Nikon Z8 Firmware 2.0 Long-Term Review | Nikon's Best?

Want to support this channel? Use these affiliate links to shop at:

=============================
Table of Contents:
=============================
0:00 - Intro
2:10 - Fantom Tracker
3:00 - Build and Features
15:23 - Shutter and Buffer
18:33 - Autofocus
21:39 - Video AF
22:12 - Video
23:38 - Sensor Performance
28:16- Conclusion and Pricing
29:28 - Sensor Deep Dive
---------------------------------------------------------

My Cameras:

DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Keywords: Nikon, Nikon Z8, Z, Z-mount, Z8, Review, mirrorless, Full Frame, Sports, Tracking, Dustin Abbott, Real World, Comparison, Handling, Focus, Portraits, Resolution, High ISO, Image Quality, Sample Images, Photography, 45MP, #letthelightin, #DA, #NIKON, #Z8, #nikonz8

[DustinAbbottTWI]

This episode is sponsored by Fantom Tracker. Visit store.fantomwallet.com and use code DUSTIN20 for 20% off.

[NeXMaX]

Regarding 9:00, there's actually an option to make it so that you don't need to hold down the button to make the change. A single button press will allow you to make the change with the rear dial as you see fit when that option is enabled.

The option is labeled "f6 - Release button to use dial" in the custom settings menu.

[technodronesogxl]

Isn't the firmware up to 2.01. Awesome job as always Dustin. I love my Z8 for sure the lens selection and price of 3499.00 did it for me. That 70-200mm F2.8 VR S is the real deal vs my Fuji XH2. I love my 180 600mm telephoto, my Tamron 28-75 F2.8 G2 as well as my 16mm 1.8 lens from Viltrox.

Speaking of big, the Z9 looks big, but with both grips, it feels more natural in my hands because of the grips. i do have big hands with a size 14 ring.

[TheVitalishe]

I am glad to see you reviewing Nikon gear.

[andyqbui]

I'm a wedding photographer, but my Z8 often stays on the shelf, and I think the main reason is its size. Having transitioned from the Sony ecosystem, I’ve grown accustomed to the smaller, more compact form factor. These days, my go-to camera for weddings is the Zf—it's a fun camera to use, and I get a lot of compliments on its vintage aesthetic. The Z6III serves as my backup. Coming from Sony, I do notice a difference in the eye autofocus, and I feel Nikon still has some room for improvement in that area.

[stefan_becker]

Thank you for the great video! I own the Z8 as well as a Sony A7rV (and used to own an Alpha 1). In my opinion the Z8 is in some regards better than the Alpha 1. It supports interesting features like focus bracketing or pre-capture, has a (in my opinion) superior video quality and also (in my opinion) better ergonomics. I also prefer the much more affordable CFExpress B type cards over the still heavily overpriced and slower CFExpress type A cards of the Alpha 1. The automatic subject detection, no matter if human or animal is also very useful in my opinion. The downsides of the Z8 are in my experience mostly the size and weight. Personally I also use the autofocus of the Z8 differently than my Alpha 1. On my Alpha 1 I usually use wide area af with eye detection and usually just press the shutter button. On my Z8 I rely also mostly upon wiede area af and eye detection, but configured the camera in such a way that I can invoke subject tracking with the af-on button. This works really nicely, if the eye detection of the Z8 behaves differently than I expect.
Overall I do not regret selling my Alpha 1 for the Z8 and I love some of the Nikon lenses that are not available on Sony like the Nikon 85mm f1.2. I also plan to purchase the 135mm f1.8 Plena since there's also no lens with that bokeh characteristics on the Sony system.

[rodcarnochan]

Much respect for answering the comments as well as you do ! Its refreshing.

[nathanielcashjr.]

Nikon was founded in 1917, Canon in 1937, Fuji Film Co in 1934. Leica in 1913. Is Nikon screw mount backwards or the rest backwards?

[csc-photo]

17:25 Quick note regarding higher fps (60, 120), this does not hinder autofocus or metering performance in any way. The 60 / 120 limitations are JPG only, 19mp @ 60 fps and 11mp @ 120 fps. Flicker reduction also can’t be enabled at 30 fps and above.

[fuzzytalz]

Dustin, if you don’t like the hold-and-turn control paradigm on the Nikons, you can turn it off in the custom settings menu.

[mylucksmiles]

Two tips . Firstly the battery I purchased 2 small rig batteries they give me me around 800 stills each + a few . Secondly the flip screen I don’t use it . Instead I use the Nikon app and connect it to my phone via the z8 . The advantage is while blogging and when set up on a tripod . On a tripod it’s main advantage is I can stay tuned into the area I am waiting of Acton to start from . Secondly with the foucs set to touch screen I can view the area . Let’s say waiting for a bird to fly in. I can be more alert to the surroundings in case something else happens, while have the screen show me me on the phone connected to the top of my z8 by a small holder via the flash mount . Both work well depending on the connection . The app is free and well worth reviewing . Just an idea !

[StephonRen]

9:27 From D700 and D780 experience, one can change the setting in menu to have pressing buttons (iso, exposure, etc.) once and rotate dial without holding.

[Yupthereitism]

I’m really glad you are reviewing Nikon now. You make the most objective reviews and I am going the Nikon way

[Jwitherow]

I was a fan boy for Nikon. And I still use them. However the focus lets me down a lot even on portrait photography. I do enjoy my 85 1.2 with my zf I sold my z8 . But I am rocking my a9 111 for my go to camera. I am like you I now have 5 systems. This is one of the reasons I love your channel you cover most of the gear I use. That and you a Pentecostal Brother, your review have help Gide me the the waters of sharks trying to eat my bank account. I know I can trust your advice. Murray Christmas Dustin to your family.

[cohoonatube]

Excellent review, thanks Dustin! Enjoy hearing your perspectives of Nikon as a Sony Shooter. I still think Nikon files are easier to work with in post, but the Z8 size, lack of fully articulating screen, and no dedicated memory recall dial/button made it a no-go for me. I'm loving the A7RV... would like it to have 15 fps and a bit better low-light performance, but i'll trade that for also having 26mp Crop Mode and instant 1.5x TC for all my lenses :D. Amazing choices today.

[williamedge]

Great video! It’s always a must watch when you do a review, Thanks Dustin

[StephonRen]

Also, the dial direction can be reversed by changing the setting in the menu. Of course, the mount is a permanent reverse ...

[Mr]

Thank you Justin for reviewing the Camera that I use. Great and balanced review

[doogieham]

Nice review, Dustin. Can you elaborate on the manual focus aids you referenced @21:07? Which ones I did you find helpful and how did they compare to your experience with Canon and Sony?

[kevinastley]

I find Nikon video tracking better than Sony. Love the Nikon range. Left Sony for it and never looked back