First “freeze” with a Z8

[MattOZW]

I had a lockup problem with my Z8. Had to do a full reset. Unfortunately had not saved my settings so buggerd about for 30 minutes trying to get them back. Sent the camera to Nikon who couldn’t find anything wrong. At the end of the day it is a computer and may need rebooting!

 

[Mark1776]

Exactly. These devices are now enormously complex. Frankly, I am amazed that Nikon and others get such reliability out of their systems. It is quite possible for a cosmic ray to disrupt the electronics. A bit gets flipped somewhere, and the program goes off into the weeds. So long as the problem is fixed by removing the battery, I wouldn't worry about it unless the a problem happens frequently. That points to something definitely wrong rather than just a random bit of noise.

I have had two problems with my Z8 in 6 months. The first was a Delkin card that suddenly stopped working in the camera, although it would work everywhere else. I finally did a full-format on my PC and haven't had a problem since. The other was a lockup that wouldn't clear with the power button. I think I caused it by not following the instructions that say to turn off the camera when changing lenses. After all, I got away with it for years with every camera before the Z8. I dropped the battery out and reattached the lens and haven't had a problem since.

 

[O]

Never happened on my Z8, but it is a bit alarming that it has happened to more than one person here. (Especially given the two recalls they had to do with the first batches). I live in Tucson so I definitely shoot in the heat. However, I do not do high frame burst or video, so maybe that is a factor?

I was only using single shot, documenting the VIVID night light show preview before opening night, i was taking documentary record shots in JPEG Fine, the images where to be used purely for web site purposes for a client, so colour and vibe was the brief, i walked around taking hand held single shots of brightly lit subjects, a easy simple enjoyable shoot.

I did get through the evening shoot, temperature was around 12 degrees C, 8pm ish, the Z8 freeze and switching off completely and becoming unresponsive happened several times unpredictably a little bit over half way through the shoot about 20 minutes apart, since new 4 weeks ago the camera had taken only around 500 shots.

I mean i used my Z9 for over two years and it was in the early stage a ***** for a long time till it got progressively really ugly and ruined an expensive intentional photographic trip for two, it settled after some stays in the Nikon Hospital and all the updates, i only recently sold it to swap it out for a Z8 as i don't do video or need the size and weight for hiking or traveling.

NOW i must have stood on a crack in the pavement, the Z8 is starting to do exactly the same things the Z9 did in the beginning, sadly for the Z9 things got progressively and seriously worse something i am now starting to wonder given the Z9 Z8 D and A will my Z8 progress to worse. I now AGAIN have serious trust issues as i still carry the scars of the costly Z9 issues of the past.

Side note: the Z8 battery in cool weather like 12 degrees C really ran down fast, noticeably so about 50% in one and a half hours of single frame shots taken, i need to buy more batteries, i knew they didn't last long but this was very much faster than expected.

PS, i have clearly ruled out any user cause, this was validated clearly in every way by Nikon with the Z9 experience, i have not done anything with the Z8 settings or programs other than turn it on and used it like a normal point and shoot camera so to speak in what is considered to be a very basic shoot application.

The card is a single Pro Grade Cobalt 320 gig card.

After the second Z8 freeze issue I recall wanting to look at some frames taken to make certain they haven't been lost, the button wouldn't respond or pull up the files.

The issue was also the same with the Z9.

I am paying top $ for a perceived to be a high end product, i am not the extension of QC operations in the field, or design fixes in the field. I don't care if the statistics say most units are fine, to me its the consequences of trust and any effected photographic outcomes that concern me.

Design or QC issues, at this level and price its unacceptable.

Luckily Nikon stand up and own things and do what they can to fix things, ( a saving grace) do i want these issues out of warranty ?, should i have to even tolerate these issues, maybe i would if i knew things would be reliable after being fixed, sadly they seem to be reoccurring and in cases gathering the perception of being or becoming systemic to a degree.

Only an opinion

 

[O]

I had a Z7II that would lock up on me at the worst possible moments, wedding event. I sent the camera back to Nikon three times. They even asked me to send in my memory cards which I did. They didn't find anything wrong with the cards. Since they forgot to ask me to send the batteries and it was my third time sending it back they gave me a new body. They couldn't be 100% but they were 99% sure it was one of my batteries causing the issue. They suggested I discard the batteries and buy new. I did just that. I bought brand new Nikon batteries for the new Z7II body they sent me and haven't had a problem since. When I got the Z8 I bought an extra battery for it, a brand new Nikon battery. I've done a pet photo shoot, wildlife, photoshoot at the shelter and the northern lights (which were visible at my latitude) and I haven't had that problem. For now I'm inclined to agree about it being the batteries. As a side note, Steve is correct about memory cards when there is a problem with formatting them in camera. It's best to throw away the card and buy new. Not all batteries and cards are perfect even the battery that came in the box with the camera body. I now label my batteries so that if one is potentially causing a problem I know exactly which one it is. Yes, I change batteries during a shoot, I toss them in the bag etc. etc. with all the other batteries. I'm better organized now.

Never had the battery or camera issues with the DSLRS, i can see the logic in the battery's possibly being a cause in the Z 8 Z9.

I understand the Nikon battery cores are made in Japan, the cases are made in China and both are assembled in China.

I feel as a wild card that if the core of the battery materiel used has a blend of recycled materiel content it may be the cause for variable outcomes.

Some batteries may get hot while charging others do not, that's been my experience.

Assumption, If the core material made by Nikon is pure and made from 100% virgin material it may work more reliably, as apposed to a battery that may have 30 to 40% say possible being a cocktail of different recyclable core battery material that may well have mild imperfections in the material or effects from blending materials, that may well cause vulnerabilities in the field or length of holding charge or life span.

Sometimes for critical application components it cant all be around cost cutting or profits.

The suggestion of marking the battery used at the time of issue is a good idea.

Throwing out a $600 AUD CF Cobolt Type B express card each time you get a new camera is simply not an option. You don't throw out the baby with the bath water.

I spoke with Pro Grade asking why the premium price of the silver 325 G Cobalt card, the answer, this card has significantly more formatting tolerance compared to that of the lower priced pro grade gold yet faster cards out today, simply put you can reformat the Silver Cobalt cards more than 10 times more often than any other Pro grade card with out effect.
Ok that eases the pain LOL.

I bought my 325 G Cobalt cards before the Z9 was even delivered on release, at the time $1250 AUD for twin cards matched pair, they more than handle 20 fps.

I will go and mark the battery in the Z8 used recently, but the Z8 is going into Nikon this week.


Only an opinion

 

[Rogereh]

This week we had a visit from the Budweiser clydesdales locally. I took my brand new Z8#2 that I just purchased a week ago with a 24-120mm lens and was shooting photos of the horses when I got my very first ever "hot card warning". I've had my Z8#1 camera ever since they came out and never had this experience with that camera. Both cameras have identical equipment and settings, batteries and mem cards, Sandisk 256gb extreme Pro, (I know they are not everyone's favorite, but I've been using them in all my Z cameras for a long time trouble free until now). The camera did not shut off, it just gave me the hot card warning. I turned it off and back on and it seemed okay but we were about done shooting for the day so I don't know if it will be a problem or not. I'm thinking it might be the new Z8 as it is also struggling with my new Z 180-600mm lens focusing correctly (?). I'm somewhat disappointed with the new lens as it is nowhere near the photo capabilities of my Z600pf and Z100-400 lenses, plus the weight i just manageable for me.

 

[Viathelens]

This week we had a visit from the Budweiser clydesdales locally. I took my brand new Z8#2 that I just purchased a week ago with a 24-120mm lens and was shooting photos of the horses when I got my very first ever "hot card warning". I've had my Z8#1 camera ever since they came out and never had this experience with that camera. Both cameras have identical equipment and settings, batteries and mem cards, Sandisk 256gb extreme Pro, (I know they are not everyone's favorite, but I've been using them in all my Z cameras for a long time trouble free until now). The camera did not shut off, it just gave me the hot card warning. I turned it off and back on and it seemed okay but we were about done shooting for the day so I don't know if it will be a problem or not. I'm thinking it might be the new Z8 as it is also struggling with my new Z 180-600mm lens focusing correctly (?). I'm somewhat disappointed with the new lens as it is nowhere near the photo capabilities of my Z600pf and Z100-400 lenses, plus the weight i just manageable for me.

Sometimes a different manufacturing run makes all the difference. I have two Z8's and no freezes so far, got them both right away. I have not yet had a hot card warning but that is probably to come at some point. I got the 180-600 when it came out and sold it after, literally, the first day. I love the 600PF and the 100-400 and the 24-120, that's the kit I work with right now. Maybe send the camera back for a return and try a different one.

 

[Jerry Heitschmidt]

This week we had a visit from the Budweiser clydesdales locally. I took my brand new Z8#2 that I just purchased a week ago with a 24-120mm lens and was shooting photos of the horses when I got my very first ever "hot card warning". I've had my Z8#1 camera ever since they came out and never had this experience with that camera. Both cameras have identical equipment and settings, batteries and mem cards, Sandisk 256gb extreme Pro, ...

A couple of weeks ago I had both of my Z8s recording 4k@60p video for just over 40 minutes, one recording to a ProGrade Gold and the other to a ProGrade Cobalt. The camera with the Gold card generated a hot card warning, the Cobalt did not. With that I was ready to buy another Cobalt card and then heard Ricci mention the hot card warning is not the same as a hot camera warning. The hot card warning is just a reminder to the user that the card may be hot to the touch if pulled out before giving it a little time to cool down, whereas the hot camera message precedes camera shutdown (the warning temperature threshold is now adjustable). Hot card/camera warnings do not seem to be related to the occasional freezes that some of us have experienced, but good quality cards are, in my view, a good idea. FWIW, I've only had the one freeze and aside from that the Z8s have been absolutely fantastic.

 

[O]

Nikon told me that my Z8 not responding to pulling up a taken image for review in camera is often related to the card in their experience.

I should mark that card try another and see if the issue reoccurs at any time. Also i should fully reformat the card if its from say a Z9 then being used in a Z8.
I said this is a 320 gig $600 AUD Cobalt card...............used to take JPEG Fine shots.

The camera still randomly refuses to pull up images in camera for review, so i need to turn the camera off wait then turn it back on and then it seems to work..till next time.
Now i just live with it, like lane assist just randomly working in a new Toyota van, it decides when to work or not work just on its own.

I mean really, we make excuses for companies that these things happen, at these prices and levels it just shouldn't be the case.

Many people get lucky some unlucky........not the way it should be.

If i have a really critical shoot once only in a life time, cant afford to miss or have issues and its in challenging conditions and its fast and wild, its a D6 D5 D4s.

Sorry no time for the BS afterwards.

Only an opinion

 

[Cameron T]

Usually that sort of error is card related, regardless of if people like to admit it or not. Any card can fail, or work just fine. It being a cobalt and expensive doesn't change that it might be a dud (just at a lower rate than other cards).

I'd suggest using another card and if the issue happens with the other card, it's the camera. If it doesn't, well, it was the card the whole time.

Plenty of us have 0 issues with our cards.

 

[Len Shepherd]

Not mentioned so far is that Nikon advise keeping the camera dry and avoiding sudden changes in temperature from cold to hot or hot to cold.
An additional potential factor is the battery and particularly the card warm up during extensive use.

Depending on how a camera is used and the shooting conditions an occasional build up of condensation on part of the electrical circuit can be inevitable over time - with a possible electrical lock-up.

I speculate the battery area of the camera is more prone to air getting to it.

This might be why removing and reinstating the battery is often a quick solution.

Once on the edge of Lake Kariba in a small open boat watching elephant come down to drink in pristine jungle on a very hot and moist afternoon one by one each of about 10 cameras failed.
There were more Canon than Nikon bodies - not brand specific - and we all understood the cause of all cameras failing was a condensation build up.
Back on dry land each camera started to work normally

 

[O]

Not mentioned so far is that Nikon advise keeping the camera dry and avoiding sudden changes in temperature from cold to hot or hot to cold.
An additional potential factor is the battery and particularly the card warm up during extensive use.

Depending on how a camera is used and the shooting conditions an occasional build up of condensation on part of the electrical circuit can be inevitable over time - with a possible electrical lock-up.

I speculate the battery area of the camera is more prone to air getting to it.

This might be why removing and reinstating the battery is often a quick solution.

Once on the edge of Lake Kariba in a small open boat watching elephant come down to drink in pristine jungle on a very hot and moist afternoon one by one each of about 10 cameras failed.
There were more Canon than Nikon bodies - not brand specific - and we all understood the cause of all cameras failing was a condensation build up.
Back on dry land each camera started to work normally

WOW.................. that's interesting to know.

In contrast often digital electronics can in extreme humidity, heat, cold and moisture generally have issues.

My D3X D4s D5 D6 ......in freezing - icy or extremely steamy hot conditions never ever had any issues..........

I covered a lot of open national and international surfing competitions, sometimes in sweltering heat and nearly always in extreme levels of salt spray salt mist with dampness saturating gear clothes tripods, even in incredible humidity to the point where the gear was so wet and clammy to touch...........i would need to clean the lens front every 20 minutes or so and never had an issue.

That doesn't mean others didn't have issues at least i haven't heard of come across anyone who did.

My issues occurring with the Z8 was in perfectly fine conditions, night time city scape 12 degrees C even at home in my office in 24 C.
a) momentary black out dead camera recovered on battery pull and restart b) at times cant review taken images.
Nikon did some reformatting and added latest updates, now occasionally still cant review taken images, the card i am told is the issue, i hear it but don't fully accept at this stage as the Z9 progressively started this pattern till it simply got really bad and became a cant use.

My Z9 had some fundamental issues eventually attended to by Nikon.

Only an opinion

 

[Calson]

It is probably a problem with the memory card having a bad section. The camera lacks error recovery like what one may find with a computer and so when there is a problem writing the entire output to the memory card the camera will simply stop. Normally with a CFexpress card there is a pool and a bad sector gets replaced with a sector from this pool. ProGrade has a free application for use to restore or rehab its CFexpress cards known as Refresh Pro.

 

[O]

It is probably a problem with the memory card having a bad section. The camera lacks error recovery like what one may find with a computer and so when there is a problem writing the entire output to the memory card the camera will simply stop. Normally with a CFexpress card there is a pool and a bad sector gets replaced with a sector from this pool. ProGrade has a free application for use to restore or rehab its CFexpress cards known as Refresh Pro.

Excellent information...thank you, its better advice rather than having to buy new cards when getting a new camera.................

The camera occasional shutting down and needing a battery pull to get going is not related i assume.

 

[ajrmd]

It is probably a problem with the memory card having a bad section. The camera lacks error recovery like what one may find with a computer and so when there is a problem writing the entire output to the memory card the camera will simply stop. Normally with a CFexpress card there is a pool and a bad sector gets replaced with a sector from this pool. ProGrade has a free application for use to restore or rehab its CFexpress cards known as Refresh Pro.

Refresh Pro, which incidentally is now “free” for owners requires a ProGrade card reader to operate.

 

[O]

Refresh Pro, which incidentally is now “free” for owners requires a ProGrade card reader to operate.

Thank you, that's good to know, i have ordered the Refresh Pro, its currently downloading, i will see what happens once i up grade the card.
I bought a matched pair of 320 Pro grade Cobalt cards and Pro grade card reader about a month before the Z9 was first released, they landed for $1230 AUD.
I see there are lower priced faster cards from Pro grade now, however they say what i have are a extremely higher level for frequent formatting therefore durability unlike the lower cost but faster cards. so i am told.

Thanks to you and Carlson for the info.

 

[Calson]

I have had camera freeze up and each time it was a defective memory card. There is no problem with reporting the problem to the manufacturer and getting it replaced with a new one. I have done this with SanDisk XQDand Lexar XQD and most recently with a Delkin CFexpress card.

 

[O]

I have had camera freeze up and each time it was a defective memory card. There is no problem with reporting the problem to the manufacturer and getting it replaced with a new one. I have done this with SanDisk XQDand Lexar XQD and most recently with a Delkin CFexpress card.

I have written to Pro Grade, i did the Refresh Pro firm ware updates etc plus the software health check.

At this Pro Grade level and price point i didn't expect any possible QC issues.

I somehow still suspect its a camera software issue.............as the cards work fine in other cameras.......i need to delve deeper, but gee why as end users do we need all this fixing.

Only an opinion

 

[Len Shepherd]

I have written to Pro Grade, i did the Refresh Pro firm ware updates etc plus the software health check.

At this Pro Grade level and price point i didn't expect any possible QC issues.

I somehow still suspect its a camera software issue.............as the cards work fine in other cameras.......i need to delve deeper, but gee why as end users do we need all this fixing.

One challenge is separating reality from opinion.
Digital cameras are delicate low-voltage equipment often moved from indoor warm sometimes humid homes or air-conditioned cars into a wide range of outdoor conditions and temperatures.
As Nikon say sudden changes should be avoided – otherwise there can be an occasional issue.

I agree your problem specific to one camera indicates a problem with that camera rather than card – on the assumption that the problem body is not used in a somehow different way or different conditions to your other cameras.

For me, lock up issues have significantly reduced in the 25 years I have been using Nikon, starting with the F100.
One reason for the reduction might be there used to be a warning in camera manuals to avoid static electricity such as certain types of nylon clothing or nylon camera bags that could cause a buildup of static electricity. The warning has not appeared in camera manuals for several years – indicating static electricity is no longer a likely cause of occasional camera lock up.

 

[O]

I hear you

One challenge is separating reality from opinion.
Digital cameras are delicate low-voltage equipment often moved from indoor warm sometimes humid homes or air-conditioned cars into a wide range of outdoor conditions and temperatures.
As Nikon say sudden changes should be avoided – otherwise there can be an occasional issue.

I agree your problem specific to one camera indicates a problem with that camera rather than card – on the assumption that the problem body is not used in a somehow different way or different conditions to your other cameras.

For me, lock up issues have significantly reduced in the 25 years I have been using Nikon, starting with the F100.
One reason for the reduction might be there used to be a warning in camera manuals to avoid static electricity such as certain types of nylon clothing or nylon camera bags that could cause a buildup of static electricity. The warning has not appeared in camera manuals for several years – indicating static electricity is no longer a likely cause of occasional camera lock up.

I hear what you’re saying and it makes sense in many ways.

However I do feel the newer mirror less cameras seem a little more vulnerable, not necessarily just from the elements but more so that the software and computerized synergistic nature of them these days may make them a little more vulnerable, i bit like some computers.

My D3x D4s D5 D6 DF D7100 D700 D300 never ever missed a beat even in extreme conditions or changing conditions.

But that's only my experience to date which doesn't mean everyone has these experiences, Nor am i saying DSLR are better.

I got the first Z9 and over time it progressively got moody and finally in the later stages it spat the dummy after several trips to Nikon, it ruined an expensive international trip, Nikon needed to attend to it again.

I sold the Z9 once out of warranty and got a new Z8 for a few other reasons as well.

Now the Z8 is only 2 months old and has some moodiness about it not dissimilar to the way the Z9 started.

My main concern is as it was with my Z9, a lack of trust with it, that same feeling is slowly emerging with the Z8.

Is it the cards, is it the battery, is it the environmental conditions, is it the software,..............what the most common element is with both cameras is a lack of trust.

I know i am not the only one but why do i have to even deal with these things in the first place especially at this price point.

Only an opinion

 

[Cameron T]

Because stuff fails, no matter how expensive it is?

That said, your experiences appear to be a massive outlier based on the multiple forums I'm on.

If you don't trust nikon, sell all your nikon gear and move on. It's the best solution for everyone.

 

[O]

Because stuff fails, no matter how expensive it is?

That said, your experiences appear to be a massive outlier based on the multiple forums I'm on.

If you don't trust nikon, sell all your nikon gear and move on. It's the best solution for everyone.

I trust Nikon and like Nikon and have for years, mostly because of Image files, support and service, and glass.

My trust has only been effected by field experience with my Z9 Z8 samples i have owned or own, previous DSLR products have been enjoyable, dependable, and meet or exceeded expectations.

Issues do occur be it the Z8 or Z9 as is evident in this post and other forums, sharing helps with understanding or information to find solutions.

One solution being the FREE Pro Grade Re Fresh feature and firmware updates, here is hoping.

I dislike technical reliability issues, QC issues especially reoccurring ones, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a very high standards to be met especially when you buying flag ship pro gear, life shouldn't be a lucky dip at this level, and not at these prices.

Yes things fail no matter what the price, but you’re not buying overpriced sneakers.

When you walk out the door to do a shoot and your first thought is will it be ok, i better take a back up, it becomes a concern.

Initially and easily forgotten, we had over the past 2 years so many dramas issues with the field introduction of the Z9, i felt it was being finished in the field almost, firmware updates and fixes has seen this simmer down over time, yet occasionally there is a little something that seems to still get through.

My sample Z9 was first generation that progressively became an issue, finally failing while overseas, eventually fixed and settled down, out of warranty recently I sold it for the lighter smaller Z8 to suite a different need. I prefer the Z9 over the Z8 but need the Z8 for the purpose intended.

My sample Z8 in the field from the geko had two complete shut downs needing battery pulls for recovery, full reformat and firmware update by Nikon has not seen this reoccur however my Z8 has since had little use.

A common issue between my sample Z9 and my sample Z8 is image review not responding consistently,

this forum has and Nikon have mentioned they are often card related issues.

Taking the advice i have down loaded the Pro Grade refresh software, ran updates and health checks on both cards rated at a score of 100% whatever that means, and did the reader firmware update, now time will tell.

I have also contacted Pro Grade via support to see if they have any additional light on the subject, at $600 AUD a Cobalt card i would hope to use them on a Z9 Z8 D850 D6.

Currently all is quiet on the western front however there is still a odd sprinkling of issues around it seems, not all issues or bad experiences make it to forums.

Only an opinion

 

[EricKlees]

I trust Nikon and like Nikon and have for years, mostly because of Image files, support and service, and glass.

My trust has only been effected by field experience with my Z9 Z8 samples i have owned or own, previous DSLR products have been enjoyable, dependable, and meet or exceeded expectations.

Issues do occur be it the Z8 or Z9 as is evident in this post and other forums, sharing helps with understanding or information to find solutions.

One solution being the FREE Pro Grade Re Fresh feature and firmware updates, here is hoping.

I dislike technical reliability issues, QC issues especially reoccurring ones, I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect a very high standards to be met especially when you buying flag ship pro gear, life shouldn't be a lucky dip at this level, and not at these prices.

Yes things fail no matter what the price, but you’re not buying overpriced sneakers.

When you walk out the door to do a shoot and your first thought is will it be ok, i better take a back up, it becomes a concern.

Initially and easily forgotten, we had over the past 2 years so many dramas issues with the field introduction of the Z9, i felt it was being fished in the field almost, firmware updates and fixes has seen this simmer down over time, yet occasionally there is a little something that seems to still get through.

My sample Z9 was first generation that progressively became an issue, finally failing while overseas, eventually fixed and settled down, out of warranty recently I sold it for the lighter smaller Z8 to suite a different need. I prefer the Z9 over the Z8 but need the Z8 for the purpose intended.

My sample Z8 in the field from the geko had two complete shut downs needing battery pulls for recovery, full reformat and firmware update by Nikon has not seen this reoccur however my Z8 has since had little use.

A common issue between my sample Z9 and my sample Z8 is image review not responding consistently,

this forum has and Nikon have mentioned they are often card related issues.

Taking the advice i have down loaded the Pro Grade refresh software, ran updates and health checks on both cards rated at a score of 100% whatever that means, and did the reader firmware update, now time will tell.

I have also contacted Pro Grade via support to see if they have any additional light on the subject, at $600 AUD a Cobalt card i would hope to use them on a Z9 Z8 D850 D6.

Currently all is quiet on the western front however there is still a odd sprinkling of issues around it seems. not all issues or experiences make it to forums.

Only an opinion

Yes with anytime electronic, things can happen. I'm sorry if you've had issues with your gear in the past. I have had a D40, D90, D200, D300s, D500 (3 of them), a D850 and currently a Z9 since launch (technically 2nd batch Jan 23th '22)

I have never had an issue or QC problem and have never once gone out on a shoot and every thought to myself "will it be ok". I've put at least 70-100k shots on all my bodies ava in over 300k on my Z9.

It sucks to have issues, but I'd venture to say most people haven't had you experience with Nikon. All the people i know with Nikon haven't had issues (about 50 or 60 people i think

 

[O]

Yes with anytime electronic, things can happen. I'm sorry if you've had issues with your gear in the past. I have had a D40, D90, D200, D300s, D500 (3 of them), a D850 and currently a Z9 since launch (technically 2nd batch Jan 23th '22)

I have never had an issue or QC problem and have never once gone out on a shoot and every thought to myself "will it be ok". I've put at least 70-100k shots on all my bodies ava in over 300k on my Z9.

It sucks to have issues, but I'd venture to say most people haven't had you experience with Nikon. All the people i know with Nikon haven't had issues (about 50 or 60 people i think

Agree and your right, i to never had issues with the DSLRS.

Today there are not as many issues with the Z cameras at the top level as Nikon it seems has finally gotten on top of things pretty much.

I will talk to pro grade by phone soon as i haven't got an email back yet.

If i go on a 4 day hike sleeping out, you cant carry much camera gear with you, so you need to firstly trust what you take with you, secondly compromise and make do with what you take, ergonomically it seems a 4/3rds systems like Fuji fit this situation well.

I would rather take the Z8 and 24-120, if my sample camera will be ok, but gee i love the 50mm 1.8s. it and the 70-200 fl are my two favorite tools.

Only an opinion

 

[Len Shepherd]

I used to get AA battery problems with Olympus winders – history from long ago.
I occasionally got problems with fNikon film bodies and DSLR's - usually in damp conditions.
Touch-wood so far I have not had a lock up with a Z8 or Z9 although I did have one with the Z7.

Very occasionally, my Subaru off road car does not start with the first press of the starter button - though it does live outdoors.
I do not worry about this but would if there was a more regular starting problem.

 

[O]

I used to get AA battery problems with Olympus winders – history from long ago.
I occasionally got problems with fNikon film bodies and DSLR's - usually in damp conditions.
Touch-wood so far I have not had a lock up with a Z8 or Z9 although I did have one with the Z7.

Very occasionally, my Subaru off road car does not start with the first press of the starter button - though it does live outdoors.
I do not worry about this but would if there was a more regular starting problem.

Nikon checked out my Z8 reformatted the camera, checked the battery serial numbers did the updates, i am due for one more update, they handed it back and said come back if there are any further issues. So what's different to when i got it in the box, just firmware update and reformat.

Like your Subaru if you get caught and stuck once you become a little cautious where or when you go with it and that shouldn't be.

Only an opinion