Hi Armando - it is nice to finally see the world at large (outside of the Nikon camp) realizing that Nikon is at the top of the game, and I would take this opportunity to thank you for being intellectually honest. A few additional points and considerations: Yes the Z8 is hands down the best hybrid full frame camera on the market today, and has been for a year now - still basically unchallenged - if you extend that to the Z9, which for most intents and purposes is the same then Nikon has been the top hybrid full frame camera since the end of 2021 - goin on 2.5 years now - still unchallenged. Your point about lenses is pivotal and not well understood in the market- Sony has NO advantage here as Nikon can adapt any Sony lens with native (or near native) functionality as you have pointed out - thus any lens that comes out for the Sony strengthens Nikon - furthermore, unlike Sony, third party lenses are not crippled. Case in point, Tamron just released the 28-75 2.8 G2 lens for Nikon. On the Nikon you can shoot this lens at 30 FPS or even 120 at 11 MP - on the Sony it is artificially limited to 15. Also, it is clear now that Tamron, Sigma, Viltrox. Meike, and several others are in the game making Z mount AF lenses - it will not be long before the Z mount selection is as good as the Sony E mount selection - but as pointed out with the adapter that is already the case. Finally, Nikon has purchased RED - meaning that Nikon has access to the best global shutter tech and video tech in the business now - so we can only imagine what is now to come on future Nikon cameras by integrating even a little of this tech. For those of us that have been shooting for decades know, Nikon was the premier brand in 35mm cameras through the 60's, 70's and into the mid/late 80's until the invention of the Canon EOS system and Nikons tactical mistake to not change the F mount at that time. Well, Nikon got the point and developed the best mount in the business with the Z mount and its benefits are just beginning to show and we are only 6 years into the mount. On the other hand, Sony made a tactical mistake in 2013 (or thereabouts) to use the E mount for its FF lineup, which is an APS-C mount that has been jury rigged to take FF - but not well. Sony requires software breathing compensation because of its inferior mount and as lens design matures in the era of Z mount, Sony will not be able to keep up with modern lens design due to the E mount's severe limitations. Ironically, Sony will likely have to change their mount in the future leaving them in the position that Nikon as just gotten out of - having few lens choices for their system. Anyway, Nikon is back on top - the imminent release of the Z6III will also put Nikon at the top of the mid price segment of the market as well - besting the A7IV for sure. Undoubtedly Sony with respond with an A7V at some point, which will likely be a nice camera - but there is no escaping the E mount, which will bring down Sony FF cameras going forward more and more. Another important point is that Nikon is the best optics manufacturer of the big brands (by far) - it is in fact their core competency having been in optical design for over 100 years - they are the only ones who still grind all their own glass and the last 3 years have shown the most innovative and optically superior lenses emerge on the market from any manufacturer. You definitely should get yourself a Z8 - for now, adapt your Sony glass, but start buying Z mount lenses from here on out - don't waste your time with anything else - you will not regret it. Thanks for making a video with intellectual integrity! -PD
Sony has the best cameras and eco system of any. Nikon was on the top of the game in the 60s through 80s with their F line. Today Nikon us just average, most likely using sensors made by Sony.
@@bondgabebond4907 You are entitled to your opinion - the physics of the two mounts says otherwise - also did you even watch this video??? Anyway, no need to respond, you clearly have your mind made up. I have used both systems and stand by what I've said and what this video has clearly demonstrated. But please, by all means - stick with Sony - if you love Sony then it is subjectively the best for you, and nobody can argue with that. All the best, -PD
Have you experienced any of the overheating issues some reported when the cameral was first released. I believe they were referring to the memory cards getting really hot. I'm very interested in this camera, but I live in a really hot climate. I have a few other Nikons, and have never had to worry about those in our 120 degree summers. Thank you.
I own the Z8 and Z9, and use them for professional photography and videography. The best part of these cameras…the regular firmware updates. And not just bug fixes, but great enhancements. My cameras still give the same feeling of a new camera, because they are kind of new with all the updates. I know Sony and Canon will eventually release new cameras as the game of leapfrog continues. But for now, I feel fortunate to own and use these cameras.
Well made video Armando! And it's great to see more people showcasing the Nikon cameras. We've made some music videos and travel videos with behind the scenes for our channel, using the Z9 and Z8, half a year ago And for us the only downside was that it's easy to crush the highlights/hard to bring highlights back in post. So you have to underexpose. I don't know if that is fixed or not since then, but it looks like it happened to you as well at 5:52. Nevertheless, if you know how to expose correctly with this camera, the image turns out great!
When everybody thinks Nikon goes obsolete and little too late in mirrorless party, they launch the Z8, this is like when they launched the D850 aka the best reflex in the market, Nikon not playing games anymore🔥cant wait to buy it of course.
Z8 as a camera body is excellent, but what really sets apart Nikon are their lenses. Their pro Z lenses are always better than their competitors in terms of image quality.
I’ve shot a ton of commercial work on the Z9, both photo and video. I’ll be picking up a Z8 soon so I can switch between photo (bare Z9) and video (fully rigged out Z8) more easily. Each camera will be a functionally identical backup for the other, lenses can go on either, and I can have 2 video or 2 photo cameras on shoots that require it. It’s already perfect, and with Nikon owning RED it can only get better.
Can you please tell me more about z8 and video overheating issues. No one talks about them. I want to buy z8 but i need some advice what to expect from video.
@@milosgajic23 I have gotten hot card warnings, think more quickly than on the Z9. But I have never had to stop recording. That said the most I ever ask of it is 4K60 ProRes, and I generally do takes of maybe a minute tops before we stop and reset. I think Gerald Undone has real world overheating tests in his review.
Crazy how one move can drastically change the video industry 🥵 The Z8 was announced in May 2023, a year from now, and suddenly Nikon buys RED, and now everyone wants to use Nikon. Not a single UA-camr other than Jerald and Jared talked about it. Wait and see Peter McKinnon and Matti Haapoja next, lol.
I always tell people that I would buy this camera way before I'd buy an A7SIII. Bought the Z9 over the A1 as well. It's always nice seeing people discover just how good Nikon is.
@@marcusbeasley3212 Agreed, which is why I bought a Z30, which is half the weight of the A7SIII. Though you could get the ZV-E1 instead if you were on Sony.
@@petersuvara I honestly think the Z30 is better built. I think the specs are similar, but Sony makes so many ZV cameras that it's so easy to get lost in the sauce with that line up.
Just switched from Sony A7RII to the Z8! Amazing! Can't wait to see if RedCodeRaw will come to the Z8 via a software update and provide even smaller file sizes for 8k60p Raw video compared to 8k60p Nikon NRAW! Not April Fools btw this is a real camera with all of the above features. Adapted sony lenses work 95% like native lenses with the Megadap gen 2 adapter as well.
@@shueibdahir N-Raw doesn't seem to hold the same dynamic range does it? Look at the test results. Lot's of noise reduction happening at the noise floor or the noise floor is being cut off. Shadow dynamic range is compressed and cannot be opened up. If I am wrong then Z8 N-Raw should look as good or better then RED Raw from the Komodo.
I doubt they will change much. I think they bought red for the codecs and trademarks. not for the cameras tech. Red and Nikon will now use similar codec tech while I expect the design of both systems will remain different.
@@ed61730 both companies have tech they can share more than codecs . For one , the processor in the Z 8 is way way more powerful than any Red camera and that was a quote from the president of Red . Secondly Red has global sensor technology that Nikon can use down the road so I can see they will both benefit each other more than codecs . That being said imagine Z 8 II with Red codecs and people will loose their minds 😉
"There aren’t many 3rd party lenses for it" is pretty out-dated by now. Tamron, Sigma, Viltrox and some of the other Chinese manufacturers (7artisans and so on) are already producing for Z-Mount (some only APS-C for now, but it shows they’re working on it). We got a fleet of Tamron lenses for regular photo shooting, some Viltrox ones for budget acquisitions and even some of them making cine lenses for Z mount. PL to Z mount adapters work great and the Z mount is so flush, you can even adapt Sony FE lenses to it with some very specific adapters. The Z mount itself, once played out well and stocked further and further, might, just like L-Mount, be the biggest strength those bodies physically will have for quite some time. Now, with the acquisition of RED, they will likely also change to Z mount, introducing it even further into the cine world.
Reality is Sony's still way ahead and the true reason is that they made heaps of glass in the beginning and keep on making updates on all those lenses, not to mention 3rd party manufacturers do the same for the e mount system Sony's autofocus is faster anyways
Nikon is one update away from getting people to defect from other brands: Open Gate. If they want to go in on cinema, that’s going to open up a lot of possibilities.
Yes, I think the Z8 is a fantastic camera. A little pricey in Canada as our dollar is weaker than USD. Waiting for the Z6iii which could be announced this month and will be a winner. Respect for Z8 being a great camera.
I have owned my Z8 for 3 months now, the camera is an absolute beast for just about anything you can throw at it. I can attest that using adaptors with the Z8 works great even with some Nikon glass that is a decade old.
I love my z8. You mentioned something important and that's the mount. There's other advantages to their mount other than adapting other brand lenses. Having a larger mount gives you more room for the IBIS to work. This is important not just for photos but for video. It also allows the engineers to design the lenses differently with the aperture blades. The 135mm Plena is an example of this. Another thing about the mount is that it has the shortest phlange distance. This helps in optic quality. I forgot what is called but, there's a point where the image criss crosses in the lens before the light hits the sensor. The closer that point is the easier it is to correct the light. That's why lenses have to have extra elements inside the lens. Some correct the focus in the center and some are there just to focus the light in the corners. Moving that point closer to the sensor helps with this. That's why the z lenses are better than the older f mount lenses. Which also means they're better than most other lenses other brands make. I'm not putting any other brands down though. All of them make quality camera bodies and lenses these days. You can make a living with any of them.
I left the Nikon Camp many years ago, but have recently come back due to the various Nikon releases since Z9. I am however struggling with exposing and grading Nlog (the official Lut is for me unusable). There seems to be a lot of noise too with Nlog. I don't know what I am doing wrong with Nlog but I do not have problems with Slog, Clog, Vlog and R3D. Would be great if you can have a video on how to effectively work with Nlog.
I"m a Sony user and absolutely love the Z8! The body in my opinion is perfect and exactly the size I wish my Sony was. I'm almost ready to switch but two things are holding me back.The first is Nikon's lens selection or lack thereof. The second is the viewfinder. Once you've used a 9,440,000 viewfinder it's hard to look at 3,686,400 again. A $4K camera should have a better viewfinder.
Thing about the viewfinder..... It's stays at the same w resolution the whole time. It doesn't drop to focus or to actually shoot. Re: lenses.... between OEM and 3rd party there is 10mm to 800mm.
@@UnconventionalReasoning that’s just it. Use a Sony camera and you’re mixed that you’re looking at a little TV. Use a Nikon camera and it just feels like an OVF.
@@mikeblack_pw Of course, Sony users are not allowed to use the EVF anyway. They're required to hold the camera with their outstretched right hand while their left hand is in their jeans pocket.
Well done! Question : I've got a kit of six vintage prime Nikon lenses (AI-s), would they be compatible out-of-the-box with the Z 8? Or would I need an adaptor?
Nice video. Thanks a lot. I want to vlog also if I buy this. Is it possible with external monitor connected to it as the camera screen is not visible in vlog setup? Alternatively, can I use iPhone to frame myself while vlogging?
"This cameras a year old, why talk about it now" Crowd is kinda funny Everyone gets annoyed at embargo launch videos, now reviews a year later aren't good either, we gotta have a consil meeting about what to be mad at, Armando, know im going to "borrow" that Z8 when i see ya this week ;), looks like a beauty to work with
Guy from Finland here. I have Z9 and Z8. They are very good in video and stills, of course/ tietenkin ( in Finnish) Nikon user over 43 years ( FE2,F3,F4,F5,D2X,D3,D4,D5,Z6,Z6II, Z9 and Z8. Not even single problem any bodies ( some problem was with tele lenses) and drop and brake one body.
I shoot the A7RV & A7Cii. I've been considering moving to the Z8 (to replace the A7RV) since late last year. I do think it maybe the ideal hybrid for me. I still need the A7Cii for travel/street. I looked at making the move and the cost in transition had me hold off a bit till the Z6iii comes out. *IMO, the Nikon glass is way too large and heavy; so I will not be using it, rather using the adapter (like you said). ** Armando - I don't think the Z8 will allow you to save internally the custom settings (like Sony's 123 dial - LMK if it does)?
Great Video Armando! Really appreciate the Honest Review of this Excellent Camera! I've been a Pro Extreme Sports Photographer and Filmmaker for more than 45 Years and got my Start in 1973 with the Amazing Nikon F2! Remember that one? Keep the Great reviews coming!
good to see this review about Z8. Hi Armando can you tell me is this camera compatible with Dji lidar focus pro system? as it is not mentioned there or any of Nikon camera on Dji website.
Completely underrated cameras. People go and look at the CineD lab test, look at the lattitude real life test for the dynamic range, the Z9 is the best performing Sony base sensor camera. It is a stop better than the Sony Venice 2!!! To imagine that you get raw internal 60 fps 8k, while the latest Sony Burano stops at 30 fps 8k and the readout of the sensor is about 18ms while the nikons are 14 ms.
@@contentm3893 Spec!!!! Did you read what I said, these are standard real world test and you can see which camera holds better highlight and shadows. In fact the Z9 looks bad on the SPEC test, as Nikon Nlog/Raw workflow is bad. But on the one where you can look at how highlight and shadows measure, the Nikon is clearly better. The the Red raptor about half to a stop better and the Alexa's with 2 to 3 stops better.
@@danielvilliers612 you mean it is better than sony venice 2 from the videos you have watched or by personal use of both cameras? " It is a stop better than the Sony Venice 2!!!" sorry but your comment confused me :)
Thanks for your awesome review. I wonder if the autofocus and 5-axis image stabilization work with manual lenses such as Zeiss Zf.2 series (planar and distagon)? Which is the best adapter do I require for these lens series with minimal crop factor. :)
There are a lot of good things with the Z8 as well as Z9 cameras. I've been using the Z9 with the ETZ-21 adapter and all of my Sony mount lenses work fantastic. From a video perspective I still find the Sony A1 with SLOG-3 to have better dynamic range compared to the Z9 with Z-log and shooting Raw. If Nikon can team up with Red and produce some better codecs and better dynamic range, it will be the best camera out there. The Z8/Z9 can still produce very high quality video, but watch your highlights.
Yes, agreed on all points mentioned. From what existing features this Z8 has, there's something that I wish Nikon could further improve via firmware updates, which "pre capture RAW". Currently we only have "pre capture in JPEG" and folks...chosing between recording between "pro res raw and N-log 225" DOES effect the amount of time you could record for any event, wildlife or sports action. Lastly, if you do forsee recording yourself recording something long, I suggest getting a minimum 512 GB and or more, rather then relying "overflow" to your USHII. Lesson learned for me at least. Great review Armando! - from Hisham, KL,Malaysia
Good morning everyone! I'm a filmmaker from Italy, somebody could tell me the model of the mount adapter for using sony e mount lenses on the z6 iii ? Here in Italy I did't find anything like this ;(
Additionally, it appears Nikon’s new business model allows for significant continuous firmware updates. Well beyond fixes & enhancements to feature list when you purchase the body - but are adding entirely new significant features as well.
@mondobytes: i am a long time nikon user and i have the Z8. i also have some sony glass i'd love to use with the Z8. what adapter do you use and does the AF function as well with adapted sony lenses as it does with native Z lenses?
Pound for pound the best camera when you take features, price and ergonomics into consideration. I still want to see what the video looks like though using cine lens. PQ is great but sometimes the footage from native lens look a little flat when compared to a cine camera.
THANK YOU Armando !! I needed this review, finally something that pushes their analysis way farther than specs : also, I’m a Sony shooter and despite being super happy with their glass, I had an issue with my camera and the after sales customer support was utter rubbish !! You sir have definitely made up my mind : I’m buying a Nikon Z8 😊 Can I ask what’s the adaptor called ? Thank you again!!
They stay sleeping on Nikon. My first nikon was the z6. I sold that and got the mark 2. First hybrid camera with touch screen and shot 10 bit internally and raw externally. This is before the siii. Definitely may sale my mark 2 and get the z8. Thanks for the review.
I’ve been a diehard Nikon user my entire time using a real camera. It’s all I know. I’ve been saving and waiting to purchase a new mirrorless eventually and the z8 or z9 will be the one
So now it begs the question, do I get this, or wait for a potential A7Siv or FX3ii? Hmm. Armando, how did you find N-Log to use, gamma curve, grading, LUT support, curious on your thoughts?
Thank you Armando! Until now the ability to adapt Sony Lenses onto the Z mount has always seemed like a sort of underground dark web type thing. Like the ability existed, but no youtuber with more than 50k subscribers has even mentioned that ability, and it's always frustrated me, as if sony shooters were deliberately ignoring the possibility or something. So once again, thank you for getting the word out on that front!
I never thought I would find myself drooling over a Nikon camera. Hold on, while I grab a napkin. I look forward to seeing more coverage of the Nikon Z8.
I think you undersold the range of native Nikon Z lenses available. The Nikon Z prime and zoom lenses are second to none for shooting nature. The vibration reduction for stills and video is best in class. There is a very wide range of Nikon lenses available to suit all….amateurs and pros
If you would have covered that Nikon label, I would have sworn you were using a prototype for the Pana S1H mii. Buttons, displays and menu icons all look almost the same. Perhaps some OEM thing going on between the two companies?
My first camera is a Nikon DSLR. I have big hands and Nikon bodies are perfect grip. Im waiting for the Nikon Z6III so I can use all my Full Frame DSLR lenses with the FTZII adapter.
I've been a Nikon user for YEARS and I would like to point out that the last reflex iteration of Nikon professional cameras was the D850, which was an extremely beloved and capable camera - so much so that neither the Nikon Z7 or the Z7II managed to convince long time users. Now I think that the Z8 could be the next device other manufacturers have to compare to.
Beast of a camera, best I've ever owned. Nice review! 3rd party lenses, aside from adapting smaller-mount systems: Tamron, Viltrox, Laowa, Sigma (currently Dx, Fx coming soon). Plus Nikon's native lens lineup is quite full, including two different 2.8 trinities (S-line and budget friendlier non-S line). 50 1.2, 85 1.2, 35 1.2 (35 likely releasing this month). An almost-silly number of long tele's. And their 135 1.8 Plena is magic.
Atomos and Blackmagic Design both yell "Noooooo" at the internal RAW recording. A massive value in that you can skip purchasing that external recorder for RAW purposes.
I have to say the Z8 is something else. I have a couple of friends who have that camera and I've actually shot it and like it a lot. But I'm a Sony guy for over a decade. As a matter of fact I just recently added an A7RV & A9 III to my arsenal and have multiple Sony GM lenses which I love! Especially the new Sony 300 GM! The Z8's form factor is much better than the Z9 and at $1500 less. So for those Nikon users YES, get that Z8. Switching over to a new system is not for everyone. Some people are brand loyal and I'm one of them. I just love the feel of my Sony cameras and prior to my latest and greatest gear I shot with an A7 IV for 3 years and loved it. That one I sold and am currently satisfied with what I have currently. In the future if Sony releases an A1 Mark II I may consider it depending on my needs.
Hi Armando - it is nice to finally see the world at large (outside of the Nikon camp) realizing that Nikon is at the top of the game, and I would take this opportunity to thank you for being intellectually honest.
A few additional points and considerations:
Yes the Z8 is hands down the best hybrid full frame camera on the market today, and has been for a year now - still basically unchallenged - if you extend that to the Z9, which for most intents and purposes is the same then Nikon has been the top hybrid full frame camera since the end of 2021 - goin on 2.5 years now - still unchallenged.
Your point about lenses is pivotal and not well understood in the market- Sony has NO advantage here as Nikon can adapt any Sony lens with native (or near native) functionality as you have pointed out - thus any lens that comes out for the Sony strengthens Nikon - furthermore, unlike Sony, third party lenses are not crippled. Case in point, Tamron just released the 28-75 2.8 G2 lens for Nikon. On the Nikon you can shoot this lens at 30 FPS or even 120 at 11 MP - on the Sony it is artificially limited to 15.
Also, it is clear now that Tamron, Sigma, Viltrox. Meike, and several others are in the game making Z mount AF lenses - it will not be long before the Z mount selection is as good as the Sony E mount selection - but as pointed out with the adapter that is already the case.
Finally, Nikon has purchased RED - meaning that Nikon has access to the best global shutter tech and video tech in the business now - so we can only imagine what is now to come on future Nikon cameras by integrating even a little of this tech.
For those of us that have been shooting for decades know, Nikon was the premier brand in 35mm cameras through the 60's, 70's and into the mid/late 80's until the invention of the Canon EOS system and Nikons tactical mistake to not change the F mount at that time. Well, Nikon got the point and developed the best mount in the business with the Z mount and its benefits are just beginning to show and we are only 6 years into the mount.
On the other hand, Sony made a tactical mistake in 2013 (or thereabouts) to use the E mount for its FF lineup, which is an APS-C mount that has been jury rigged to take FF - but not well. Sony requires software breathing compensation because of its inferior mount and as lens design matures in the era of Z mount, Sony will not be able to keep up with modern lens design due to the E mount's severe limitations. Ironically, Sony will likely have to change their mount in the future leaving them in the position that Nikon as just gotten out of - having few lens choices for their system.
Anyway, Nikon is back on top - the imminent release of the Z6III will also put Nikon at the top of the mid price segment of the market as well - besting the A7IV for sure. Undoubtedly Sony with respond with an A7V at some point, which will likely be a nice camera - but there is no escaping the E mount, which will bring down Sony FF cameras going forward more and more.
Another important point is that Nikon is the best optics manufacturer of the big brands (by far) - it is in fact their core competency having been in optical design for over 100 years - they are the only ones who still grind all their own glass and the last 3 years have shown the most innovative and optically superior lenses emerge on the market from any manufacturer.
You definitely should get yourself a Z8 - for now, adapt your Sony glass, but start buying Z mount lenses from here on out - don't waste your time with anything else - you will not regret it.
Thanks for making a video with intellectual integrity!
-PD
Well said!
@@mondobytes Thank you Sir! Again, nice honest video! I'll subscribe.
Sony has the best cameras and eco system of any. Nikon was on the top of the game in the 60s through 80s with their F line. Today Nikon us just average, most likely using sensors made by Sony.
@@bondgabebond4907 You are entitled to your opinion - the physics of the two mounts says otherwise - also did you even watch this video???
Anyway, no need to respond, you clearly have your mind made up. I have used both systems and stand by what I've said and what this video has clearly demonstrated. But please, by all means - stick with Sony - if you love Sony then it is subjectively the best for you, and nobody can argue with that.
All the best,
-PD
Photographydiscourse1185 your insights are spot on!! In Fact the depth of truth you highlight is indeed accurate!!
I have the Nikon Z8 among other cameras and 100% agree with Armando. That camera is my #1 at this moment in time !
Have you experienced any of the overheating issues some reported when the cameral was first released. I believe they were referring to the memory cards getting really hot. I'm very interested in this camera, but I live in a really hot climate. I have a few other Nikons, and have never had to worry about those in our 120 degree summers. Thank you.
@@jamesgarcia1680 go rent one and try it then
@@jamesgarcia1680 never. It gets very hot here where I live
@@FamilyofTech Thank you for the feedback. Maybe they corrected the issue with a firmware update. Thanks again.
I own the Z8 and Z9, and use them for professional photography and videography. The best part of these cameras…the regular firmware updates. And not just bug fixes, but great enhancements. My cameras still give the same feeling of a new camera, because they are kind of new with all the updates. I know Sony and Canon will eventually release new cameras as the game of leapfrog continues. But for now, I feel fortunate to own and use these cameras.
The only thing i wish nikon had was dual recording
Well made video Armando! And it's great to see more people showcasing the Nikon cameras. We've made some music videos and travel videos with behind the scenes for our channel, using the Z9 and Z8, half a year ago And for us the only downside was that it's easy to crush the highlights/hard to bring highlights back in post. So you have to underexpose. I don't know if that is fixed or not since then, but it looks like it happened to you as well at 5:52. Nevertheless, if you know how to expose correctly with this camera, the image turns out great!
When everybody thinks Nikon goes obsolete and little too late in mirrorless party, they launch the Z8, this is like when they launched the D850 aka the best reflex in the market, Nikon not playing games anymore🔥cant wait to buy it of course.
nikon buys red. youtubers now know nikon exists and post mini reviews of cameras released a year ago.
I'm seeing an uptick, but I'm not mad at it.
Lmao y’all are losers man
tbh the z8 and z9 has been around for a while and I see this video and the upload time. And just can't help but cringe.
@@picattiu4813 yeah especially since there's quite a few that popped up today
But the z8 and z9 are just really good.
Using other lenses with a adaptor and working flawless is the biggest USP in my opinion Armando 👍🏼
Z8 as a camera body is excellent, but what really sets apart Nikon are their lenses. Their pro Z lenses are always better than their competitors in terms of image quality.
Not true. The 50mm f1.2 is not as good as the Sony 50mm f1.2 GM and huge compared to the much smaller Sony glass.
Great to see more and more people finding out about this great camera! I love my Z8
I’ve shot a ton of commercial work on the Z9, both photo and video. I’ll be picking up a Z8 soon so I can switch between photo (bare Z9) and video (fully rigged out Z8) more easily. Each camera will be a functionally identical backup for the other, lenses can go on either, and I can have 2 video or 2 photo cameras on shoots that require it. It’s already perfect, and with Nikon owning RED it can only get better.
Can you please tell me more about z8 and video overheating issues. No one talks about them. I want to buy z8 but i need some advice what to expect from video.
@@milosgajic23 I have gotten hot card warnings, think more quickly than on the Z9. But I have never had to stop recording. That said the most I ever ask of it is 4K60 ProRes, and I generally do takes of maybe a minute tops before we stop and reset. I think Gerald Undone has real world overheating tests in his review.
Crazy how one move can drastically change the video industry 🥵 The Z8 was announced in May 2023, a year from now, and suddenly Nikon buys RED, and now everyone wants to use Nikon. Not a single UA-camr other than Jerald and Jared talked about it. Wait and see Peter McKinnon and Matti Haapoja next, lol.
As soon as Matti talks about any camera, I know it's just for clicks and hype.
Jared may have to eat his hair over this....
I always tell people that I would buy this camera way before I'd buy an A7SIII. Bought the Z9 over the A1 as well. It's always nice seeing people discover just how good Nikon is.
I actually had the Z9 and A7siii… sold my Sony.
@@petersuvara A7SIII wins on weight savings and the flippy screen. Everything else is Z9 all day every day.
@@marcusbeasley3212 Agreed, which is why I bought a Z30, which is half the weight of the A7SIII. Though you could get the ZV-E1 instead if you were on Sony.
@@petersuvara I honestly think the Z30 is better built. I think the specs are similar, but Sony makes so many ZV cameras that it's so easy to get lost in the sauce with that line up.
Huh?? The Z lineups is just as lengthy. Z30, Z50, Z5 Z6, Z6ii, Z7, Z7ii, Z8, Z9, ZF... Did i miss any??@@marcusbeasley3212
the way you were dangling it with just a couple fingers made my heart drop lol
Armando this is a very refreshing review!! Fair, balanced, & honest!! Tremendously acute details that you highlight!! Thank you!!
Just switched from Sony A7RII to the Z8! Amazing!
Can't wait to see if RedCodeRaw will come to the Z8 via a software update and provide even smaller file sizes for 8k60p Raw video compared to 8k60p Nikon NRAW!
Not April Fools btw this is a real camera with all of the above features. Adapted sony lenses work 95% like native lenses with the Megadap gen 2 adapter as well.
The Z8 is lacking in image quality.
Redcode raw in the Z8? Why? You already have a true compressed raw that includes bayer data. There's simply no need for that
@@shueibdahir N-Raw doesn't seem to hold the same dynamic range does it? Look at the test results. Lot's of noise reduction happening at the noise floor or the noise floor is being cut off. Shadow dynamic range is compressed and cannot be opened up. If I am wrong then Z8 N-Raw should look as good or better then RED Raw from the Komodo.
@contentm3893how is it lacking in image quality ?
@@contentm3893 that seems to be due to n-log gamma curve, not the n-raw itself
It will be interesting to see what the next cameras will look like after Nikon's acquisition of RED
I doubt they will change much. I think they bought red for the codecs and trademarks. not for the cameras tech. Red and Nikon will now use similar codec tech while I expect the design of both systems will remain different.
@@ed61730 both companies have tech they can share more than codecs . For one , the processor in the Z 8 is way way more powerful than any Red camera and that was a quote from the president of Red . Secondly Red has global sensor technology that Nikon can use down the road so I can see they will both benefit each other more than codecs . That being said imagine Z 8 II with Red codecs and people will loose their minds 😉
I've seen specs for the Z6iii that apparently will include a Red codec.
@@AllThingsFilm1 I believe those were fake. Not that it's not possible, but the recent Z6 III spec post was said to be fake.
@@SooksVI maybe April fools joke?
"There aren’t many 3rd party lenses for it" is pretty out-dated by now. Tamron, Sigma, Viltrox and some of the other Chinese manufacturers (7artisans and so on) are already producing for Z-Mount (some only APS-C for now, but it shows they’re working on it). We got a fleet of Tamron lenses for regular photo shooting, some Viltrox ones for budget acquisitions and even some of them making cine lenses for Z mount. PL to Z mount adapters work great and the Z mount is so flush, you can even adapt Sony FE lenses to it with some very specific adapters. The Z mount itself, once played out well and stocked further and further, might, just like L-Mount, be the biggest strength those bodies physically will have for quite some time. Now, with the acquisition of RED, they will likely also change to Z mount, introducing it even further into the cine world.
And, with an adapter you can adapt all Sony glass to the Nikon Z if you truly wanted to.
Reality is Sony's still way ahead and the true reason is that they made heaps of glass in the beginning and keep on making updates on all those lenses, not to mention 3rd party manufacturers do the same for the e mount system
Sony's autofocus is faster anyways
Nikon is one update away from getting people to defect from other brands: Open Gate. If they want to go in on cinema, that’s going to open up a lot of possibilities.
Very true!
Yes, I think the Z8 is a fantastic camera. A little pricey in Canada as our dollar is weaker than USD. Waiting for the Z6iii which could be announced this month and will be a winner. Respect for Z8 being a great camera.
Its $700 off now.
@@mlai2546 is there a reason for this sale?
I have owned my Z8 for 3 months now, the camera is an absolute beast for just about anything you can throw at it. I can attest that using adaptors with the Z8 works great even with some Nikon glass that is a decade old.
Now I’m itching to get hands on this even more. Awesome work bro 🔥🔥
Thanks man! You own a RED so it's all part of the same family now haha.
Go get it @justinportermedia I promise you it is amazing.
@@mondobytesWhat was that opening shot (0:03) on? What lens and camera?
Great video arnoldo
Iam nikon shooter for a decade and now swich to z8 from d750 and its amazing camera in every aspect 😍
Transformative!
I love my z8. You mentioned something important and that's the mount. There's other advantages to their mount other than adapting other brand lenses. Having a larger mount gives you more room for the IBIS to work. This is important not just for photos but for video. It also allows the engineers to design the lenses differently with the aperture blades. The 135mm Plena is an example of this. Another thing about the mount is that it has the shortest phlange distance. This helps in optic quality. I forgot what is called but, there's a point where the image criss crosses in the lens before the light hits the sensor. The closer that point is the easier it is to correct the light. That's why lenses have to have extra elements inside the lens. Some correct the focus in the center and some are there just to focus the light in the corners. Moving that point closer to the sensor helps with this. That's why the z lenses are better than the older f mount lenses. Which also means they're better than most other lenses other brands make. I'm not putting any other brands down though. All of them make quality camera bodies and lenses these days. You can make a living with any of them.
also it's "flange" not "phlange"..."phalanges" are your fingers....
Yes !!! You are right !!! I agree with you !!! Nikon is Nikon always ahead !!! 107 years History !!!👌👍👏🏻
I left the Nikon Camp many years ago, but have recently come back due to the various Nikon releases since Z9. I am however struggling with exposing and grading Nlog (the official Lut is for me unusable). There seems to be a lot of noise too with Nlog. I don't know what I am doing wrong with Nlog but I do not have problems with Slog, Clog, Vlog and R3D. Would be great if you can have a video on how to effectively work with Nlog.
I"m a Sony user and absolutely love the Z8! The body in my opinion is perfect and exactly the size I wish my Sony was. I'm almost ready to switch but two things are holding me back.The first is Nikon's lens selection or lack thereof. The second is the viewfinder. Once you've used a 9,440,000 viewfinder it's hard to look at 3,686,400 again. A $4K camera should have a better viewfinder.
See my lens comments above 🙂
Thing about the viewfinder..... It's stays at the same w resolution the whole time. It doesn't drop to focus or to actually shoot. Re: lenses.... between OEM and 3rd party there is 10mm to 800mm.
The EVF is something that Nikon will have to simply concede Sony is better at, with the history of Trinitron TVs and Bravia monitors.
@@UnconventionalReasoning that’s just it. Use a Sony camera and you’re mixed that you’re looking at a little TV. Use a Nikon camera and it just feels like an OVF.
@@mikeblack_pw Of course, Sony users are not allowed to use the EVF anyway. They're required to hold the camera with their outstretched right hand while their left hand is in their jeans pocket.
Armando you did a great job- Nikon is now on my list!
Well done! Question : I've got a kit of six vintage prime Nikon lenses (AI-s), would they be compatible out-of-the-box with the Z 8? Or would I need an adaptor?
Nice video. Thanks a lot. I want to vlog also if I buy this. Is it possible with external monitor connected to it as the camera screen is not visible in vlog setup? Alternatively, can I use iPhone to frame myself while vlogging?
"This cameras a year old, why talk about it now" Crowd is kinda funny
Everyone gets annoyed at embargo launch videos, now reviews a year later aren't good either, we gotta have a consil meeting about what to be mad at,
Armando, know im going to "borrow" that Z8 when i see ya this week ;), looks like a beauty to work with
I don't know the key to success but the key to failure is trying to please everybody
A little good infotainment video to nurse Nikon so when they begin to ship Nikon/Red he gets in the frontrow of reviewers later on.
@@basserfeltsounds like good business decision, while at the same time being well rounded with brand coverage to me 🫡
Guy from Finland here. I have Z9 and Z8. They are very good in video and stills, of course/ tietenkin ( in Finnish)
Nikon user over 43 years ( FE2,F3,F4,F5,D2X,D3,D4,D5,Z6,Z6II, Z9 and Z8. Not even single problem any bodies ( some problem was with tele lenses) and drop and brake one body.
Excelente video.
Muy buena informacion.
Solo una duda...¿que se necesita para adaptarle lentes de sony x ejemplo?
Esperamos tu amable respuesta
I shoot the A7RV & A7Cii. I've been considering moving to the Z8 (to replace the A7RV) since late last year. I do think it maybe the ideal hybrid for me. I still need the A7Cii for travel/street. I looked at making the move and the cost in transition had me hold off a bit till the Z6iii comes out. *IMO, the Nikon glass is way too large and heavy; so I will not be using it, rather using the adapter (like you said). ** Armando - I don't think the Z8 will allow you to save internally the custom settings (like Sony's 123 dial - LMK if it does)?
Yes it does that. They are called shooting banks
Great Video Armando! Really appreciate the Honest Review of this Excellent Camera! I've been a Pro Extreme Sports Photographer and Filmmaker for more than 45 Years and got my Start in 1973 with the Amazing Nikon F2! Remember that one? Keep the Great reviews coming!
good to see this review about Z8. Hi Armando can you tell me is this camera compatible with Dji lidar focus pro system? as it is not mentioned there or any of Nikon camera on Dji website.
Very informative, honest and enthusiastic review. If I didn’t already own a Z8, I’d be running out to buy one!
Completely underrated cameras. People go and look at the CineD lab test, look at the lattitude real life test for the dynamic range, the Z9 is the best performing Sony base sensor camera. It is a stop better than the Sony Venice 2!!! To imagine that you get raw internal 60 fps 8k, while the latest Sony Burano stops at 30 fps 8k and the readout of the sensor is about 18ms while the nikons are 14 ms.
Not the same dynamic range or image quality. Specs don't make your image better.
@@contentm3893 Spec!!!! Did you read what I said, these are standard real world test and you can see which camera holds better highlight and shadows. In fact the Z9 looks bad on the SPEC test, as Nikon Nlog/Raw workflow is bad. But on the one where you can look at how highlight and shadows measure, the Nikon is clearly better. The the Red raptor about half to a stop better and the Alexa's with 2 to 3 stops better.
@@danielvilliers612 you mean it is better than sony venice 2 from the videos you have watched or by personal use of both cameras? " It is a stop better than the Sony Venice 2!!!" sorry but your comment confused me :)
@@sardanapalos Their is test on CineD about DR. You have from Alexa, to most Sony's, reds, canon etc
Real photographers don't pay attention to gear at all. Only gearheads and youtube boys are obsessed with latest cameras.
Thanks for your awesome review. I wonder if the autofocus and 5-axis image stabilization work with manual lenses such as Zeiss Zf.2 series (planar and distagon)? Which is the best adapter do I require for these lens series with minimal crop factor. :)
There are a lot of good things with the Z8 as well as Z9 cameras. I've been using the Z9 with the ETZ-21 adapter and all of my Sony mount lenses work fantastic. From a video perspective I still find the Sony A1 with SLOG-3 to have better dynamic range compared to the Z9 with Z-log and shooting Raw. If Nikon can team up with Red and produce some better codecs and better dynamic range, it will be the best camera out there. The Z8/Z9 can still produce very high quality video, but watch your highlights.
Yes, agreed on all points mentioned. From what existing features this Z8 has, there's something that I wish Nikon could further improve via firmware updates, which "pre capture RAW". Currently we only have "pre capture in JPEG"
and folks...chosing between recording between "pro res raw and N-log 225" DOES effect the amount of time you could record for any event, wildlife or sports action. Lastly, if you do forsee recording yourself recording something long, I suggest getting a minimum 512 GB and or more, rather then relying "overflow" to your USHII. Lesson learned for me at least.
Great review Armando! - from Hisham, KL,Malaysia
Good morning everyone! I'm a filmmaker from Italy, somebody could tell me the model of the mount adapter for using sony e mount lenses on the z6 iii ? Here in Italy I did't find anything like this ;(
Beautiful video! You never disappoint Armando
Additionally, it appears Nikon’s new business model allows for significant continuous firmware updates. Well beyond fixes & enhancements to feature list when you purchase the body - but are adding entirely new significant features as well.
Recently switched from a Sony r3 to a z8 and let me say I am in love with the z8. If Nikon would just make a FF lens wider than 14mm
Any chance the 1080p gets downsampled from one of the higher resolutions?
I have a Z8 that I use either an adapter for my DSLR lenses. Love it. Only change I’d love would be a rotating screen
What was this video shot on?
What would you recommend I get to photo and video edit , a high end laptop or desktop?
That all depends on you.
@mondobytes: i am a long time nikon user and i have the Z8. i also have some sony glass i'd love to use with the Z8. what adapter do you use and does the AF function as well with adapted sony lenses as it does with native Z lenses?
solid straight forward review, awesome details shared! Thank you for sharing!
Pound for pound the best camera when you take features, price and ergonomics into consideration. I still want to see what the video looks like though using cine lens. PQ is great but sometimes the footage from native lens look a little flat when compared to a cine camera.
THANK YOU Armando !!
I needed this review, finally something that pushes their analysis way farther than specs : also, I’m a Sony shooter and despite being super happy with their glass, I had an issue with my camera and the after sales customer support was utter rubbish !!
You sir have definitely made up my mind : I’m buying a Nikon Z8 😊
Can I ask what’s the adaptor called ?
Thank you again!!
Hi Armando, any negatives using F mount lenses with the adapter?
I don’t own any F Mount lenses sorry
Great video dude!
Top notch video. ❤❤❤ I learned a lot from you. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. ❤❤❤
Saw your video what about the Z8 overheating problems due to the battery and battery short life can you speak to any of that?
Soliiiiiid review. Great camera but I remember being turned off from n-raw not playing nicely in premiere. Did they end up fixing this?
yesss, n log cant work in adobie
@@dandobi Time to leave Adobe behind, for more than just one reason now.
great review on the Z8 what lens adapter is best for this camera to retain the functionality for other lens options?
Armando, what is the adapter that you are referring to for using the Sony glass with the Z8 please?
Megadap ETZ21 Pro Sony E Lens to Nikon Z Camera Auto Focus Adapter
Hi Armando. What camera and lens are you using for this video? Thanks!
Hi. Does it make pixel binning in video mode? I wonder if it will useless in low light because of such a high resolution.
One thing this man is ALWAYS HONEST no games, calls it like he sees it. ❤
What were you shooting on for your talking segments? Looks so rich
我用Z8拍攝台灣熊鷹一年多，拍照與錄影不僅沒讓我失望，真的讓我超級滿意，我願意再花錢買一台Z9當備機，或者等待Z9H全域快門，NIKON持續加油囉!
Best video for beginners to professional ❤
Wow!!! Video looked amazing! Love the review and hope Canon is watching closely
Great review and a great camera! The switch time between foto and video is fantastic.
Which adapter did you use for sony lenses?
I've seen a few people saying that Sony adapter had issues. One guy using the Tamron 35-150 had issues. Don't know if that was a first gen adapter?
Just bought a second hand Z8 in Japan. This camera is a beast… I am eager to go back home to test it with Sony / Canon EF adapted lenses.
They stay sleeping on Nikon. My first nikon was the z6. I sold that and got the mark 2. First hybrid camera with touch screen and shot 10 bit internally and raw externally. This is before the siii. Definitely may sale my mark 2 and get the z8. Thanks for the review.
@@juliustubbsDP just get the z6iii haha 😄
Abt the lens mount, u forgot to mention Tamron & Sigma are coming out with z mount lenses. You don't have to use a convertor.
I’ve been a diehard Nikon user my entire time using a real camera. It’s all I know. I’ve been saving and waiting to purchase a new mirrorless eventually and the z8 or z9 will be the one
Which Sony adapter are you referring to?
Is there a good solution to get timecode into it without using a silly UltraSync BLUE?
Not yet. The two things which really need to get added to the Nikon Z cameras are shutter angle and timecode.
EDIT: a third, open gate
So now it begs the question, do I get this, or wait for a potential A7Siv or FX3ii? Hmm. Armando, how did you find N-Log to use, gamma curve, grading, LUT support, curious on your thoughts?
Hi , curious to know, did you buy it? Thanks
I was thinking of buying the Sony 7cR, but this review has me thinking of if I should go back to Nikon….
Thank you Armando! Until now the ability to adapt Sony Lenses onto the Z mount has always seemed like a sort of underground dark web type thing. Like the ability existed, but no youtuber with more than 50k subscribers has even mentioned that ability, and it's always frustrated me, as if sony shooters were deliberately ignoring the possibility or something. So once again, thank you for getting the word out on that front!
Fontana Nissan were the days! 😅 dude i came across your video and was like I know this guy! Haha hope all is well!
@@DanielMartinez-em6ff haha thanks for stopping by dude 👊🏽
I left Nikon right before the Z9 came out to switch to the A1. But how Sony updates their firmware, I wish I stayed with Nikon.
The grass is greener on the other side. Until the first side gets better fertilizer...
How's the connectivity with Bluetooth/Wireless? Does it play nice with DJI gimbals?
I never thought I would find myself drooling over a Nikon camera. Hold on, while I grab a napkin. I look forward to seeing more coverage of the Nikon Z8.
I think you undersold the range of native Nikon Z lenses available. The Nikon Z prime and zoom lenses are second to none for shooting nature. The vibration reduction for stills and video is best in class. There is a very wide range of Nikon lenses available to suit all….amateurs and pros
Now third party manufacturers are making lenses for Z mount. And not to forget the huge number of F mount lenses still available for lesser prices.
1) But can the auto focus keep up with Tom Cruise running?
2) Can't wait to see the next iteration as Nikon integrates RED's tech.
Really noticed a jump in quality in terms of look and editing on your video review here
Hey Armando, nice review!
Have you tested it with Sigma's latest DG DN lenses (sony mount with adapter)
How do those collaborate?
that was one awesome genuinely well made well delivered video man 👏
Armando, what was the Sony to Nikon adapter.
If you would have covered that Nikon label, I would have sworn you were using a prototype for the Pana S1H mii. Buttons, displays and menu icons all look almost the same. Perhaps some OEM thing going on between the two companies?
For the price ($3500) this thing is a beast. Upgraded from a Z6ii, and it is crazy superior.
My first camera is a Nikon DSLR. I have big hands and Nikon bodies are perfect grip. Im waiting for the Nikon Z6III so I can use all my Full Frame DSLR lenses with the FTZII adapter.
Nice video. Did you say the footage was created by Z8?
New to photography is the z8 a good camera to start with? Not worried about the price, just want a quality camera that is easy to use
Just curious what Sony adapter you're using in this video. Which brand?
Megadapt ETZ21
I've been a Nikon user for YEARS and I would like to point out that the last reflex iteration of Nikon professional cameras was the D850, which was an extremely beloved and capable camera - so much so that neither the Nikon Z7 or the Z7II managed to convince long time users. Now I think that the Z8 could be the next device other manufacturers have to compare to.
Beast of a camera, best I've ever owned. Nice review! 3rd party lenses, aside from adapting smaller-mount systems: Tamron, Viltrox, Laowa, Sigma (currently Dx, Fx coming soon). Plus Nikon's native lens lineup is quite full, including two different 2.8 trinities (S-line and budget friendlier non-S line). 50 1.2, 85 1.2, 35 1.2 (35 likely releasing this month). An almost-silly number of long tele's. And their 135 1.8 Plena is magic.
Atomos and Blackmagic Design both yell "Noooooo" at the internal RAW recording. A massive value in that you can skip purchasing that external recorder for RAW purposes.
On what camera you shot the intro!? It looks amazing!!!
I have to say the Z8 is something else. I have a couple of friends who have that camera and I've actually shot it and like it a lot. But I'm a Sony guy for over a decade. As a matter of fact I just recently added an A7RV & A9 III to my arsenal and have multiple Sony GM lenses which I love! Especially the new Sony 300 GM! The Z8's form factor is much better than the Z9 and at $1500 less. So for those Nikon users YES, get that Z8. Switching over to a new system is not for everyone. Some people are brand loyal and I'm one of them. I just love the feel of my Sony cameras and prior to my latest and greatest gear I shot with an A7 IV for 3 years and loved it. That one I sold and am currently satisfied with what I have currently. In the future if Sony releases an A1 Mark II I may consider it depending on my needs.
Curious for anyone that has a Z8 can advise on video AF ability?