z8 noise at startup shutdown

If you would like to post, you'll need to register. Note that if you have a BCG store account, you'll need a new, separate account here (we keep the two sites separate for security purposes).

B

BobK

New member
Member's gallery
My z8 just arrived, an update from my D810 and my first mirrorless. The z8 makes a clunking noise upon start up and shutdown. I think it is the IBIS engaging and parking because it is less pronounced if I turn VR off on my F-mount 28-70 2.8. Link to google drive file with 10 second video showing the clunky noise https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rM7x0PVhiajp35bD_BKsGavX018YgYye/view?usp=share_link . Can anyone tell me if this is a normal noise or a breakdown waiting to happen and my z8 should go back to B&H? Any feedback is much appreciated. Sorry if this posted twice, the first post seemed to not go through.
 
Member's gallery
There are 2 noises -- one the sensor shield and the 2nd the IBIS/VR in you lens -- both of which can be disabled in the menus. Try turning both off and see what happens.

If the Z8 makes "more noise" then perhaps this is a result of doing "stuff" better than previous models -- better IBIS, application of an IBIS/VR lock to protect the sensor/IBIS mechanism; the shutter shield and so on.

It is what it is - live with it.
 
Last edited:
Member's gallery
Mine does this too. Noise from within the body all the time the camera is on. Turning off IBIS makes it silent. My Z6 makes the same noise but much quieter and, obviously, no sensor guard to deploy on shutdown and startup. Not a huge issue for me but it must drain the battery and I imagine the on board mikes will pick up the noise when shooting video. I would only use the audio from these to sync up the sound from an external audio recorder anyway.

Is the Z9 this noisy I wonder? Have Z9 users experienced any IBIS issues requiring Nikon’s loving embrace to resolve? If not then my worries around mechanical wear and tear may be unfounded…
 
Member's gallery
ians said:
Is the Z9 this noisy I wonder? Have Z9 users experienced any IBIS issues requiring Nikon’s loving embrace to resolve? If not then my worries around mechanical wear and tear may be unfounded…
Click to expand...
I wouldn't worry about mechanical wear and tear with the IBIS mechanism. Basically it's a group of lens elements supported by what amounts to the electrical coil in a speaker similar to what's used in a home stereo system. There aren't gears or levers or bearings, just a speaker coil that moves the lens group in response to signals from the VR system.

@Steve has a good video on this question and the related question of battery life impacts with Nikon's VR implementation:

backcountrygallery.com

Is VR Destroying Your Battery Life - And Are You Wearing It Out? - Backcountry Gallery

Have you ever wondered if using Nikon’s Vibration Reduction was hurting your battery life – and by how much? This is of special concern for the Nikon Z series cameras since, when you have VR turned on, it runs anytime the viewfinder or rear LCD is active, so it’s critical to know! I did some...
backcountrygallery.com backcountrygallery.com
 
Member's gallery
Thom Hogan just recently posted this under “Z8 complaints“…

”Finally, one complaint I expected to hear but haven’t really seen yet: the clunk of the sensor-VR sled. Some Z9 users complain about the sound the camera makes when it goes into standby; that’s the VR sled being positioned and locked. Likewise, coming out of standby also makes a clunk on the Z9.

The Z8 sensor-VR mechanism has been completely redesigned, mostly because it has to fit into a tighter space. Unfortunately, it makes a somewhat more dramatic clunk than the Z9 one does. This locking/unlocking sound might be significant to some (e.g. Hollywood set photographer). If VR is active, the clunk is going to be made, even with the camera in Silent mode.”

I know I can hear it on my Z9, but I wouldn’t call it objectionable.
 
Member's gallery
Thank you all. Especially those how said your z8 makes the same sound. That helps me know it is normal and not something faulty. That is what I needed to know.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top