I'm getting a hefty discount on z9 (boxed) wherein the price difference is just about a 100 dollars vs z8. Would you recommend a z9 is such a scenario? Or is z8 a better choice? I shoot only birds. Only.
We just tested the aninal tracking on Z8. Very amazing and better than Z9. As said, maybe the next z9 FW update will take the crown. Today, I will say Z8 FW 2.0 is king🫡
I just found this channel...I'm about to buy one or the other. The Z9 is now on firmware 5.0. So has the issue with eye tracking in low light through fast apertures been solved yet? That might be a consideration for me.
Nope, we came to a conclusion with the group, Z9 FW Af is behind Z8. Even my Zfc with a Sony adapter could hit dead center on the eyes. If you’re shooting wide open and run to this issue, switch to single point.
Congrats for the useful content ! May i ask you how nikon zf would handle the same situation in iso noise in 1600, 3200, 6400 ? To me it seems both z8 and z9 are very noisy. I also watch your z6ii vs z7ii tests and I think they have not that much noise. Your channel is cool, keep it up ! ✌🏻
You can’t compare a 24 mp camera to a 45 mp camera . You just have to expose properly . If the image sensor doesn’t have time to gather light you’ll get noise , this also has nothing to do with iso .
This might be a dumb question, but might it ever make sense when using a Z8 or Z9 to purposely shoot at 24 MB instead of 45 MB if worried about noise in certain situations? Might that be more forgiving in case you don’t get your exposure right? (Thinking wildlife in low light conditions that are changing quickly so that occasionally you might have a little exposure issue.)
Excellent, it would be great if you test the Nikon Zf in lowlight, because Nikon has declared it at -10Ev, which no mirrorless camera has been able to do so far!
What were your power delivery issues with the Z8? I also had to send mine in for the recalls, and then I had to send it in another time because the clock was counting time backwards and resetting, causing my file times to all be inconsistent. Additionally, I randomly have Nikon OEM batteries which seem to not seat properly into the battery spot. When the camera gets bumped, or I tap the battery with the door open, it resets the entire camera. On occasion, it has also changed my shooting bank settings to a different mode which throws everything off in the middle of a shoot. It's super frustrating... otherwise, the Z8 is my favorite camera I've owned. Those issues make me think about going to the Z9, though.
That sounds like a defective unit. Mine was too in a way. I sent it back twice for the recall, the Mount falling off and the camera strap. Then I had to run a V mount battery and nothing would work. I had to send it back for a third time and send also the cable I was using. They replaced everything for free because it was under warranty. My battery situation is I got rid of my old batteries and just completely bought the newer ones. I worked with several v mount battery company before and they dont make Nikon battery but they did mentioned about the calibration is different on new generation batteries.
@@theCameraVille They did repair the clock issue by replacing the motherboard. But I just realized that I am having the same issue now with the battery being bumped and resetting. I really don't want to send it back for a third time, but I don't know if I will have an option. I stopped using the battery that caused the issue. If it happens again with another battery, it's going back again. It's just out of warranty now, so they're going to charge me for it.
Would be interesting to know if the same buffering difference occurred when using High Efficiency Raw. Based on the file size it appeared that Lossless Compression was used for the test.
Lee does the Nikon Z8 and the Z9 have the same light meter as the Nikon digital slrs like the D3 the D4 and the D5 which are a true three color Matrix light meter meaning the exposure is perfect I would love to know this .
Unlike SLR cameras there is no dedicated light metering cell, metering happens at the sensor. I've found that metering is somewhat less reliable on mirrorless cameras than SLRs, but it's easier to see when the metering doesn't do what I want.
Buffer difference could be down to using an SD card with the Z8. I’d be curious to see what the difference is with f both cameras only have 1 CF express card in them. (Apologies if you already accounted for this…)
Nikon Z9 - ua-cam.com/video/bzX5o9TCgVs/v-deo.html Nikon Z8 - ua-cam.com/video/TCcy7m-pmos/v-deo.html I done one for Canon R3 as well. So yes, this was all consider when testing. I used the same CF express card for this test. Cheers
Did that for my followers on Instagram. The video on UA-cam is a final collection of test we put together. If I added all the test, it would been twice as long.
I tested other cameras in past that had the same sensor and the results were never the same. My guess is their algorithm to processes these files are a little different from body to body. This is for all camera brands.
As stated in this video. I run live test on my instagram for those that follow the channel. We do no jump cuts or edits. We did that V5 test a week after release, but the info is for my followers on ig. Im keeping it exclusive for the community. Cheers
Hi all. A month ago, a new firmware for Z9 was released. And it seems that they just solved some problems with focusing. Has anyone tested this? Have they caught up with Z8?
That was recent. We did this test on my live stream on Instagram. No jump cut , everything live with settings shown and full Q and A. Its free but you have to a strict follower to catch these behind the scene as you saw in this test.
@@theCameraVille Thanks for the answer, of course. But I don't use Instagram. Many reasons. On the surface - aimed at phones, where you can’t really see anything. Restrictions on quality, format and size. General inconvenience of use. In general, targeting the younger generation of Pepsi. Maybe I'm too old. Sorry.
I just bought a Like New Z8 from MPB. Outstanding to say the least. I added an aftermarket battery grip from eBay and a couple extra batteries. My set up is AMAZING 👏.. I come from D800 and D810 both with battery grips so I'm used to the big size. It's so much better for me especially with big lenses such as 70-200. Sold my D800. Still have my D810 but may trade it for z6III . I'll see.
Nice!!! Yea I would had gotten Z8 around this time. First day in getting it was no fun. Spent half the summer shipping it back and forth. It was a drag. Make sure you try everything. Even power delivery. I saw a battery grip for the Z8 that comes with a remote control. It looked pretty sweet.
@@castieldiallo2945 I'm sure there are things in your life I can criticize too. Not sure if you're smart enough to understand the cost difference between Z8 and Z9? Or smart enough to understand that with the cost savings you can buy a good lens? Keep your criticism to yourself smartypants.
@@castieldiallo2945 I guess your common sense is not common at all. Im ashamed of you. Please watch the video and come back smh..... .... Redeem yourself please.. Go off on half info. " SMH "
@@ecobooster8298 You are correct, the z8 is currently an excellent value now. Z9 is still very pricey and still needs to be fixed. If I had to pick a system now, it will be a Z8 no doubt.
I have firmware 5.0 on the Z9 and it is better in low light, I have not done extensive tests though on humans but overall in low light for birds especially I have no complaints.
@@Photographersforyou I run live session on my instagram as shown in this video. I do everything on the instagram before it shows up youtube. This way there is no jumpcuts and people can see the actual testing live with no edits. Basically no bs, straight to the point in control environment. Live QnA too.
Can you link the instagram version 5.0 video for me as I could not find it ? This UA-cam video is a month+ ago v.4.1 (and as you say you do it live before it shows up here - how can that be?) I definitely see a difference and even for further subjects v5.0 is better. Oh I am defo not a fanboy btw - I would like to just see it. Thanks.
Im still getting eye lash focusing on people in studio with my Z8 on firmware 2.0. Nikon fanbase told me I don't know how to use a camera of course. I have not had these issues with any other mirrorless camera I have used.
@@EricDejuanOOO nikonrumors.com/2024/02/19/new-minor-nikon-z8-firmware-update-coming-soon.aspx/ Looks like a possible update. When this happens. Let me know if you are still experincing any issue. Im still going to run my test 🫡
Im getting this too with the Z8. I dont think its do to simple firmware update. I noticed the ZF does not have the same issue. In fact it is far better from my experience
Yup. The only real benefit for the Z9 is the battery and longer video record time it seems. They need an overhaul on the AF. Found more area where AF just didnt pick me eye up over the Z8.
@@theCameraVille well you pointed out the double USB-C port... can you actually use the camera whilst recharging it...? if so, then problem solved... (indeed it looks as if the Z9 now has to catch up to the Z8.. it's all very very confusing at Nikon now... although I shoot Nikon!)... I, for one, would not buy either cameras right now as I'm on the fence waiting to see what happens with the Z9 II (as it will have to come out in a year or so...)
@@enricomarconi8358 all Z cameras except for the original Z6 and Z7, and the Z50, can draw power from USB rather than the battery when plugged in and turned on. However, they can't charge from USB and be on at the same time
I almost bought a z9 in february, but after using one in scotland for a week ,(snapping climbers) i was bored waiting for climbers ridgelining after their ropes dropped over the ledge ...... waited .....aaand battery went flat ! WTF , I was only waiting , bugged me destroyed my dream , i cant bear the look of mirrorless .like 90s all in one bridge cameras , theyre to easy to use with crap battery lives , i was glad to get hold of my d850s , not because i think theyre great , but because you have to at least turn your brain on , i dont need to be the first out the box or best , im semi retired , i need my brain ticking over , z cams dont do that for me
Z9 battery is way bigger than the d850. If they had the same battery size I would agree but no. This is perfect example of the lack of education in using mirrorless. Dont post stories without really thinking about it.
I'm getting a hefty discount on z9 (boxed) wherein the price difference is just about a 100 dollars vs z8. Would you recommend a z9 is such a scenario? Or is z8 a better choice? I shoot only birds. Only.
We just tested the aninal tracking on Z8. Very amazing and better than Z9. As said, maybe the next z9 FW update will take the crown. Today, I will say Z8 FW 2.0 is king🫡
I just found this channel...I'm about to buy one or the other. The Z9 is now on firmware 5.0. So has the issue with eye tracking in low light through fast apertures been solved yet? That might be a consideration for me.
Nope, we came to a conclusion with the group, Z9 FW Af is behind Z8. Even my Zfc with a Sony adapter could hit dead center on the eyes.
If you’re shooting wide open and run to this issue, switch to single point.
Congrats for the useful content ! May i ask you how nikon zf would handle the same situation in iso noise in 1600, 3200, 6400 ? To me it seems both z8 and z9 are very noisy. I also watch your z6ii vs z7ii tests and I think they have not that much noise. Your channel is cool, keep it up ! ✌🏻
Z8 vs ZF under way🫡🫡
You can’t compare a 24 mp camera to a 45 mp camera . You just have to expose properly . If the image sensor doesn’t have time to gather light you’ll get noise , this also has nothing to do with iso .
This might be a dumb question, but might it ever make sense when using a Z8 or Z9 to purposely shoot at 24 MB instead of 45 MB if worried about noise in certain situations? Might that be more forgiving in case you don’t get your exposure right? (Thinking wildlife in low light conditions that are changing quickly so that occasionally you might have a little exposure issue.)
Normalized for area the Zf and Z8/Z9 have very similar high ISO performance. The 45MP sensor just gives you the option to shoot at 45MP if you want
Great video...thanks for making my decision easy...Z8 for me
You got it!
Excellent, it would be great if you test the Nikon Zf in lowlight, because Nikon has declared it at -10Ev, which no mirrorless camera has been able to do so far!
ZF is next up~! Stay tune :D
-10 is with a f/1.2 lens, keep that in mind
What were your power delivery issues with the Z8? I also had to send mine in for the recalls, and then I had to send it in another time because the clock was counting time backwards and resetting, causing my file times to all be inconsistent.
Additionally, I randomly have Nikon OEM batteries which seem to not seat properly into the battery spot. When the camera gets bumped, or I tap the battery with the door open, it resets the entire camera. On occasion, it has also changed my shooting bank settings to a different mode which throws everything off in the middle of a shoot. It's super frustrating... otherwise, the Z8 is my favorite camera I've owned. Those issues make me think about going to the Z9, though.
That sounds like a defective unit. Mine was too in a way. I sent it back twice for the recall, the Mount falling off and the camera strap. Then I had to run a V mount battery and nothing would work. I had to send it back for a third time and send also the cable I was using. They replaced everything for free because it was under warranty.
My battery situation is I got rid of my old batteries and just completely bought the newer ones. I worked with several v mount battery company before and they dont make Nikon battery but they did mentioned about the calibration is different on new generation batteries.
@@theCameraVille They did repair the clock issue by replacing the motherboard. But I just realized that I am having the same issue now with the battery being bumped and resetting. I really don't want to send it back for a third time, but I don't know if I will have an option. I stopped using the battery that caused the issue. If it happens again with another battery, it's going back again. It's just out of warranty now, so they're going to charge me for it.
Nice comparison between the two Nikon cameras.
appreciate your time
Would be interesting to know if the same buffering difference occurred when using High Efficiency Raw. Based on the file size it appeared that Lossless Compression was used for the test.
So many extra testing I want to show but sadly people complain when a video gets very long. Ill do a video if they update soon on both units🫡.
Lee does the Nikon Z8 and the Z9 have the same light meter as the Nikon digital slrs like the D3 the D4 and the D5 which are a true three color Matrix light meter meaning the exposure is perfect I would love to know this .
That sounds like an excellent future video to investigate🔥🔥🔥🫡
Unlike SLR cameras there is no dedicated light metering cell, metering happens at the sensor. I've found that metering is somewhat less reliable on mirrorless cameras than SLRs, but it's easier to see when the metering doesn't do what I want.
Tx for test!
Not a problem~!
love this channel
🫡🫡🫡Thank you🫡🫡
Buffer difference could be down to using an SD card with the Z8. I’d be curious to see what the difference is with f both cameras only have 1 CF express card in them. (Apologies if you already accounted for this…)
Nikon Z9 - ua-cam.com/video/bzX5o9TCgVs/v-deo.html
Nikon Z8 - ua-cam.com/video/TCcy7m-pmos/v-deo.html
I done one for Canon R3 as well. So yes, this was all consider when testing. I used the same CF express card for this test.
Cheers
Can you do the highlight recovery DR test?
Did that for my followers on Instagram. The video on UA-cam is a final collection of test we put together. If I added all the test, it would been twice as long.
@@theCameraVille is that vid on insta still there?
Can you explain why you said the file sizes were just a bit smaller on the z 8 ? Isn’t supposed to be the exact same sensor ? Thanks )
I tested other cameras in past that had the same sensor and the results were never the same. My guess is their algorithm to processes these files are a little different from body to body. This is for all camera brands.
Pls share link to the ninja external monitor.
Atomos Ninja V+ - Amazon -amzn.to/40EANOj
BH - bhpho.to/3tSqO9D
Thank you boss
After Z9 update V5, is it better than Z8 in AF?
As stated in this video. I run live test on my instagram for those that follow the channel. We do no jump cuts or edits. We did that V5 test a week after release, but the info is for my followers on ig. Im keeping it exclusive for the community. Cheers
Hi all. A month ago, a new firmware for Z9 was released. And it seems that they just solved some problems with focusing. Has anyone tested this? Have they caught up with Z8?
That was recent. We did this test on my live stream on Instagram. No jump cut , everything live with settings shown and full Q and A. Its free but you have to a strict follower to catch these behind the scene as you saw in this test.
@@theCameraVille Thanks for the answer, of course. But I don't use Instagram. Many reasons. On the surface - aimed at phones, where you can’t really see anything. Restrictions on quality, format and size. General inconvenience of use. In general, targeting the younger generation of Pepsi. Maybe I'm too old. Sorry.
@@theCameraVille Also. This video is extremely educational. Thank you for this.
I just bought a Like New Z8 from MPB. Outstanding to say the least. I added an aftermarket battery grip from eBay and a couple extra batteries. My set up is AMAZING 👏..
I come from D800 and D810 both with battery grips so I'm used to the big size. It's so much better for me especially with big lenses such as 70-200. Sold my D800. Still have my D810 but may trade it for z6III . I'll see.
Nice!!! Yea I would had gotten Z8 around this time. First day in getting it was no fun. Spent half the summer shipping it back and forth. It was a drag.
Make sure you try everything. Even power delivery. I saw a battery grip for the Z8 that comes with a remote control. It looked pretty sweet.
@@castieldiallo2945 I'm sure there are things in your life I can criticize too.
Not sure if you're smart enough to understand the cost difference between Z8 and Z9? Or smart enough to understand that with the cost savings you can buy a good lens?
Keep your criticism to yourself smartypants.
@@castieldiallo2945 I guess your common sense is not common at all. Im ashamed of you. Please watch the video and come back smh..... .... Redeem yourself please.. Go off on half info. " SMH "
@@ecobooster8298 You are correct, the z8 is currently an excellent value now. Z9 is still very pricey and still needs to be fixed. If I had to pick a system now, it will be a Z8 no doubt.
I have firmware 5.0 on the Z9 and it is better in low light, I have not done extensive tests though on humans but overall in low light for birds especially I have no complaints.
We did the lowlight on birds side by side on my live instagram. Z8 dominates vs the z9 .
@@theCameraVillethe video I saw was 2023 maybe I missed it when did you do this version 5.0 video ?
@@Photographersforyou I run live session on my instagram as shown in this video. I do everything on the instagram before it shows up youtube. This way there is no jumpcuts and people can see the actual testing live with no edits. Basically no bs, straight to the point in control environment. Live QnA too.
Can you link the instagram version 5.0 video for me as I could not find it ? This UA-cam video is a month+ ago v.4.1 (and as you say you do it live before it shows up here - how can that be?) I definitely see a difference and even for further subjects v5.0 is better. Oh I am defo not a fanboy btw - I would like to just see it. Thanks.
Im still getting eye lash focusing on people in studio with my Z8 on firmware 2.0. Nikon fanbase told me I don't know how to use a camera of course. I have not had these issues with any other mirrorless camera I have used.
We been testing on animal tracking so far on Z8 2.0. Let me try this soon on human. Ill report back if we can ID the issue.
@@theCameraVille That would be greatly appreciated since majority Nikon videos here on UA-cam only cover birds. Thanks!
@@EricDejuanOOO nikonrumors.com/2024/02/19/new-minor-nikon-z8-firmware-update-coming-soon.aspx/
Looks like a possible update. When this happens. Let me know if you are still experincing any issue. Im still going to run my test 🫡
@@theCameraVille I will do.
Im getting this too with the Z8. I dont think its do to simple firmware update. I noticed the ZF does not have the same issue. In fact it is far better from my experience
Time to compare z6III with z8 ❤
Let me know how it turns out boss🫡🫡
It is worrying that the 8 outperforms the 9… also these files were terrible at ISO3200 and up… ok they were boosted 5 stops, but still…
Yup. The only real benefit for the Z9 is the battery and longer video record time it seems. They need an overhaul on the AF. Found more area where AF just didnt pick me eye up over the Z8.
@@theCameraVille well you pointed out the double USB-C port... can you actually use the camera whilst recharging it...? if so, then problem solved... (indeed it looks as if the Z9 now has to catch up to the Z8.. it's all very very confusing at Nikon now... although I shoot Nikon!)... I, for one, would not buy either cameras right now as I'm on the fence waiting to see what happens with the Z9 II (as it will have to come out in a year or so...)
@@enricomarconi8358 all Z cameras except for the original Z6 and Z7, and the Z50, can draw power from USB rather than the battery when plugged in and turned on. However, they can't charge from USB and be on at the same time
I get around 3500 shots on my Z9. Battery can deteriorate in colder weather.
Yes, in cold weather batteries will be limiting. 3,500 shots for what kind of sports? This is for others to share notes.
Conversely, the Z6II is a wonderful camera that I just adore! I just might upgrade to the Z6III if I see that it is better.
I been having a hard time letting the Z6ii go as I own the ZF. Its a very nice system.
How many hours of video can the Z8 do on a single battery? Z9 weighs a ton!
Z8 gets me roughly close to 2 hours of video recording 4k. Around 90-100 mins depending how you turn it off and on when not in use.
The iso not looking great on these cameras or is that me?
Its the same as my Canon R5c give or take. Usually higher mp is higher noise.
I almost bought a z9 in february, but after using one in scotland for a week ,(snapping climbers) i was bored waiting for climbers ridgelining after their ropes dropped over the ledge ...... waited .....aaand battery went flat ! WTF , I was only waiting , bugged me destroyed my dream , i cant bear the look of mirrorless .like 90s all in one bridge cameras , theyre to easy to use with crap battery lives , i was glad to get hold of my d850s , not because i think theyre great , but because you have to at least turn your brain on , i dont need to be the first out the box or best , im semi retired , i need my brain ticking over , z cams dont do that for me
Z9 battery is way bigger than the d850. If they had the same battery size I would agree but no. This is perfect example of the lack of education in using mirrorless. Dont post stories without really thinking about it.