What's your ideal Nikon Z8 specs/features? (List them; no far-fetched wishes!)

[sid_19911991]

Hey everyone,
As most of us Nikon shooters especially wildlife shooters are not too happy with Z cameras, I feel we should list some of the specs/features we crave for so that we get a feel of what people want the most!

Here is mine. I will call it Z8.

1) 33 MP BSI full frame sensor (mirrorless)
2) No AA filter like D850/D500.

3) 12 FPS mechanical shutter @ 14-bit raw without battery grip.
4) Blackout free or virtually blackout free shooting like in Canon R6.

5) AF stills performance/bird eye tracking/ at the least 80% that of Canon R6.
6) 4k @ 120 FPS; should have improved video AF.
7) 10 bit 4.2.2 internal 4k @30, 60, 120 FPS recording.

8) Dynamic Range of Sony A7 iii.
9) ISO performance of Sony A7 iii.

10) Dual Card slots.
11) Price it under 3,200 USD for body & FTZ adapter with high speed memory card.
12) Raw stills buffer as good as D500.
13) Simple 3.6M dot pixel EVF; same as Nikon Z6 to keep costs low.
14) Decent in-body stabilization like in Nikon Z6.
15) Latest chip to provide room for AF firmware/AI updates.
-----
16) The usual Nikon color science, build quality, ergonomics, lack of heating issues, battery performance etc.

 

[Steve W]

Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator

 

[abc123brian]

i would simply like a camera that is the same size, or slightly larger than my Z7ii, with a stacked sensor in the range of 30-45MP, that can shoot 20FPS with a decent buffer, and very similar AF tracking as proposed in the Z9. I’d like to see it priced between the Z7ii and $5000 Obviously, the lower the better. IQ, IBIS, design, layout, should be very similar to current Z cameras.

 

[StefanSC]

As most of us Nikon shooters especially wildlife shooters are not too happy with Z cameras, I feel we should list some of the specs/features we crave for so that we get a feel of what people want the most!

Hey, I'm happy with the Z cameras. I've had the chance to use the first gen Z6 and Z7 and the 3rd gen A7 and A7R and I found the Nikon Z cameras to be a very solid effort for a first gen product, nipping at the heels of the 3rd gen Sonys... Might be that these days, with all the software updates, the Z cameras are actually better overall performers.

Thing is, that they don't do anything to convince me to switch from my F mount D810/D500 combo to Z cameras. And the A1/R3/Z9 are way over what I am willing to spend on a camera body.

I for one would buy a D880 that is a D850 with a Z7 II sensor and live view and D6 AF but hey, that's unlikely so, if Nikon-san wants me to switch from F to Z, this is what it will take:

1) Price it around 4000$ with FTZ-2 adapter (without all the AF lag bull...).
2) Throw in it a 30-36Mpx stacked sensor with BSI (ideally I would like a 2021 version of the D810 sensor but hey... I'm happy with a 30Mpx new sensor as well).
3) An updated version of the Z7 II EVF would be nice.
4) AF that is in the same ballpark to what the Canon R6 can do. Must have an improved group-AF mode or a near/far shift mode.
5) 8 to 10 fps with mecanical shutter, 15 fps with electronic shutter. About 50 12bit RAWs buffer (more if shot in a cropped 1.2x mode).
6) Pre-capture mode (start buffering 1s of frames at half press and save them at full press), high res in camera mode(with flash support), focus stacking in camera mode, live composition mode (show long exposures on screen as they are created).
7) Z7 II body would be fine but I would like a slightly beefier body (no integrated grip).

Don't care about video specs and dual card slots(with SD and XQD backwards compatibility), IBIS, weather resistance should be a given at this level and price-point.

 

[fcotterill]

There's not much missing in the the current Z system for macro, landscape and wedding photographers, except for a fisheye, DX Ultrawide, the 24-105S and perhaps the 100-400 S.
The Z system is highly competitive unless one is centralized in sports or wildlife.
The brief rumours of a Z8 is for a high resolution FX semi pro camera built around a 60mp or higher sensor.

 

[Tom Reynolds]

I would purchase a DX camera or a FX camera that crops to the same 20MP in DX mode and is as light or lighter than the current D-500 with the FTZ adaptor attached. It must have eye tracking. I need 10FPS without a grip. Pre capture mode would be very nice.

 

[NorthernFocus]

What do I want out of a Z8? Knowing that it exists.

 

[Doug Herr]

Z9 without the vertical grip.

 

[FB101]

Take the canon R5 and give it a stacked sensor for true blackout free shooting. Add Nikon colors. Shake, don’t stir.

 

[txstone]

Thom had some ideas about a possible Z8 earlier.

So What Would a Z8 Be Like? | Thom Hogan

What's the best guess at what a Nikon Z8 would be like?

www.zsystemuser.com

 

[RichF]

Hey everyone,
As most of us Nikon shooters especially wildlife shooters are not too happy with Z cameras, I feel we should list some of the specs/features we crave for so that we get a feel of what people want the most!

Here is mine. I will call it Z8.

1) 33 MP BSI full frame sensor (mirrorless)
2) No AA filter like D850/D500.

3) 12 FPS mechanical shutter @ 14-bit raw without battery grip.
4) Blackout free or virtually blackout free shooting like in Canon R6.

5) AF stills performance/bird eye tracking/ at the least 80% that of Canon R6.
6) 4k @ 120 FPS; should have improved video AF.
7) 10 bit 4.2.2 internal 4k @30, 60, 120 FPS recording.

8) Dynamic Range of Sony A7 iii.
9) ISO performance of Sony A7 iii.

10) Dual Card slots.
11) Price it under 3,200 USD for body & FTZ adapter with high speed memory card.
12) Raw stills buffer as good as D500.
13) Simple 3.6M dot pixel EVF; same as Nikon Z6 to keep costs low.
14) Decent in-body stabilization like in Nikon Z6.
15) Latest chip to provide room for AF firmware/AI updates.
-----
16) The usual Nikon color science, build quality, ergonomics, lack of heating issues, battery performance etc.

agree mostly.

#1. Stacked sensor
#3. 20 FPS with electronic shutter
#5 match or surpass Canon R6
#10. Dual CFE slots.
#17. Grip like the D500/D850. EN-EL18C battery or what ever battery is in Z9. Torn if Grip should be integrated into the body. W/ an integrated grip there is more room for electronics. But it is nice go light at times. I don't like the way the grip attaches to the Z6/7 II
#18. Builtin GPS or similar.

 

[gKhan]

Illudium Q-36 Explosive Space Modulator

I believe the Illudium Q-36a model has recently been released.

 

[jeffnles1]

I'm not really a specs hound. My needs in a camera are quite simple. I do wildlife and nature photography for fun and don't want or need to complicate my experience any more than necessary.

If I were specifying such a camera:
45-50mp sensor that can shoot an honest 20mp in crop mode
IBIS that will work in cohort with image stabilization in the lenses.
compatible with FTZ
10+ fps. Birds in flight are not my forte so I don't really need 20 or 30 fps but if it had it, I would not turn it down
AF as fast as my D500 (or faster).
animal / bird eye AF would be a nice to have but I've lived this long without it. If it were there I'd use it.
dual card slots. I would prefer dual card slots of the same type card. I'd be fine with dual SD UHSii.
Ability to easily switch from stills to video without digging into a menu (programable button?? or just hit the record button).
supplemental (separate) vertical grip is a nice to have but I rarely use the one I have for my D500.
Good EVF (I can't define it but an EVF that comes as close as possible to the look of the OVF).
little to no blackout between shots. I'd settle for 10-15 shot strings before noticing any kind of blackout. I rarely shoot more than 15 or so shot strings.

Price: I'd like to see it come in at $3,500 or below.
Honestly, there is very little difference between what I just described and a Z7ii except the AF capabilities and 2 slots that use the same card. (I find it a pain to have 2 different cards for the D500).
As for glass they don't have right now,
I really want the 200-600 to have faster AF than the 200-500 with the same or better image quality. Internal zoom and a much shorter zoom ring throw than the 200-500. Would be good to zoom from 200-600 without the need to reposition the hand.
I would also like a 100-400. With FTZ my current Sigma 100-400 works quite well on the D500 and I don't see why it would be any different on a Z until finances are such that I can upgrade.
glass currently available.
My existing 105mm Nikkor Micro will continue to meet my needs with the FTZ but may get the new 105mm micro at some point.
I'd be fine with the 24-70 F4. I would use that lens primarily for landscape and maybe some video.


That's really about it. I'm a simple man. (Queue Lynyrd Skynyrd anytime you wish. )

Jeff

 

[NorthernFocus]

Really a Z7 with decent AF(as good as current DSLRs), no EVF blackout, and the same price would be fine. Bird's eye AF looks amazing but I'm not paying $3k more for it. I've managed to live without it this long...

 

[RichF]

question how would Z8 differ from a Z7 II or III and Z9?

 

[DRwyoming]

question how would Z8 differ from a Z7 II or III and Z9?

That seems like the key question. If Nikon follows their recent DSLR release history the Z8 could be very high resolution (above the Z9 the way the D850 is higher resolution than the D5/D6) but more of a generalist camera and less a sports, action and photojournalists camera. But they could also take it in different directions, will be interesting to see.

Really a Z7 with decent AF(as good as current DSLRs), no EVF blackout, and the same price would be fine. Bird's eye AF looks amazing but I'm not paying $3k more for it. I've managed to live without it this long...

That's pretty much my wish list as well and I'd be happy with somewhere around 24-30 mega pixel resolution but mostly would want better EVF performance and better AF, like cross point AF sensors (Nikon's recent global shutter patent application makes this seem possible) and less tendency to lose focus and grab the background. I'd want the body size to be similar to the current Z6II/Z7II but wouldn't mind a touch bigger. And sure if they threw in a really good automated eye tracking mode I sure wouldn't turn that down but at some point they'd start eating away at their Z9 market if it has too many top end features at a lower price point.

 

[NorthernFocus]

question how would Z8 differ from a Z7 II or III and Z9?

Decent AF without having to take out a mortgage ?

 

[ssheipel]

Z 8 would a great opportunity for Nikon to enter the medium format realm.

 

[Patrick M]

I’ll go with a 2T micro ssd drive … removes the need for a separate card. Recent mini drives are 3x3x1/4” so micro must get smaller.
I guess we’ll also need a micro fusion reactor and cooling system.

 

[RockvilleBob]

This is real crystal ball stuff.

The "so close" Z9 is not here. If and when the Z9 does make a debut later this year deliveries might trickle out to the end of 2022 or beyond for people like me. Cleary another case of overwhelming demand beyond Nikon's expectations - please excuse the long delivery times. So there is there a good chance a Z8 might be a 2023 deliverable camera? With Canon and especially SONY pushing camera technology so much faster than Nikon it is tough to guess what Nikon will deliver in 2023 to try to stay competitive.

My wish for the short term might just be a Z6III and a Z7III that deliver what should have been delivered with the Z6II and the Z7II: state of the art AF, no blackout, and improved FPS. We do not need a big splashy multimedia unveiling ala the Z6II and the Z7II announcement - just a Z6III and a Z7III that should reflect what the ZII models should have been and can be delivered is short order.

 

[Steve W]

I believe the Illudium Q-36a model has recently been released.

F or Z

 

[RichF]

That seems like the key question. If Nikon follows their recent DSLR release history the Z8 could be very high resolution (above the Z9 the way the D850 is higher resolution than the D5/D6) but more of a generalist camera and less a sports, action and photojournalists camera. But they could also take it in different directions, will be interesting to see.

Has Nikon ever made a high resolution camera. It has gone low resolution, high ISO

 

[RichF]

This is real crystal ball stuff.

The "so close" Z9 is not here. If and when the Z9 does make a debut later this year deliveries might trickle out to the end of 2022 or beyond for people like me. Cleary another case of overwhelming demand beyond Nikon's expectations

at least initially this is a good marketing strategy. Creates hype/buzz that the camera is high demand and everyone should want one

 

[RichF]

My wish for the short term might just be a Z6III and a Z7III that deliver what should have been delivered with the Z6II and the Z7II: state of the art AF, no blackout, and improved FPS. We do not need a big splashy multimedia unveiling ala the Z6II and the Z7II announcement - just a Z6III and a Z7III that should reflect what the ZII models should have been and can be delivered is short order.

How would a Z7 III be different from Z9? Z9 much better tracking? I hope both are capable of 20 FPS. What other differences? this could be a could topic

 

[sid_19911991]

I'm not really a specs hound. My needs in a camera are quite simple. I do wildlife and nature photography for fun and don't want or need to complicate my experience any more than necessary.

If I were specifying such a camera:
45-50mp sensor that can shoot an honest 20mp in crop mode
IBIS that will work in cohort with image stabilization in the lenses.
compatible with FTZ
10+ fps. Birds in flight are not my forte so I don't really need 20 or 30 fps but if it had it, I would not turn it down
AF as fast as my D500 (or faster).
animal / bird eye AF would be a nice to have but I've lived this long without it. If it were there I'd use it.
dual card slots. I would prefer dual card slots of the same type card. I'd be fine with dual SD UHSii.
Ability to easily switch from stills to video without digging into a menu (programable button?? or just hit the record button).
supplemental (separate) vertical grip is a nice to have but I rarely use the one I have for my D500.
Good EVF (I can't define it but an EVF that comes as close as possible to the look of the OVF).
little to no blackout between shots. I'd settle for 10-15 shot strings before noticing any kind of blackout. I rarely shoot more than 15 or so shot strings.

Price: I'd like to see it come in at $3,500 or below.
Honestly, there is very little difference between what I just described and a Z7ii except the AF capabilities and 2 slots that use the same card. (I find it a pain to have 2 different cards for the D500).
As for glass they don't have right now,
I really want the 200-600 to have faster AF than the 200-500 with the same or better image quality. Internal zoom and a much shorter zoom ring throw than the 200-500. Would be good to zoom from 200-600 without the need to reposition the hand.
I would also like a 100-400. With FTZ my current Sigma 100-400 works quite well on the D500 and I don't see why it would be any different on a Z until finances are such that I can upgrade.
glass currently available.
My existing 105mm Nikkor Micro will continue to meet my needs with the FTZ but may get the new 105mm micro at some point.
I'd be fine with the 24-70 F4. I would use that lens primarily for landscape and maybe some video.


That's really about it. I'm a simple man. (Queue Lynyrd Skynyrd anytime you wish. )

Jeff

It is exactly why Nikon should improve their pattern recognition AI.

Recently, a Canon employee spoke about how their 100-500 f7.1, 100-400 f8, 600 F11 is able to focus fast moving birds despite slow lens motors & slow aperture due to the effectiveness of their AI pattern recognition.