Nikon Z8 Review: Professional Mirrorless Camera Test 2024

Introduction

The camera industry has been buzzing since Nikon unveiled the Nikon Z8, positioning it as a compact powerhouse that bridges the gap between enthusiast and professional photography. As someone who’s spent countless hours behind the viewfinder of various Nikon cameras, I was eager to put this hybrid mirrorless camera through its paces.

The Z8 promises to deliver flagship performance in a more accessible package, borrowing heavily from its bigger sibling, the Nikon Z9, while maintaining a form factor that won’t break your back during long shooting sessions. But does it live up to the hype? After several months of real-world testing across various shooting scenarios, here’s my comprehensive review.

Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Sensor	45.7MP Full-Frame Stacked CMOS
Image Processor	EXPEED 7
ISO Range	64-25,600 (expandable to 32-102,400)
Autofocus Points	493 phase-detection AF points
Continuous Shooting	Up to 20 fps (electronic), 10 fps (mechanical)
Video Recording	8K/30p, 4K/120p internal recording
Viewfinder	3.69M-dot OLED EVF, 0.8x magnification
LCD Screen	3.2-inch tilting touchscreen, 2.1M dots
Memory Cards	Dual CFexpress Type B / XQD slots
Weather Sealing	Yes, extensive sealing
Dimensions	144 × 118.5 × 83mm
Weight	910g (body only)
Battery Life	Approximately 340 shots (CIPA standard)

Build Quality and Design

Ergonomics and Handling

The Z8’s design philosophy centers on professional functionality without the bulk traditionally associated with flagship cameras. At 910 grams, it’s significantly lighter than the Z9 while maintaining the robust build quality Nikon is known for. The magnesium alloy construction feels solid in hand, and the extensive weather sealing gives you confidence when shooting in challenging conditions.

The grip is deep and comfortable, accommodating larger hands well. I’ve used this camera for 8-hour wedding shoots without experiencing significant fatigue, which speaks volumes about its ergonomic design. The button layout is intuitive, with customizable function buttons positioned exactly where your fingers naturally fall.

Weather Resistance

Nikon hasn’t compromised on weather sealing despite the Z8’s smaller form factor. I’ve tested it in light rain, dusty environments, and humid tropical conditions without any issues. The camera maintains the professional-grade sealing that makes it suitable for serious outdoor photography and demanding shooting conditions.

Image Quality Performance

Sensor and Image Processing

The Z8’s 45.7-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor, paired with the EXPEED 7 processor, delivers exceptional image quality that rivals and often exceeds many competitors in this price range. The stacked sensor design enables incredibly fast readout speeds, virtually eliminating rolling shutter effects even when shooting fast-moving subjects.

Dynamic range is outstanding, with approximately 14 stops of latitude in the RAW files. This gives you tremendous flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to recover details in both shadows and highlights that would be lost with lesser cameras. The color science maintains Nikon’s signature warm, natural rendering that requires minimal correction out of camera.

Low Light Performance

ISO performance is where the Z8 truly shines. Usable images extend well into the higher ISO ranges, with clean, detailed results up to ISO 12,800. Even at ISO 25,600, images remain surprisingly clean with proper noise reduction in post-processing. The camera’s noise characteristics are fine-grained and respond well to noise reduction algorithms without sacrificing detail.

I’ve successfully shot handheld in concert venues and dimly lit churches, producing images that would have required a tripod with previous-generation cameras. The combination of excellent high-ISO performance and effective in-body stabilization opens up creative possibilities in challenging lighting conditions.

Autofocus System

AF Performance and Accuracy

The Z8’s autofocus system represents a significant leap forward in performance and intelligence. With 493 phase-detection AF points covering approximately 90% of the frame, the camera locks onto subjects with remarkable speed and accuracy. The subject detection algorithms are particularly impressive, reliably identifying and tracking people, animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, and planes.

Eye detection works flawlessly for both humans and animals, maintaining focus even when subjects are moving erratically. I’ve found the bird detection especially useful for wildlife photography, accurately tracking small birds in flight even against busy backgrounds.

Real-World AF Testing

During extensive testing with portrait work, the Z8 consistently nailed focus on the intended eye, even in group shots where multiple faces were present. The tracking persistence is excellent – once locked onto a subject, the camera rarely loses focus unless the subject moves completely out of frame.

For sports and action photography, the continuous AF performance rivals dedicated sports cameras. I tested it extensively during soccer matches and found the hit rate to be exceptionally high, even when players were moving directly toward or away from the camera.

Video Capabilities

Recording Specs and Quality

Video is where the Z8 demonstrates its hybrid nature most clearly. Internal 8K recording at 30fps produces incredibly detailed footage with excellent color reproduction. The 4K options are comprehensive, including 120fps for high-quality slow motion without the need for external recorders.

The full-width 4K recording utilizes the entire sensor width, providing the full field of view of your lenses. This is particularly beneficial for videographers who need to match the look they achieve with stills photography.

Video Features and Usability

Focus peaking, zebras, and histogram displays make manual focus and exposure control straightforward. The articulating LCD screen, while not fully reversible, provides enough flexibility for most shooting angles. Audio recording through the built-in microphone is surprisingly good, though serious video work will benefit from external audio solutions.

The camera includes useful video-specific features like focus breathing compensation and electronic VR that works in conjunction with lens stabilization for remarkably smooth handheld footage.

Battery Life and Performance

Power Management

Battery life is adequate but not exceptional, with approximately 340 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. Real-world usage varies significantly depending on your shooting style. Heavy use of the EVF, continuous shooting, and video recording will drain the battery more quickly.

I typically carry three batteries for a full day of mixed shooting, which provides comfortable coverage without anxiety about power levels. The USB-C charging capability is convenient for topping up between shoots or powering the camera during extended studio sessions.

Memory Card Performance

The dual CFexpress Type B slots provide excellent performance for high-resolution stills and video recording. The fast write speeds keep up with continuous shooting bursts, and the large buffer means you’re rarely waiting for the camera to catch up. Having two slots provides security for important shoots through backup recording or overflow options.

Pros and Cons

Strengths

Exceptional Image Quality: The 45.7MP sensor produces incredibly detailed images with excellent dynamic range and color reproduction. Files have plenty of latitude for post-processing adjustments.

Outstanding Autofocus: The subject detection and tracking capabilities are among the best available, making it easier to capture sharp images of moving subjects.

Professional Build Quality: Despite its smaller size, the Z8 maintains professional-grade construction and weather sealing suitable for demanding environments.

Hybrid Versatility: Excellent video capabilities make this camera suitable for content creators who need both high-quality stills and professional video features.

Improved Ergonomics: More comfortable to use for extended periods compared to larger flagship cameras while maintaining professional controls.

Limitations

Battery Life: Power consumption requires carrying multiple batteries for extended shooting sessions, especially when using video features heavily.

CFexpress Card Cost: The requirement for CFexpress Type B cards adds to the overall system cost, though the performance benefits justify the expense for professional use.

Limited Third-Party Lens Selection: While growing rapidly, the native Z-mount lens ecosystem is still smaller than established DSLR systems, though adapters provide access to F-mount lenses.

Heat Management: Extended video recording can cause the camera to heat up, though thermal management is generally well-handled.

Comparison with Alternatives

Versus Nikon Z9

The Nikon Z9 offers similar image quality and features but in a larger, more traditional professional camera body with integrated vertical grip and longer battery life. Choose the Z9 if you prioritize maximum battery life and the integrated vertical grip, but the Z8 offers 95% of the performance in a more portable package.

Versus Nikon Z6 III

The Nikon Z6 III provides excellent performance at a lower price point with a 24MP sensor, making it ideal for those who prioritize low-light performance and don’t need the Z8’s resolution advantage. The Z8 is the better choice for photographers who need maximum detail and professional features.

Who Should Buy the Nikon Z8

Ideal Users

Professional Photographers: Wedding, portrait, and commercial photographers who need reliable performance, excellent image quality, and professional features in a more portable package than traditional flagship cameras.

Serious Enthusiasts: Advanced photographers ready to step up to professional-grade equipment who want flagship features without the bulk and expense of the largest cameras.

Hybrid Content Creators: Photographers who also need serious video capabilities for client work or content creation, benefiting from the seamless transition between stills and video modes.

Wildlife and Sports Photographers: The exceptional autofocus performance and high-resolution sensor make it excellent for capturing detailed images of moving subjects.

Consider Alternatives If

Budget is Primary Concern: The Z8 represents a significant investment, and the Z6 III offers excellent performance at a lower price point for those who don’t need the highest resolution.

Maximum Battery Life is Critical: Photographers who need to shoot all day without changing batteries might prefer the Z9’s larger capacity or consider cameras with better power efficiency.

Size and Weight are Paramount: Mirrorless cameras like the Z6 III are lighter and more compact if ultimate portability is your priority.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

The Nikon Z8 successfully achieves its goal of delivering flagship performance in a more accessible package. It offers exceptional image quality, outstanding autofocus capabilities, and professional-grade build quality that justifies its position in Nikon’s lineup.

The camera excels in virtually every area that matters to serious photographers: image quality, autofocus performance, build quality, and feature set. While battery life could be better and the system cost is significant when factoring in fast memory cards, these are minor compromises for the overall capability package.

For photographers ready to invest in a professional-grade mirrorless system, the Z8 represents an excellent balance of performance, features, and portability. It’s particularly compelling for those who need both exceptional still image capabilities and serious video features in a single camera body.

The Z8 earns a strong recommendation for professional photographers, serious enthusiasts, and hybrid content creators who value image quality and performance above all else. It successfully bridges the gap between enthusiast and flagship cameras, delivering professional results in a more manageable package than traditional pro cameras.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars - An outstanding camera that delivers on its promises with only minor compromises in battery life and system cost.