As a Canon shooter I have been envious of the telephoto lenses that have came out recently for Nikon. It seems that Nikon also keeps pushing out updates that improve on the autofocus of some of their cameras. I see that as a positive for the brand. The AF is pretty amazing in my R6MII and R7 but the RF L lenses are just crazy expensive for a hobbyist shooter like myself. I always get a little inkling when I go to the local camera store and see some of the used DSLR Nikons and am tempted to pick one of them up like the D850 and play around with it. Sometimes it seems simple is better. Cool review.

I've trialled the z8, and for me, the Z6ii is more suited. I love the better AFC on the Z8, but that would be the only thing I would prefer. I don't need the bigger files of the Z8 to bog up my computer, and in the hand it is too big and heavy. People bag out the AFC on the Z6ii, but I rarely miss any images. I just covered another event last Sunday and took nearly 1,300 images. I think I had about 3 that were out of focus and they may have been due to user error. People were dancing and bopping and moving around, and if you know your camera well and have it on the right setting, 90% of the time it will quickly grab focus. The handling and feel of the Z6ii is great and the images are truly beautiful. As well, I only shoot stills, so I never have to worry about video.

Thanks Allen I enjoyed that was contemplating a Z8 but have just ordered a Z7II. (for the same price I've added an FTZII, a battery grip and a 24-70f4). I've retired from weddings and my only paid work now is of buildings so my current Nikkors will do the job nicely. Interesting you mentioned a subtle preference to some shots on the D780 vs Z8 with your 58mm. Years ago when I was an SWPP member Norman Philips showed us 2 portraits of the same subject one taken with a top of the range 35mm camera and 85mm lens and the other with a Hasselblad. There seemed no difference in terms of sharpness, exposure etc but everyone preferred the medium format shot in a "blind" test, but couldn't really say why! Happy days.

I recently switched to the Nikon Z8 after using Canon and Sony DSLRs. Although the Canons were good, I sold them in 2019 to move into Sony. Now, I'm thoroughly impressed with the Z8, which is my first pro camera.

Great video as I'm still shooting D850. Just need a little more time to flow with the Z8. The focusing details were on point as I'll need to keep all of that in mind when time comes.

Spot on Allen.

great informative video!

You should get the new ETZ 21 PRO (I think it is megadap or something) - you can use the Sony lenses with your Z8 at near native functionality - no reason or need to get a Sony body anymore. -PD

Great review! I'm still holding out for the Z6iii. I own 2 Z6's and am pleased with the image quality, file size and dynamic range. I also have a Z7 and again the image quality is great but I personally prefer the low light/high ISO quality of the Z6 with it's smaller file sizes. What I miss is better AF and a functional vertical grip and an extra card slot. I shoot a lot of real estate, portraits and an occasional wedding. I don't need a hybrid camera as I don't do video at all. I love shooting with off camera strobes but have no issue shooting in ambient light if needed. If the Z6iii doesn't appear I'll look at going used with the Z6ii and will sell off the original Z6's and perhaps the Z7. IMHO the Z8 and Z9 appear to be amazing cameras but for my needs, I just don't need that much camera - if that makes sense. FWIW, I also have a pair of Fuji X-H1's and a variety of X-mount glass. I use the X mount system occasionally for my portrait work but I use them leisurely over my Nikons. The Fuji's are fun to shoot with.

This is a really helpful overview, Allen. I appreciate your experiences with the Z8. I’m thinking of upgrading my Z7ii to a Z8. How do you find the size difference between your Z8 and Z6Ii? Also, did you notice any improve in the IBIS? Also, what about any improvements in the clarity of the LCD screen?

Again a great and thoughtful review Allen, I just wish I could afford a Z 8 and some lenses...ah old age and poverty 🥺

I have been thinking about your comments about the Nikon Z lenses. As for character, I suspect Nikon just trusts that folks can either use the FTZ adapter for classic NIKKOR lenses, or go for some 3rd party options such as Voightlander. It is likely that Nikon is being strategic about their research and development resources and focusing (no pun intended) on modern optics for a modern audience. They realize they're competing with smartphones and have to punch up the modern look to compete with people's expectations of extreme high resolution (not that it matters to most photographers). As for the absence of 1.4 professional primes, again I suspect Nikon has a limited budget and need to find the balance between "prosumer" and "wow, it's an F1.2 lens...it must be awesome". Keep in mind, it was only a few years ago when some folks were speculating Nikon would not even survive the transition to mirrorless. Their financials were not good. It would be interesting to sit in on a board meeting to hear their strategic planning, but for now we do have a lot of options between great Nikon DSLRs and Z system.

I have Z8 since last week. Previously, I had a Sony a7IV and a Canon R5. I don't like Sony at all. It is like a calculator with a lens. When I compare the Z8 to the R5 (both great cameras), I like the Z8 size more. With R5, I had to use L Bracket. The controls are better on R5 and more intuitive for me. AF in R5 is easier to use, but there are no significant differences in the end. R5 better recognise the subject, but Z8, once it sticks to it, then tracks it better. If photography were my only focus, I would stick with R5 as the results are similar. But the 30-minute video limit turns me out as I shoot interviews occasionally. (that's why I took a Sony A7 IV, but it overheated on the front of the client - 4k 25fps. Sony - never again). Z8 - so far so good. PS. Battery life is better on R5.

The best thing about Nikon & cannon is their legacy dslr lenses. If you are not shooting video & fine with adapting the F mount lenses, you can't beat Nikon z system a & it's legacy lens collection. The value for money for the f mount f1.4 lenses in the used market are insane. Nikon's f1.4 lenses for the F mount have more character than any f.14 lenses Sony has ever made for the e mount. It's not even close. Nikon f1.2 lenses are similarly in price & weight compared to canon counter parts. I am not sure about Sony is doing it right. Sony's only 50mm f1.2 (which is small & bit wider than a true 50mm & it has heaps of lens breathing) is priced similarly to Canon & Nikon 50mm f1.2 lenses. Most f1.4 lenses are now old & priced similarly to 1.4 lenses of F mount. Only thing going Sony is that they have a full stack of 3rd party f1.4 lenses. Sigma has said that they will release those f1.4 lenses for the Z mount. The only prime lens for the Z mount that peak my interest is 135 f.18s, it's one of the best lenses Nikon has ever made. There's nothing like in any other system. Yes it's extremely expensive & I might have to wait for a long time to buy that lens second handed for a bargain price. You comment about removing mode dial is almost a deal breaker for me. I hope they keep it in Z6III. I really hope Nikon releases lens adapter with a motor for screwdriver af lenses.

Graet Video >> My Z8 is coming in Dec !!

w all the hypes ,only Apsc w high price tag vs Sony new compact Full frame 61mp