use the EVF for focusing and shot zero video, with lots of burst shooting, so your mileage may (and probably will) differ. You probably offer what I consider to be the best photography videos on UA-cam, versus some serious competition that I also enjoy. Keep up the great work!
Hudson, more great video content and discussion. Always appreciate your point of view. I am going to have to disagree with the "disregarding" of dynamic areas as a focus area mode of choice in some circumstances. 1. Sports: Ice Hockey - You could argue that a vertical, shallow strip might work as well here, and I'll have to try that custom WA out vs dynamic, but with players and refs crossing your each others path quickly and frequently, 3D tracking's behavior is not predicable enough to guarantee the shot. 2. Wildlife - I was surprised to find that WA (even large custom) stayed on the birds eye longer (for example when bird was in water) than 3D - which inexplicably, but routinely, jumped to the water. Dynamic might also work better here at times, since even if you keep the box of WA above the water line, Nikon's subject detection will see outside the parameter to some degree. These are just two examples - and I use WA and 3D more than any other focus area modes (even with a custom 1x1 square instead of single point with easy on/off of subject detection). I am waiting for a few pro Z9 shooters to post videos (since they abandoned dynamic AF areas to see how they are doing that with sports). Many thanks as always.
My bucket list Z mount camera is a full frame Z-F3 with a 45+ MP sensor. I have an old Nikon F3HP SLR and I just love the look and feel of that camera...just want a mirrorless version of that camera but full frame. Something that could compete with the Q2/Q3...small, powerful street camera.
I’m definitely going to make the jump to full frame mirror less. I’ve been wanting to for awhile but the cost was holding me back. Even using the converter, you’ll still need to invest in a few Z lenses. I currently shoot the D500 which I loved for sports even when I had to use a higher ISO. Mine does great with not a lot of noise. I have not; however, been able to manage bird shots! Getting older, I like the idea of a lighter camera and more help getting that great shot, especially under horrible high school lighting situations!!
Hi Hudson great video and information and like your friends helping .just to say that I had a z9 but I just found itbsoooo heavy so got the z8 and love it .I loved my z9 but my back and arms dId not thanks again 😊👌👍
I got both the Vello radio remote as well as the Nikon MC-30A, which as inexpensive as it is, I decided to get as a backup in case the radio one fails or whatever. Anyway I was thinking maybe just put a piece of gaffer tape over the AF assist lamp that flashes during the self-timer countdown. I think that's what I'll do if I'm in a situation where I think it'll be distracting.
I love the Z9, but I do have the Z8 as a backup/second body. The all day battery, GPS, built in very small vertical grip, and 2 high speed CFExpress cards are the main benefits over the Z8. I will never get the grip for the Z8. it is a monster and makes the size bigger and bulkier than the Z9. Plus when you add the cost of the grip, and extra batteries, you might as well get the smaller Z9. Both are great cameras but the Z9 is far better and considerably smaller than even the D850+grip. Once you hold and use the Z9 you then appreciate the compact yet powerful unit that it is.
Ant chance you at some time could cover storage solutions for those of us moving up to higher megapixel camers. This is holding me back. Thank you much. Love the show.
Hello, I never thought I would say this, but you are wrong Hudson. Keep the Z8, it is the ultimate backup to the Z9. Imagine two bodies, when you are headed to Costa Rica or Africa, and each of them are the best Nikon camera for birds, elephants, monkeys, big cats. I'm quite excited, one body with a prime and the second body with the 100-400 zoom. It's time to travel.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Hey Hudson, I have had my z8 since Nov now. I have shot Nikon for 11 years. D500, D7500, D750 and. Even tried a z6 II. I have the 180-600 and 24-120 z lenses. It seems my body out of say 20 shots I get 2-3 tack images. I have tried everything from c1 into a pin point with subject detection, 3D you name it. Have you heard of anything in the Nikon world of maybe bad firmware? Or something off from the factory? I mean even like on a finch… just kinda standing around on my feeder with my DSLR I got sharp shots at 1/500th of a second. I shot a finch with 1/2500 on a gimbal and tripod and vr off. Still only like 2-4 out of 15/20 tack sharp.
I don't know of anyone with that issue with that combo. The opposite is pretty typical. 'Holy cow! How are all these frames razor sharp?' I think you must have a defect. If it's both lenses, then have em check your body. Should be well within warranty.
I use Canon and for me the user experience is most important. I'm very impressed from Nikon latest Z8 and Z9 cameras and I like the approach of a classic size camera and all the technology that they made for these cameras to work perfectly good. I have tried to shoot few Sony cameras, recently the Sony A1 and I'm so disappointed. The A1 is very fast, smaller size is very useful for travel but the ergonomics are terrible, the viewfinder is good when I was reviewing the photos but when I was actually using the camera the resolution is changing and looks pixelated. On paper A1 looks amazing but using the camera is no way near the new Nikon or Canon at least that is my experience with Sony.
If you run through my setup guide I show how to add that to the LCD and viewfinder display rotations. Then you just need to cycle with the display button.
Hudson I like you love my Z9 and will not replace it my second camera is my Z72 which was always my favorite prior to z9 …my question is the Z72 definitely is not the z9 or 8 ( but Definitely lighter ) if I wanted to Modify one of my cameras for Astro which one would you do and why other than price should I maintain the z72 as my second body over the z8 ??? Thanks
In my opinion, the Z8 will be a better nightscape photography camera for user experience with the starlight autofocus and red font mode for night shooting. But sending a brand new Z8 which costs $4,000 to get modified is not for the faint of heart. I just sent my Z6ii to get modified to full-spectrum after receiving my Z8. The Z7ii will be my landscape camera for day hikes and backup, the Z8 as the all-rounder, and the Z6ii as my backpacking, IR, and Astro camera.
Hudson, [Vello Nikon 10-pin radio remote control] does the vello antena face up (square with the camera) or does it angle down potentially interfering with the L-bracket when shooting vertical?
12:30 I’ve owned a lot of different cameras (brands also) and the Z cameras (even the Z50) in AF-S single point is the most accurate and reliable focus that I’ve ever used on any camera. No question. My own experience.
Any chance you know if I can charge and tether from the same port on the Z8? It seems like I would have to have two cables, one for the tether port and another for the PD port to charge.
This is a guess on my part as I haven't handled a Z8 yet, but since none of the Z cameras (as far as I recall) can charge *while* also tethering, that's the benefit of the PD port--power while connected to something.
I just got a z8 coming from using a D500 and D 810. I watched your very long and informative video on setting it up. I remember you said to leave 3D tracking off. Why is that?
No, you're 100% remembering that wrong. I said that Dynamic Area is a legacy mode and to use 3D tracking instead. In the interim they have improved Dynamic Area via firmware. I still prefer Wide Area Large and 3D with all the advanced subject tracking those modes unlock, but in the rare occasions when you are photographing moving subjects that fool the auto-subject detection (like butterflies with false eyes on the wings) Dynamic Area is now a good (dumb) tracking mode to fall back on and pick your own point.
I missed this, sadly, but I wanted to ask if you have switched back to formatting your cards yet? In one of your earlier videos you said you just delete because formatting deleted the menus. My work around is as I am about to re-insert the card, I load the menus fresh from the second card (both the Z9 and Z8), insert the used card, format it, then save the menus right away.
Hey Hudson...I am just wondering about the banks and how to save and load them onto my Z8's and Z9's. I asked a couple videos ago and have not heard yet, but I am wondering if I save the bank settings for the Z9 and the Z8 can I use one card for two Z8's or two Z9's? Can I have one card with all my settings for the Banks on my Z9's or Z8's? So, then I really only have to carry two different cards with the settings on them and format the one in camera for photos and take it out and put in the same saved card into both Z8's or Z9's to load my bank settings when needed. I am sorry...I hope this question makes some sense...Thanks very much. Peace
You can share a settings card between two Z9's, or Z8s or... with the save firmware for sure. Whether you could save and restore to a single cfexpress from each camera at random I haven't tested. I sent the z8 back, but if you test it will you email me the results? I may try with my Z6ii and z9 for fun. :)
I'm going to be buying a Z8 or Z9 soon and I wonder, do you find that the additional weight of the Z9 helps the handhold-ability of the large lenses by moving the center of gravity back further, or does it just seem like plain 'ole additional weight?
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you for letting me know. Preferably the camera would be a complete "grab and go" solution. I'll reconsider a Z8 for my wife. Z9 is my first step into the mirrorless camera world and I'm a little bit spoiled.
Plus the Z8 isn't entirely made of metal, the rear panel is made from a type of plastic, while the front panel is Magnesium Alloy; this was the WORST decision made for the Z8, they should not have compromised on the Z8's build quality, the D850 is so much more durable than the Z8.
I put a sigma 17-24 F2.8 with ftz2 adapter on the Z9 the photos had a lot of vinyeting and had trouble focusing on subjects with it any advice The Z9 is my first pro camera I previously and still use the D5600
So now with the Nikon Z8 and Panasonics S5-II/X both at a great price for their respective tiers, makes me wonder how will Sony respond with the a9 III/ a1 II & a7S IV
Hudson. At about 15 min you said that "one' could use pinpoint focus, put it on a star and just lock into that star". Do you mean you can auto focus on that star?
I love my new Z8 but my $875.00 Canon R10 has better autofocus for flying birds....so sad. Other attributes makes up for the Z8 - Sold off my Sony A1 before it took a dip... couldn't focus on the eye on video ... hell.
Nikon need to sort the af out. They have a super fast processor and stacked sensor, the auto focus should be better than any none stacked sensor camera. I'm just concerned how bad the auto focus will be on the new standard sensor cameras they bring out in the near future. I sold my z7ii because of the terrible AF. Was hoping the z8 would be something different. So I'm waiting on a z7iii, but if the focus isn't on par with canon and Sony I've got to just shit unfortunately.
Hmmm, I've shot the A1 and R5 extensively. I think you may be using the wrong mode. Using hybrid handoff for birds is on par or better than either of those. Not sure what the complaint is, but I think it may boil down to technique and AF option choices.
I sure wish there was a Z8 with the Z6 sensor. I’m already running into the worse High ISO performance. Shooting night football with the Z8, the AF is soooo much better. But I’ll have to run anything at 500 ISO and above through NR that I didn’t need with the Z6. Maybe that will be the Z6iii….I won’t hold my breath waiting.
I am a Sony shooter but I am tempted but the Z8. I have played with the Z7II and loved it apart from AF in low light, which the Z8 would solve. The price of the Z8 is very good compared tot he A1 and the new A9III. The one thing Nikon don't have is the f1.4 primes like Sonys 24 35 50 85. I love f1.4 but not a fan of 1.8's or the excellent but very heavy f1.2. If Sigma released a 35 and 85 f1.4 in Z mount I would jump ship tomorrow.
All the companies are killing it. You should demo the 1.8 Nikkors, they are so dang sharp edge to edge. :-) You'd have to pry my 50 and 20 away from me. That said, I reallly long for a new version of my 105 1.4. The 85 1.2 is too big and the 135 1.8 is too long for what I love to do. I think that one of the least discussed advantages Nikon holds over other brands is the dedication to frequent and comprehensive firmware updates. They keep adding new features and capabilities that other brands would save for new camera bodies.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I have owned f1.8 lenses that are tack sharp but for me the look they give is good but not that different from a F2.8 zoom. For me the f1.4 35 an 85 are perfect balance between f stop and weight. If I switched to Nikon and went from f1.4 primes to f1.8 it would for the type of work I do, be a downgrade.
@@nickwilliams7867you can use the F mount 1.4 lenses with the adapter as Hudson does … they really are amazing quality on the Z and have the IBIS as well.
I went through your bank setup but the vibration reduction and focus stack is greyed out and I can't get the menu to activate it on my Z8 Help please Hudson
Rick: "350 bucks?!?" Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip, regular price: $400. There is blackout with the Z7II. And the D850. And the D6... Basically, every digital camera until the A9. How quickly we forget...
Quite subjective. The old sensor has ever so slightly more dynamic range, barely noticeable, but no where near the ability to transmit and read data fast enough to obviate the shutter as the 8 & 9's stacked sensor does. In practice, having owned and worked with all of them for years, the image quality is very difficult to differentiate. Same for the D850's sensor. They're all amazing in practice, but each generation brings advancements that open new creative possibilities and increased ease of use.
All of these are rather new to me. So, if you shoot 8k 24/60p N raw, do you step up to high quality for video quality in the menu, or normal quality is good enough so as to save some spaces? 1TB of fast writing CFB cards are just too damn pricey. My 512GB lexard diammond only gives me around 12 minutes everything maxed out at 60p.
Kirk, Every day of the week. Not only great products but nice people too. A major difference. Kirk and Acratech are both companies run by people who love photography and photographers.
for the exposure delay, can't you just use the app? Not ideal since it was available in camera before, but you don't have to buy any additional equipment
Hi I here so many people slagging off Sony and canon. Yet I had the Z8 with the 24-70 F4 and returned it as for me it felt cheap and plasticity. May I also add I have shot Nikon for nearly 40 years.
Ha, well... the 24-70 f4 is optically wonderful, but a very budget oriented zoom. The 24-120 f4 and the 24-70 2.8's definitely feel very different. I'm not a huge z8 fan after after all my time owning the z9, but all the z cams are built Nikon tough. You'd not believe some of the drops, crashes and immersions I've seen them withstand in the field. I've spent a lot of time shooting Sony too and I'd say the build quality is catching up to Nikon in this latest gen of bodies. A1 and A7RV. I'd still take the Nikons and canons into rougher conditions with less worries. I certainly don't bash any of the brands though. Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Leica, Sony... They're all building unbelievable gear these days.
I’m on the fence with selling mine, when I got the Z9 it got less use. Now with Z8 it’s a spare in case, there are a few things where it has a use but not many.
Would love to see the big camera makers to re-invent the traditional point and shoot around the capabilities of Z50 or Z30. But include ios or android apps like Adobe Photoshop Express so that casual users can edit with a variety of presets just for that purpose. Also include an app in the camera that will facilitate uploading to Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, UA-cam, etc. In short, encroach on what has traditionally been cell phone territory! I would rather have a point and shoot Nikon that is small and fun that has potential phone and text capability than have a cell phone that has camera features. Then let Paul Simon rewrite and re-record his "Kodachrome" record! LOL Thanks for such an insightful video based on actual experience!!
Does anyone how to convert ProRes files for Nikon Z8. Raw Convertor doesn't support these files yet, and I can't see the files in DaVinci Resolve. @Hudson - That could be a good topic video. Z series cameras video formats and SW applications
It's really painful for Sony A1 users to stare at all these new cameras from other brands (and from Sony itself) to be left alone when it comes to simple software updates! The Z8 is next gen system which can do internal compressed Raw. No other camera does it internally other than a Red system. We need to applaud Nikon for fighting it in the court and winning it against Red. It will also help others brands to add this feature to their cameras. Another thing is that Nikon doesn't have a video cine line and so they are not going to cripple their mirrorless cameras. That itself should help many go with Nikon if they are just starting out.
I think the fundamental issue there is that Sony comes from a consumer electronics brand mindset. They aren't going to roll out new playstation capabilities to older playstations... It would keep people from upgrading! Nikon, Fuji, Leica and Canon have been in the professional photography game for many decades now. All of them take pride in upgrading their systems with new capabilities. Nikon is IMHO the best of them at that though. After all I can still mount my 105 2.5 AIS lens from the early 80s on the Z9 and fire away. ;-)
I have two Z6ii and have ben liking the idea to have two exact same cameras ... but miss the time when I had two different cameras. Like the time I had a D850 and D500 ... I have a Z8 on loan from Nikon at the moment, and when yo said you like the idea to have two different cameras. I remembered the time before. So ... for me, the Z8 will probably replace the one Z6ii with the grip.
And your words "are your ticket if you like to shoot ... hippopotamus raising from the water holes ..." have convinced me ... I WILL GET A Z8! Z8 before Z9 because of size and same batteries as Z6II :)
I am sure any future camera Z6iii and Z7iii will have gotten rid of the 30min record limit. That limit is (was) because of import tax to EU (Europe) ... Videocameras had higher import tax than still cameras ... Now it is the same, so no reason to have limit any more. But, unfortunately they (camera manufactures) cannot remove the limit with firmware. If they do, they have to pay that tax for all cameras of that model imported to Europe ... :(
Thomas Heaton also kept the 24-70 f4, rather than the 24-120 f4. He found the 24-120 a bit soft in the corners, and the 24-70 f2.8 not noticeably better than the 24-70 f4, considering the 2X cost. So Heaton"s experience with the 24-120 f4 wasn't the same as your experience. Maybe QC isn't consistent.
Interesting - I have both and used both and just sold the 24-70 f4 to MPB because there’s nearly zero difference in sharpness- not that you’d ever notice if you’re not pixel peeping. Nigel Danson, Ricci, Matt Irwin all did similar videos and found the 24-120 more adaptable and very very similar image quality.
Black-out........................ DSLRs and SLRs never have done that..................How can anyone learn to deal with that............. the pain......................
Oh yeah, the film and DSLRs I used have noticeably more than the Z9/8. It's seamless in an almost odd way. The earlier Zs needed work with blackout, not this new gen.
Why do I need two of the same exact camera? I like my bodies each to be better at different things. I don't have any need for mid weight clone of my z9 with less buttons. I'd literally never use it. The 6ii is way better for many things I love to do than either the 8 or 9. Lighter, better in low light handheld. Just nicer in many ways. Simple choice for me. We're all different though which makes life more interesting.
I have only used the Z9 & Z8 as far as mirrorless cameras so it’s hard for me to say. But what do you do if you are in Alaska or Africa and run into problems with the Z9? With the Z8 there is almost no drop off in performance except you need to change more lenses with one remaining camera. I recently had condensation issues with the Z9 which was surprising and the camera still worked but I’d hate to not have a full backup.
Leaving the (important admittedly) issue of cost to one side trading up/ across to a Z8 would make real sense for many, many shooters. Not convinced a Z9 shooter would make a case for Z8 as a second body. It does mostly the same but with a lesser and different battery and a limiting slower second (SD) card.
I would replace my Z6 with a Z8 as a companion to my Z9. At that point my settings/modes would effectively match across bodies--I don't have that right now, particularly where autofocus is concerned.
Thank you for your outstanding videos on the Z8. I just upgraded to the Z8 from a D300 that I bought when it first released. I used the "shutter delay" feature for astrophotography for years. At least on the D300, the shutter delay was designed to eliminate the camera shake induced by the mirror flipping up, not the shake from the shutter opening. With mirrorless cameras, there is obviously no need to eliminate camera shake from a mirror moving. I also love your videos on banks. My D300 had them and I used them extensively. The Z8 has so many additional settings, and I really appreciate you going through all of them in detail.
The best video on mirrorless’s advantage and Nikon Z cameras I’ve seen on UA-cam!! Good job
Hi Hudson and Rick, this episodes is super..I really enjoy the sharing of information on this Z's and having Rick's experience with Sony A1..No camera is perfect and each brand has its strong and weak points..The most important thing is to have fun with your platform, thanks for your time and energy, Best wishes WPB,FL
I have gone from a Nikon Z6/Z7ii to a Z8. I took it for 4 days to photograph Grizzly bears in Great Bear Rainforest in British Columbia, Canada. This camera blew my mind, with autofocus and quick start up and video for fast moving wildlife. It was breeze to shoot from a rocking/moving zodiac using the Z100-400 and TC1.4x Tele. I got so many amazing images, which I would have never been able to get with my Z6 or Z7ii.
Nice. Im actually moving from a z6 to the z8 today. Needless to say im excited for it. Z6 af is really on good w stationary subjects.
You are right going from my Z6ii to the Z8 is like going to another world....just WOW
I got the Z8 due to a new interest in wildlife photography. The feel of the Z8 in my hands reminds me a lot of my D850, which is undoubtedly my favorite DSLR. I'll be keeping my Z7II as a backup camera. If I am hiking very far (landscape photography), where I am counting ounces and/or pounds, I can take the Z7II to save a half pound or so.
Fantastic video guys, really enjoyed the content and the discussion. Hudson, I’m a D850 shooter, who mainly shoots aviation, primarily military aircraft. I absolutely love the quality of the images from the D850, but often get a little frustrated with AF speed and even with the grip the fps at a maximum of 9 shots. I’ve been considering the Z8 for a while and after watching your great series of vides on it I’m now definitely getting one. The 3D tracking and consistency of it have convinced me it’s the way foretold getting more keepers. Thanks for the great videos.
So glad to help Richard! You won't regret that. :)
Being new to Nikon this channel is my go to. Thank you so much Hudson!
Thank you Hudson (and Rick)! I am sure I will miss my Sony A7R3 and especially my 14mm f/1.8 G Master lens, but I am eagerly waiting for my new Z8 as I switch (back) to Nikon!
Lol I just returned my Z8 as for me it felt cheap and large. I'll probably end up with canon as a lot of friends of mine use the R5 and swear by it.
@@dieseldavey The R5 is also a great camera. TBH, when there were issues in getting my Z8, I seriously considered cancelling my order and going for the R5 instead since my local camera store had them in stock and I could go home with one that day. Ultimately, my Z8 came in and I am now in the process of adding lenses to my collection. I hope that you enjoy your new camera.
Coming from a Z6ii I’m also enjoying instantly changing to DX for extra reach when needed with the Z8
I used it quite a bit on the Z6.. but the difference in resolution makes it way way more useable. I’ve currently got it mapped to the joy stick so I just click it for some extra reach when needed
Love my Z9, love my Z8. For me I wanted Z9 performance but in a smaller body for when the Z9 is a bit too big. One example is on a strobe frame, the Z9 is a bit too big. Not uncomfortable but a bit awkward. The Z8 is just right. Both together work well with theZ 9 using a longer lens and the Z8 shorter. Understand Hudson wanting to stay with aZ6ii for this, everyone is different and that’s what’s cool. Like different size hammers in a tool box having jobs best suited same goes for cameras.
Going out on walks I’m fine just taking the Z9 or just the Z8, right now just the Z8 since I’ve only had it two weeks 🙂. Heck might even just take the D850 to let it know I remember it. 🙂🙂
Enjoy
Thank you both. I love my z8 as I update from z6ii. Right on target.
Nice they added back the Exposure Delay on ver. 4.0 firmware update. I'm sure you're thrilled about it
Hey Hudson and Rick, great video! Always enjoy both of your viewpoints and detailed descriptions, helping folks like me make informed decisions. Your video on tripods a while back made me go and get the Leophoto Ranger LS-284CEX, and love it!. I am one of those who migrated from D850 to Z7ii, and have been very happy with my Z7ii. I also shoot wildlife, which i still use my D500 for. So when the Z8 came out, I was drooling, but realistically, landscape speaking, there was no reason to upgrade.
However, there are some things I think possibly can add to the move from Z7 to Z8. 1) The tilting screen on z7ii is limited to just landscape orientation while on a tripod. The Z8 screen allows for that vertical view. 2) Shutter guard, really nice when changing lenses which the z7ii doesnt have. 3) Backlit buttons which we had in 850, but is nice to have back for night shooting, 4) 10 pin in the front for remote wireless shutter release (again, like we had in the 850). So, while those may be small, i think they are worth mentioning. Also, Thomas did make a 2nd video stating he was wrong and was actually keeping the Z8, after his antarctic trip (if memory serves me right), and had a proper length of time to shoot with the Z8 🙂. Again, great video, thanks for all your hard work that goes into these. Just wanted to add some more points or factors to consider for Z7 to 8
Thank you so much, Hudson, for making these videos. The Z8 is my first mirrorless camera and finding a tutorial was impossible until I found your videos. I'm a huge new fan. Steve
Thanks for another great video. I am going through your other setup videos now. I came so close to getting a Z9 in frustation but glad I waited.
Going from a Z6 to a Z8 has been great.. I love my Z6 and I got used to how it worked.. it’s limitations so if eye autofocus didn’t work I’d snap to single point and get the shot.. but the Z8 is next level.
The 3D tracking is something I’d always heard about but didn’t quite see what the fuss was because on the z6 you could pick a 3D like mode where it stuck to an object and followed it BUT it wasn’t the stickiest and with the Z8 not only does it track what you selected.. if what you selected has a face it goes right for that. It’s an excellent mode
Thank you Hudson and Rick
Hudson & Rick, Thanks of taking the time to make this. Helpful and answered some questions. I'm moving from a Z6II with not a lot of Nikon experience behind that. So my heads been a bit spinning. Made it through the A Bank vid, setting up all the buttons - yikes. but I think I have a good starting point now. I want to complement you on suggesting using Fn1 to engage 3D tracking and Manual mode to be able to quickly shot a fast moving object right away. That' going to be helpful. I went up mostly for the cars / trains and planes auto focus and the bigger sensor when having to crop. I already know the Z8 will grab focus on a helicopter at a range where its pretty darn small at 400mm. And track it all the way as it flew over me. Same thing with a C17. But holy crap , even using just 15fps is just one crazy amount of frames. Love it. Happy. thanks again
Hello Hudson, Just like t say how much I have enjoyed your setup guides for both the Z9 and Z8, I now have both. Yes the Z9 is my main camera and the Z8 is my stand b or second body. What I like about having the Z8 as a second body is all/most of the button are in the same places, where with my (no long have Z7ii) I was always hilting the wrong button. One other thing I found with my Z7ii and its battery grip is I was forever tightening it, as it alway seemed to come loss and the camera would just dye, I never like over tightening things but this happened on a number of occasions. That was one of the thing that prompted me to get the Z9. Thank you once more for all your work.
I shoot a lot of sports and the Z6II just does not cut it as a second body in that case. I was going back and forth over getting a second Z9 when the Z8 was announced. Ultimately I decided to order a Z8 so I could have a second body that is as capabile of my Z9 but is also a bit smaller to be my wildlife and walk around camera.
I've managed to make my Z6 work for sports, but you're spot on. Z8 is a perfect companion to the Z9 for that.
I have just upgraded from z7 to z8. Two reasons, autofocus upgrade; but almost more importantly, the sensor screen. I travel and photograph a lot in the Australian outback where very fine bull dust and dirt abound. And I hated cleaning the sensor, really hated it. Loving the z8 and many thanks for the set up vids.
Great video Hudson & Rick. My Z9 with the 800 is just ROCKING my wildlife photography. Love the combo!
i think the z6iii will likely be the lightweight video camera i need for filming social media professionally for local clients. i just don’t think i can wait that long for a new body!
I went from a Z7 to a Z8. The Z7ii wasn’t a big enough upgrade but the Z8 was. I’m mostly a landscape photographer who wants to occasionally photograph animals and portraits. The Z8 fits my use case pretty well. If I were shooting commercially or doing a lot of action, the Z9 would win out with the integral grip, bigger battery, and faster second card.
I have the z6ii- shooting birds in flight has been a challenge-getting better- Waiting for the Z8 to arrive looking forward to no blackouts and the better AF options.
I am curious, I have the Z6II and enjoy it but will be moving to the Z8. Will you sell your Z6II or keep it?
I shoot with two cameras a lot for events and I was using my Z 7II as the second camera to my Z 9, I got the Z 8 so when shooting events I’d have two cameras with the same AF modes and controls set up the same on both cameras. I’ll be using my Z 7II for landscapes and macro and my Z 9 and Z 8 for events and action shooting.
As the worlds number one Nikon D850 fan, the worlds best digital SLR ever made.
We were reluctant to go to the Z system until Z8 was released, even then we were dubious whether it could replace the Nikon D850.
Though the Nikon D850 is still an incredible Camera, the Nikon Z8 blows it out the water, the photos are so sharp the colour rendition is excellent, It's like OLED screen with deep blacks and high resolution.
The lenses we are using are Nikon 24-120mm f4 and 400mm f4.5 both excellent lenses.
Overall, I think the two of you did a very highly commendable job of exploring "Why the Z9 and Z8?". I was very impressed with an inciteful and balanced approach that Rick LePage brings as a Sony shooter to the analysis. The only thought that I personally would have given is more emphasis in the difference in burst shooting between the new Z8 and Z9, within your discussion of how these differ from the e.g. D750, D850, Z6ii and Z7ii (all four of which I have owned). Maybe it's just my use case of shooting thousands of dog movement shots regularly at conformation dog shows; to me the perfect shot is characterized by showing "six feet off the ground" as the handler and dog are at that special moment of brief flight. I could often get it with the Z7ii and D850, but even setting the camera at just 15 fps versus the 9fps of the Z7ii and D850 (using the Nikon battery grip) I almost always get a 3 or 4 perfect moments in 2 seconds of shooting which is worth the $4000 to me (I now own both the Z9 and Z8 which makes both cameras go-to tools for my regular dog show shooting. The last two days I shot 7767 frames at two dog shows (I was actually trying to limit my shooting....) and I love using both of them with zero buyer's remorse. By the way, yesterday I shot 3475 shots with the Z8 using less than 50 percent of the El-EN 18c battery (I also have the battery grip if I think I'm going to shoot over 5000 frames and don't want to stop to change batteries.). Today, I only shot 817 frames with the Z8 (89% battery remaining) and 3556 with the Z9 (63% battery remaining). I use the EVF for focusing and shot zero video, with lots of burst shooting, so your mileage may (and probably will) differ. You probably offer what I consider to be the best photography videos on UA-cam, versus some serious competition that I also enjoy. Keep up the great work!
You are right about the birds in flight hit rate and giggling. Major change from the Z7ii.
Hudson, more great video content and discussion. Always appreciate your point of view. I am going to have to disagree with the "disregarding" of dynamic areas as a focus area mode of choice in some circumstances. 1. Sports: Ice Hockey - You could argue that a vertical, shallow strip might work as well here, and I'll have to try that custom WA out vs dynamic, but with players and refs crossing your each others path quickly and frequently, 3D tracking's behavior is not predicable enough to guarantee the shot. 2. Wildlife - I was surprised to find that WA (even large custom) stayed on the birds eye longer (for example when bird was in water) than 3D - which inexplicably, but routinely, jumped to the water. Dynamic might also work better here at times, since even if you keep the box of WA above the water line, Nikon's subject detection will see outside the parameter to some degree. These are just two examples - and I use WA and 3D more than any other focus area modes (even with a custom 1x1 square instead of single point with easy on/off of subject detection). I am waiting for a few pro Z9 shooters to post videos (since they abandoned dynamic AF areas to see how they are doing that with sports). Many thanks as always.
My bucket list Z mount camera is a full frame Z-F3 with a 45+ MP sensor. I have an old Nikon F3HP SLR and I just love the look and feel of that camera...just want a mirrorless version of that camera but full frame. Something that could compete with the Q2/Q3...small, powerful street camera.
Thank you Hudson, it was excellent, one query, is it possible to have different imenu to different menu banks
Heyyyyy Hello Hudson, Z9 FW 4.0, you finally have you exposure delay back ;)
I’m definitely going to make the jump to full frame mirror less. I’ve been wanting to for awhile but the cost was holding me back. Even using the converter, you’ll still need to invest in a few Z lenses. I currently shoot the D500 which I loved for sports even when I had to use a higher ISO. Mine does great with not a lot of noise. I have not; however, been able to manage bird shots! Getting older, I like the idea of a lighter camera and more help getting that great shot, especially under horrible high school lighting situations!!
Hi Hudson great video and information and like your friends helping .just to say that I had a z9 but I just found itbsoooo heavy so got the z8 and love it .I loved my z9 but my back and arms dId not thanks again 😊👌👍
I got both the Vello radio remote as well as the Nikon MC-30A, which as inexpensive as it is, I decided to get as a backup in case the radio one fails or whatever. Anyway I was thinking maybe just put a piece of gaffer tape over the AF assist lamp that flashes during the self-timer countdown. I think that's what I'll do if I'm in a situation where I think it'll be distracting.
Im getting my z8 next week. Going from the D810. Looking forward to giggle 😂👌🏻
I love the Z9, but I do have the Z8 as a backup/second body. The all day battery, GPS, built in very small vertical grip, and 2 high speed CFExpress cards are the main benefits over the Z8. I will never get the grip for the Z8. it is a monster and makes the size bigger and bulkier than the Z9. Plus when you add the cost of the grip, and extra batteries, you might as well get the smaller Z9. Both are great cameras but the Z9 is far better and considerably smaller than even the D850+grip. Once you hold and use the Z9 you then appreciate the compact yet powerful unit that it is.
I've never once used an accessory grip on a body. Never liked them. The Z8's is the worst of the lot to my mind.
Ant chance you at some time could cover storage solutions for those of us moving up to higher megapixel camers. This is holding me back. Thank you much. Love the show.
You might want to start with ATS 215: ua-cam.com/video/kCWc0i4yNuc/v-deo.html
Hello, I never thought I would say this, but you are wrong Hudson. Keep the Z8, it is the ultimate backup to the Z9. Imagine two bodies, when you are headed to Costa Rica or Africa, and each of them are the best Nikon camera for birds, elephants, monkeys, big cats. I'm quite excited, one body with a prime and the second body with the 100-400 zoom. It's time to travel.
That’s what I do … the 100-400 on one body and my prime 800 on the other….
ANOTHER issue , for me, I had spot meter assigned to fn1 on the z6. After 4 years I sorely miss it !
I'm using the MC-30 release cable on my Z9 , the same cable I've used 20y ago on my F100 :)
Ha I have one of those too and I loved my F100 so much. The F100 and the FM3a were two of my favorite cameras ever in many ways.
Great video Hudson and Rick, Thank you. What about the Foolography-Unleashed as the remote? - Best
No idea. I'm on to using extended shutter speeds and my Vello.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto
Hey Hudson,
I have had my z8 since Nov now. I have shot Nikon for 11 years. D500, D7500, D750 and. Even tried a z6 II. I have the 180-600 and 24-120 z lenses. It seems my body out of say 20 shots I get 2-3 tack images. I have tried everything from c1 into a pin point with subject detection, 3D you name it. Have you heard of anything in the Nikon world of maybe bad firmware? Or something off from the factory? I mean even like on a finch… just kinda standing around on my feeder with my DSLR I got sharp shots at 1/500th of a second. I shot a finch with 1/2500 on a gimbal and tripod and vr off. Still only like 2-4 out of 15/20 tack sharp.
I don't know of anyone with that issue with that combo. The opposite is pretty typical. 'Holy cow! How are all these frames razor sharp?' I think you must have a defect. If it's both lenses, then have em check your body. Should be well within warranty.
I use Canon and for me the user experience is most important. I'm very impressed from Nikon latest Z8 and Z9 cameras and I like the approach of a classic size camera and all the technology that they made for these cameras to work perfectly good. I have tried to shoot few Sony cameras, recently the Sony A1 and I'm so disappointed. The A1 is very fast, smaller size is very useful for travel but the ergonomics are terrible, the viewfinder is good when I was reviewing the photos but when I was actually using the camera the resolution is changing and looks pixelated. On paper A1 looks amazing but using the camera is no way near the new Nikon or Canon at least that is my experience with Sony.
The SD card in the Z8 is a weakness vis a vis the Z9 -- especially when you set up the second card for JPEG backup versus rollover
Excellent video Hudson. I don’t know how I’ve done it but I can’t get histogram in photo mode. I have if in video. Musta turned it off someh…
If you run through my setup guide I show how to add that to the LCD and viewfinder display rotations. Then you just need to cycle with the display button.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto thanks
Hello Hudson thank you for all of your help, do you feel the z8 is adequate for widescape astrophotography? I see a nice improvement in colors also.
I think the Z8 & 9 are the best full frame cameras yet made for auto landscape yet built. And I don't think it's close. :)
Hudson I like you love my Z9 and will not replace it my second camera is my Z72 which was always my favorite prior to z9 …my question is the Z72 definitely is not the z9 or 8 ( but Definitely lighter ) if I wanted to
Modify one of my cameras for Astro which one would you do and why other than price should I maintain the z72 as my second body over the z8 ??? Thanks
In my opinion, the Z8 will be a better nightscape photography camera for user experience with the starlight autofocus and red font mode for night shooting. But sending a brand new Z8 which costs $4,000 to get modified is not for the faint of heart. I just sent my Z6ii to get modified to full-spectrum after receiving my Z8. The Z7ii will be my landscape camera for day hikes and backup, the Z8 as the all-rounder, and the Z6ii as my backpacking, IR, and Astro camera.
Hudson, [Vello Nikon 10-pin radio remote control] does the vello antena face up (square with the camera) or does it angle down potentially interfering with the L-bracket when shooting vertical?
12:30 I’ve owned a lot of different cameras (brands also) and the Z cameras (even the Z50) in AF-S single point is the most accurate and reliable focus that I’ve ever used on any camera. No question. My own experience.
Any chance you know if I can charge and tether from the same port on the Z8? It seems like I would have to have two cables, one for the tether port and another for the PD port to charge.
This is a guess on my part as I haven't handled a Z8 yet, but since none of the Z cameras (as far as I recall) can charge *while* also tethering, that's the benefit of the PD port--power while connected to something.
I just got a z8 coming from using a D500 and D 810. I watched your very long and informative video on setting it up. I remember you said to leave 3D tracking off. Why is that?
No, you're 100% remembering that wrong. I said that Dynamic Area is a legacy mode and to use 3D tracking instead. In the interim they have improved Dynamic Area via firmware. I still prefer Wide Area Large and 3D with all the advanced subject tracking those modes unlock, but in the rare occasions when you are photographing moving subjects that fool the auto-subject detection (like butterflies with false eyes on the wings) Dynamic Area is now a good (dumb) tracking mode to fall back on and pick your own point.
I missed this, sadly, but I wanted to ask if you have switched back to formatting your cards yet? In one of your earlier videos you said you just delete because formatting deleted the menus. My work around is as I am about to re-insert the card, I load the menus fresh from the second card (both the Z9 and Z8), insert the used card, format it, then save the menus right away.
Yep. That's the trick. Load, format, save. ;)
Hey Hudson...I am just wondering about the banks and how to save and load them onto my Z8's and Z9's. I asked a couple videos ago and have not heard yet, but I am wondering if I save the bank settings for the Z9 and the Z8 can I use one card for two Z8's or two Z9's? Can I have one card with all my settings for the Banks on my Z9's or Z8's? So, then I really only have to carry two different cards with the settings on them and format the one in camera for photos and take it out and put in the same saved card into both Z8's or Z9's to load my bank settings when needed. I am sorry...I hope this question makes some sense...Thanks very much. Peace
You can share a settings card between two Z9's, or Z8s or... with the save firmware for sure. Whether you could save and restore to a single cfexpress from each camera at random I haven't tested. I sent the z8 back, but if you test it will you email me the results? I may try with my Z6ii and z9 for fun. :)
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Sounds good to me. I'll try it very soon if I understand what you mean. Thanks for the fast response...
I'm going to be buying a Z8 or Z9 soon and I wonder, do you find that the additional weight of the Z9 helps the handhold-ability of the large lenses by moving the center of gravity back further, or does it just seem like plain 'ole additional weight?
@@PatrickSmeaton no I definitely believe it balances big lenses much better. A major reason I kept it over the Z8.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto, THAT settles it! Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.
I'd buy the Z8 but it doesn't have GPS. If I still have to do some funky workaround, I'll stay with my current cameras.
The Z9 is awesome.
Linking Bluetooth to Snapbridge does solve that really easily, but I love my Z9 too!
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thank you for letting me know. Preferably the camera would be a complete "grab and go" solution. I'll reconsider a Z8 for my wife. Z9 is my first step into the mirrorless camera world and I'm a little bit spoiled.
Plus the Z8 isn't entirely made of metal, the rear panel is made from a type of plastic, while the front panel is Magnesium Alloy; this was the WORST decision made for the Z8, they should not have compromised on the Z8's build quality, the D850 is so much more durable than the Z8.
I put a sigma 17-24 F2.8 with ftz2 adapter on the Z9 the photos had a lot of vinyeting and had trouble focusing on subjects with it any advice
The Z9 is my first pro camera I previously and still use the D5600
So now with the Nikon Z8 and Panasonics S5-II/X both at a great price for their respective tiers, makes me wonder how will Sony respond with the a9 III/ a1 II & a7S IV
Hudson. At about 15 min you said that "one' could use pinpoint focus, put it on a star and just lock into that star". Do you mean you can auto focus on that star?
Hudson, did firmware 4.0 solve your concerns about exposure delay mode?
I love my new Z8 but my $875.00 Canon R10 has better autofocus for flying birds....so sad. Other attributes makes up for the Z8 - Sold off my Sony A1 before it took a dip... couldn't focus on the eye on video ... hell.
Nikon need to sort the af out. They have a super fast processor and stacked sensor, the auto focus should be better than any none stacked sensor camera. I'm just concerned how bad the auto focus will be on the new standard sensor cameras they bring out in the near future. I sold my z7ii because of the terrible AF. Was hoping the z8 would be something different. So I'm waiting on a z7iii, but if the focus isn't on par with canon and Sony I've got to just shit unfortunately.
Hmmm, I've shot the A1 and R5 extensively. I think you may be using the wrong mode. Using hybrid handoff for birds is on par or better than either of those. Not sure what the complaint is, but I think it may boil down to technique and AF option choices.
I sure wish there was a Z8 with the Z6 sensor. I’m already running into the worse High ISO performance. Shooting night football with the Z8, the AF is soooo much better. But I’ll have to run anything at 500 ISO and above through NR that I didn’t need with the Z6. Maybe that will be the Z6iii….I won’t hold my breath waiting.
I am a Sony shooter but I am tempted but the Z8. I have played with the Z7II and loved it apart from AF in low light, which the Z8 would solve. The price of the Z8 is very good compared tot he A1 and the new A9III. The one thing Nikon don't have is the f1.4 primes like Sonys 24 35 50 85. I love f1.4 but not a fan of 1.8's or the excellent but very heavy f1.2. If Sigma released a 35 and 85 f1.4 in Z mount I would jump ship tomorrow.
All the companies are killing it. You should demo the 1.8 Nikkors, they are so dang sharp edge to edge. :-) You'd have to pry my 50 and 20 away from me. That said, I reallly long for a new version of my 105 1.4. The 85 1.2 is too big and the 135 1.8 is too long for what I love to do. I think that one of the least discussed advantages Nikon holds over other brands is the dedication to frequent and comprehensive firmware updates. They keep adding new features and capabilities that other brands would save for new camera bodies.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto I have owned f1.8 lenses that are tack sharp but for me the look they give is good but not that different from a F2.8 zoom. For me the f1.4 35 an 85 are perfect balance between f stop and weight. If I switched to Nikon and went from f1.4 primes to f1.8 it would for the type of work I do, be a downgrade.
@@nickwilliams7867you can use the F mount 1.4 lenses with the adapter as Hudson does … they really are amazing quality on the Z and have the IBIS as well.
I went through your bank setup but the vibration reduction and focus stack is greyed out and I can't get the menu to activate it on my Z8 Help please Hudson
Rick: "350 bucks?!?"
Sony VG-C4EM Vertical Grip, regular price: $400.
There is blackout with the Z7II. And the D850. And the D6... Basically, every digital camera until the A9. How quickly we forget...
I really thought that when you said " the bear comes" and I have that lighter camera you were going to say I can run faster. lol
The sensor quality is slightly better on the Z7Ii.
Quite subjective. The old sensor has ever so slightly more dynamic range, barely noticeable, but no where near the ability to transmit and read data fast enough to obviate the shutter as the 8 & 9's stacked sensor does. In practice, having owned and worked with all of them for years, the image quality is very difficult to differentiate. Same for the D850's sensor. They're all amazing in practice, but each generation brings advancements that open new creative possibilities and increased ease of use.
Z8 suits Underwater photographers since the camera is going inside a bigger size housing.. so Z8 is superior camera to the Z9 in this case.
Of course
Are the Sony still cameras from the consumer, Tv,radio division or broadcast video ?
All of these are rather new to me. So, if you shoot 8k 24/60p N raw, do you step up to high quality for video quality in the menu, or normal quality is good enough so as to save some spaces? 1TB of fast writing CFB cards are just too damn pricey. My 512GB lexard diammond only gives me around 12 minutes everything maxed out at 60p.
What does everyone recommend for L Bracket for Z9? Kirk OR RRS?
Kirk, Every day of the week. Not only great products but nice people too. A major difference. Kirk and Acratech are both companies run by people who love photography and photographers.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto duly noted and thank you for all you do! My Z9 is on backorder! Lol
for the exposure delay, can't you just use the app? Not ideal since it was available in camera before, but you don't have to buy any additional equipment
Does Rick still use a Sony Betamax?
16mm 😜
Hi I here so many people slagging off Sony and canon. Yet I had the Z8 with the 24-70 F4 and returned it as for me it felt cheap and plasticity. May I also add I have shot Nikon for nearly 40 years.
Ha, well... the 24-70 f4 is optically wonderful, but a very budget oriented zoom. The 24-120 f4 and the 24-70 2.8's definitely feel very different. I'm not a huge z8 fan after after all my time owning the z9, but all the z cams are built Nikon tough. You'd not believe some of the drops, crashes and immersions I've seen them withstand in the field. I've spent a lot of time shooting Sony too and I'd say the build quality is catching up to Nikon in this latest gen of bodies. A1 and A7RV. I'd still take the Nikons and canons into rougher conditions with less worries. I certainly don't bash any of the brands though. Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Leica, Sony... They're all building unbelievable gear these days.
@@HudsonHenryPhoto Thanks for the reply and I'll still be tuning in to your channel. Thanks again👍🏻
Is there an L bracket available for the Z8 yet?
You still keeping your D850? I've just got myself a Z9 and I'm not sure if I should get of rid of my D850. Thanks
I sold that back in 2019 when I got my z7. I knew I'd never pick it up again.
I’m on the fence with selling mine, when I got the Z9 it got less use. Now with Z8 it’s a spare in case, there are a few things where it has a use but not many.
Would love to see the big camera makers to re-invent the traditional point and shoot around the capabilities of Z50 or Z30. But include ios or android apps like Adobe Photoshop Express so that casual users can edit with a variety of presets just for that purpose. Also include an app in the camera that will facilitate uploading to Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, UA-cam, etc. In short, encroach on what has traditionally been cell phone territory! I would rather have a point and shoot Nikon that is small and fun that has potential phone and text capability than have a cell phone that has camera features. Then let Paul Simon rewrite and re-record his "Kodachrome" record! LOL Thanks for such an insightful video based on actual experience!!
Is there GPS in the Z8??? Thanks Hudson
negative. You can set the Snapbridge app to feed GPS into the files if you like though.
Does anyone how to convert ProRes files for Nikon Z8. Raw Convertor doesn't support these files yet, and I can't see the files in DaVinci Resolve. @Hudson - That could be a good topic video. Z series cameras video formats and SW applications
Buffer are also different..
no Bilt in GPS in z8 as far as i know
Nope only Z9. That said snapbridge makes it very easy to sync with your smartphone and have it add time and GPS data to images.
It's really painful for Sony A1 users to stare at all these new cameras from other brands (and from Sony itself) to be left alone when it comes to simple software updates! The Z8 is next gen system which can do internal compressed Raw. No other camera does it internally other than a Red system. We need to applaud Nikon for fighting it in the court and winning it against Red. It will also help others brands to add this feature to their cameras. Another thing is that Nikon doesn't have a video cine line and so they are not going to cripple their mirrorless cameras. That itself should help many go with Nikon if they are just starting out.
I think the fundamental issue there is that Sony comes from a consumer electronics brand mindset. They aren't going to roll out new playstation capabilities to older playstations... It would keep people from upgrading! Nikon, Fuji, Leica and Canon have been in the professional photography game for many decades now. All of them take pride in upgrading their systems with new capabilities. Nikon is IMHO the best of them at that though. After all I can still mount my 105 2.5 AIS lens from the early 80s on the Z9 and fire away. ;-)
I have two Z6ii and have ben liking the idea to have two exact same cameras ... but miss the time when I had two different cameras. Like the time I had a D850 and D500 ... I have a Z8 on loan from Nikon at the moment, and when yo said you like the idea to have two different cameras. I remembered the time before. So ... for me, the Z8 will probably replace the one Z6ii with the grip.
And your words "are your ticket if you like to shoot ... hippopotamus raising from the water holes ..." have convinced me ... I WILL GET A Z8!
Z8 before Z9 because of size and same batteries as Z6II :)
I am sure any future camera Z6iii and Z7iii will have gotten rid of the 30min record limit. That limit is (was) because of import tax to EU (Europe) ... Videocameras had higher import tax than still cameras ... Now it is the same, so no reason to have limit any more. But, unfortunately they (camera manufactures) cannot remove the limit with firmware. If they do, they have to pay that tax for all cameras of that model imported to Europe ... :(
Thomas Heaton also kept the 24-70 f4, rather than the 24-120 f4. He found the 24-120 a bit soft in the corners, and the 24-70 f2.8 not noticeably better than the 24-70 f4, considering the 2X cost.
So Heaton"s experience with the 24-120 f4 wasn't the same as your experience.
Maybe QC isn't consistent.
Interesting - I have both and used both and just sold the 24-70 f4 to MPB because there’s nearly zero difference in sharpness- not that you’d ever notice if you’re not pixel peeping. Nigel Danson, Ricci, Matt Irwin all did similar videos and found the 24-120 more adaptable and very very similar image quality.
@@michaelmccarter2890 I imagine that both MPB and KEH have a lot of 24-70 f4 trade ins.
Black-out........................ DSLRs and SLRs never have done that..................How can anyone learn to deal with that............. the pain......................
What do you mean? DSLRs and SLR all have camera mirror blackout.
Oh yeah, the film and DSLRs I used have noticeably more than the Z9/8. It's seamless in an almost odd way. The earlier Zs needed work with blackout, not this new gen.
You should just keep the Z8 as your 2nd body and don’t look back, that’s what I did.
Why do I need two of the same exact camera? I like my bodies each to be better at different things. I don't have any need for mid weight clone of my z9 with less buttons. I'd literally never use it.
The 6ii is way better for many things I love to do than either the 8 or 9. Lighter, better in low light handheld. Just nicer in many ways. Simple choice for me. We're all different though which makes life more interesting.
I have only used the Z9 & Z8 as far as mirrorless cameras so it’s hard for me to say. But what do you do if you are in Alaska or Africa and run into problems with the Z9? With the Z8 there is almost no drop off in performance except you need to change more lenses with one remaining camera. I recently had condensation issues with the Z9 which was surprising and the camera still worked but I’d hate to not have a full backup.
Leaving the (important admittedly) issue of cost to one side trading up/ across to a Z8 would make real sense for many, many shooters. Not convinced a Z9 shooter would make a case for Z8 as a second body. It does mostly the same but with a lesser and different battery and a limiting slower second (SD) card.
I would replace my Z6 with a Z8 as a companion to my Z9. At that point my settings/modes would effectively match across bodies--I don't have that right now, particularly where autofocus is concerned.
I think the Z8 is the Z7iii. I doubt there will be a Z7iii
why get a sony guy to answer nikon questions???
Because he's spent a ton of time shooting both systems as well as Canon and so adds to the depth of the discussion.
why you get Sony fan boy for the review
because he's the amiable sidekick, Sony and all...