Nikon Z8 is a Compact Version of the Flagship Z9 Camera: Pre-order and Release date

Nikon revealed its latest addition to its full-frame mirrorless camera lineup, the Nikon Z8, which will position itself in between the Z7 II and the top-of-the-line Nikon Z9. The Z8 can be thought of as a “stripped-down” version of the Z9 but with a more reasonable price tag.

The Nikon Z8 comes equipped with a 45.7-megapixel (8256 x 5504) full-frame FX Stacked CMOS sensor that delivers excellent image quality. The camera can support an ISO range of 64 to 25600, which can be expanded to ISO 32-102400, allowing you to take photos even in low-light conditions.

The camera boasts a powerful EXPEED 7 processor that provides high performance and fast data processing. One of the main focuses of the camera is image stabilization, as the Z8 is equipped with a built-in 5-axis image stabilization, which helps avoid blurring when taking photos, especially when working with lenses that come equipped with optical stabilization.

In addition, the camera offers the ability to shoot videos at a resolution of 8.3K at 60 frames per second, 4.1K at 120 frames per second, as well as N-RAW format with 12-bit color depth.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Nikon Z8 is its ability to shoot in various codecs, resolutions, and frame rates. The camera’s flexibility is immense, as it was designed not just for video, but for photography as well.

The Z8 comes with an electronic viewfinder (EVF) that has a 1.27cm diagonal and 3,690,000 dots (Quad VGA) OLED resolution, providing a bright and clear view of the scene. Additionally, the main display is 3.2 inches in size and has a resolution of 2.100.000 dots.

The camera exclusively features an electronic shutter with shutter speeds up to 1/32,000 seconds, and flash synchronization is possible at a speed of 1/200 second.

The Z8 can capture high-speed shots up to 20 fps in RAW format, and up to 30 fps in JPEG format. At 19 megapixels, the camera can shoot at 60 frames per second, and at 11 megapixels, up to 120 frames per second.

One of the main advantages of the Nikon Z8 is its autofocus accuracy. The autofocus system has 493 phase points with a sensitivity range of -6.5 to +19 EV (-9 to +19 EV in night mode), allowing photographers to take photos even in challenging lighting conditions.

The camera has two CFexpress Type B or XQD and SD memory card slots, providing ample storage space for a large number of photos and videos. At a maximum resolution of 8K 60fps, a 1TB CFexpress Type B memory card can record video for approximately 283 minutes.

The sturdy body of the camera provides reliable protection against dust and moisture, allowing you to safely take photos in various conditions. Moreover, the Z8 has several connectors for external devices and accessories.

The camera weighs about 910 grams with a battery and two memory cards, making it relatively lightweight and easy to use in the field.

Another noteworthy feature of the Nikon Z8 camera is the backlighting of all camera control buttons, which ensures easy access to settings even when working at night.

Lastly, the camera boasts a vast base of subjects that the autofocus can work on quickly, including not only people, animals, and birds, but also aircraft.

Nikon Z8 release date & price

The camera is available for pre-order via Bhphotovideo.com and Adorama.com for $3,996.95. The Nikon Z8 release date has been set for May 25, 2023.

Nikon Z8 specifications

• Lens Mount: Nikon Z
• Sensor Resolution: 52.37 Megapixel (Actual) / 45.7 Megapixel (Effective 8256 x 5504)
• Image Sensor: 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full-Frame) CMOS
• Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift, 5-Axis
• Built-In ND Filter: None
• Shutter Type: Electronic Shutter
• Shutter Speed: Electronic Shutter – 1/32000 to 30 Seconds; 0 to 900 Seconds in Manual Mode
• Bulb/Time Mode: Bulb Mode
• ISO Sensitivity: Photo/Video 64 to 25,600 (Extended: 32 to 102,400)
• Metering Method: Center-Weighted Average, Highlight Weighted, Matrix, Spot
• Exposure Modes: Aperture Priority, Manual, Program, Shutter Priority
• Exposure Compensation: -5 to +5 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
• Metering Range: -3 to 17 EV
• White Balance: 2500 to 10,000K
• Continuous Shooting: Electronic Shutter – Up to 20 fps at 45.7 MP for up to 1000 Frames (Raw); Up to 30 fps at 45.7 MP for Unlimited Frames (JPEG); Up to 60 fps at 19 MP; Up to 120 fps at 11 MP
• Interval Recording: Yes
• Self-Timer: 2/5/10/20-Second Delay
• Image Sizes: 3:2 (8256 x 5504, 6192 x 4128, 4128 x 2752)
• Aspect Ratio: 1:1, 3:2, 16:9
• Image File Format: JPEG, Raw
• Bit Depth: 14-Bit
• Internal Recording Modes: H.265 4:2:2 10-Bit UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) at 23.98/25/29.97 fps
• External Recording Modes: HDMI UHD 8K (7680 x 4320) up to 29.97 fps
• Sensor Crop Modes: Super35 / APS-C 4K (3840 x 2160); 1080p (1920 x 1080)
• Fast-/Slow-Motion Support: No
• Gamma Curve: HDR-HLG
• Recording Limit: None
• Broadcast Output: NTSC/PAL
• IP Streaming: None
• Built-In Microphone Type: Stereo
• Audio Recording: 2-Channel 24-Bit 48 kHz LPCM Audio
• Interface: Slot 1: CFexpress Type B / XQD; Slot 2: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-II); 1 x HDMI Output, 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Headphone Input, 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Stereo Microphone Input/Output, 1 x USB-C Input, 1 x USB-C Data Output, 1 x Nikon 10-Pin Control Input
• Connectivity: 2.4 / 5 GHz Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Bluetooth, Mobile App Compatible (Android & iOS)
• Display: 3.2-inch 2,100,000 Dot 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Viewfinder: Built-In Electronic (OLED), 0.5″, 3,690,000 Dot, 23 mm Eye Point, 100%, 0.8x Magnification, -4 to +3 Diopter Adjustment
• Focus: Auto and Manual Focus, Continuous-Servo AF, Single-Servo AF, 493 Phase Detection, -9 to +19 EV Autofocus Sensitivity
• Built-In Flash: No
• Flash Modes: First-Curtain Sync, Off, Rear Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Slow Sync, Slow Sync/Red-Eye Reduction
• Maximum Sync Speed: 1/200 Second
• Flash Compensation: -3 to +1 EV (1/3, 1/2 EV Steps)
• Dedicated Flash System: iTTL
• External Flash Connection: Hot Shoe
• Battery: 1 x EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion, 7 VDC, 2280 mAh (Approx. 340 Shots)
• Tripod Mounting Thread: 1 x 1/4″-20 Female (Bottom)
• Accessory Mount: 1 x Hot Shoe Mount on Camera Body
• Material of Construction: Magnesium Alloy
• Dimensions: 5.7 x 4.7 x 3.3″ / 144 x 118.5 x 83 mm
• Weight: 2.0 lb / 910 g (With Battery, Recording Media)