A Creative Introduction to the Nikon Z8 | Hands on Review

A hands-on Nikon Z8 review; this blog post will explore the endless possibilities of capturing stunning visuals through the latest Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera in various photography scenarios including portrait, fashion, street, and architecture photography. With cutting-edge features catered to the most demanding niches.

In the Z range

So how does the Nikon Z8 fit in with the rest of the Nikon Z range? Check out a quick comparison of the most recent Z camera's top features below.

	Nikon Z9	Nikon Z8	Nikon Z7 II
Sensor	45.7MP	45.7MP	45.7MP
Viewfinder	3690k-dot EVF	3690k-dot EVF	3690k-dot EVF
Autofocus	493 Phase-detection Hybrid AF	493 Phase-detection Hybrid AF	493 Phase-detection Hybrid AF
Video	Up to 8K 60p	Up to 8K 60p	Up to 4K 60p
ISO range	64-25,600	64-25,600	64-25,600
FPS	20 fps	20 fps	10 fps
Card Slots	2x XQD/CFExpress	1x SD Card, 1x XQD/CFExpress	1x SD Card, 1x XQD/CFExpress
Weight	1340g	910g	675g
Battery	EN-EL18d	EN-EL15c	EN-EL15c

Fashion photography

When it comes to portrait and fashion photography, the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera performs exceptionally well. Its impressive sensor size (being the exact same sensor setup as the flagship Nikon Z9) translates to breathtaking images with stunning colours and sharpness, bringing out the finest details in every subject.

When using the Z8 for portraiture alongside a trigger-based lighting setup and the NIKKOR Z 28-75mm f/2.8 Lens, I found it was able to capture incredible detail, and once I adjusted the white balance correctly, produced a natural amount of contrast, giving the shadows a pleasing depth.

Nikon Z8 + Nikkor Z 28-75mm Lens

With the lighting, shadows and colour all coming out well, I was able to put greater thought into shot framing and directing the model, letting me get in a more creative flow, capturing candid moments, and connecting with the subject without any distractions.

This was also due to the amazing autofocus and subject detection which gave me crisp images effortlessly and the electronic shutter which gave me extremely fast shutter speeds.

The capability of recording in 10-bit HEIF stills and 10-bit HLG video format allows you to capture more detail at high resolution. Accompanied by a dual card slot, comprising a CFExpress card slot and a regular SD slot. The Z8 is perfect for fast-paced shooting where you can record images and footage with minimal delay.

Nikon Z8 + Nikkor Z 28-75mm Lens

Architectural photography

A perfect fit for architecture photography, offering impressive dynamic range and resolution to artfully document the world's most beautiful structures. Taking a different lens, the NIKKOR Z 14-24mm f2.8 S, I was able to adjust the settings for shooting architecture photography with relative ease.

The handiest feature for adjustments on the go was the touchscreen where I could easily play around with the ISO in the varying lighting levels when switching environments.

Nikon Z8 + Nikkor Z 14-24mm Lens

I won’t pretend I know anything more than the basics of camera settings, but I found those easy enough to manage, and while the Z8 is not recommended as a beginner's camera, I appreciated the straightforward UI which allows you to make your photography as technical as you like.

Combining the full-frame camera with a wide-angle lens I was able to fully capture the architecture in the frame I wanted.

Nikon Z8 + Nikkor Z 14-24mm Lens

By far the most useful feature for me was the articulating screen that has been carried over from the Z9. Great for low-angle shots, where the mechanical shutter and 5-axis IBIS add extra stability for handheld photography, as well as being able to angle the screen for both portrait and landscape images. This was particularly helpful in vertical shooting where it wasn’t as easy to use the real live viewfinder.

Street photography

Attaching a 50mm f1.2 S prime so I could put my mind to framing and focus within the shot, I took the Z8 on a short photo walk around areas near me.

It’s not as big and heavy-duty as the Z9, the Nikon Z8 is lightweight at under 1kg but it is still very much a professional camera. Because of this, I feel it would be a little awkward on a longer photo walk merely from a mobility perspective. That being said, when I was setting up a shot and playing around with the camera angle it was a very nice weight during shooting.

Nikon Z8 + Nikkor Z 50mm Lens

This compact and lightweight camera is no doubt a perfect choice for roaming through bustling city streets, capturing decisive moments in everyday life. The quick and accurate af system, high-quality sensor, and intuitive controls make the Z8 ideal for creating beautiful street art. Moreover, the robust build ensures that your camera is built to last, even through the most demanding missions of street photography.

Nikon Z8 + Nikkor Z 50mm Lens

Worthy mentions

While I didn’t get a chance to try out the video recording features, it is also worth noting that this is a hybrid camera capable of capturing 8.3K native video. So any pro photographers who produce both stills and video content will be drawn further to the Z8 for recording professional-grade footage alongside their high-quality images, which could make it a great Nikon camera for vlogging.

The pro-grade weather sealing and cold tolerance of the Z8 also makes it perfect for the professional outdoor photographer looking for a camera with a form factor that can keep up with a rugged work environment.

Conclusion

I’m sure a more experienced photographer or someone who has time to read the manual back to back and find their ideal features and settings, would be able to get even more from this camera. It’s definitely aimed at the professional photography audience and I can see why people who love the Z9 would want this as a second shooter. A lot of it is near identical, and for those who need more mobility, the Z8 is lightweight enough for a day’s shooting.

In conclusion, Nikon’s Z8 mirrorless camera is a highly versatile tool that caters to various photography niches including portrait, fashion, street, and architecture photography. With stunning image quality, autofocus, and a range of features that support your creative vision, this baby Z9 is a must-have for professional photographers that require versatility and mobility when shooting hybrid content.

I'm convinced!

If you are keen to get your hands on the Nikon Z8, it is available in the following kits:

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By James Spires
8 Jun 2023