I have owned many Nikons but my current Z9 is still surprising me. Especially with the firmware uodates. Each time they update firmware it is like I get yet another new camera with more features. Nikon is knocking it out of the park just like ZWade! ❤
The Achilles heel of the Z8 compared to the Z9 is battery life. The Z9 has the vertical “shutter” release versus the Z8’s lighter and smaller body. Both are excellent. Thanks for the video! 😃
I think the Z8 battery is better than I expected. I was expecting BAD drain because of its Z9 equivalent capability, and I actually still, just like my Z6ii and 7iis, Z5 etc, never had one die in the field. But I shoot shorter sessions than most and charge after every shoot haha.
I think it's more so that the Z9's EN-EL18 is just THAT good compared to anything else out there. I just shot two concert & art show events over 2 days on the same battery with my Z8.
People always use the battery talking point , I have one spare batter and can shoot for 4 Hours easy on 1 battery and that’s doing a photo shoot with 1000 photos . I hardly ever go into the spare battery so I’m not sure where this information is coming from since not all Z 9 users have a Z8 to try it . I don’t need a battery that lasts 2 days . I also don’t shoot 8 hours in a row but how many do ? Mute point .
Hey Zwade… good video however the MPB issue is in my opinion being blown out of proportion based on your negative experience. I used their service in Europe for over 4 transactions and always found them very professional plus they also offered the best trade in prices compared to the others. Keep well
I had an experience with MPB that ensured I will never do business with them again. In my opinion, it's unforgivable for a company that claims to refurb and test all their gear before selling to send out a lens that has obvious bad focus motors. The lens they sent squeaked so much when I put it on I thought it was something else and not the lens. There's no way that lens was tested or if it was, they just don't care what they sell. You're right in that everyone has different experiences, but there's really no excuse for sending out a defective product.
I understand what you are saying. I bought my Z6 used body from them and it was an amazing experience. Lenses on the other hand. I've seen way too many horror stories. I would trust them with camera bodied. I wouldn't trust them with lenses
Good recs! Re: financing, sometimes I'll buy outright but I also don't hesitate to take advantage of 0% financing offers. I won't pay interest on my gear, that's silly these days. And pre-order hype is easy to get caught up in, but it really pays to wait 6-12 months if possible (Z8 is now $500 less than when it launched). Admittedly, I'd still be doing fine with the Z6II for my needs. But my Z8 is magical and my Zf doesn't leave my side.
I’m so glad that I have 2 cameras that do exactly the same thing. I don’t have to pre order cameras anymore and probably won’t need to replace them until the Z9 iv lol
The Z8 gets my vote all day. As much as everyone complains about the weight of a lens and body combo makes the Z8 the better choice for all around photography/video. I’ve used all of the Z mirrorless bodies and the Zf is not practical for paid work IMO. It’s less than ideal ergonomics and weight of the camera will definitely lead to cramped and fatigued hands during long sessions, especially if you have larger hands like me. The Z6II and Z7II are great cameras but they still fall short to the Z8 and Z9 autofocus capabilities, especially in low light or when using flash in studio. I definitely prefer the feel of the Z9’s larger body but the Z8 is just more versatile for me.
@@ZWadePhoto I also noticed comments about the Z8 feeling cheap and plasticky. The body of the Z8 is made of carbon fiber, which is a very strong yet extremely lightweight material. Carbon fiber is also more expensive than plastic, so cheap is far from being the truth. It amazes me that so many ppl demand for a lighter body but quickly references how it doesn’t feel as robust as a 10 year old DSLR 🤦🏽. These are the ppl that you can give a $100 bill and they will complain because it wasn’t five $20s, or ten $10s 🤷🏽.
My first mirrorless was the Z6... then transitioned to the Z6ii (with the idea to give my wife the Z6 so she could join in... which didn't work out). So when Nikon offered pretty substantial trade-in allowances on the Z6 when buying a Z8 from them, I jumped on it. I wanted a higher resolution sensor and was tired of waiting for the Z7iii. Full transparency: I am strictly a hobby photographer, with no interest in shooting professionally. I've turned down offers because I don't want to deal with people (that's why I work in the tech field). But I also want the BEST gear (GAS is definitely a thing)... so I got the Z8. I love it! But I also don't love it. It's a weird relationship. I love the quality... but I don't love the bulk. I love the features... but, again, don't love the bulk. I thought that the size of the Z6/Z7 was slightly too small... but I think the Z8 is slightly too big. I guess I need a Z7.5iii. 🙂
As you said this question is just stupid :). As you said too The good question is what is the best camera for me. The most versatile Nikon z mount is the z8 that you can transform more or less in a Z9 with a grip and so reaches the best of the 2 worlds. The ideal complement is the Zf with its génial look and perfect usage with old manual lenses.
My perfect companion to the Z8 is the Z9, only because I fell in love with the Z9s files. I’m ever so thankful that Nikon made the Z8 the same thing because dual wielding the exact same stuff with is AS good as the same stuff running solo cam. Example, Z8 for macro on a tripod. lol
@@philmtx3fr I’m definitely not rich, and UA-cam pays Very little. But Im good at personal finance and used photography and editing tasks to buy shit i don’t need 😂
z8 has a much worse plasticky feel than z9 (i'd even say it feels lower quality than the zf and z6 II) and also has less external control even when you connect the grip. Also with the grip it's much larger than the z9. So for me (a very tall photographer) z9 takes the clear win, but i want my camera griped 24/7 because my hands are to large (i even run a full cage on my z9 and still i dont have enough to hold on to propper so i fold my strap into my hand)
Thanks for commenting. I’ve mentioned that in the past that the Z8 feels much less robust than the Z8, as it should, otherwise they theoretically should only be few hundred bucks different in price. Not surprised the ZF feels more tough. I just found out that they opted for metal buttons and knobs instead of plastic like the ZFc, which feels quite literally like a toy. lol
@@ZWadePhoto ye same feeling here. I feel like to much of the z8s grip is plastic. Z6II has similar idea like d750 grip. Outside part is metal until after the bend and than its joined with front panel that is plasticy that way your fingers wrap around the metal and only your tips touch plastic that is under the rubber. Z8 feels like whole thing is warm plastic and has that “not dense” feel so i deffo dislike its feel in the hand compared to everything else. Zfs butons are decent actuation but there are 2 small and 2 few for me, and after having it on test for one week i returned it and bought f3 and some manual lenses for a walk around.
Ok it is superseded by many other camera's, it has only 12 MP, no video .... but if you want to get started with photography and don't want to spend that much I say pick up a D700. I still own 2 of them and despite its age I think that this brick is still relevant for some people. For 300 to 400 bucks you can still find them. And many wedding photographers have the D700 still in their bag. Its color rendition was and still is great. Even my D850 can not match that.
I don’t recommend people “get started” in Dslr anymore. I always recommend Nikon Z5 used in good condition as someone first camera. I worry about transitioning later when there are no parts left. But if someone is able to try both before buying and prefers the optical viewfinder experience, there NOTHING wrong with DSLR image out put 🤙🤙🤙🤙
Mr. Wade, if you shoot mostly things that don't move much (or not at all) wouldn't the Z7II be the best choice given the price and high-megapixel count? I noticed Hugh Brownstone uses one for his street photography. I do some video, but not a lot. I do mostly city photography, portraits, and landscape. I am on a budget. so the Z8 and Z9 are too expensive and not what I need anyway. No need for all that speed. Thanks in Advance!
I currently have a Nikon d780. I am ready to move to mirrorless. I am primarily a portrait photographer and have a small business as a side job and passion. What can you recommend? Thank you!
I had mid grade bodies and mid grade lenses for 15 years. I was constantly unhappy. I decided to invest in a Z8, a Nikon Z 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8 It was a big purchase, but I finally feel like I have my system for years to come, instead of constantly selling old gear and buying new midgrade solutions.
Well the best Nikon? Hard to say. There is one particular Nikon that is in my opion the worst and that would be the D600. It leaks more oil than a Alfa Romeo.
I have owned many Nikons but my current Z9 is still surprising me. Especially with the firmware uodates. Each time they update firmware it is like I get yet another new camera with more features. Nikon is knocking it out of the park just like ZWade! ❤
Ayooooooo 🙌🙌🙌🙌
So glad I decided to go with the Z9, I love my Z9. Thanks for the video zwade
You bet DEZ!
The Achilles heel of the Z8 compared to the Z9 is battery life. The Z9 has the vertical “shutter” release versus the Z8’s lighter and smaller body. Both are excellent. Thanks for the video! 😃
I think the Z8 battery is better than I expected. I was expecting BAD drain because of its Z9 equivalent capability, and I actually still, just like my Z6ii and 7iis, Z5 etc, never had one die in the field. But I shoot shorter sessions than most and charge after every shoot haha.
I think it's more so that the Z9's EN-EL18 is just THAT good compared to anything else out there. I just shot two concert & art show events over 2 days on the same battery with my Z8.
People always use the battery talking point , I have one spare batter and can shoot for 4 Hours easy on 1 battery and that’s doing a photo shoot with 1000 photos . I hardly ever go into the spare battery so I’m not sure where this information is coming from since not all Z 9 users have a Z8 to try it . I don’t need a battery that lasts 2 days . I also don’t shoot 8 hours in a row but how many do ? Mute point .
Hey Zwade… good video however the MPB issue is in my opinion being blown out of proportion based on your negative experience. I used their service in Europe for over 4 transactions and always found them very professional plus they also offered the best trade in prices compared to the others. Keep well
It’s all accepted. I promised to make them the butt of every joke at every opportunity! I’m a man of my word 😜
Maybe you watched ZWade's pertinent videos on his MPB experiences...
I had an experience with MPB that ensured I will never do business with them again. In my opinion, it's unforgivable for a company that claims to refurb and test all their gear before selling to send out a lens that has obvious bad focus motors. The lens they sent squeaked so much when I put it on I thought it was something else and not the lens. There's no way that lens was tested or if it was, they just don't care what they sell. You're right in that everyone has different experiences, but there's really no excuse for sending out a defective product.
I understand what you are saying. I bought my Z6 used body from them and it was an amazing experience. Lenses on the other hand. I've seen way too many horror stories. I would trust them with camera bodied. I wouldn't trust them with lenses
Good recs! Re: financing, sometimes I'll buy outright but I also don't hesitate to take advantage of 0% financing offers. I won't pay interest on my gear, that's silly these days. And pre-order hype is easy to get caught up in, but it really pays to wait 6-12 months if possible (Z8 is now $500 less than when it launched).
Admittedly, I'd still be doing fine with the Z6II for my needs. But my Z8 is magical and my Zf doesn't leave my side.
I’m so glad that I have 2 cameras that do exactly the same thing. I don’t have to pre order cameras anymore and probably won’t need to replace them until the Z9 iv lol
The Z8 gets my vote all day. As much as everyone complains about the weight of a lens and body combo makes the Z8 the better choice for all around photography/video. I’ve used all of the Z mirrorless bodies and the Zf is not practical for paid work IMO. It’s less than ideal ergonomics and weight of the camera will definitely lead to cramped and fatigued hands during long sessions, especially if you have larger hands like me. The Z6II and Z7II are great cameras but they still fall short to the Z8 and Z9 autofocus capabilities, especially in low light or when using flash in studio. I definitely prefer the feel of the Z9’s larger body but the Z8 is just more versatile for me.
Right in my dude! Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@ZWadePhoto I also noticed comments about the Z8 feeling cheap and plasticky. The body of the Z8 is made of carbon fiber, which is a very strong yet extremely lightweight material. Carbon fiber is also more expensive than plastic, so cheap is far from being the truth. It amazes me that so many ppl demand for a lighter body but quickly references how it doesn’t feel as robust as a 10 year old DSLR 🤦🏽. These are the ppl that you can give a $100 bill and they will complain because it wasn’t five $20s, or ten $10s 🤷🏽.
The best Nikon camera is the one you own. ;)
That’s what’s up 🤙🤙🤙🤙
You're assessment is pretty much what I thought about the Z line after having watch many other videos.
🤙🤙🤙🤙🤙
My first mirrorless was the Z6... then transitioned to the Z6ii (with the idea to give my wife the Z6 so she could join in... which didn't work out). So when Nikon offered pretty substantial trade-in allowances on the Z6 when buying a Z8 from them, I jumped on it. I wanted a higher resolution sensor and was tired of waiting for the Z7iii. Full transparency: I am strictly a hobby photographer, with no interest in shooting professionally. I've turned down offers because I don't want to deal with people (that's why I work in the tech field). But I also want the BEST gear (GAS is definitely a thing)... so I got the Z8. I love it! But I also don't love it. It's a weird relationship. I love the quality... but I don't love the bulk. I love the features... but, again, don't love the bulk. I thought that the size of the Z6/Z7 was slightly too small... but I think the Z8 is slightly too big. I guess I need a Z7.5iii. 🙂
Haha you’re scatter brained on the Z8
Pound for Pound, and coolness....ZF
😎😎😎😎
As you said this question is just stupid :). As you said too The good question is what is the best camera for me. The most versatile Nikon z mount is the z8 that you can transform more or less in a Z9 with a grip and so reaches the best of the 2 worlds. The ideal complement is the Zf with its génial look and perfect usage with old manual lenses.
My perfect companion to the Z8 is the Z9, only because I fell in love with the Z9s files. I’m ever so thankful that Nikon made the Z8 the same thing because dual wielding the exact same stuff with is AS good as the same stuff running solo cam. Example, Z8 for macro on a tripod. lol
@@ZWadePhoto I understand… and I can imagine that you have more money than I :).
@@philmtx3fr I’m definitely not rich, and UA-cam pays Very little. But Im good at personal finance and used photography and editing tasks to buy shit i don’t need 😂
z8 has a much worse plasticky feel than z9 (i'd even say it feels lower quality than the zf and z6 II) and also has less external control even when you connect the grip. Also with the grip it's much larger than the z9. So for me (a very tall photographer) z9 takes the clear win, but i want my camera griped 24/7 because my hands are to large (i even run a full cage on my z9 and still i dont have enough to hold on to propper so i fold my strap into my hand)
Thanks for commenting. I’ve mentioned that in the past that the Z8 feels much less robust than the Z8, as it should, otherwise they theoretically should only be few hundred bucks different in price. Not surprised the ZF feels more tough. I just found out that they opted for metal buttons and knobs instead of plastic like the ZFc, which feels quite literally like a toy. lol
@@ZWadePhoto ye same feeling here. I feel like to much of the z8s grip is plastic.
Z6II has similar idea like d750 grip. Outside part is metal until after the bend and than its joined with front panel that is plasticy that way your fingers wrap around the metal and only your tips touch plastic that is under the rubber.
Z8 feels like whole thing is warm plastic and has that “not dense” feel so i deffo dislike its feel in the hand compared to everything else.
Zfs butons are decent actuation but there are 2 small and 2 few for me, and after having it on test for one week i returned it and bought f3 and some manual lenses for a walk around.
Ok it is superseded by many other camera's, it has only 12 MP, no video .... but if you want to get started with photography and don't want to spend that much I say pick up a D700. I still own 2 of them and despite its age I think that this brick is still relevant for some people. For 300 to 400 bucks you can still find them. And many wedding photographers have the D700 still in their bag. Its color rendition was and still is great. Even my D850 can not match that.
I don’t recommend people “get started” in Dslr anymore. I always recommend Nikon Z5 used in good condition as someone first camera. I worry about transitioning later when there are no parts left. But if someone is able to try both before buying and prefers the optical viewfinder experience, there NOTHING wrong with DSLR image out put 🤙🤙🤙🤙
Mr. Wade, if you shoot mostly things that don't move much (or not at all) wouldn't the Z7II be the best choice given the price and high-megapixel count? I noticed Hugh Brownstone uses one for his street photography. I do some video, but not a lot. I do mostly city photography, portraits, and landscape. I am on a budget. so the Z8 and Z9 are too expensive and not what I need anyway. No need for all that speed. Thanks in Advance!
You’re on the right track for what I’d recommend. Honestly, if you don’t need the peace of mind of 2 card slots, you can save even more with a Z7.
@@ZWadePhoto Thanks!
Definitely do a best Nikon DSLR video!!
I’ll think about it. Thanks for watching
That'll be easy: D850, the best DSLR of all time
I currently have a Nikon d780. I am ready to move to mirrorless. I am primarily a portrait photographer and have a small business as a side job and passion. What can you recommend? Thank you!
Just to keep your personal financial position private, email me at zwadephotosales@gmail.com I’ll recommend the EXACT transition set up 🤙🤙
I have been patiently waiting for the Z6III...zzzzzz.... The Z6II is a fine camera, but it lags a bit for AF.
I’m not even getting it and I’m waiting for it. It’s the answer for so many shooters and Nikon should have had it out already haha
I had mid grade bodies and mid grade lenses for 15 years. I was constantly unhappy. I decided to invest in a Z8, a Nikon Z 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8
It was a big purchase, but I finally feel like I have my system for years to come, instead of constantly selling old gear and buying new midgrade solutions.
Heck yea Kevin!!! Now you just gotta get that work done!!!
I got a Z5 with under 3000 shutter count with 24-50mm lens, and accessories, for $900 USD. Pretty happy with it as my first camera so far.
Excellent first camera! Certainly better than my first haha. Thanks for watching partner 🤙🤙
I should mention that this isn't in the US and the new price otherwise is $1800 USD.
@@Consul99 half price! Nice
@@ZWadePhoto I'm actually looking to extend my range a bit from the 50mm. I was looking at the Tamron 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3. What do you reckon?
@@Consul99 it will be a long time before I try that lens out, but it’s a good range. Try to rent it first.
Good way to analize the question.
Thanks Martin! And thanks for watching!
Well the best Nikon? Hard to say.
There is one particular Nikon that is in my opion the worst and that would be the D600. It leaks more oil than a Alfa Romeo.
600 yes, but the 610?…underrated 🙌
@@ZWadePhoto Rather use a D810. For still life photography still a monster.