Nikon Z8

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Also, the fast stacked sensor is very expensive and puts it in a higher price bracket than the Sony. But totally worth it if you need that feature.
If NR is correct, the stacked sensor is what was predicted: not least by Nikon's statement last April - that it soon planned to deploy Z9 features into more affordable cameras. This strategy earns them even more returns on the R&D spent on the Z9 stacked sensor, and allied technology, gives us the electronic shutter, 20 fps and more.

There must be minimal limits to how much the engineers could trim the weight, and still maintain practicable 8K video (no overheating issues) and present a robust hardworking camera. It will, however, be unfortunate if they have regressed back to an SD card instead of the pair of CFEXpr B slots.

All bearing out, this camera should be a stellar performer and sell fast and well, and continue to sell even more Z Nikkors (another of Nikon's priority aims).
 
Which is not bad for Nikon. Reduce RnD, maybe sensor price due to greater batch they can order, less mechanical issues, easier maintanance if they keep many electronic parts identical to Z9 and mechanical to either Z9 or Z7 line.

I expected something like 7rV but if it turns out to be a gripless z9 - that is also a smart move. Maybe 61 Mpx sensor will go to z7mk3. I bet they have done a proper market reaserch in terms of price/[performance/dimensions] level consumers would accept for something between z7/z6 and z9 camera.
 
10 bit HEIF would be nice. Especially if it is available at 30-60-120 FPS and pre-capture. Hopefully they have not held back on the spec to protect the Z9. Throw everything at it that won't tip it over $4,499!
I hope the Z8 will be 60mp 12 fps. Worst 45mp 12 fps.

Have quality video which is more important based on the market trend and needs.

The Z8 will not be a wild life sports action camera, the void is everywhere else.

Cost, well Nikon knows we will all cough up what ever they ask, so it wont be cheap, that makes me wonder if its going to be worth it.

Converting all the D850 Z7, Z7II, owners is what is the agenda is in my opinion.

But first Nikon needs to make certain the drill down features from the Z9 are proven to be bug free.

I feel it should be around the D850 launch price or Z7II maximum, more than that they can keep it, i would rather put the money into glass.

Only an opinion
 
This is interesting and sounds like a Z9 without a grip. I understand a lot of folks want a pro body in smaller form factor but what I don’t get is how how Nikon would categorize this. If they dumb down the feature set to keep the Z9 as the top pro body then people may complain there’s no true pro body in a smaller form factor and if they keep everything identical in terms of feature set, then that may make the Z9 look less attractive..Also, no matter what they do, people are going to keep asking for a Sony A7R5, Canon R6, R5, Sony A9/Canon R3, D500 equivalents. Nikon has a tough task ahead to manage the expectations on what to prioritise from this list. It is unlikely for them to have a Z7III which is also a 45mp camera so maybe they’ll make it the hi res body like an A7R5 but they’ll need to figure a way to have non-stacked sensors that are as good as the ones found in canon R5/6 to keep them competitive.

If NR is correct, the stacked sensor is what was predicted: not least by Nikon's statement last April - that it soon planned to deploy Z9 features into more affordable cameras. This strategy earns them even more returns on the R&D spent on the Z9 stacked sensor, and allied technology, gives us the electronic shutter, 20 fps and more.

There must be minimal limits to how much the engineers could trim the weight, and still maintain practicable 8K video (no overheating issues) and present a robust hardworking camera. It will, however, be unfortunate if they have regressed back to an SD card instead of the pair of CFEXpr B slots.

All bearing out, this camera should be a stellar performer and sell fast and well, and continue to sell even more Z Nikkors (another of Nikon's priority aims).
 
If the latest speculation is correct, I feel like Nikon is missing the mark somewhat RE the price point...I'm not sure about the market. I've consistent read comments in a variety of forums (and a few reviews) about the Z9's size and weight, so in that regard an essentially grip less version of the Z9 may have a market...but if it hits the market at $5000? That would be a tough sell I think. I think it would need to come in closer to what the D850 released for, but at that price point they would have to gut some of the features. Personally I keep hoping for the mirrorless version of the D500 with some updated specs....30 MP stacked sensor, electronic shutter only, blackout free EVG, 30 fps RAW...for, say $3000. One can hope!
 
Since the Z9 launched, the most common refrain among those picking other systems has been "I'd get a Z9, but I prefer grip-less bodies". Looks like that's what the Z8 will be. We'll soon see if people were being forthright in their reason for avoiding the Z9. If it really was the size/weight people didn't like, the Z8 will be a big hit. If it was something else that really held them back, the Z8 will cannibalize Z9 sales more than increase Nikon's market share.

The size/weight thing is near and dear to many of us. When I was picking a wildlife system, I considered the following as the heaviest options I was willing to handhold:
Z9500PF6.1lbs14" long
OM1150-4005.4lbs15.4" long
A1200-6006.3lbs15.2" long

Now there are a couple more options:
Z8500PF5.7lbs14" long
X-H2S150-6005.0lbs14.9" long

I hate carrying a lot of weight (which is why I'm using the 500PF instead of an 800PF, despite shooting a lot of songbirds), but the difference between all of these options are small enough that we really should be picking based on other factors (AF, pre-capture, lens options, etc). If reach-per-pound were the only important factor, we would all be carrying Nikon 1 J5's with a 300PF (840mm-e, 2.1lbs).

The biggest issue I have with the Z9 is that it requires larger bags than my other gear. The 300g difference in weight hasn't been a problem, and I really do appreciate the massive battery.

I'll be sticking with my Z9, and hoof the extra 300g for a $5000 savings.
 
I found a major difference in handholding the 2.95kg 300 f2.8G compared to the 3.8kg 400 f2.8E FL. The former prime is end heavy compared to the heavier 400. This weight balance makes a big difference in ergonomics: supporting the rig with the left arm.

In contrast the 1.16kg 400mm f4.5S + ZTC14 weighs 1.38kg (just over 3 ibs) and many of us greatly enjoy handholding this rig with the Z9. However, the weight is in the camera end, and a slightly lighter camera should balance it out rather nicely.
 
I found a major difference in handholding the 2.95kg 300 f2.8G compared to the 3.8kg 400 f2.8E FL. The former prime is end heavy compared to the heavier 400. This weight balance makes a big difference in ergonomics: supporting the rig with the left arm.

In contrast the 1.16kg 400mm f4.5S + ZTC14 weighs 1.38kg (just over 3 ibs) and many of us greatly enjoy handholding this rig with the Z9. However, the weight is in the camera end, and a slightly lighter camera should balance it out rather nicely.

My old Canon 300/2.8IS was very front-heavy, too. It wasn't a big deal to carry in a bag, but it was tiring to hand-hold, and a bit awkward on a cross-body strap.

I'm very happy with the 500PF in that regard... it is fairly long, but the front element is light. It balances extremely well on the Z9. That lens sells the whole Z system, for me. The 400/4.5 looks even nicer!
 
Latest rumors state price is 4599 euros. They don't state launch price in other currencies but note if you convert it to US dollars it is around 5000. (I doubt Nikon would do a direct conversion and would likely give a separate US price). Even if it was 4599 US dollars, or possibly more like 4899, that seems expensive to me. The Sony A7R5 is 3899 and I have a hard time understanding why anyone would choose this instead. (Ignoring the obvious that if you are invested in Nikon Z system you are somewhat forced into it).
If the rumour spec sheet is true and this has the Z9's stacked sensor then it has no business being compared to the A7RV with its abysmally slow scanning sensor. Totally different league of camera which really doesn't have a direct competitor from Canon nor Sony. If anything it could compare to the A1 which makes $4500-$5000 a steal compared to $6500 for an A1.

And really if it has 95% of the Z9 specs other than the built-in grip then it really should just be $500 or so less than a Z9.
I thought this is what everybody wanted...full Z9 in smaller/lighter body??
 
If the latest speculation is correct, I feel like Nikon is missing the mark somewhat RE the price point...I'm not sure about the market. I've consistent read comments in a variety of forums (and a few reviews) about the Z9's size and weight, so in that regard an essentially grip less version of the Z9 may have a market...but if it hits the market at $5000? That would be a tough sell I think. I think it would need to come in closer to what the D850 released for, but at that price point they would have to gut some of the features. Personally I keep hoping for the mirrorless version of the D500 with some updated specs....30 MP stacked sensor, electronic shutter only, blackout free EVG, 30 fps RAW...for, say $3000. One can hope!
In the comments section it is noted that the $5000 is a direct currency conversion of the price given including VAT so a realistic USD converted price was give of $4200. Hopefully we will all know soon enough.
 
If the rumour spec sheet is true and this has the Z9's stacked sensor then it has no business being compared to the A7RV with its abysmally slow scanning sensor. Totally different league of camera which really doesn't have a direct competitor from Canon nor Sony. If anything it could compare to the A1 which makes $4500-$5000 a steal compared to $6500 for an A1.

And really if it has 95% of the Z9 specs other than the built-in grip then it really should just be $500 or so less than a Z9.
I thought this is what everybody wanted...full Z9 in smaller/lighter body??
It is what I want to see for specs, but it seems a lot of people want the slow A7Rv sensor instead, but don’t realize that means no blackout free shooting and lots of rolling shutter. Not saying the A7Rv is a bad sensor, but from the comments I read people seem think it’s something it’s not. If these specs are accurate and the price conversion of $4200 is accurate, this is going to be the best bargain available.
 
From an EU perspective:

The Z9 is 6000 EUR (when not on sale).

That would make the Z8 a good 1300-1400 EUR less than the Z9.

From my own PoV:

45 to 60MPX is not that much of a jump, so I'd rather have 20FPS and black-out free shooting :)
 
Latest rumors state price is 4599 euros. They don't state launch price in other currencies but note if you convert it to US dollars it is around 5000. (I doubt Nikon would do a direct conversion and would likely give a separate US price). Even if it was 4599 US dollars, or possibly more like 4899, that seems expensive to me. The Sony A7R5 is 3899 and I have a hard time understanding why anyone would choose this instead. (Ignoring the obvious that if you are invested in Nikon Z system you are somewhat forced into it).
I already have a Nikon with 10fps, Sony A7rV reaches only 10fps... I would change to a better FPS, better AF camera like Z8
 
If the rumour spec sheet is true and this has the Z9's stacked sensor then it has no business being compared to the A7RV with its abysmally slow scanning sensor. Totally different league of camera which really doesn't have a direct competitor from Canon nor Sony. If anything it could compare to the A1 which makes $4500-$5000 a steal compared to $6500 for an A1.

And really if it has 95% of the Z9 specs other than the built-in grip then it really should just be $500 or so less than a Z9.
I thought this is what everybody wanted...full Z9 in smaller/lighter body??
The corollary is Nikon continues to build on its leading position with the most affordable high-end FX Cameras with stacked sensors, which have advanced beyond previous technology by shifting to an entirely electronic shutter.

It remains to be seen how the other brands react over the medium term. They are challenged to either develop their own equivalents with entirely fully electronic stacked-sensors, or chase diminishing returns on single stack BSI sensors (?) We can expect camera prices to reflect how the likes of Nikon fare in volumes of sales of these high end cameras. They probably aim to maintain the momentum achieved in Z9 shipments, and the Z8 will likely take over the lead over the next year.

Only 3 years after the launch of the Z System, Nikon came closer to its stated aim: "...to become the No1 Market in interchangeable full frame cameras in the future..." the 36+ Z lenses are a decent achievement and now Z8 in 4+ years.

19:20 -

Z System announced 23 August 2018

Z9 announced 28 October 2021
 
I made the switch to Canon earlier this spring. I no longer have a dog in the Z8 hunt. I still own one Nikon body and a couple F mount lenses as backup. I sure do hope Nikon comes out with a Z8 or whatever they decide to call it and that it is a killer camera. I changed not because of anger with Nikon or anything like that. I'm not getting any younger and I just wanted a new camera outfit so I bought what seems like the best fit for my needs today. I may move back to Nikon some day so it's not a "leaving" Nikon just buying a new camera that happens to come from a different brand. No big deal.

Again, I sure do hope the Z8 comes out soon and it is a killer camera.
By the way, we were joking about the Z8 to be announced just one day after the 30 days return period of our new mirrorless cameras finished.
I just want to announce that the 30 days return period for my Z9 expires on May, 6th ;)
 
I'm torn because a mini-Z9 is exactly what I wanted, but I can also think that Nikon should probably release a camera that caters to a larger market so that it can continue to make the most profit, and thereby continue to be able to make more cameras farther into the future. Selfish instant gratification, or defer to longterm health of Nikon's business 🤔
 
The absolutely stellar quality and innovative Z Nikon lenses might be one reason.
If you need a super tele (400 2.8 or 600 f4) then yes, the Nikon Z lenses with built-in teleconverters are innovative. If not, the overall lineup of Sony lenses is far more extensive and innovative than Nikon. Look at what they have that no one else has (20-70 f4, 35-150 f2-2.8, etc).
 
If you need a super tele (400 2.8 or 600 f4) then yes, the Nikon Z lenses with built-in teleconverters are innovative. If not, the overall lineup of Sony lenses is far more extensive and innovative than Nikon. Look at what they have that no one else has (20-70 f4, 35-150 f2-2.8, etc).

Isn't that 35-150 a Tamron lens? That will most likely come in Nikon Z mount soon?

Most manufacturers have a few optics that are unique to then... the 28-70mm f2.0 from Canon, the 90mm 2x macro with AF that takes TCs from Olympus, the f1.7 10-25mm and 25-50mm from Panasonic and so on...

It all depends on how the line-up of a manufacturer matches your needs...
 
I will reveal my ignorance, but I honestly don't know what a stacked sensor is (vs a conventional sensor) or what the advantages are. Whatever they are, maybe that gives this more value? I must run in different circles than the rest of you, because not only would I never need more than 10fps, I don't know and have never personally known another photographer who needs that either.
 
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