Thomas, regardless of the views for this kind of video, don't give up on videos like the Svalbard video. In my opinion that was one of the best (if not the best) videos you've ever done.

Hey Thomas, no matter how many views this video gets, your Svalbard video is absolutely stunning! I know that description is no longer used, but it’s appropriate for the gorgeous photography, voiceover, video, storytelling and editing work that you did. I am really glad that you had the Nikon Z8 with you to allow you to capture everything you wanted to do without any possible hinderance. I say this without any degrading of the Nikon Z7II, it remains a wonderful camera.

You have to be my favourite KZfaqr as you talk about the journey and your enjoyment doing photography - thank you ❤

I did watch the last video on THE day it came out. It was great. It took me four years to get a Z7. It will be four more years before I can afford a Z8 or a Z9. All great cameras.

Thomas, even your gear reviews are exceptional. Just how it worked for you and your opinion of the camera. Done without putting down other cameras, or having a "sniff test".

Thomas, you are one of my favorite stops on KZfaq and it is because of your on location videos where you talk about how you approach the scene. Keep up the great work!

Yep, I agree with you. Once I got the chance to get to know my Z8, I rarely use my Z7ii. I converted my Z6ii to full-spectrum for Astro and IR imagery. The Z7ii, is now just a backup. The Z8 as the all-rounder. Finally, the Z we've been waiting for.

Last week was one of the best you’ve done Thomas so I’m not surprised to hear you’ve changed your opinion, as the images were simply stunning and knew when you got some decent hands on time you would start get the results you were hoping for

Don't worry about the opinions and perspectives of the viewers. You keep doing what you do. You are the 1st person I started following in my photographer journey a few years back. Surprise, I'm still here and have watched every VLOG you have put out. You do you!!!!!

A couple of things, Thomas, both good: 1) I watched your Svalbard video and was really impressed with the quality of the photography and the film editing. I had to remind myself that I wasn't watching a NatGeo production. I plan to watch and enjoy it several more times. 2) I'm really glad to get your user experience with the Nikon Z8. That means so much more to me than listening to some techno head talking about individual features so quickly that I can't even comprehend what they are saying much less if they would benefit me. After your review of your experience with it I'm much more likely to buy one now. Hope you have a great deal of success with your video productions in the future and I will still be looking forward to your Wednesday posts.

Nice video Thomas! The main plus of the Z8 (not for everyone, but generally speaking) is the stacked sensor, and it's a huge benefit for wildlife/action/sports. Nice to see Nikon steadily getting back in the game in many respects.

The Z8 is just the nudge needed to lower the price of the Z7, to replace my D800. I'm a bargain hunting, hobbyist, photographer, that only uses the high resolution camera when I need the resolution. I don't really want to spend a lot of money on it. My trusty D7200 still gets most of the fun, because I like to use it the most... and the file sizes are easier on my computer. Thanks to all the top tier guys, for bringing down the prices of excellent gear, so guys like me can afford the gear I dream about. BTW, I still shoot like I'm paying for film and processing. I can't break the habit.

One of the "little features" is the brilliant viewfinder. One you've used the Z8 going back to another camera is like peering into a coal cellar on a dark night.

While I don't mind the occasional camera review video, the past few months gave me some "It's Time to Start Over" vibes... As you've essentially said yourself: your camera is probably the least limiting factor when setting out to create great photographs, especially nowadays. I don't know, maybe I'm too cynical, but watching you talk about cameras, and their specs, and minor differences between models makes me feel like I'm watching the Northrups. Meanwhile videos like last week's are how I found this channel and they are what keep me coming back. You going on a hike, or road trip, or exploration tour on a boat, talking about your impressions and relating them to your past experiences; and (maybe) taking and coming back with some great images. That's what I think is most entertaining about this channel and what sets it apart from those of many other "photography" KZfaqrs. So leave the camera reviews to the camera reviewers, they - frankly - do a better and more thorough job anyways. Where I find you talking about cameras most interesting and helpful is in the field, when explaining how a setting or feature helps or helped you shoot what you are currently or were previously shooting.

The Svalbard video is fantastic, thank you. More important than the view count is your own enjoyment of those trips.

I moved from the Z7 to the Z 8. Completely blown away by it! As you said it’s not just one feature but collectively all the little things add up to make it the best camera out there!

I wasn't able to watch your Svalbard video right away because of its length, and I knew I wanted to enjoy it without interruptions. When I finally was able to watch it, I was blown away. The video is amazing.

Loves the long form Svalbard video. Thanks for taking us along on your trips. On the other side of the coin, your practical gear reviews are also very valuable to us. Cheers for all the content!

Hey Thomas, a good and honest review after putting the Z8 through its paces. I LOVE!! the last episode from Svalbard, you did a phenomenal job on location and in the editing suit. I'd love to see more of those types of videos. It will be a greater workload but the results would be worth the effort. Looking forward to your next adventure that you will take us on. Cheers!

Still rocking a Z6. Very impressed with it, I can't imagine how good is the Z8!

Good for you for having the courage and confidence to change your mind!

I love my Z7 II for landscapes. The only 2 features of the Z8 that interest me are the sensor cover and the articulated screen, but they don't justify the much higher price point IMHO, and neither is going to provide better image quality. I also give the Z7 II major points for size and weight, which is VERY important to me. Will be sticking with the Z7 II for the foreseeable future.

Thomas...great decision! I made the move from the Z7II to the Z8. I am keeping the Z7II to use as well, such as on long hikes where weight counts. This move is one of the best photography decisions I have ever made. The Z8, with all of its capabilities, is a phenomenal camera body.

Mr Heaton: Really enjoyed the Svalbard video last week. Great work! And, not “but” - absolutely not “but” - AND, I also enjoyed this video, because your “friendly chat” videos are just so much fun to watch as well. You do both kinds of video very well, sir. Thank you for the lovely work you do. Keep ‘em all coming!

Tom, your view on the need to hop genres ever once in a while is spot on. There are tons of features that really helps in any new mode. For example, the starlight mode or red display for astro, the focus stacking mode for macro, the new adjustments available for portrait photography...the list goes on. The Z system has grown into a massive family of superlatives. Thanks for this and the amazing Svalbard video!

The Z8 is a phenomenal camera. It's basically a mini Z9. Great hybrid camera. I watched the "long video" and loved it.

Having shot with Canon equipment since 2008, I made the decision to purchase the Nikon Z8 two weeks ago and I am so pleased that I did. The image quality is superb and the camera feels premium quality and I don't mind the little extra weight that comes with it. The following Nikon Z lenses that I purchased (14-30mm f/4, 24-120mm f/4, and the 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6) are stunning lenses and having just bought the Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 that I shall use for astro shooting, I feel that I am set up for some years to come, although their latest 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 is quite tempting too for wildlife. Anyhow, glad you enjoyed the Z8 Thomas. Looking forward to seeing more work from you shortly :-)

Good info! I just got my Z8 and could not be happier! Always good to hear your thoughts. Thanks for taking me along!

Haven’t watched the previous video, but I fully intend to when I have time to digest a 45 minute KZfaq video. Which, knowing you, is going to be more of a movie/documentary.Such quality 👌

The Svalbard video was epic Thomas. I did notice you were using the Z-8! Also noticed that you have become a nature photographer! You combine the best of both now. I thought you might appreciate the autofocus of the Z-8 for wild life. Your video’s rock. Thanks Thomas!

I don’t know if my opinion matters because I’m not a photographer, I have been following you since I was about 15. Please keep going regardless of the direction you want to go in. I will watch it 🙌🏾

I was one of the commenters that agreed with your decision to not get the Z8. But after owning the Z8 myself, the little sucker tends to weasels its' self into your entire work flow. Gah! You said it well, nothing really over whelming, just a bunch of little things (since I was looking for a lighter Z9 - one big thing: mass) that makes it a stand out camera.

The Z8 is one awesome camera, a big step above my Z7 (yes the original one), I will buy a Z8 maybe next year once the camera is debugged with a few firmware updates and that initial launch price has come down a bit. There are far too many updates on the Z8 for me to ignore, love the fully flippy screen, the sensor cover and possibly a bit bizarrely the size, the Z7 and Z7ii are lovely and small, maybe a touch too small. Loved the last video, possibly your best ever, even had the Mrs watch it, something she never does and unsurprisingly she thought it was awesome. The channel is great and it is always a pleasure to spend a few minutes enjoying your adventures. Thank you.

The Svalbard video is the best one you made yet, and I follow yhe channel for yeaaarsss. Core viewers will always watch the photography trips.

I loved your Svalbard video. You say the sensor cover in the Z8 is only a small thing but I think it is actually very important and is one very big reason why I would always prefer a DSLR over a mirrorless camera. Hopefully other manufacturers will pick up on this and fit it too all mirrorless cameras. After all Cleanliness is close to Godliness.

Tne Svalbard trip was AWESOME! I’ll be there in a few weeks…my z8 and I’m renting a Z 100-400 can’t wait! Let’s have more of these, they’re great 👍

Here's the thing, man. If you keep doing the videos you love, the content you create will be more meaningful all the way around, AND you'll have an amazing perspective for these types of videos, AND you'll be more content with your life, AND you'll be able to write off some insane incredible trips to do what you really love most.

Your one-touch set up change can be done on any camera with user modes on the function selection button. For instance I have User1 for landscape, User2 for static wildlife, User3 for tracking wildlife, User4 for macro and so on. My programmable front buttons turn off/on IBIS and face detection, which could be animal detection if you prefer, but means the focus always goes to where you want it to.

Svalbard was one of the best pieces of photography content I've seen in a long time!!!! You might cut it up into some shorts with a link to the full video to help promote it.

The Svalbard video was an exquisite piece of work. I think that should be your format for all your big trips, while retaining short form for your close to home shoots, brief excursions to the lakes or similar, and occasional gear reviews. I agree with you at 2:08 that any camera can produce a great image, but there is a difference between cameras which you elude to, 7:17. That's why there's entry & mid level cameras, like the Z30, Z50, Z fc, Z6 to choose from. The Z7ii I think was designed specifically with landscape photographers in mind, while the Z9 was brought out to compete for action orientated photography and to be Nikon's "pro" mirrorless. The Z8 looks to be filling a gap in the market, as you say to be an all round workhorse (much like the D850 is), but at a price for people who don't wish to shell out £5,500 for the Z9. The Z8 is clearly a fantastic camera and I think you'll make the most of what it offers, however for me (note I'm still a DSLR user) all those little features don't add enough to justify the £4,000 price, particularly considering the great deals that can be found on the used market for the Z7i or ii, or the D850, which new is £2,500 from Wex. I'm looking forward to seeing the work you produce with it.😄 👍

Tom, that video last week was incredible , that was your best work ever and that's a hell of a statement. I have watched it probably a half dozen times and it gets better every time. Realizing that was a product of the Z8 makes it even more desirable The images were spectacular!. I have never seen a polar bear play like that. So, take a bow for an incredible job, and kudos to the Z8. Thanks again for taking us along.

The Svalbard video was fantastic, on of the best videos. I have the Z8 for three weeks now and i am in love with this camera, so that my good old Z7 is now the backup body. Many greetings from Hamburg

Mate, your Svalbard video was one of the best things you've done in a long time. I hope Nikon leave you alone now 'cos gear discussions are a yawn by comparison.

The Z8 is at number one position at the best sellers ranking on B&H photo. The same applies to Japan which are selling Z8 and Z9 like crazy. It's the best selling camera. The next step from Nikon should be to release the Z 6 III. More perfomance - small body.

That video of your trip was nothing short of amazing. Thanks for sharing it. I watched this video only because I love your style. I don't really have any interest in this camera, but what you say about it could be interesting in general about photography. I watch all of your videos regardless of the content really. You're a great story teller with a wonderfully humorous style!

I had two Z6ii sold both and got a Z8 and a Z7ii as my second. Love the size for walk around and being a wedding photographer I did want two heavy cameras.

Hi Thomas. Long time subscriber here. Just want to say that you often mention in your gear videos that you don’t care about gear and you don’t think it should be talked about. But now more than 50% of the videos you upload are gear focused. Just dropping you a reminder that we all enjoy your other type of content. And me personally I have switched off from watching any gear related videos in the future. This is probably going to get drowned in the sea of comments but maybe you see it. All the best.

Make it and we’ll watch it. Your stuff is ace…..

Although I rly like most of your vids, the Svalbard was just amazing and I enjoyed every minute of it. So pls go for the longer format i for sure know I will like them to watch. Keep up the good work Thomas and thank you for entertaining me. Have a great day sir.

Your Svalbard video was so enjoyable. Although a Sony user, I love your open and I consider really honest views and explanations. The effort you put into that video was well worth it and I shared it with some friends it was sooooo goood.

Not only was the Svalbard episode spectacular, I actually strong armed the family into watching it and they were locked on. Really, really well done!

Hi Thomas, great to see you change your mind on the Z8. I watched your original review and honestly it was completely different to my own first impressions of the Z8 then again everyone is different and we all use our gear differently 👍 Well done.

Last week was one of the best videos I have ever watched on YT. Glad you like the 8. I just bought it too but haven’t really used it yet.

Hey Thomas, I really enjoyed last week's svalbard trip, however I really look forward to your weekly videos, I really like your road trip vlogs too. Keep doing what you're doing, I'm sure other opportunities like svalbard will come up again. Started watching your channel in lockdown, really enjoyed it

Hey Thomas - maybe you’ve discovered this already, the Z8 can show you a square frame in camera (and a couple other aspect ratios) without cropping the raw file. I mention it since that was something you talked about in a previous video. The last video in Svalbard was awesome, thoroughly enjoyed it, I do hope to see more of those. Enjoy the Z8!

I’d take more 40min videos over gear stuff in a heartbeat. The Svalbard video was awesome and exactly why I enjoy your channel. Keep the faith!

Thomas I did watch last weeks epic video of your trip on the boat. I tend to watch all your videos actually. I saw the one you did with Ricci for the partial day shoot with the Z8 and I didn’t blame you for your opinion that day. I am glad you have had proper time to try it out and have changed your mind. I am a Z7II shooter but I recently purchased the Z8 for the improved auto focus and some of the other reasons you listed. I look forward to seeing more videos of how you put the Z8 through its paces. So far I am enjoying my experience with the Z8. Shooting our fast moving grandchildren is now so much easier than its been on the Z7II.

I have the Z9 and Z7 which is a nice combo. If I need light I'll take the Z7, but for wildlife photography or an 'everything' camera the Z9 is king. I think you will enjoy the Z8 very much.

Your Svalbard video was superb Tom no doubt, would love to see this type of video in the future it’s a great compliment to the rest of your work. It’s interesting how we evolve with our kit. I’ve recently gone from Z F/Frame to Lumix G9 M43rds 😱, it’s all about use ability, size, customisation and even button placement and high res, not to mention Olympus lenses are absolutely stellar and more compact. Madness some might say but it works for me and it delivers.

I'm glad Nikon gave you more time with the Z8, Thomas. One morning is nowhere near enough time to form an decent opinion on a camera. It needed that trip to Svalbard to give you the time you needed to learn how to use it and the features it has.

I thought last week's video was stunning. The Z8 looks like great camera and if my clients paid their bills on time I would get one in a heartbeat.

The Svalbard video was a smashing adventure to watch. And I honestly think a podcast would be awesome, just small chats about camera related stuff, e.g.this video ^^

Hello Thomas. A lot of the photographer that I have came to enjoy over the years don't go out and make videos of their trips. Please keep going outside and making videos of your adventures. I just picked my Z8 about 1 week ago now. I can't wait to really dive in and figure it out.

Definitely a big YES on more videos like the Svalbard video.

Thanks for eating your own words and owning up to it. Thank you for your insight as always even though its on gear (which you don't like to talk too much about). And thank you for the longer format video, it was fantastic!

Loved your Svalbard video. Thanks for honest opinion on why you choose the Z8, have fun with it. Will be sticking with my Z7II, weight for these old bones 😉. Love what it gives me.

I'm very glad to hear that you will use a Z8. It is truly the ultimate Nikon for photographers that need maximum capability and lighter weight than the Z9. Also, I LOVED your Svalbard video and I watched it twice. Keep doing both types of video. The Z8 podcast-style, "eat my words" video was fun and the long-form, movie-style videos you do are inspiring. I look forward to each of your creation styles.

Interesting points raised here Thomas. I've had the Z7II for the last two years, but ordered the Z8 last week along with the 180-600 telephoto. I do mostly sports and wildlife, so I think the Z8 will help me a lot.

Can't believe the Svalbard isn't getting the views, I loved it and can't wait to see more content like that 👌

Excellent Svalbard video and do hope you do more of those. I realize you make a living with this so need to get the eyeballs, but that video was very enjoyable. I tried the Z8 for a week but decided to keep my 7ii for now. Weight, size and paid for are my top 3 reasons, and I'm holding out hope they'll incorporate some or many of the features of the Z8 into the 7iii or whatever the next version will be. Specifically, Sensor cover, tilty screen, better AF and maybe they'll add more MP. The 8 just seemed more than I needed and probably a perfect pro camera where I'm a messy amateur....

I loved the Svalbard video! I really was tired when I started to watch - initially I only wanted to have a sneak peek before I fall into bed at 1am, but I watched it in its full entirety. Post more content like that please!

I am a hobby landscape photographer toying with upgrading my D800 to either D850 or take the plunge for a Z7II the Z 8 intrigues me but I have to admit I am tempted with mirror less the Z8 will be the only camera I need price is the issue for me at this time thanks for sharing you given me more to think about

Swallbard video was epic as someone else said probably the best one you have done Z8 seams to be a top notch camera out of my budget but still seams perfect for many weather conditions and versatile subjects

Just saw your video from last week, and it was wonderful! Keep in that direction please!

I hope you continue doing the epic journey videos - they're my favourites! I'd consider looking at it in a slightly different way than just judging it by views. The people who watch and enjoy your storytelling videos are the ones who will buy your books and calendars, whereas the people who only watch the gear videos will never buy anything. So even though you will probably always get more views in gear videos I'm sure its the more committed viewers of your on location videos who are the ones financially supporting your channel with product purchases.

Going to watch the Svalbard video... be right back… and I’m back (this comment edited obviously) and wow. Epic doesn’t seem enough to describe the Svalbard video. It was wonderful. So inspiring! Bravo!

KZfaq is the only form of video entertainment I watch so the longer format the better, I much prefer 20-40 min run time. The Svalbard trip was terrific to watch Gear reviews I’m in two minds about, when I’m looking to buy I want as many as possible, but when I’ve bought I don’t watch at all 😂

I’m saving the Svalbard video for the weekend, looking forward to it

Nice video with a practical approach to cameras. I really really like the Svalbard video, a lot of work to produce I guess but well worth it. It gave the impression that you were along with you on the trip, and amazing images. Keep them coming.

I’m waiting on mine. Still on back order from B&H. What sold me was the extra 10 FPS, the dual sensor and the pre-capture feature. I’m going to have a single z8 and two z7ii bodies for my wedding photography business.

Svalbard video was awesome. Please do not abandon longer content!

This video will probably get more views just based on the topic alone. More people are looking for Nikon content than Svalbard content, but that doesn't mean it's better. Make what you want it's all good

Congratulations Thomas. The Nikon Z8 is an amazing camera.

Great video! And personally, I loved your Svalbard video! I can't wait to see your video with the XPan! Thank you for the great content!!😁

Great Video, good to see you love the Z8 (it took you long enough!) Yes I loved Svalbard even though i had to have at least 2 bites at thanks for sharing

I'm glad you found an almost perfect tool for you (nothing is perfect of course)! I haven't seen you ever tried nightscape photography btw (maybe missed it). And one or two small features in Z8 will be very helpful there - illuminated buttons and most importantly the night sky mode, where your back-screen gets a significant boost in sensitivity thus enabling you to compose and focus in almost total darkness. Would be interesting to see you trying this one day :) Oh and don't worry about talking about the gear from time to time. It's a significant part of our photography life anyway . Hope you have another expedition soon I certainly do enjoy this sort of long epic (Morten Hilmer-style) videos.

Like others, I really liked the Svalbard trip. I enjoy multi day videos. Another Nikon ambassador did a multi week trip to a beach and made four videos. I watched them all and really enjoyed them. Like you did each was enough different that each stood on its own. So I strongly support your multi day videos. I learn a lot from them. With respect to the camera. Once I learned you were taking a Z8 to Svalbard I expected this video to come out. It was clear to me from the time you were shooting the foxes on that beach some 6-8 weeks ago you have been bitten by the wild life but. Not so seriously that you would give up landscapes but enough that the Z7ii was lacking for a primary camera. This from someone still using a Z7 (not Z7ii). But I also have a Z9 when I need it. Take care and I am looking forward to the new videos. I always learn something from them. Thanks!

As a Sony A7R5 owner, I decided to try the Z8 and make a comparison. I purchased a Nikon Z8 camera body and Nikkor 50mm 1.2 and 105 2.8 macro lenses. For my A7R5 I have a Sony 50mm 1.2 and a Sony 90mm 2.8 macro. First things first: Nikon’s camera body is 200 gr heavier than Sony’s, bigger and thicker. Z8 + 50mm lens is more than one pound (500 gr) heavier than A7R5 (almost 4.4 pounds/ 2 kg), and way longer and bigger. You can barely keep it in your hand, and operating it is complicated as well, due to dimensions, weight, and ergonomics. This was the very first impression and the feeling was definitely bad. On the other hand, I was aware of some differences in measures and weights. Ergonomics was another bad, but unexpected: you’d think that, having a bigger camera, you should get a better grip too, and more/easier controls. This is not. Intuitiveness, comfort, and controls handling are extremely bad. Everything seems to be designed to make it harder to use this camera! The lens release button is on the left, so you cannot unlock the lens using one hand while keeping the camera: you need to keep the camera in front of you and unlock it using the right hand, then, unscrew the lens using your left hand. This is incredibly boring and frustrating. Most of the multi-purpose thumb wheel is inside the body, so there is just a tiny part of it where you can get a grip. But the wheel is also too hard, so rotating it is hard and you will always have to struggle, to get a grip and move it. Not enough? The same wheel changes its job based on the button you are pushing simultaneously: every time you use the wheel, you will need to use a second finger (or hand!) and remember the correct button. Even setting the camera to aperture priority required me to read the manual. The display is unnecessarily complicated: a lot of movements to slightly open (and close) it, and a lot of limitations, starting from the capability of self-shooting. When you use the joystick to move the focus point, you will have to center it back by finding the center yourself, while Sony allows you just to push it to the center. Easy! Isn’t it? It is not light, it is not friendly, it is not intuitive, and it slows you down in a lot of different ways. Let’s talk about shooting. First of all, the focus system is not even remotely as good as A7R5: in low light conditions, the 50mm 1.2 (!!) struggled a lot, using lots of lamps trying (and failing) to focus, where A7R5 succeeded instantaneously and without any lamps. When I tried to shoot a lizard through the mosquito net, Sony correctly focused, while Nikon gave the green light, although the subject was not focused. Note that Nikon has an automatic subject recognition system, which was engaged, while Sony requires you to set the kind of subject and the subject selected was human. So, the Nikon lens is not just heavier and longer, but also more complicated, and, then, slower and more noisy when it focuses. Although the lens quality is not in discussion, considering that, on paper, it has a higher resolution and almost unnoticeable chromatic aberrations, the final result was anyway worse than Sony: the lens itself is slower and less reliable in many cases, but the sensor and the software also participate in giving a worse result. What happens here is that the exposure is usually a little low, as well as the dynamic range. As a result, in many cases you will get worse lights, colors, and contrast, compared with Sony, especially in low-light conditions. This happens both, in RAW and JPEG, even if you set the camera to “VIVID”. Comparing the colors with Sony, you will almost always find less accurate reproductions and poorer results. Also, the lenses are missing several controls, starting from the “auto/manual” control. The diaphragm control ring has no “clicks”, or numbers on it, because it is supposed to be multi-function as well, and you are supposed to read values on the lens display. This is disturbing too, since you cannot determine at first sight if you have unwillingly moved it, and this happens easily, since it has no clicks and cannot be locked. Also, the display turns off when you are not using it. Same about focus ring, which you should disable via camera’s menu, since there is not a dedicated switch. Even if you program a lens button, you will not be able to determine at first sight this setting. The sensor, if compared with Sony’s, is obviously worse, so that was something expected, even if, as expected, the difference is not dramatic, and, especially when comparing the macro lenses results, you could see how a good lens is almost enough to give you almost the same results, even with a smaller sensor. On the other hand, using the macro lens at its maximum aperture looks like a utopia, since, even many feet away from the subject, it will automatically switch to 3.5 or even 4.5. Last, but not least, the lack of a mechanic shutter is a shame, and every time you shoot you will feel like you didn’t, also because the available shutter “sounds” are ridiculous and not even remotely as good as many smartphones. They say that it is the best movie camera on the market and that it surpasses the A7R5. I have a Canon Legria full-frame movie cam, and my A75R makes better 4k movies. The only real deal is the lens, since still camera lenses are not as versatile as movie lenses, while Sony’s movie lenses don’t shine at all. That said, colors, lights, and resolution are better on my Sony than on my Canon, which, once again, is a movie camera. Nikon is supposed to be better since it has more options and higher frame rates, especially at 8k. I can believe this, even if I was not able to test since the higher FPSs are available only when using fast CF cards, which I was missing. On the other hand, I still cannot find any software to make or read 8k movies, so I can’t find a way to use such a resolution, unless I want to connect my camera to an 8k TV (which I do not own), to play 8k movies. In the future, filming 8k 60 fps will be amazing, but probably by the time reliable software and cheaper TVs are available, Sony will have improved its A7R5 too. I think that also accessories are too poor, especially considering lenses and camera prices: the lenses do not even have a case (while Sony’s have), and even the camera’s battery charger does not come with a cable, so you will have to plug the whole thing to the wall (and good luck!). This is ridiculous, considering the tag price. Bottom line: the Z8 was a complete delusion. A big and heavy mirrorless, which weighs and measures almost 30% more than the A7R5, while having a 30% less durable battery, a worse grip, and less intuitive controls. Sounds crazy. The EVF’s resolution is 1/3 of the Sony’s, the display is less versatile and more complicated, the sensor is smaller, the AF system is worse, the software is worse, and lenses are usually more expensive and less versatile (even if in some cases better). I thought that the Z8 could have been even better than my A7R5, or, at least, a little worse in some things and a little better in others. It is not: it is definitely worse in any aspect, but the upper screen and the backlighted buttons. Based on all of the above, I cannot understand how DPReview concluded by giving 94% to Z8 and 92% to A7R5. Also, I cannot understand how they can say that Nikon is more versatile: because of movies? I can barely think about carrying around the Z8, and I cannot even figure how to shoot by using the 50mm 1.2: is this a versatile camera? Not to mention that the final “real-world” result while filming is strictly connected with the camera’s AF and stabilization skills: both aspects are worse in Z8 than in A7R5.

You on location video was stunning. Thank you so much

last week video was EPIC and soooo well done! I watched it 3 times! so good!

The simple truth is that the Z8 is a superior camera for those who need the flagship AF, but in almost every other regard, the Z7 II is just still the hands-down best *value* for landscape photography. It's simply that good, aside from the slightly older-generation AF.

as a sony shooter its strnage hearing you praise the z8 over the z7ii for being able to switch into "wildlife mode" quickly. Did previous Nikons not have this functionality? Ive always had my sonys set up for landscapes but then mode 1 on the dial is birds, 2 is mammals. Thats on top of having preset settings via custom buttons. I have the AEL button set to drop the shutter to 1/800 from 1/2000 and decrease the size of the focus area when in bird mode for birds that arent flying etc

thanks for the effort and the sharing. so....tempting! thumbs up.

I enjoyed your Svalbard video. Keep up the good work.

I like my Z8, it is my second Z camera. It is lighter and easier to carry than my Z9. I don’t mind the weight in either. If weight is a problem, then go to the gym more often. The camera is as it is to do the job that it is designed to do.

I love my z7II . I have arthritis like crazy and was getting to the point where I just couldn’t pack my d810 around anymore. The z7II is so light I’ll be hanging on to it as long as it functions. Of course,I still use my d7000 quite regularly,so maybe I’m just one of those people who doesn’t like change.🤔 loved the arctic video as well! That was just top drawer stuff!👍👍👍

Please get in the Long Format Story Telling of Multiple Days Photography Trip and importantly Passionate Videos!

I watched your Svalbard video. Then my wife came home from work, and I watched it all over again with her. She loved it too.

I knew you would upgrade lol. Watching that video when you only had it a brief time I figured once you had more time with it you would be sold on it. One of the main things I love about the R7 and R6MII is the sensor cover when changing lenses, hearing all the Sony stories of having to clean the sensor all the time. Think I've had the R7 just about a year now an not once have had to clean the sensor. I am envy of the new 180-600 lens coming out for Nikon. I am sure it is way better than the Sigma 150-600C I have been using. I watch your videos for the photography and your personality. Yeah, you shoot Nikon but I can't really hold that against you. :-) I think I am pretty much locked into the Canon brand for a good while. I am glad Nikon is getting back into the game.

I shoot hockey all winter (college and pro) and also own a real estate photo biz locally. For fun and relaxation I shoot landscapes on extended (2+ week) trips. The Z9 was on my "to buy" list but thankfully I waited. As a former D4 and D6 shooter, and current Z6 owner, I am now sold on the small size benefits. This Z8 is like it was custom made for me. The D6 and Z6 will remain in my arsenal for sure. That Z6 is a fantastic all around camera (especially in low light). This Z8 is just a great tool.