Time to switch to mirrorless - Z8 or Z9?

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nikonkelly said:
I got my Z8 the day that they were released. I debated for a while previous to the announcement as to which I thought that I would get. The Z8 was said to be a mini Z9 but that it had all the features of a Z9 except the grip with the big battery. So I bought the Z8... then within about a week, the Z8 no longer had all the bells and whistles of the Z9. And for most of the past 10 months the Z8 has not had some of the better features. If I had it to do over again, I would now own a Z9. Just my 2 cents!
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The two cameras are not completely synched in features and firmware, even apart from differences that may be based on physical differences between the two cameras. So either one might get a feature first.

The Z9 got bird ID first; the Z8 got it later.

The Z8 got cycle AF areas first; the Z9 got it later.

The Z8 has pixel shift; the Z9 does not have it. Not a particularly useful feature for wildlife work, but potentially useful for other work like landscapes.

For now, I have one of each. Not because of firmware differences. But there are times I want a smaller lighter body.
 
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I have a Z8 and Z9, and previously owned a D850. If you don’t have a need to frequently shoot in Portrait orientation buy the Z8 and two batteries. If your finances allow sell the 500 PF and buy a 600 PF. The 600 PF is a great lens and fully utilizes IBIS when paired with a Z8 or Z9. It’s a definite step up from the 500 PF. The Z9 is a great camera but I find it too heavy to lug around all day.
 
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Very quickly, I shoot with the Z9, and my wife shoots with the Z8. I like to use a grip, she doesn't. She worries about weight, for me it is less of a concern. She complains that the batteries last a very short time. I have only rarely had to change a battery during one day of shooting. We are both happy with our cameras. As Steve has said, the subject detection is a game changer. So, figure out your priorities and then decide.
 
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The Z8 is 14.4 ounces lighter than the Z8 camera and if that is ultra important one should consider the Sony a7 IV or a MFT OM-1. The lens is most of the weight I am handling and not the weight of the camera. It is the availability of some excellent Nikon zoom telephoto and they very lightweight PF super telephoto lenses that appeals to me.

For stills AND video the Z9 with two CFexpress card slots is the best choice. I use a 2TB CFexpress card in Slot 2 which is where the video output goes. I can avoid using a Atomos Ninja altogether and shoot at 8K 30p if desired which is not possible with the Atomos recorders and Nikon cameras (8K Atomos only with Canon R5).
 
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I went from two D850 bodies to one Z8 and it was a very natural move. (Saving up for a second body). If you are using the D850 without the optional battery grip then a Z8 will be close to what you are used to. If you are using the D850 with the optional battery grip then a Z9 will be close to what you are used to. For me the Z8 is perfect and Z9 is a bit too big and heavy, but until you try both it will be hard for you to know for sure.
 
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R.Philip said:
I am still shooting with two D850's. I shoot wildlife, landscapes, and anything that suits my mood when I awaken. I have quite a bit of F-mount glass (600mm f4 FL, 500PF, 300mm 2.8, the holy trinity 2.8's, 105 macro, 85 mm 1.4, 1.4TC, and a fisheye ). The Z9 has been out a couple years and the Z8 has been out about a year. It is time for me to start researching a transition to Nikon mirrorless. From the little I know now, the big difference between the two cameras is the battery/battery life, size/weight differences, and price; all the other capabilities are essentially the same. My question is which of the two cameras is more popular at this time? Beyond the above, any other pro's and con's of either model I should consider?
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I've had a Z9 for over two years. Great camera, but I recently got a refurb Z8 for $3200 (vs $4500 for Z9 refurb) and hardly use the Z9 now. The weight is the big factor for me, but I also didn't mind saving the money. The battery situation of the Z8 is a bit of a nuisance, but not terrible. I figure 2-1/2 to 3 of the small Z8 batteries provide about the same battery life as the Z9's. They're small, and the Smallrig third party batteries work well and don't require a charger (just a compact USB cable). I do wish it had a second CF Express slot, but it's not been a major problem. I just use the one slot. Bottom line, with the Z8 and firmware 2.0, I feel like I'm getting the performance of the Z9 in a smaller, lighter less expensive body in trade for giving up the Z9's longer battery life, 2 CF Express slots and the Fn3 button.
 
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IMHO. The Z9 is the successor to the D6 and the Z8 is the successor to the D850. I have a pair of Z9s and a Z8. When shooting sports I use the Z9 exclusively. For everything else the Z8 is super awesome and a bit lighter. I do not shoot BIF. You need to hold both and decide for yourself. Best of luck.
 
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Calson said:
The Z8 is 14.4 ounces lighter than the Z8 camera and if that is ultra important one should consider the Sony a7 IV or a MFT OM-1. The lens is most of the weight I am handling and not the weight of the camera. It is the availability of some excellent Nikon zoom telephoto and they very lightweight PF super telephoto lenses that appeals to me.

For stills AND video the Z9 with two CFexpress card slots is the best choice. I use a 2TB CFexpress card in Slot 2 which is where the video output goes. I can avoid using a Atomos Ninja altogether and shoot at 8K 30p if desired which is not possible with the Atomos recorders and Nikon cameras (8K Atomos only with Canon R5).
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I have too much F glass that I plan on retaining to switch manufacturers.
 
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JAJohnson said:
I suspect the Z8 has sold more if measured from its release date. Nikon doesn’t share data which can be used to make a comparison, however.
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Which is right for any photographer and how many have sold can be quite different things.

http://www.photosynthesis.co.nz/nikon/camera.html indicates around 8500 Z9 sold in USA over a longer timescale than about 29,000 Z8 also sold in USA.
This implies over a similar time scale as a back of an envelope calculation about 5 Z8 to 1 Z9 - though I suspect size and weight strongly biases the result.

I own both and prefer the handling of the Z9. However at age over 80 when walking a long way from base I tend to carry the lighter Z8.

Battery capacity I consider fairly irrelevant as two extra Nikon Z8 batteries cost about £/$120 - and you might do a deal on battery prices buying from a smaller specialist Nikon store.
 
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CJC2 said:
IMHO. The Z9 is the successor to the D6 and the Z8 is the successor to the D850. I have a pair of Z9s and a Z8. When shooting sports I use the Z9 exclusively. For everything else the Z8 is super awesome and a bit lighter. I do not shoot BIF. You need to hold both and decide for yourself. Best of luck.
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I see where you're coming from in regard to size and built-in battery grip of the Z9 succeeding the D6 and the smaller, gripless Z8 succeeding the D850. However, with its 45mp sensor, I look at the Z9 as a combination of the D6 and D850, and the Z8 being a just a smaller body with similar performance to the Z9 (like a super-charged full frame D500 :)). I've seen many comments on other forums awaiting a higher mp (e.g. 60 mp) but somewhat slower body that some would call a D850 replacement. This could potentially come in the form of a Z7iii. Who knows? However you slice it, the Z9 and Z8 are two excellent high-performing bodies.
 
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You might want to look at the new Z6III just saw some info on Nikon Rumor and Ordinary Filmaker on You Tube did a quick review on it called it a mini Z8. Schedule to be released later this month estimated price body only $2999. Size is a bit bigger than current Z6II and has 24 Mpixel sensor with Mechanical shutter speed of 12 FPS Raw and 24 FPS in Electronic shutter. Can shoot 4K video at 120 FPS
Nikon offering a D to Z program for your old DSLR to upgrade to Z camera. I was looking to get the Z8 to replace my D500 until I saw the info on the new Z6III so can save $600 and use it on Z glass
 
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Simon Yates a.k.a. the Ordinary Film Maker used to be good, but dude really went off the rails two years ago, he has been commenting on the Canon R1 for 3 years. Nowadays his channel contents are a bit silly, sometimes entertaining though. :ROFLMAO:

Oliver
 
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I had a similar dilemma when switching from d8500 and d500. I was tempted by the Z8's low weight and lower price. The Z9 was favored by a much better battery. Initially, I bought the Z8, but its casing disappointed me greatly, it was made of mostly plastic materials, not magnesium. In my opinion it was more delicate than my old Canon 6d. I sent the z8 back and bought the z9. Yes, the difference in weight is visible, but I feel more confident with such an armored camera. I can't complain about the battery performance either. Also if weight is not a priority for you, I recommend the z9.
 
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For wildlife photography, needing heavy, longer telephotos.... I learned the ergonomics, big batteries and better balance set a lower bound on optimal camera features, which increases their size (and price).

Obviously, this doesn't disqualify using other imminently capable cameras, however each daily outing, and trip, underscores the benefits of investing in the most optimal ILC features available.

At the time they were released, I upgraded to a gripped DSLR (D500 then D850) and eventually added a used D5, which a D6 has replaced. Today, the D6 and well worn D850 complement the superb Z9....
(And my oldest ENEL18b batteries still work fine, although USB C PD MH33 chargers have superseded the bulky MH26a).
 
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I think the Z8 battery issue is a non issue. As long as you don't use the back screen (except when needed - reviewing a picture for example), turn-on airplane mode and shut off the camera (or have it done automatically), you can use the Z8 with just one battery. I was doing 10 hour safaris, taking 1000 pictures a day and only needed the single battery (the spare was available and not used). I was surprised and the fact that batteries were fairly new helped but it shows the Z8 battery is adequate.
 
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freddd said:
I think the Z8 battery issue is a non issue. As long as you don't use the back screen (except when needed - reviewing a picture for example), turn-on airplane mode and shut off the camera (or have it done automatically), you can use the Z8 with just one battery. I was doing 10 hour safaris, taking 1000 pictures a day and only needed the single battery (the spare was available and not used). I was surprised and the fact that batteries were fairly new helped but it shows the Z8 battery is adequate.
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Using just one battery works right up to the point that it doesn't work. Then, you're completely out of luck.

An extra battery, no matter for which camera, is like an additional memory card that you don't expect to use. In the overall scheme of things, it's cheap insurance against the unexpected.
 
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Whiskeyman said:
To me, this is the biggest discriminator of whether you should opt for the Z8 or the Z9.

If you regularly shoot the D850 with the MB-D18, go for the Z9. If not, go for the Z8, and use some of the money you didn't spend on a couple of extra batteries.
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I have one with and one without the battery pack. I'm leaning toward the Z9, but am really starting to sweat the $$$. I'm heading to the Smokies for black bear in a couple weeks and am starting to sweat with gas prices going up. My disposable income really has taken a hit the last three years. Like I said, when I get back, I am going to start selling f-mount lenses, tripods, and my portrait equipment.
 
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R.Philip said:
I have one with and one without the battery pack. I'm leaning toward the Z9, but am really starting to sweat the $$$. I'm heading to the Smokies for black bear in a couple weeks and am starting to sweat with gas prices going up. My disposable income really has taken a hit the last three years. Like I said, when I get back, I am going to start selling f-mount lenses, tripods, and my portrait equipment.
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Are you sweating the difference of the dollars between the Z8 and the Z9, or just the dollars, period? (I certainly understand your concerns about your recent disposable income changes.)

Either way, if your D850s are functioning well, there is no reason that they will not serve you well during your upcoming trip to the Smokies. Yes, the features of mirrorless cameras and lenses are nice to have, but they are neither an existential necessity, nor a photographic one.
 
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I dont know how anyone can refer to a 24mp FX camera as a "mini Z8": The Z8 is 45mp and if the Z6iii turns out to be 24mp FX, you are going to be losing a lot of pixel density, compared to Z8, Z9, D850 and the D500. It is very likely you will be cropping more with an FX camera, compared to a D500, so you'll need those extra pixels to meet the same output siz you are used to with the D500.

A DX, 20/24mp Z80? Now that would be a mini Z8.
 
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