“The Z 8 was engineered to be the always-ready partner for professionals and creators alike. Powerful, yet compact, the Z 8 provides stability during handheld shooting as well as the flexibility of a one-person operation when it comes to videos. Among the features that creators can look forward to are multiple long duration video recording options and formats, enhanced AF detection capabilities and the inclusion of the new HEIF format support for still images. The Z 8 will enable creators to fully immerse themselves in achieving their creative vision.” said John Young, General Manager of International Marketing, International Business Division of the Imaging Group, Nikon Singapore Pte. Ltd. 

Z 8 Primary Features

Agility that astounds

The Nikon Z 8 weighs approximately 910g (1), allowing for agile shooting for an extended period of time, even if you are a one-person operation with its compact and lightweight video recording system. The Z 8’s compatibility with an array of videographer accessories, including the MC-N10 Remote Grip and wireless video transmitters, and v-mount batteries, significantly reducing the amount of equipment needed during shoots and set-up time.

The High-Res Zoom allows one to zoom up to the angle of view equivalent to 2x of the focal length, even with a prime lens attached, during 4K UHD (30p/25p/24p) and Full HD video recording in full-frame.

The Z 8 is designed and engineered with videographers in mind, they can record up to approximately 125min in 4K UHD/60p (2) and up to approximately 90min in 8K UHD/30p (3).

Thanks to the camera’s 4-axis vertical/horizontal tilting monitor that also includes vertical display orientation, you can now enjoy nimble and comfortable shooting angles with smooth and flexible operation. Display of the i menu is also shown in the respective orientation when tilting the monitor vertically or horizontally during shooting mode. 

Professional video choice

You can now choose from a wide variety of video formats as the extension of your narratives. From 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW, to 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 8 bit-H265 SDR in-camera recording, the versatility is endless whether for a creator just starting out or for a full-fledged professional.

Create videos in high-definition 4K UHD/60p2, 50p (2), and 30p oversampled from 8K, providing the opportunity to shoot in high-definition video that can be enjoyed on a large screen. For those requiring higher frame rates, the 4K 120p is also available for greater filmmaking flexibility. Alternatively, amp it up with 8.3K/60P (in N-RAW only) or 8K UHD/30P. Accompanied by N-Log for colour grading, users can tell impressive stories in motion.

Capture busy city scenes or epic movements of wildlife with time-lapse videos in 8K HDR in-camera that are also compatible for viewing on Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)-compatible 8K monitors via a HDMI 2.1 connection. 

Seeing is Capturing

With the Z 8 Pre-Release Capture (3) function, decisive moments are easily caught on camera. When you are using the High-Speed Frame Capture+, users can record up to 1 second before the shutter button is fully pressed, or up to 4 seconds after the button is fully pressed.

Imagine this scene of a big and crowded wedding, focussing before capturing a crowd of faces can be a challenge, especially when the bride and groom are among the group, or while tracking the couple amongst the well-wishes of family and friends. The camera’s autofocusing automatically detects 3% (4) of the human face size in the frame.

Subject detection also works in 3D-tracking, auto-area autofocus (AF), or 20 types of custom wide-area AF (12 types in video). Capture night scenes with clarity with the excellent AF detection range down to -7 EV (-9 to 19 EV in starlight view mode) [5] – allowing enhanced detection of subjects under darker conditions. 

Photographers would love this function when they can lock focus quickly and reliably as the AF identifies and tracks up to nine different kinds of subjects. Users who love capturing aviation photography will appreciate the addition of the new Airplane mode to the AF subject detection menu. Focus easily on the intended aircraft regardless of the magnification (size) as this mode provides a more stable detection, including in low-light situations or with a cluttered background. 

The new support for HLG (HEIF) [6] format also provides an option for 10-bit still images with richer tonal gradation. 

Post-editing made simple

Skin softening feature take your portraiture to another level. They auto-detects human faces and softens the skin, while keeping eyes and hair sharp. Users can apply this effect for videos, live streaming, and stills.

Portrait impression balance effect minimise your editing time that enhances portraits in-camera by adjusting the hue and brightness. The adjustment is also available via direct settings and the i menu while confirming the subjects through live view image, in addition to via the photo or video shooting menu. 

Achieve more beautiful depictions with an intuitive user interface in adjusting colour temperatures, and an enhanced auto white balance (AWB) performance that helps to reduce colour cast. 

Capture with confidence

Adding on to the robustness of this camera is Sereebo P series, a new environmental-friendly material used on the main body components, which can endure knocks and withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the dust-and-drip resistant (7) design helps to prevent dust and liquid from entering the camera. 

Carry the Z 8 with confidence as it features a VR lock to prevent accidental damage to the image sensor when the power is turned off. Minimise the risk of dust adhering to the image sensor with dual coating used for the optical filter and image sensor, as well as a sensor shield that comes in handy when one is attaching and detaching the lens. 

Never miss out on another decisive moment with the Real-Live Viewfinder that displays subject motion in real time with no blackout (8). When capturing shots of golf swings and tennis serves, enjoy capturing a vast number of shots without worrying about shutter wear and rolling shutter distortion, thanks to the absence of a mechanical shutter. 

Obtain stable shots with a powerful Vibration Reduction (VR) that achieves an effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 6.0 stops (9) with the in-camera VR and Synchro VR. Electronic VR is also available in video recording. 

Revel in your creativity without worrying about running out of power as the MB-N12 Power Battery Pack adds approximately 1.8x more shots and recording time, while providing the same dust-and drip-resistant performance as the Z 8. Sold separately, it is equipped for cold weather operations, even at -10 degrees Celsius and allows for USB charging and power delivery. 

The Nikon Z 8 is also the first Z series model to provide two USB terminals – one for power charging/delivery and the other for data communication – enabling power delivery during communication without experiencing sudden disconnections and hence a more reliable connection on both ends. 

The Z 8; ready for action and a catalyst for creators and professionals in their pursuit of creative expressions. 

Nikon Z8 Short Hands-On Experience 

I had the opportunity to have a short hands on experience with the Nikon Z8 during their recent media launch event in Singapore with a Nikon Z8 to take photos and try out various Nikon lenses at the Z8 launch event. While it’s been quite a while since I last get to have a hands on with a Nikon camera, therefore I have to get myself familiarise again with the controls and buttons of a Nikon camera. 

As it was a short hands on experience with the Z8, I managed to photograph some different shots. Photographers (regardless of camera brands that you are using) would know about Nikon’s imaging quality, it can be seen through the works produced with the Z8 camera.  

My personal overall feel for me is the Z8 is an impressive camera that would cater for both stills photography and videography, that would suit those into content creation sectors. This camera is good enough to carve out a niche for itself within the list of camera brands operating in this segment.  

Nikon looks to be getting more into the videography segment with Z8. I didn’t manage to shoot any videos during the short hands on experience. This segment would be of great interest to many out there, see how they can develop and expand in this segment.

If I do get the opportunity to review the Nikon Z8, I would share more user experiences with this new Nikon camera. 

Availability 

If you like to know more information on the new Nikon Z 8, and other Nikon products, please visit https://www.nikon.com.sg.

Notes:

1. With battery and two memory cards but without body cap and accessory shoe cover.  
2. Supported when [Extended oversampling] in the video recording menu is [ON], image area is [FX], and frame size/frame rate is 3840×2160 60p/50p. Note that battery power consumption increases when [ON] is selected.  
3. Pre-Release Capture can be set only when shooting in High-Speed Frame Capture+, which enables continuous shooting at the frame rate of 120 fps 
4. The world’s smallest as of 10th May, 2023, among mirrorless cameras, ratio in long side of the frame, based on Nikon research. 
5. When using photo mode in single-servo AF (AF-S) with f/1.2 lens. 
6. Use HDR compatible TVs and monitors when viewing HEIF images.  
7. Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.  
8. View may differ depending on settings, such as shutter speed. 
9. Based on CIPA Standards. When using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S with NORMAL mode.  

* Information and pictures courtesy of Nikon Singapore and AKA Asia *

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