Nikon Z8 Review: The Z9's Brains in a Smaller Body at a Much Lower Price
When Nikon launched the Z9 in late 2021, it was the flagship that brought Nikon back into the mirrorless race. Then in 2023 Nikon took almost everything inside it, removed the built-in vertical grip, and sold it as the Z8 for about $2,000 less. Same 45.7MP stacked sensor. Same processor. Same autofocus. Roughly 30 percent smaller.
It has been one of the most loved cameras of the decade ever since.
The Z8 has no mechanical shutter at all. The stacked sensor reads out so fast that the electronic shutter is the only one you need, even for flash and moving subjects. That also means no shutter wear and almost silent shooting.
Video review: PetaPixel
A camera that keeps getting better
Nikon has supported the Z8 with large free firmware updates. Version 2.0 added a dedicated bird-detection mode, pixel shift for very high-resolution stills of static subjects, auto capture triggered by motion or distance, and more. A Z8 bought in 2023 is a noticeably better camera today. Few manufacturers treat buyers that well.
Out of the box you get 20 frames per second in full-resolution RAW, 30 fps in JPEG and 120 fps at 11MP. In the high-speed JPEG modes, pre-release capture saves up to a second of frames before you fully press the button. Subject detection covers people, animals, birds, vehicles and aircraft, and it tracks with real stickiness. The viewfinder shows a live feed with no blackout during bursts, which makes following a bird or an athlete feel natural.
Serious video
The Z8 records 8K at up to 60p in N-RAW internally, plus ProRes RAW and ProRes 422 HQ. It also shoots 4K at up to 120p. You can run a full production on it without an external recorder. N-Log and HLG are built in.
Stabilization is rated at up to 6 stops. The screen tilts in four directions rather than flipping out, which is great for photographers and less handy for filming yourself.
Card slots are one CFexpress Type B and one SD UHS-II.
The catches
Battery life. The Z8 uses the smaller EN-EL15c battery instead of the Z9’s large pack, and it drains fast during heavy bursts or 8K recording. Two spares are the minimum for a long day. The optional MB-N12 grip doubles capacity.
Weight. Smaller than the Z9 still means around 910 grams with battery and card. It’s a solid, weather-sealed tool, and you’ll feel it on a hike.
Some early units had a strap lug recall in 2024. Nikon fixed affected cameras for free, but it’s worth checking the serial on a used copy.
Who should buy it
Wildlife, sports and event photographers who want flagship speed without paying for or carrying a flagship. Landscape shooters who also want 45MP files and pixel shift. Video creators who want internal raw.
It goes head to head with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II. The Canon has the nicer grip, Eye Control AF and a mechanical shutter. The Nikon has internal ProRes RAW, a blackout-free viewfinder and usually a lower price.
Five years after the Z9 changed Nikon’s fortunes, the Z8 is the version most people should actually buy.