Nikon Z8 Digital Camera Body

The long-awaited Nikon Z8 joins the esteemed Z line of cameras, combining industry-leading technology with a compact form factor to introduce a new powerhouse camera to the mirrorless market. Equipped with a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor, an EXPEED 7 processor, a fully electronic shutter with high-speed readout, and 8K/30p video recording, the Z8 truly embodies what it means to be a hybrid shooter.

Nikon Z8 Digital Camera Body Key Features:

• High-end features in a compact & lightweight body
• Perfect for hybrid shooters & capturing events
• Powerful 45.7 megapixel stacked CMOS sensor
• Full electronic shutter with high-speed readout
• Benefits from Nikon’s EXPEED 7 processing engine
• Records 8K/30p video for 90 mins or 4K/60p for 2+ hrs
• Slow motion shooting at 8K 60p in N-RAW & 4K 60/120p
• Captures RAW photos at 20fps with 1000+ image buffer
• Higher dynamic range thanks to 10-bit HDR PQ HEIF files
• Blackout-free viewing experience in the EVF, even at 120fps
• Intelligent AF uses deep learning for subject-tracking precision
• Includes a host of enhanced tools for creative photography
• Professional build with both dual card slots and USB terminals
• First Nikon to support USB-C to Ethernet with the optional adapter
• Compatible with a wide range of optional third-party accessories

Expanded Nikon Z8 Digital Camera Body Key Features:

The Perfect Hybrid Shooter

The long-awaited Nikon Z8 joins the esteemed Z range of mirrorless cameras, combining industry-leading technology with a compact form factor to introduce a new powerhouse camera to the mirrorless market. Equipped with a 45.7MP stacked sensor and EXPEED 7 Processor in a system weighing only 910g, the Z8 is the perfect option for photographers looking to expand into video, D850 users wanting to upgrade their setup, or Z9 users needing something more portable.

And, by taking the best of Nikon’s most well-renowned lines and combining them into one high-performing system, the Z8 truly embodies what it means to be a hybrid shooter. Not only is this camera compact enough to capture the most spontaneous, fleeting moments in the wild or at an event, but it is also an incredibly reliable option for documentarians and filmmakers shooting scripted or more controlled scenes.

Industry-Leading Video

Reinforcing the Z8 as the perfect hybrid shooter is one of Nikon's most outstanding video performances in a compact mirrorless system. Thanks to intricately designed heat dissipation technology, the Z8 can shoot 8K 30p video for up to 90 minutes without overheating or 4K 30p for over two hours. There is also an option to use a 24p frame rate to match the motion of traditional films.

The Z8 offers 8K 60p shooting in N-RAW for the most dynamic and detailed slow-motion moments, perfect for even the most discerning filmmakers. Alternatively, users can shoot in 4K 60p or 4K 120p for exceptionally smooth motion requiring less storage and processing power.

Colour Grading and Depth

Taking the industry by storm, the Z8 cements itself as a mirrorless market leader with the ability to record in Nikon RAW, ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 HQ and Log/HLG internally. Cinematographers and colourists will also appreciate the option to shoot in 8-bit with 16,777,216 colours using MOV H.265 or MP4 H.264, 10-Bit with 1,073,741,824 colours using MOV H.265 or ProRes 422 HQ (SDR, HLG or N-LOG), or 12-Bit for over 68 billion colours with N-RAW and ProRes RAW.

There are five options for optimising colours: AUTO, FLAT, HLG, N-LOG, and RAW. AUTO automatically bakes the colours into the footage to reduce post-production time. For more control, users can opt for FLAT, preserving a wide tonal range. HLG provides optimised colours for viewing HLG video on monitors and HLG-compatible computers. N-LOG is suitable for more colour-grading flexibility, and RAW maintains the highest dynamic range for the most significant level of control in post.

Autofocus Performance

Following in the footsteps of the Z9, the Nikon Z8 benefits from the same flagship 493-point phase-detection AF system to deliver high-speed autofocusing performance. Thanks to this advanced AF system, the Z8 works seamlessly for both photographic and video applications, reliably acquiring your subject and focusing on the height of the action so you never miss a moment.

The list of recognisable subjects is near limitless with the high-precision deep-learning algorithm that identifies everything from people and animals to motorbikes and aeroplanes. Locking onto subjects and maintaining focus even as they move around the frame is also easily achievable with the 3D tracking feature for stills. When paired with the three Dynamic-Area AF modes and a range of focus area sizes, users can easily capture erratically moving subjects even as they move parallel and perpendicular to the camera.

Enhanced Tools for Creativity

Whilst the Z8 embodies the best of Nikon’s high-end tech for professional photographers, it also features a wide variety of enhanced tools for more creative images. These user-friendly options include various creative picture controls, long exposures of up to 900 seconds, focus shift photography, in-camera motion blending, multiple exposures, and more. Thanks to these features, users can capture breathtaking images exactly as imagined without doing too much legwork.

Not only does this make the Z8 an excellent option for less experienced photographers, but it also helps seasoned professionals save time. Whether working on an event or capturing wildlife in the wilderness, the Z8 bolsters creativity and minimises the efforts needed in post-production. The result is a camera that puts the power back in the hands of the artist, providing them with everything they need to achieve their creative vision.

Optimised for Low Light

The Nikon Z8 makes shooting in low light look easy. The body benefits from illuminated buttons, warm display colours, and two EVF brightness levels (Lo1 and Lo2) to ensure users maintain complete control in any environment. This combination makes every element of the camera easily accessible whilst reducing eyestrain. Users can also access a dedicated starlight view that brightens the display in darker scenarios and expands the AF range to -9.0EV - perfect for capturing everything from wedding receptions to astrophotography.

Fully Loaded with Features

The features don’t stop there for the Z8. This Nikon camera is overflowing with dedicated controls and functions to streamline your workflow. Starting with what you can find on the display screen, the Z8 has a Red REC border, Focus Peaking, Zebra Stripes, Waveform, Fine ISO Control (1/6 EV), Linear focus, Video Info Display, Custom AF Speed and Tracking, Audio Attenuator, Timecode Linking, Slow Shutter Speeds (to ¼ sec), and RAW Proxy File. These functions provide users with everything they need to monitor and control what they’re shooting.

Modular Design

Nikon has successfully developed the perfect modular design for total shooting flexibility. In line with their mission to make this the most versatile hybrid shooter, the Z8 gives you plenty of options for handling. With the Z8, users can keep it small to maximise agility, add a grip for comfortable vertical shooting and extra battery power, or even rig it up with a cage and third-party accessories for pro-level filmmaking. The Z8 also has dual card slots to support CFexpress XQD and SD cards and dual USB terminals that support super-speed USB-LAN communication and charging.

Intuitive Ergonomics

Two standout features of the Z8 make the hardware feel highly intuitive and help streamline the user experience. The Real-Live viewfinder boasts a 3.69m-dot OLED panel that maintains visibility in all conditions thanks to the adjustable luminance of up to 3000 cd/m2. Using dual-stream technology, this EVF also benefits from blackout-free viewing even when shooting full-resolution RAW or at 120fps - so you no longer have to miss a shot due to lag.

Getting creative and working from weird and wonderful angles is made easier with the unique 2.1m-dot four-axis touchscreen LCD. This 8cm (3.2”) flexible vari-angle display works for horizontal and vertical orientations, allowing users to get into new positions for more innovative perspectives.

Ready for The Elements

An intricate combination of advanced weather sealing and durable materials makes the Z8 an excellent option, whatever the weather, actively protecting the Z8 against dust and moisture in harsher climates and using an eco-friendly Seerebo carbon fibre that is light but rugged. The Z8 also prevents dust from finding the sensor surface by including a dedicated sensor shield. Reinforcing this high degree of protection is a dual electro-conductive and fluorine coating on the optical filter that covers the sensor.

For longer shoots on uneven terrain, the Z8 includes an EN-EL15c battery offering approximately 340 frames per charge. Additionally, the in-body Vibration Reduction now supports Synchro VR to provide users with up to 6 stops of shake compensation when using compatible Z-mount lenses - making footage feel smoother and steadier whilst out on location.

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Nikon Z8 Digital Camera Body
• 1 x Nikon EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
• 1 x Nikon MH-25a Battery Charger
• 1 x Nikon UC-E24 USB Cable
• 1 x HDMI/USB Cable Clip
• 1 x Nikon BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap
• 1 x Nikon AN-DC26 Camera Strap
• 1 x Nikon BF-N1 Body Cap
• 1 x Nikon DK-33 Rubber Eyecup

Nikon Z8 Digital Camera Body Product Video:

FAQs:

What is the difference between JPEG and HEIF?

The Z8’s 10-bit HDR PQ HEIF images are more evolved than standard JPEG files. The HEIF format offers over one billion more colours, more realism and detail, a higher dynamic range, and the same low file size.

What accessories are compatible with the Nikon Z8?

The Nikon Z8 is compatible with the MC-N10 remote grip, which is perfect for operating your camera at a distance. It is also compatible with a whole host of third-party accessories, including:

• ZHIYUN Crane 3S and DJI RS2 gimbals
• TASCAM CA-XLR2AN XLR adapter
• Atomos UltraSync Blue Timecode
• Hollyland Mars 400s HDMI Transmitter
• FX LION NANO THREE 14.8V/98Wh V Mount Battery
• IDX DUO-C150P 14.54V/145Wh V Mount Battery
• SmallRig Cage

How compact is the Nikon Z8?

The Nikon Z8 is an incredibly compact system, packing industry-leading technology into one small body. The Z8 weighs approximately 910g - 430g lighter than the Z9 and 95g lighter than the D850. It is also 30% smaller than the Z9 and 15% smaller than the D850, measuring just 144 × 118.5 × 83 mm in size.

Does the Nikon Z8 have a mechanical shutter?

No. The Nikon Z8 has a fully electronic shutter designed for high-speed readout with one of the world’s fastest sensor scan rates, virtually eliminating rolling shutter. This silent electronic shutter has a 1/32000 speed, which is excellent for fast lenses in daylight, even at f1.2 and f0.95.

What is N-RAW recording?

Nikon’s RAW recording format (N-RAW) offers impressively smaller file sizes than other RAW formats. It can also create MP4 proxies for easier previewing and transfers. For the Z8, N-RAW recording is available in 8.3K at 60p or 24p; 4.1K at 120p; 5.3K at 60p with a 1.5x crop; and 3.8K at 120p with a 2.3x crop. ProRes RAW recording is also available at up to 4.1K and 60p.

Can I use an external microphone with the Nikon Z8?

Yes. The Nikon Z8 is designed for easy pairing with third-party accessories and is compatible with the following:

• SENNHEISER MKE 600, MKE 400, Lark150, EW 100 ENG G4 Kit
• RODE VideoMic NTG, VideoMic Pro+, Video Mic, Wireless GO
• DEITY D3, D3 Pro, D4 Duo, V.Lav
• Saramonic Vmic Mini, SR-M3, SR-PMIC, Blink500B1