I have always added grips to all of my Nikon cameras if available. The Z9 is the first camera I purchase with the integrated grip. I will stay with the Z9.
Would you replace your Z9 with Z8?
- Thread starter dasm
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Garfield
Well-known member
Thinking a little more about this I'm starting to lean towards shooting both the Z8 and Z9. I LOVE shooting my Z9 on a beefy video tripod and fluid head considering that it's built up with a cage, mic or wireless audio receiver and RDS. It's a big heavy brute but super comfy to hold and use and it's so nice not to worry about the battery running down. But I'm also liking the idea of a bare-bones Z8 for use with my 100-400 or maybe the a 400/4.5 or possibly even the 800PF for a portable walk-around setup. The more I think about it the pair would compliment each other nicely.
I plan on selling my backup Z 9
I love my Z9 for many reasons but one of them is the balance it gives me with my 600mm lens.
I do see your point though regarding the weight which is something I did consider, but I just want to keep enjoying the Z9 while I can.
robertrear
Active member
As someone who has a Nikon D850 given the choice I still think I will purchase a good used Z9 instead of a new Z8, for me it's still the right camera to purchase. Although I enjoy my D850 coming from a D4s I do miss having a larger camera although the Z8 looks amazing.
I love my Z9. I ordered the Z8 as second back up camera. With both cameras, I feel, I have what I need to go out and take advantage of the beauty of nature, while Spring is still around
O
Well-known member
Myself i have a Z9, i don't need two cameras so similar.
I think for myself a used Z 7II in mint condition at a bargain price would compliment the kit better as the Z7II would be excellent for landscape, travel, hiking, walk around use.
My wish list was for a at least 12 fps 60 + mp light small Z7 II like unit, another Z9 lighter smaller is a good option for getting people into mirror less.
I mean every new camera body sold generates around 5 lenses in sales.
I think Nikon has done a good thing especially with the price of the Z8, its a lot of camera for the money, it basically makes somewhat everything other than the Z9 really a little obsolete in a way, in fact i feel the Z 8 will effect the resale of the Z9 more than i thought.
However isn't it really clear how the release promo was mostly all about creative videography.
I think Nikon have listened and worked towards things in the right direction.
I just hope they get on top of the issues some people are having with freezing - lock ups etc experienced in some Z9 units, i hope the issues potentially don't become genetic as i feel things are not 100% fixed yet, time will tell, but bravo Nikon for the Z8.
Now give us a 80mp smaller camera LOL.
Only an opinion
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Replace my Z9 with a Z8....No way!!! The Z8 is not the same in performance despite the same hardware. Matt Granger said " SPOILER ALERT... the Z8 is NOT as fast as the Z9... The buffer isn't as good and SD cards are not fast enough for a high resolution + high speed camera 
Check out his video supporting his conclusion.
mattgranger.com
Check out his video supporting his conclusion.
Matt Granger - Nikon Z8 vs Z9 - Buffer, Speed and Action testing
No - the Z8 is NOT as fast as the Z9... The buffer isn't as good and... SD cards are not fast enough for a high resolution + high speed camera ?♂️ Nikon Z Setup Guide - UPDATED FOR Z8: https://learn.mattgranger.com/courses/zsetup Shibari 101 course (N5FW): https://geni.us/Shibari101Full CF Expr...
dasm
Well-known member
Thank you so much everybody for your comments/advice/feelings. I'll be going to a Nikon Mini Trade Show this afternoon at one of our local camera stores and will get to see and hold the Z8. I never saw the Z9 before I purchased it. I hope this will help me in making my decision.
For me…it’s not a replace but an add. For shoots from a car or short hikes…having 2 bodies is a plus and also in dusty environments so no lens changes. When I got the Z9 I used my Z7II as the second body and the spare body for traveling outings…but it works so differently and is so much less capable for action tha5 I stopped carrying it…the Z8 will allow me to carry both or either one depending on the situation at hand. Still might keep the Z7II for a light walkabout kit…I could sell it but a quick check at B&H showed only $1300ish for like new condition which mine isn’t…and while 1300 bucks is 130p bucks…it’s not that much in the great financial scheme of things so it might get kept. OTOH…I don’t really need a 3rd body and my 70-200 probably has less than 500 frames on it but it was the only Z tele available when I bought it…so selling both of them would recoup over half the cost of the Z8. I might see if my son wants it…but he’s a millennial and only does Instagram and the like so he’s not interested in anything other than the iPhone.
That’s the lens that is generally offered as the kit lens or perhaps the 24-70/4…but both of those are much better than your normal kit lens. I ordered mine with the 24-120 as well…and the 24-70 may join the seldom used 70-200 and Z7II as sales.
I watched that video…and it is a disservice as he compared them on writing backup to both cards…which any idiot will already know there’s a hit there because of the SD…he’s comparing a Ferrari to a VW. While what he said is technically correct…how many of the Z9 using crowd actually writes to both cards? Most of the market for it is not wedding or sports or event pro shooters…it is advanced amateurs that want eye AF and FoS for action/wildlife…and most of those users aren’t using backup but slot 2 is set to overflow. CFXB cards are pretty reliable…and on any sort of shoot I’m backing up images every evening anyway…and in addition how often to most Z9 shooters actually use 20FPS and need to do 10 second bursts. Yeah…we occasionally do that…but 12 or 15 and 1-2 second bursts seem much more like the norm. I want a backup/spare/second body that works the same…and will carry either or both depending on the situation. On something like a bucket list African Safari…I might use backup instead of overflow…but would have both bodies on that trip in the vehicle anyway And use whatever was appropriate for the situation this minute or that has the right lens on it.Replace my Z9 with a Z8....No way!!! The Z8 is not the same in performance despite the same hardware. Matt Granger said " SPOILER ALERT... the Z8 is NOT as fast as the Z9... The buffer isn't as good and SD cards are not fast enough for a high resolution + high speed camera
Check out his video supporting his conclusion.
Matt Granger - Nikon Z8 vs Z9 - Buffer, Speed and Action testing
No - the Z8 is NOT as fast as the Z9... The buffer isn't as good and... SD cards are not fast enough for a high resolution + high speed camera ?♂️ Nikon Z Setup Guide - UPDATED FOR Z8: https://learn.mattgranger.com/courses/zsetup Shibari 101 course (N5FW): https://geni.us/Shibari101Full CF Expr...
He’s not wrong…just ignored facts that weren’t relevant to his particular needs and blamed the Z8 for being too slow.
I’ll raise my hand there…couldn’t care less about the grip and would have 100% gone for the lighter Z8…because for my non dual card write usage…the SD doesn’t matter.
I hummed and hawed about buying a second Z9 and decided to wait to see what the Z8 was about. Now, I’ve ordered a Z8. An important aspect of it for me will be the low-light focusing (I hope).
But, I’m not selling the Z9 for two (and a half) reasons important for me:
First is that I seemed to have picked up a demand for portraits, lately. I think it must be the wave of layoffs here in the SF Bay Area and people want more environmental shots, than standard head shots, for their resume. Also, solo musicians want full-length shots of themselves on stage and the vertical grip on the Z9 make this easier.
Second, I value the GPS in the Z9 for synching the clock. Some clients want the file names to reflect date and time and this has become my habit. I often shoot three bodies and they all need to synch. I can synch one of the others with SnapBridge but it won’t do two at the same time, so I need to remember to update the clock on the third body which doesn’t always happen and that really messes with my workflow. It is disappointing, but understandable, that the Z8 does not have GPS.
Second and a half: The battery life of the Z9 is great. I have never needed to change it during a day of shooting (comes close, though). My other bodies (Z6ii, Z7ii) will not last a day without a battery change for at least one of them. The Z8 will have slightly worse battery life I gather from reading the specs.
If the prices dip enough, I still might buy a second Z9. It really is most suitable for my purposes.
But, I’m not selling the Z9 for two (and a half) reasons important for me:
First is that I seemed to have picked up a demand for portraits, lately. I think it must be the wave of layoffs here in the SF Bay Area and people want more environmental shots, than standard head shots, for their resume. Also, solo musicians want full-length shots of themselves on stage and the vertical grip on the Z9 make this easier.
Second, I value the GPS in the Z9 for synching the clock. Some clients want the file names to reflect date and time and this has become my habit. I often shoot three bodies and they all need to synch. I can synch one of the others with SnapBridge but it won’t do two at the same time, so I need to remember to update the clock on the third body which doesn’t always happen and that really messes with my workflow. It is disappointing, but understandable, that the Z8 does not have GPS.
Second and a half: The battery life of the Z9 is great. I have never needed to change it during a day of shooting (comes close, though). My other bodies (Z6ii, Z7ii) will not last a day without a battery change for at least one of them. The Z8 will have slightly worse battery life I gather from reading the specs.
If the prices dip enough, I still might buy a second Z9. It really is most suitable for my purposes.
jhorsch
Active member
Not for me but we've ordered one for my wife. She has a Z9 but it's just too big for her hands and she can't easily reach some of the buttons.
No. I'm keeping my Z9.
lukemeup
Well-known member
I'll likely be selling mine after the Z8 arrives (depending how well it balances with 400 4.5/800 6.3). I don't want to keep 2 stacked sensor bodies, I'm good with Z6 as a backup in a pinch.
I don't use a GPS, I can count how many times I used vertical grip and shedding the weight will be welcome on long walks/hikes. I don't shoot video. I run and gun - almost no tripod use (definitely not for wildlife). I'm happy with the Z8 size (Z7 size would need a smallrig bottom plate to feel comfy). I don't mind putting an extra battery in my pocket.
Seems that Z8 fits the bill.
I don't use a GPS, I can count how many times I used vertical grip and shedding the weight will be welcome on long walks/hikes. I don't shoot video. I run and gun - almost no tripod use (definitely not for wildlife). I'm happy with the Z8 size (Z7 size would need a smallrig bottom plate to feel comfy). I don't mind putting an extra battery in my pocket.
Seems that Z8 fits the bill.
I’m still waffling. I also have tiny hands so the Fn3 button isn’t being used. I’ve forgotten what I even programmed it for.
But, I was surprised that even though it’s bigger, it was still a little more comfortable to hold than the Z8. I’ll think I’ll wait and see what happens when I can have them side by side for a longer period of time.
Regardless, I’m selling my D850 and my last regular F mount lens. I do want to fully migrate to a mirrorless setup.
But, I was surprised that even though it’s bigger, it was still a little more comfortable to hold than the Z8. I’ll think I’ll wait and see what happens when I can have them side by side for a longer period of time.
Regardless, I’m selling my D850 and my last regular F mount lens. I do want to fully migrate to a mirrorless setup.
At this stage I will not be selling my Z9 for a Z8 but I also have Z7II which is my lightweight body for travel. However, if I need a lightweighter body for travel which has the AF abilities of the Z9, like tracking birds etc, I may consider getting a Z8 as an adjunct to my Z9 in the future but I don't need a Z8 at the moment.
Battery life and balance with long lenses are great with the Z9.
Battery life and balance with long lenses are great with the Z9.
O
Well-known member
If you use example a Pro Grade Cobalt card at 20 fps RAW in a Z8 and leave the SD card slot empty, the equation changes, its not reflected in MG video and should have been, unless i missed it.Replace my Z9 with a Z8....No way!!! The Z8 is not the same in performance despite the same hardware. Matt Granger said " SPOILER ALERT... the Z8 is NOT as fast as the Z9... The buffer isn't as good and SD cards are not fast enough for a high resolution + high speed camera
Check out his video supporting his conclusion.
Matt Granger - Nikon Z8 vs Z9 - Buffer, Speed and Action testing
No - the Z8 is NOT as fast as the Z9... The buffer isn't as good and... SD cards are not fast enough for a high resolution + high speed camera ?♂️ Nikon Z Setup Guide - UPDATED FOR Z8: https://learn.mattgranger.com/courses/zsetup Shibari 101 course (N5FW): https://geni.us/Shibari101Full CF Expr...
The Z8 combination of CF and SD slot will be vilified or hammered by populists looking for ranking, in my mind this combo broadens appeal to a wider market, practically and on cost wise, it makes the Z8 more versatile. I mean i paid a lot for my Cobalt cards.
$3999 USD for a Z8, add a optional genuine Grip add defiantly some more needed batteries $$$$$$, but hey that's good still as its smaller lighter, about the only thing going for it other than price.
The difference in batteries and power supply is interesting. Weight saving is a real benefit, up selling a grip is another hidden added margin, i mean your
Pro's doing sports action wont worry so much as they will use the Z9 and want one system, they also use mono pods etc, serious enthusiasts will gladly grab a Z8 for size and weight benefits which is really appealing, above all the price.
Here in OZ the Z8 is RRP $6999 AUD which is around $4800 USD.
As to the D6 Z9 Z8 comparison, sorry i have to disagree with MG, in his testing scenario it may have been the case, but in my experience if the light is low needing serious high iso in challenging conditions, and especially if contrast is very low, the D6 just sticks better than any mirror less, regardless of brand.
I don't feel any brand Mirror less is 100% there yet, close but not there yet, maybe in the next generation. I yet have to experience anything different and reserve the right to change my mind when i see it.
I mean the industry is so focused of testing buffer and long spray shooting........really i mean who shoots so many frames to warrant caring even, sorry i am not a wild spray and shoot, i use 10-12 fps occasionally 20fps.
I also shoot 98% of everything in JPEG Fine. But that's what meets all my needs perfectly, No i am not a Ken Rockwell MINI ME. I like the guy, he is amazingly clever extremely knowledgeable above all conservatively street smart and simple with his explanations and results. For others controversial.
Will i buy a Z8 over a Z9 if i dint have a camera yes, swapping out my Z9 i doubt it, however the need for smaller lighter is something i look for going forward, time is the best option, i mean the Z9 does it all. Also i feel the issues are not fully resolved yet with lock ups or freezing, its no good having a plain if the engines switch off now is it, regardless of how infrequent.
Only an opinion
O
Well-known member
Agree, i will probably pick up a cheap used Z7II LOL as my walk around landscape travel camera. I hear there is a lot of Z6 Z7 and D850 units coming on the used market LOL
Only an opinion
abc123brian
Well-known member
I’ve been using the GPS for clock sync and I like the location data added to the photo, but ran into an issue where I’m at right now. The satellites seem to have the wrong date and putting me in the year 2042. I reset manually and it changed back again when it got the updated date/time from the satellites.
Cameron T
Well-known member
I think this was an issue from an original batch of z9s when they were connected during some changeover in the GPS system (though I'm struggling to remember more details). If you're on newer firmware, I don't think this issue should be occurring still unless it happened and never got fixed in the first place.
abc123brian
Well-known member
I’m on the latest firmware. I figured it was just something off on the satellite it was getting the info from. Will need to look into this more if it is a somewhat known issue.
I have heard that this happens. Not to me so far. Maybe it's good that I use SnapBridge.