2nd camera body, z 8 or 9 and why?

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Terry32

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I have the z9, and would like a second Mirrorless camera or replace my d850. If money is not the issue, would you set a second z9 or a z8? For those that have both, would you still have the z8 and z9 combo or would you do it differently and why? I know weight could be a factor, but what are other positives or negatives have you found with the use of both systems ?
 
Well identical twins has it's benefits, but I went for the sibling rivalry approach with the Z8/Z9 combo. :ROFLMAO: My thinking is that as far as settings and buttonology goes, there is (virtually) no difference between using the Z8 vs the Z9. In fact, I have noticed when I am out shooting with the Z8, that I sometimes forget that I'm not using my Z9.

The differences come mostly down to form factor, some ergonomics and battery life. So yes, the Z9 offers more battery life and more convenience when shooting in portrait. But it's also nice to have the option of choosing the smaller body of the Z8 for travel, or when it will work fine for your shooting situation.

I also see the Z8/Z9 combo as giving me a 2-body solution, so that I can go out with both cameras with different lenses attached, and seamlessly switch between either body depending on which lens I want to use.
 
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Hold on -- surely 2nd, 3rd or 4th camera boddy Z8 or Z9 and why.

Well because there are circumstances when the smaller form factor is more advantageous and other when the additional features in the Z9 are advantageous.

I went to Kenya for 3 weeks in March with 2 Z9 and a Z7 (not my other option a Z6ii) -- but only if the Z8 I now have had been in my hand I~ would have left the Z7 at home and taken the Z8. I then have little doubt that while my Z9 stayed attached to my 400/TC and 600/TC the Z8 would have seen more use on either the 100-400 or 24-120.
Stepping between a Z9 and Z7 is a big change but the Z9 and Z8 are so similar (and mine are set up the same) that there would be little difference.

Now as to the 4th body -- well this WAS a wait and see for me -- but my 2nd supplier called to say they had one for me and so I bought it.

What projects I have where I need 2 Z8 rather than 2 Z9 or a combination of Z8/Z9. I certainly plan to take Z9 on long teles shooting racing from vessels to shoot during Cowes week and many other sport/action events in the UK. But I also plan to use the Z8 for close work. Traveling with a Z9 and Z8 - with another Z8 or Z9 as backup should work.

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i picked up a z8 to go with my z9 and while it depends a bit on what your needs are, i think having one body a bit smaller is a handy feature and i’d do it the same way if starting over

but, if you were doing long form, high bit video or always needed to run in backup mode, or always ran with a grip i’d say i’d probably go two z9s

conversely if size/weight factored in more (drone?) or some video rigs where size was a factor maybe two z8s
 
I have the z9, and would like a second Mirrorless camera or replace my d850. If money is not the issue, would you set a second z9 or a z8? For those that have both, would you still have the z8 and z9 combo or would you do it differently and why? I know weight could be a factor, but what are other positives or negatives have you found with the use of both systems ?
I ordered the Z8 and it will be here Tuesday…or would have been here Friday except we were in Orlando. For me…I never wanted the grip anyway and would have bought the Z8 over the Z9 if it was available…but I wanted the FPS and AF to improve on the Z7II for action. What I wanted was a second body that worked like the Z9 and personally would have been happy if it was de tuned slightly to 12 or 15 FPS and lost the grip. The Z8 will get me back in the two bodies on short hikes crowd because the Z7II is just so different than either the Z8 or Z9. For longer hikes or traveling I will carry the Z8 alone…and depending on the trip might take either the Z9 or Z7II as a spare… ut my guess is that after our trip this summer to the UK the Z8 will also be the walking around camera and the Z7II will get sold.
 
With most of the Nikon cameras they control button layouts are changed and so it slows me down when I have to hunt for something, like the ISO button for example. I also had looked at the Sony cameras that are like a D8xx camera and had enjoyed the much longer life of the full size EN-EL18 battery with my D850 and D5 cameras and I find it a lot more comfortable to hold a full size camera with one hand. I chose the Z9 over the Sony for those reasons.

As soon as I could I requested a second Z9 through NPS and bought it early this year. For me it is the ideal setup. If I had smaller or weaker hands then the Z8 could be a good choice, or for that matter a Sony or Canon mirrorless camera (R5 Cine best for shooting video at this time).
 
Easy decision, Z8/9 combo. When I had D5/850 it was always a dilemma which camera to use in different situations. Speed, better AF, and better high ISO or go lighter weight, more pixels, and ability to shoot DX mode. Now there's no need to give up anything performance wise. Z8 for smaller/lighter/handholding and Z9 for severe conditions, longer hours in the field, bigger glass on tripod. It really works with the Z9 on big glass on a tripod and the Z8 with a lighter zoom lens on a strap. Honestly if Nikon had ever come out with a high rez flagship DSLR to pair with the D850 I's likely still be shooting DSLR.
 
I just picked up a Z8 to go with my Z9. I have been using a Z7II as a second body and back up to my Z9 for my wildlife photography. That worked, but the Z7II AF is not as good for BIF and fast action (but better than the many posts on the internet give it credit for) as the Z9. The ability to customize the controls on the Z7II is also not as good as it could be.

The Z8 should address both of these issues, with Z9-level AF and similar controls.

I also like the smaller size and lighter weight of the Z8, especially for hiking and travel.

I like the Z9 a lot and will keep it. But given its size and weight I was reluctant to buy two of them.

My wildlife kit will generally be the Z9 & Z8 (and may be more the Z8 in some cases, like photography from my kayak). My landscape kit will generally be the Z8 and Z7II.

Looking forward to setting up the Z8 and using it this weekend.
 
When the Z9 got some of the early firmware updates improving Z9 AF I sold my D850, and became all mirrorless bodies with a Z7 and Z9.
Since then Z9 (and Z8) AF is much improved.

I got a Z8 in the first UK delivery - it a dramatically better camera than the Z7 - and traded the Z7.
The Z8 at launch is only about 17.5% more than the Z7 was at launch.
"Little things" help - the Z7 was a bit of a dust magnet - and with the Z9 the preview switched from top left on the Z7 to bottom right of the camera back.
The Z8 is the same and I prefer the new position.
"Big things" like AF subject and eye detection, much higher fps, distinctly brighter viewfinder, no shutter shock are for me important improvements over my D850 - which nevertheless gave me several years of good service.
 
I’m dealing with this question myself, but in a different way. I have the Z9 and bought the Z8. I knew the Z9 was larger and heavier than what I wanted when I bought it, but it did everything I wanted. The Z8 is a much better size for me and will become my primary camera. The only control I see tripping me up at the moment is the still/video switch that the orientation changed. I think they compliment each other well and should not be any issues going between the two. Ive only had the Z8 out shooting once so far and performance seems the same as Z9. For me, I’m not sure I see any time where I’d want to use the Z9 over the Z8 so I’m contemplating the idea of trading the Z9 for a second Z8. There certainly is a difference in battery life so that is something many will need to consider but doesn’t make much impact for me. I can’t help but wonder if Nikon will provide an update to the Z9 to add more to differentiate it or if they will keep them the same.
 
I’m dealing with this question myself, but in a different way. I have the Z9 and bought the Z8. I knew the Z9 was larger and heavier than what I wanted when I bought it, but it did everything I wanted. The Z8 is a much better size for me and will become my primary camera.
I came from a similar direction.
Having previously owned an F5 and D3 I knew that I could make good use of the highest-end pro grade features of the Z9 - and got one 15 months ago.

The just bought Z8 better fits most of many photograph activities, is a much better camera overall than the reasonably pro-grade D850 camera and is altogether a better performer than the mid range now sold Z7.

I expect my Z8 will become my most used body with a ratio of about 65/33% - leaving about 3% for a smart phone.
 
I have the z9, and would like a second Mirrorless camera or replace my d850. If money is not the issue, would you set a second z9 or a z8? For those that have both, would you still have the z8 and z9 combo or would you do it differently and why? I know weight could be a factor, but what are other positives or negatives have you found with the use of both systems ?
Depends upon how you use the bodies.

If you want a lighter weight, smaller body to compliment the Z 9, then go with the Z 8. If you are frequently switching between portrait and landscape modes and are not concerned with weight, then go with the Z 9. I got a Z 8 and it will be walk around camera. The Z 9 will be "safari" camera.
 
I distinguish between 'second body' and 'backup body.' The same in the studio but not in the (wet, dusty and hot) field where I dont change lenses. I have two Z9s (set up for stills and video) and just sold my backup system (Fuji). Considering a backup body or a cinema camera.
 
It is a use case issue. When I only had a Z9 I used it on several overseas trips. While doable it was a less than desirable situation. First trip was with a Z 24-70 F2.8, followed by two more trips it a Z 24-120 f4...I used a QD strap to carry the camera. I would have preferred a shoulder bag but the size required to carry, and easily take the Z9 in/out was pretty large and bulky to be moving around in close quarters. I thought about a backpack, but then there is the inconvenience of taking the Z9 in and out of the pack, not to mention always bumping into people every time I would turn. It goes beyond inconvenience, there are just times and places it is best not to be advertising the fact you are carrying a really expensive camera/lens. I just tried dropping the Z8 /Z 24-120 into my wife's (very small) camera bag she used for the D3300. Fits with room to spare. While I really like my Z9 ( I have 2) for my large lens, big battery it is less than desirable when using with smaller lens, on a ball head. My intention is for the Z8 to be used for landscape, close up photography, travel, etc....
 
It is a use case issue. When I only had a Z9 I used it on several overseas trips. While doable it was a less than desirable situation. First trip was with a Z 24-70 F2.8, followed by two more trips it a Z 24-120 f4...I used a QD strap to carry the camera. I would have preferred a shoulder bag but the size required to carry, and easily take the Z9 in/out was pretty large and bulky to be moving around in close quarters. I thought about a backpack, but then there is the inconvenience of taking the Z9 in and out of the pack, not to mention always bumping into people every time I would turn. It goes beyond inconvenience, there are just times and places it is best not to be advertising the fact you are carrying a really expensive camera/lens. I just tried dropping the Z8 /Z 24-120 into my wife's (very small) camera bag she used for the D3300. Fits with room to spare. While I really like my Z9 ( I have 2) for my large lens, big battery it is less than desirable when using with smaller lens, on a ball head. My intention is for the Z8 to be used for landscape, close up photography, travel, etc....
Good advice/insight
 
The Z8 makes so much sense as a second body. For activities where location can matter (birding, wildlife, landscapes) the absence of GPS built in is probably the only significant difference. The smaller form factor alone makes a Z8 really attractive. The size of the Z9 does have some additional disadvantages. The only smallish unobtrusive shoulder bag I have found that works well with the Z9 is the ThinkTank Retrospective 10 V2. I find it very handy when I am not taking large lenses.
 
I have the z9, and would like a second Mirrorless camera or replace my d850. If money is not the issue, would you set a second z9 or a z8? For those that have both, would you still have the z8 and z9 combo or would you do it differently and why? I know weight could be a factor, but what are other positives or negatives have you found with the use of both systems ?
I still use my D850 for some uses.
If I wasn't 90% retired then I'd get a second Z9.
Instead I went for a Z8 for a second camera - its very much Z9 like and I save some weight.
But since the grip doesn't take a EN-EL18 battery - they can keep it ... 🦘
 
I have the z9, and would like a second Mirrorless camera or replace my d850. If money is not the issue, would you set a second z9 or a z8? For those that have both, would you still have the z8 and z9 combo or would you do it differently and why? I know weight could be a factor, but what are other positives or negatives have you found with the use of both systems ?
The answer or advice is simple,

If weight and size is not an issue then 2 x Z9
If your doing a lot of video then 2x Z9.
In cases traveling or hiking where weight and size is an issue then a Z8 and Z9 but by the time you lug 3 or 4 spare batteries you might as well use a Z9,
The Z9 batteries and cards work in a D850 grip as well.

But before taking the plunge let the Z8 be out there for a few months first, in case there are issues that develop or need fixing etc.
I mean there is no shortage of Z8 units.

For my self, absolutely i would go 2 x Z9, i can share batteries, cards, one charger, more battery capacity, longer video performance, duel cards, no heating limitations, fully compatible card and battery with the D850 on a grip.
I am happy staying just with the Z9 and D850, i expect the Z9 II will come soon, also i prefer to focus on glass more than duplicating camera bodies.

The only thing left now is to make a choice that suits you.

A Z8 with a grip and 2 batteries in it is close to the Z9 weight, without the grip and just carrying 4 spare Z8 batteries is also close the the weight of a Z9.

Battery life is the last thing you need to worry about if your hiking or traveling. Plus you need to carry a Z8 charger as well.

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Only an opinion
 
I got spoiled using the EN-EL18 battery in the grip of my D850 cameras where I could shoot all day long without worrying about the battery. Fewer batteries to rechage at night was a definite gain as well. If I was not shooting wildlife but rather landscapes and travel/people or macro, then the smaller batteries used with the Z8 and Sony and Canon cameras would not be a concern.

I have discovered that Nikon does not support the Atomos Ninja V+ 8k video or vice versa and so have gone to using an internal 2TB CFexpress card in the Z9 camera. For video the larger capacity EN-EL18 battery is the better solution.
 
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