Nikon Z8 Initial Review: Awww... It's a Baby Z9!

The much-anticipated Nikon Z8 is finally here! Chris and Jordan drove down to Yellowstone to see how this shutterless camera handles wildlife and landscape photography. What sacrifices did Nikon make to create a smaller, cheaper Z9?

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0:00 - Intro
0:53 - Sample photos
1:22 - Z9 Similarities
1:45 - Size and weight
2:39 - A shutterless camera
3:22 - Storage
3:50 - Battery
4:35 - Weather sealing
4:50 - Puddles!
5:15 - Stability
5:48 - Burst shooting
7:17 - Buffalo!
7:48 - Autofocus
8:42 - Video performance
10:26 - Who is it for?

[bsmukler]

The tradition continues: I tuned into Chris and Jordan’s Z8 video ahead of all the others, including Nikon themselves. Thanks PetaPixel for keeping this excellent duo at the head of the pack in photo equipment reviews (and general life advice, explanations of the universe, and imagery).

[matthieuzglurg]

this Z8 really gives me strong Nikon D700 vibes.

Back then, the D700 was basically the same exact thing as the flagship D3, with the same sensor, same autofocus system and very similar burst speeds once you used the vertical grip with it.

Only compromise was that it lost a CF card slot and had a smaller battery, two comprimises that the Z8 seems to share when you compare it with its bigger brother

The D700/D3 strategy proved out to be super sucecssful for Nikon back in 2008/2009, giving pros in search for a second body a cheaper option with te same capabilities as their D3, and for everyone else it was 90% of the capacity of a D3 without the super premium price point. My guess is that Nikon is heading to that strategy again, hopefully with great results.

As much as people think the Z8 is a successor to the D850, I really think it's made to walk the steps of the D700 as no other Nikon camera shared the specs of the flagship of the time like this (the closest relative could be the Df that shared the D4's sensor, but it didn't have the same autofocus and was much more limited overall, being a niche product)

[hachetjoel]

So unbelievably thankful that Chris and Jordan are continuing to make the best camera review content around

[mwaithephoto]

I am absolutely buying this camera!!!! Yes !!! NIKON NIKON NIKON NIKON

[lsaideOK]

Great to see Chris and Jordan back with another in their series of fantastic camera reviews. Nice that they got out of their typical haunts and made a trip to such a fantastic destination.

[BrandonBurch]

Great to see what Nikon is bringing to the game.

[jessejayphotography]

As a Canon shooter the Z8 looks *amazing* with a awesome lens lineup. If they put shutter angle support and some other video niceties it will be a killer hybrid camera too. Canon has their work cut out for them. They have been delaying R1 and R5 mark 2 and their RF lens lineup is so slow to come out! The weather sealed Z 24-200 is a killer affordable landscape lens.

[adrienleguillou]

Just bought into Nikon with a used z6, amazing to see a nice new camera from Nikon.
Thanks for your content, happy to continue following you on PetaPixel

[jimtipton]

Canon guy here. The similarities to my camera, the R5, are numerous. So happy for the Nikon family! I think the people that buy this camera are going to absolutely LOVE it. Great to see the dynamic duo still doing reviews! Always well done!

[jericbrrinley]

Nice Work on the Z8 review, hit the points I needed to hear. On my buy it list, makes a great second body for my 'ol Z6...

[alricci]

Love that Chris and Jordan say ZED. Canada represent!

[csayban]

I'm still completely in love with my D850... but this is the first mirrorless camera that makes me actually consider making a move. As a wildlife shooter, the speed of the sensor is a must and it sounds like the Z8 delivers. I want so see more, but this one has me thinking.

[joshuaconti]

as a nikon pro/ D850 shooter I finally have a mirrorless body that would be the perfect upgrade. form factor plus same battery plus same card slot lineup and all the z9 stuff I want but without having to upgrade camera bag size, buy new batteries or worry about shutter noise and with that price update coming in from japan on the z9 - for 4k?. TAKE MY MONEY.

[MrDomq]

I can’t believe I just found this channel. I see Chris and Jordan and I instantly hit subscribe. I can’t believe how long I’ve been watching these two. To me, Jordan and Chris are the modern day Kai and Lok.

[koketsoresane]

Seeing Chris and Jordan is the consistency I needed today. Thank you PetaPixel!

[MotoFotoe]

I'm only here and have only subscribed because of Chris and Jordan. I've been following them since the early days and they consistency give great, honest reviews no matter the brand, lens, or camera.

[maxkapczynski]

Great to see Chris and Jordan again! Always glad to see you handle the newest gear.

[originalamit]

Welcome Glad you guys are around! Pre-ordered my Z8 in April 1st week
itself (NPS)

[buckwilde]

Glad you two found another home! And you remember how not TOO long ago, people thought Nikon was "getting out of the camera business"? Ha!!! Now, they are leading the pack, with THEEE most desirable cameras. I have been using them for years ... since no one does color like Nikon. All those years of competing with Canon paid off! Now when (and IF) they bring out a Z6iii, I'll be buying another. (I have the original Z6, and it is still has a FANTASTIC image, especially for video, which is all I do, and record with a Ninja V.)

[wskbrooks]

Woh, the quality of light and picture quality in the WHO IS IT FOR section is just gorgeous. Great video, thanks.