Anyone regretted selling a Z9 for a Z8?

[scenicshutterbug]

I appreciate all the ideas and suggestions, especially that the Zf would be fine in dusty conditions. If I took the Zf to Africa, I'd need to get the Small Rig grip for it to make it easier with my Z70-200. I guess the ideal would be to figure out financially how to keep my Z9 and get a Z8.

I would suggest you research the Zf a little more before making the selection for a trip to Africa. I don't believe the Zf has a dust shield over the sensor, which could be a big deal for a dusty African environment. If you do decide to take it, be careful about where you change lenses. The dust gets everywhere! FWIW, on my last trip to Namibia, I took my Z8 and Z7-2, both with different lenses mounted to minimize the need to change lenses in the field. They both worked like a charm, but needed to be wiped down at the end of the day because of dust. (I kept them in a backpack when I wasn't shooting, and there was still dust.) The dust shield on the Z8 was definitely a big help on that trip.)

 

[mapleleaf56]

I am weighing the pros and cons. If I get a Z 8 I lose the much larger battery capacity. The Z 8 is much lighter and smaller, the main appeal.

So I'd really like to know if anyone had regrets making the change.

I did exactly that and never regretted it for a minute. The Z8 does everything the Z9 does and I’ve never had an issue with the battery as I always carry an extra one in my pocket.

 

[Activert]

I am weighing the pros and cons. If I get a Z 8 I lose the much larger battery capacity. The Z 8 is much lighter and smaller, the main appeal.

So I'd really like to know if anyone had regrets making the change.

I have both camera and I am happy with them. I prefer my Z9 because of the battery, its grip, the way it feels held in my hands and the two Cf cards that it takes. I am used to carry a lot of weight since I am a mountaineer who goes on long expeditions to climb high summit and carrying a lot of weight is part of my journey. I know some people complain about the weight of the Z9, but for me is not an issue. I can photograph for hours handhold my Z9 attached to my 600 tc. I love this camera the way it is. I am waiting for the upgrade version of Z9 to replace my Z8 with it.

 

[maikm]

I love having GPS data in all my images. I love that my Z9 has that built-in, and I hate the Snapbridge app dance I have to deal with to get that with my Z6II. That alone would be enough for me to never use the Z8 over the Z9 if I had both, except maybe when I specifically want to do ground-level macro work where the grip gets in the way.

 

[abc123brian]

People keep saying that… ut in my experience it isn’t a big deal…and you’re going to carry extra battery for a Z9 just in case anyway, right? I always carried an extra one and admittedly never needed it…but then as I said in another reply I’ve needed a second Z8 battery exactly once. I agree completely that the smaller battery has less capacity…that’s just physics. A better question is…does it matter? I think a lot of people get all wrapped up in the less rather than in the does it matter.

I tend to agree with you and it is a similar experience for me. Where the extra battery capacity comes in nice is for video which can eat through battery quicker. Also, some people have different shooting habits which burn through battery faster. I don’t recall ever going through a fully charged battery in the Z8 in one day shooting stills but I may have.

 

[Lee R]

I tend to agree with you and it is a similar experience for me. Where the extra battery capacity comes in nice is for video which can eat through battery quicker. Also, some people have different shooting habits which burn through battery faster. I don’t recall ever going through a fully charged battery in the Z8 in one day shooting stills but I may have.

I've found the Z8 using third party battery's an be an advantage because of the USB C charging. Smallrig, Viltrox and others make them. You can keep them constantly charged in a backpack off a smaller size power pack (I have a very compact 5000mah one that fits in my pocket with a built in fold out USBC plug) and swap them as needed through the day. I've been using just the Viltrox battery's in my Z8 now because I can keep one charging as I'm shooting with the other.

 

[Len Shepherd]

I own both.
I prefer the "feel" and handling of the Z9 including the second shutter button and card slot lock.
Even so overall I prefer the weight saving of the Z8.

 

[Anjin San]

I tend to agree with you and it is a similar experience for me. Where the extra battery capacity comes in nice is for video which can eat through battery quicker. Also, some people have different shooting habits which burn through battery faster. I don’t recall ever going through a fully charged battery in the Z8 in one day shooting stills but I may have.

Yeah…it’s just one of those things you work around. Tuen off when not shooting or carry a spare or two…and even when I had the Z9 I had a spare along anyway. The weight saving and the don’t want a grip were the deciders for me…and if both bodies had been available at the same launch…I would have never bought the Z9 at all.

 

[nikonkelly]

I only have the Z8, but I have 5 batteries for it. All of my previous cameras had the grip on them so that I could have the big battery. When I got the Z8 I thought that I would really miss the big battery so I bought several and usually only use 2 for a good days shooting. If I need more batter, I have it but seldom need more than two.

 

[O]

I am weighing the pros and cons. If I get a Z 8 I lose the much larger battery capacity. The Z 8 is much lighter and smaller, the main appeal.

So I'd really like to know if anyone had regrets making the change.

Selling my Z9, No regrets at all.

I stay married to the glass and whore around with the bodies, as and when needed.

I sold my Z9 after 2 years, i think it was around April 24 where i got back almost what i paid for it, and grabbed a super cheap Z8 as a fill in.

The Z9II will bring catch ups but I won’t be buying one. Rent only if needed. Stunning camera love it but i now make purchases on a use, fit, bases.

If i am going to do wild life i use what i have or if it’s a dedicated wild life trip i rent specifically what i need, 400F2.8TC or 600 F4 FL, and use my Z8.

Equally If its a Red Bull or other pro shoot i rent the tools needed, same deal.

I far prefer the Z9 over the Z8 but for now i need the Z8 for 45mp and what i do and that's lots of street and general travel photography, but above all multi day hikes where you sleep out in the rough. The Z8 has become a disappointment because of the amount of batteries i need to carry so i need to pace my shooting.

I don't want anything less than 45mp, what i want in a body size and weight is around the Zf or Z6III, in fact really i want 60mp, I will sell the Z8 for the Z7III if the specs are as anticipated. Weight and size is the attraction plus the newer ibis minimizing the need to tripods.


Only an opinion

 

[abc123brian]

Yeah…it’s just one of those things you work around. Tuen off when not shooting or carry a spare or two…and even when I had the Z9 I had a spare along anyway. The weight saving and the don’t want a grip were the deciders for me…and if both bodies had been available at the same launch…I would have never bought the Z9 at all.

I would have bought two Z8s if the Z8 and Z9 were released at the same time and also skipped the Z9. The extras the Z9 includes aren’t beneficial for me and it’s more difficult to fit in my camera bags. I’m curious to which way Nikon goes with the second versions of these models.

 

[nmerc_photos]

I think it mainly comes down to your lenses. I started with 2x Z9, then swapped to 1x Z9 + 1x Z8, then went to 2x Z8, and now am back to 1x Z9 and 1x Z8.

For the larger lenses (180-600, 800PF, 400TC, 600TC) I prefer the Z9. I think it helps balance those lenses better, and the better battery life is greatly appreciated.

For the smaller lenses (100-400, 400 4.5, 600PF) I prefer the Z8. Battery life and lens balancing are pretty much the only pros of the Z9 for me, and the weight savings of the Z8 is noticeable. I have to swap batteries much more often, but I've gotten in the habit of carrying 2 extra batteries in my pants pocket.

Additionally - now that you can get a Z8 for $1000+ cheaper than Z9 ($2600 vs $3600) it makes the Z8 a lot more appealing if price is a consideration.

If I could only pick one, and price was no object - it'd be the Z9. If price was a strong consideration, it'd be the Z8.

No wrong answers either way. I think it just depends on what you shoot and what you value more.

 

[wotan1]

Selling my Z9, No regrets at all.

I stay married to the glass and whore around with the bodies, as and when needed.

I sold my Z9 after 2 years, i think it was around April 24 where i got back almost what i paid for it, and grabbed a super cheap Z8 as a fill in.

The Z9II will bring catch ups but I won’t be buying one. Rent only if needed. Stunning camera love it but i now make purchases on a use, fit, bases.

If i am going to do wild life i use what i have or if it’s a dedicated wild life trip i rent specifically what i need, 400F2.8TC or 600 F4 FL, and use my Z8.

Equally If its a Red Bull or other pro shoot i rent the tools needed, same deal.

I far prefer the Z9 over the Z8 but for now i need the Z8 for 45mp and what i do and that's lots of street and general travel photography, but above all multi day hikes where you sleep out in the rough. The Z8 has become a disappointment because of the amount of batteries i need to carry so i need to pace my shooting.

I don't want anything less than 45mp, what i want in a body size and weight is around the Zf or Z6III, in fact really i want 60mp, I will sell the Z8 for the Z7III if the specs are as anticipated. Weight and size is the attraction plus the newer ibis minimizing the need to tripods.


Only an opinion

I understand those sentiments.

I do think the current Z7ii does most of what you want in the way of an ultralight body. Just forget about subject ID autofocus and go pinpoint or even manual. The thing is feather light much lighter than the Z8. It can do satisfactory street it can do landscape as is. Image quality works on the z7ii.


Yeah a 60mp Z7iii would be tempting. Meanwhile marry the Plena there is true lens happiness to be found there.

I hope Nikon comes out with a second lens in the PLENA family.

I agree you can't beat the combination of a really high iq lens coupled to a high megapixel sensor.

 

[O]

I understand those sentiments.

I do think the current Z7ii does most of what you want in the way of an ultralight body. Just forget about subject ID autofocus and go pinpoint or even manual. The thing is feather light much lighter than the Z8. It can do satisfactory street it can do landscape as is. Image quality works on the z7ii.


Yeah a 60mp Z7iii would be tempting. Meanwhile marry the Plena there is true lens happiness to be found there.

I hope Nikon comes out with a second lens in the PLENA family.

I agree you can't beat the combination of a really high iq lens coupled to a high megapixel sensor.

For serious pro shoots hands down the Z9.
For myself a all-round tool is the Z7III "IF" as i expect it to have the new generation IBIS, the increased focus sensitivity like the ZF Z6III has, plus i am hoping for a 60mp sensor.
but if its still 45mp so be it.

I feel the series Z7 III will have a little more speed if it’s going to have the expeed 7 processor.

Being 45mp it will be interesting to see what Nikon does.

5, 10, 15 fps is more than i ever need.
I just hope battery life span will be longer.
I agree with you good glass on a hi megapixel sensor is hard to let go of.
I started with a D3X on a 300 F2.8 G VR II, everyone else was going nuts over a D3S D300 D700 LOL.

The Plena range looks amazing.
If i had a combo it would be a Z7III Z9II or simply Canon

Only an opinion

 

[Anjin San]

I would have bought two Z8s if the Z8 and Z9 were released at the same time and also skipped the Z9. The extras the Z9 includes aren’t beneficial for me and it’s more difficult to fit in my camera bags. I’m curious to which way Nikon goes with the second versions of these models.

Me either…and I think the mythical Z7III is unlikely to happen until the second version of the 8 and 9mare out for awhile. An upgraded Z7III would be too close to a lighter (a little) Z8 and there isn’t really room in the price structure for what it would cost given the necessary improvements.

 

[O]

Me either…and I think the mythical Z7III is unlikely to happen until the second version of the 8 and 9mare out for awhile. An upgraded Z7III would be too close to a lighter (a little) Z8 and there isn’t really room in the price structure for what it would cost given the necessary improvements.

Interesting, i feel the Z7III may be here sooner than later and will be more expensive that the current Z8, once the Z7III fills the pipeline and been out for a little while the Z8 may be discontinued, there is need to differentiate the Z8 from the Z9II and Z7III, what better than a smaller light specked Z7III with much of the Z8 power, i have always felt the Z8 is an interim model for some reason.

The market is calling for smaller lighter especially for video.

I could be wrong

Only an opinion

 

[ccirelli]

It's really all about your use case and priorities. I had a Z8, sold it (long boring story), and within 2 weeks regretted it. It's the best camera I've ever used, hands down. Easy enough mistake to undo this coming year, and I won't lose too much $ at its current sale price of $3395.

Battery life for me and how I shoot is not a big consideration, I'm used to carrying a few EN-EL15's around anyway. And the Z8's battery life was never a complaint for me whatsoever. Weight / size for me is also not a priority (but I understand why it can be for some).

I guess the best approach I can suggest is to figure out how important the vertical grip is for you. The grip and cost difference would be my 2 primary deciding factors. If you even think you'll want the vertical grip for the Z8 - just stay with the Z9. Because the MB-N12 grip experience on the Z8 is terrible - whereas the integrated grip on the Z9 is flawless. The Z8 with the grip makes for a HUGE setup, and I hate the way it looks and feels on the body. Ok I shouldn't say "feels", because it worked perfectly well. I just couldn't look at it without shaking my head

Hope this helps in some way.

 

[jhallettbc]

It's really all about your use case and priorities. I had a Z8, sold it (long boring story), and within 2 weeks regretted it. It's the best camera I've ever used, hands down. Easy enough mistake to undo this coming year, and I won't lose too much $ at its current sale price of $3395.

Battery life for me and how I shoot is not a big consideration, I'm used to carrying a few EN-EL15's around anyway. And the Z8's battery life was never a complaint for me whatsoever. Weight / size for me is also not a priority (but I understand why it can be for some).

I guess the best approach I can suggest is to figure out how important the vertical grip is for you. The grip and cost difference would be my 2 primary deciding factors. If you even think you'll want the vertical grip for the Z8 - just stay with the Z9. Because the MB-N12 grip experience on the Z8 is terrible - whereas the integrated grip on the Z9 is flawless. The Z8 with the grip makes for a HUGE setup, and I hate the way it looks and feels on the body. Ok I shouldn't say "feels", because it worked perfectly well. I just couldn't look at it without shaking my head

Hope this helps in some way.

For whatever reason, I really like the feel of a big camera, going back to the D2X. Here is an interesting story that shows I am probably an outlier in terms of liking a big camera. In 2023 I was in Sri Lanka and we were going to spend the better part of a day climbing the Sigirya fortress and exploring the grounds around it. Our tour bus dropped us off and within minutes I realized I had left my camera strap in the bus, which had driven off. No choice but to carry my Z9 with a 500 PF and adapter by the grip as we explored the grounds, then climbed the 1200 steps up and down (in extremely humid hot weather). I think it was a total of 3 1/2 hours. It did not really prove to be an ordeal and when we finally reached the waiting bus, to my amazement my arm wasn't even sore (nor the next day). I couldn't even cradle the camera because of needing to hold onto handrails. Just shows what we can do when we have to.

 

[NorthernFocus]

I shoot both. They each have their use. IMO battery life is a non-issue unless you shoot a LOT of frames and/or shoot video. It's easy enough to drop another battery in a pocket. The only things you'll likely miss from the Z9 are the grip(if you use it) and the extra Fn button. I know it's only one button but if you use them a lot it can make a difference. Every time I'm shooting the Z8 I think I'll sell the Z9. Then I shoot the Z9 and think how much I like it. But honestly if I only had one I'd go with the Z8 simply for the convenience of size/weight. It would be easy enough to adjust to the button differences if I wasn't constantly being reminded by shooting them both. In spite of having previously shot D4/5 I've never gotten used to using the vertical grip so that's a non-issue for me personally.

 

[Pat Cassity]

I also have both and have decided to use the 8 on my heavier lenses and the 9 on my lighter ones. Gives me a good balance. I carry 2 extra batteries for the 8 and 1 for the nine. I love them both but I really feel if the 8 had been introduced first, I probably would own two 8's at the moment.

 

[O]

It's really all about your use case and priorities. I had a Z8, sold it (long boring story), and within 2 weeks regretted it. It's the best camera I've ever used, hands down. Easy enough mistake to undo this coming year, and I won't lose too much $ at its current sale price of $3395.

Battery life for me and how I shoot is not a big consideration, I'm used to carrying a few EN-EL15's around anyway. And the Z8's battery life was never a complaint for me whatsoever. Weight / size for me is also not a priority (but I understand why it can be for some).

I guess the best approach I can suggest is to figure out how important the vertical grip is for you. The grip and cost difference would be my 2 primary deciding factors. If you even think you'll want the vertical grip for the Z8 - just stay with the Z9. Because the MB-N12 grip experience on the Z8 is terrible - whereas the integrated grip on the Z9 is flawless. The Z8 with the grip makes for a HUGE setup, and I hate the way it looks and feels on the body. Ok I shouldn't say "feels", because it worked perfectly well. I just couldn't look at it without shaking my head

Hope this helps in some way.

Interesting read.
The best camera i enjoyed was my old faithful bullet proof D3X that now lives on the hall of fame shelf, i used it for everything from portraiture to sports action and was dubbed as being only a studio camera, then the D4s D6 D850.
Like the Z9 very much, tolerate the Z8, but hey were as you say all different.

Maybe going forward Nikon will differentiate the Z9 from the Z8 or the Z8 from the Z9, or they may decide to run as they are with a follow up Z8II well after the Z9 II has settled, it will be interesting to see which direction plays out.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

I also have both and have decided to use the 8 on my heavier lenses and the 9 on my lighter ones. Gives me a good balance. I carry 2 extra batteries for the 8 and 1 for the nine. I love them both but I really feel if the 8 had been introduced first, I probably would own two 8's at the moment.

One of the reasons why some pros have sold their Z9.
Also a case for differentiating the Z8 from the Z9.
I prefer the Z9 over the Z8 hands down, but need the Z8 because of size and weight for what i currently do, that said it makes sense to be careful what Nikon does with the Z7III.
Some of the pros i know have the 2 Z8 units, but those that do lots of video run a pair of Z9 units or their dedicated Canon.

 

[Anjin San]

Interesting, i feel the Z7III may be here sooner than later and will be more expensive that the current Z8, once the Z7III fills the pipeline and been out for a little while the Z8 may be discontinued, there is need to differentiate the Z8 from the Z9II and Z7III, what better than a smaller light specked Z7III with much of the Z8 power, i have always felt the Z8 is an interim model for some reason.

The market is calling for smaller lighter especially for video.

I could be wrong

Only an opinion

Could be right…but given the pricing structure and the inevitable increase in cost of the Z7IIi I wonder if that makes economic sense. We are all just opinionating anyways.

 

[O]

Could be right…but given the pricing structure and the inevitable increase in cost of the Z7IIi I wonder if that makes economic sense. We are all just opinionating anyways.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

Nikon has learnt to finally start listening more to its users as Sony did, as well as trending behavior on the social media - forums which is also a clear indicator.

Price is a consideration for a few not all, we live in a generation of I wants.

I think the need is for a minimum 45mp lighter version of the Z8 so to speak, it needs to be around the 650-700 gms to expand the appeal to more of the masses.

Look at what’s currently the most popular selling camera and why, it’s interesting.

"The Canon EOS R6 also offers faster burst speeds for a similar price. But considering its powerful versatility and higher resolution, the Sony A7 IV deservedly takes our number one spot.3 Jan 2025"

My question is why, Nikon's Z6III is a great camera, will the Z7III actually come down to 33mp ?? or go with 45m,
one thing is for certain Video in the field not studio is more important than ever, Nikon needs to pay attention to that, they have the glass with the wider aperture and corner to corner performance.

2025-2026 will be interesting to watch.

Only an opinion

 

[beano]

It will be interesting to see what happens.

Nikon has learnt to finally start listening more to its users as Sony did, as well as trending behavior on the social media - forums which is also a clear indicator.

Price is a consideration for a few not all, we live in a generation of I wants.

I think the need is for a minimum 45mp lighter version of the Z8 so to speak, it needs to be around the 650-700 gms to expand the appeal to more of the masses.

Look at what’s currently the most popular selling camera and why, it’s interesting.

"The Canon EOS R6 also offers faster burst speeds for a similar price. But considering its powerful versatility and higher resolution, the Sony A7 IV deservedly takes our number one spot.3 Jan 2025"

My question is why, Nikon's Z6III is a great camera, will the Z7III actually come down to 33mp ?? or go with 45m,
one thing is for certain Video in the field not studio is more important than ever, Nikon needs to pay attention to that, they have the glass with the wider aperture and corner to corner performance.

2025-2026 will be interesting to watch.

Only an opinion

I think Nikon is going to fit the 61MP sensor to the Z7iii and call it their ‘Landscape‘ camera. The Z8/Z9 is slightly down on DR vs the D850/Z7, and looking at the current portfolio, they might just venture in this direction. Make it lighter than the Z8 regarding video features /codes and speed, slower read-out sensor with higher DR, with a focus on DR and higher-resolution for this genre, and they might be able to slot it in below the Z8.

Nice to speculate though….