Built using flagship DNA, the Nikon Z8 is a compact, lightweight camera housing much of the technology from the Z9 but in a sleeker, more portable package. Dubbed the ultimate hybrid camera, the Z8 features the same proven sensor, processing, and AF capabilities of the flagship with a new body design that better suits gimbal use, event shooting, and other handheld applications.
Featuring the same sensor that debuted in the Z9, the FX-format 45.7MP BSI stacked CMOS sensor offers a useful combination of resolution, fast readout speeds, impressive clarity, and minimal noise. The stacked design contributes to reduced rolling shutter while the BSI designation ensures improved noise levels when working at the top end of the extended ISO 32-102400 range. Also, the 45.7MP resolution and full-frame sensor size hit a sweet spot that benefits photographers working in detail-oriented genres as well as enables recording video at resolutions up to 8K.
Complementing the sensor is the EXPEED 7 processing engine, which offers speeds approximately 10x faster than a Z7 II. This engine works in conjunction with the stacked sensor design to realize impressively fast AF speeds, burst shooting rates, a high buffer capacity, fluid video performance, and quick all-around handling.
Relying on the speed and stacked design of the sensor, the Z8 completely forgoes a mechanical shutter and uses just an electronic shutter for all capture modes. The speed of the sensor enables recording at up to 1/32,000 sec and the stacked structure reduces motion distortion for accurate depiction of fast-moving subjects, like golf clubs, baseball bats, and automobiles. Also, despite the absence of a mechanical shutter, flash sync up to 1/200 sec. is still supported as well as high speed sync functions.
By removing the mechanical shutter, the Z8 can also operate completely silently and there is no worry over mechanical shutter wear or breakdown. A shutter release sound can be added for awareness when a photo is being taken, and the volume can be adjusted to suit different working scenarios.
Perfect for portraits, the Z8 improves on the sensor's inherent capabilities with a series of processing tools and shooting functions to improve portraits:
Covering the full sensor area, the Z8 uses the flagship 493-point phase-detection AF system to realize fast and accurate focusing performance. This system is benefitted by the high-speed communication of the Z interface along with the speed of the sensor that enables AF readings to occur at up to 120 fps.
This focusing system also supports working in low-light conditions with a Starlight mode that permits focusing down to -9 EV to greatly benefit astrophotography, concert, and other nighttime shooting applications. Also useful for working in difficult lighting conditions, Backlit AF uses separate pixels on the sensor for AF, allowing these areas to intentionally overexpose for focusing accuracy purposes without impacting the actual exposure of the recorded image.
A mainstay focusing mode in DSLRs, which debuted for mirrorless with the Z9, the Z8 also includes 3D Tracking AF that pairs with subject detection to lock onto fast, erratically moving subjects that move parallel and perpendicular to the camera. Additionally, there are three Dynamic-Area AF modes, with a range of focus area sizes, for capturing a broad variety of moving subject types.
Utilizing inherited algorithms and deep learning technology from the Z9, including sophisticated Subject Detection, the Z8 can recognize a variety of distinct subject types, ranging from humans to animals to airplanes to bicycles. When working in Auto-Area AF, these subjects will automatically be detected, focused on, and tracked to ensure sharp focus when the subject is moving across the frame.
Eye-Detection AF, specifically, has been tuned for improved accuracy and refined recognition of eyes in the scene, regardless of how small or large they are within the image frame, and can also be used in conjunction with custom Wide-Area AF for different subject shapes and sizes.
Equally capable for video, the Z8 matches the Z9's recording capabilities here, as well, with a variety of resolutions and frame rates available up to 8K. Using full pixel readout, UHD 8K 30p video can be recorded with continuous shooting possible for approximately 2 hours 5 minutes.
Both 8K and 4K also support using the true 24p frame rate for a cinematic look and full-frame 4K recording is available, too, up to 120p for slow-motion playback. Using an 8K area, oversampled UHD 4K recording is possible at up to 60p for increased sharpness and detail. Also, high-resolution frame grabs can be recorded in camera from 8K and 4K videos, for producing 33MP or 11MP stills, respectively.
Internal 12-bit raw recording at up to 8.3K 60p in the N-RAW format is supported along with internal ProRES RAW HQ. Raw recording offers greater tonal and color latitude and can improve dynamic range, benefitting color grading needs and post-production flexibility.
Internal recording is also supported with 10-bit color and 4:2:2 sampling in the ProRes 422 HQ and H.265 codecs, and H.264 and 4:2:0 color can be used depending on workflow needs. For more latitude when color grading in post, there is also a 10-bit N-Log setting as well as a Flat color profile. Additionally, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) can be used for creating HDR-ready content straight from the camera.
Aiding the impressive recording specs, the Z8 also incorporates a variety of useful recording tools and functions for use in productions:
Matching the professional build quality, the Z8 is fitted with a variety of connectivity options to suit various workflow needs:
A truly versatile everyday lens, the NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S, from Nikon, is a wide-angle to short-telephoto zoom covering an extremely useful range of focal lengths to benefit a variety of applications from landscape to portraiture. The constant f/4 maximum aperture offers consistent performance throughout the zoom range and the lens features an advanced optical design for high sharpness and clarity. As a go-to lens for a majority of needs, this lens also sports a relatively compact and lightweight design.
| Imaging | |
|---|---|
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Sensor Resolution | Actual: 52.37 Megapixel Effective: 45.7 Megapixel (8256 x 5504) |
| Image Sensor | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS |
| Image Stabilization | Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis |
| Built-In ND Filter | None |
| Capture Type | Stills & Video |
| Exposure Control | |
| Shutter Type | Electronic Shutter |
| Shutter Speed | Electronic Shutter 1/32000 to 30 Seconds 0 to 900 Seconds in Manual Mode |
| Bulb/Time Mode | Bulb Mode |
| ISO Sensitivity | Photo/Video 64 to 25,600 (Extended: 32 to 102,400) |
| Metering Method | Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Matrix, Spot |
| Exposure Modes | Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority |
| Exposure Compensation | -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Metering Range | -3 to 17 EV |
| White Balance | 2500 to 10,000K Presets: Auto, Cloudy, Custom, Direct Sunlight, Flash, Fluorescent, Incandescent, Preset Manual, Shade |
| Continuous Shooting | Electronic Shutter Up to 20 fps at 45.7 MP for up to 1000 Frames (Raw) Up to 30 fps at 45.7 MP for Unlimited Frames (JPEG) Up to 60 fps at 19 MP Up to 120 fps at 11 MP |
| Interval Recording | Yes |
| Self-Timer | 2/5/10/20-Second Delay |
| Still Image Capture | |
| Image Sizes | 3:2 8256 x 5504 6192 x 4128 4128 x 2752 |
| Aspect Ratio | 1:1, 3:2, 16:9 |
| Image File Format | JPEG, Raw |
| Bit Depth | 14-Bit |
| Video Capture | |
| Internal Recording Modes | H.265 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps ProRes 422 HQ 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps H.265 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps H.264 4:2:0 8-Bit UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/25/29.97/50/59.94/100 fps Raw 12-Bit 7680 x 4320 at 24.00/59.94 fps |
| External Recording Modes | HDMI UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) up to 29.97 fps UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Sensor Crop Modes | Super35 / APS-C 4K (3840 x 2160) 1080p (1920 x 1080) |
| Fast-/Slow-Motion Support | No |
| Gamma Curve | HDR-HLG |
| Recording Limit | None |
| Broadcast Output | NTSC/PAL |
| IP Streaming | None |
| Built-In Microphone Type | Stereo |
| Audio Recording | 2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio |
| Interface | |
| Media/Memory Card Slot | Slot 1: CFexpress Type B / XQD Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Video I/O | 1 x HDMI Output |
| Audio I/O | 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Input 1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input/Output |
| Power I/O | 1 x USB-C Input |
| Other I/O | 1 x USB-C Data Output 1 x Nikon 10-Pin Control Input |
| Wireless | 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) Bluetooth |
| Mobile App Compatible | Yes: Android & iOS *As of May, 2023: Check with manufacturer for the most up-to-date compatibility |
| Global Positioning (GPS, GLONASS, etc.) | None |
| Monitor | |
| Size | 3.2" |
| Resolution | 2,100,000 Dot |
| Display Type | 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD |
| Secondary Display | Top: Status Display |
| Viewfinder | |
| Type | Built-In Electronic (OLED) |
| Size | 0.5" |
| Resolution | 3,690,000 Dot |
| Eye Point | 23 mm |
| Coverage | 100% |
| Magnification | Approx. 0.8x |
| Diopter Adjustment | -4 to +3 |
| Focus | |
| Focus Type | Auto and Manual Focus |
| Focus Mode | Continuous-Servo AF, Manual Focus, Single-Servo AF |
| Autofocus Points | Photo, Video Phase Detection: 493 |
| Autofocus Sensitivity | -9 to +19 EV |
| Flash | |
| Built-In Flash | No |
| Flash Modes | First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction |
| Maximum Sync Speed | 1/200 Second |
| Flash Compensation | -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps) |
| Dedicated Flash System | iTTL |
| External Flash Connection | Hot Shoe |
| Environmental | |
| Operating Temperature | 14 to 104°F / -10 to 40°C |
| Operating Humidity | 0 to 85% |
| General | |
| Battery Type | 1 x EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 340 Shots) |
| Tripod Mounting Thread | 1 x 1/4"-20 Female (Bottom) |
| Accessory Mount | 1 x Hot Shoe Mount on Camera Body |
| Material of Construction | Magnesium Alloy |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3" / 144 x 118.5 x 83 mm |
| Weight | 2.0 lb / 910 g (With Battery, Recording Media) |
| Nikon NIKKOR Z 24-120mm F/4 S Lens (Nikon Z) | |
| Focal Length | 24 to 120mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Lens Mount | Nikon Z |
| Lens Format Coverage | Full-Frame |
| Angle of View | 84° to 20° 20' |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.1' / 35 cm |
| Maximum Magnification | 0.39x |
| Optical Design | 16 Elements in 13 Groups |
| Diaphragm Blades | 9, Rounded |
| Focus Type | Autofocus |
| Image Stabilization | No |
| Filter Size | 77 mm (Front) |
| Dimensions (ø x L) | 3.3 x 4.6" / 84 x 118 mm |
| Weight | 1.4 lb / 630 g |
