Description
The Z 8 packs in massive technology and user-focused features, providing impressive high-resolution images and video up to 8K 60p with overwhelming detail, sharpness, and precise colour. Engineered to be nimble, it’s approximately 30 per cent smaller than the Nikon Z 9, and 15 per cent smaller than the venerable Nikon D850 to which it is the true successor. As the final word in workflow efficiency, the Z 8 gives professionals the confidence to capture without boundaries while yielding stellar files and uncompromising Nikon colour science that can minimize time needed for post-production or editing.
Ready for Action
Like the flagship Nikon Z 9, the Z 8 is at the industry apex of speed and versatility. Nikon’s powerful EXPEED 7 image processing engine is at the core, combined with the proven full-frame (FX-format) 45.7-megapixel BSI stacked sensor, featuring a scan rate so fast that no mechanical shutter is needed. This configuration can be completely silent, has virtually no rolling shutter distortion, while the removal of moving parts reduces wear and tear. Other favourite flagship features include the truly blackout-free Real-live viewfinder, internal 12-bit RAW video recording in a variety of formats and frame rates, while adding more new features for portrait photographers.
The Z 8 brings together speed and precision like no other, embracing the extremes to create a camera that can focus in candlelight during a first dance, yet fast enough to freeze a falcon in flight. Like the Z 9, the camera uses Nikon’s most powerful and precise AF system, which has been developed with deep learning technology. The focus is immediately responsive and reliable, offering a range of functions from fully Auto-Area AF, Nikon’s acclaimed 3D tracking and a fully customizable Wide Area AF. These modes take advantage of the enhanced Subject Detection capability for photo and video that recognizes humans, pets, birds, trains, cars, motorbikes and bicycles, and now various types of airplanes.
Ready for Production
The Z 8 is an extremely capable video camera for a diverse mix of productions, enhancing the process from capture to post by providing cleaner files from a variety of frame rates and resolutions. Because of its reduced body size and internal recording, it’s ideal for gimbal use, but also suitable as an A-cam for extended events and weddings, corporate clients, documentaries or even independent cinema. Benefits don’t stop at image quality, as users will appreciate the Nikon colours and consideration for the modern multimedia professional’s workflow.
• Experience the intense resolution and freedom provided by 8K60p (N-RAW) and 8K30p, and the ability that this massive resolution gives in post to crop and pan. Expansive 4K UHD video options for when the look you’re going for is anywhere from cinematic to slow motion, ranging from oversampled 24p/30p, all the way to 120p with sound.
• The Z 8 can record up to approximately 125 min. in 4K UHD/60p1 and up to approximately 90 min. in 8K UHD/30p
• Internal 12-bit RAW footage can be captured as ProRes RAW 4K60p, or up to 8K60p in N-RAW, Nikon’s RAW video format that is approximately a 50 per cent smaller file size. N-RAW also creates a 1080p proxy file for easier editing. Capturing RAW footage allows for the most image data and highest bit rate for maximum range and flexibility.
• For more latitude with colour, footage can be captured internally in 10-bit ProRes 422 HQ, while other profile options are available in-camera, including an enhanced N-Log, HLG as well as the easily gradable Flat colour profile.
• The camera features two USB-C ports which are dedicated to charging (PD) and communication for accessories, further opening options for a truly modular configuration to fit any production. It also utilizes a full-size HDMI, minimizing the use of adaptors.
• The camera focuses on videographer centric features, including those added to the Z 9 in subsequent firmware updates. These include: Hi-res zoom function for 4K, highly visible red REC Frame Indicator, focus peaking, zebras, waveform, linear focus capability on many NIKKOR Z lenses, fine ISO control, Customizable AF speed tracking, timecode sync, 24-bit stereo audio and more.
Ready to Capture the Impossible
The Z 8 enables users with a powerful combination of the latest hardware and curated features implemented to help make the most challenging creative vision a reality.
• The 45.7-megapixel stacked CMOS sensor combined with the EXPEED 7 Imaging engine can render incredible image quality, stellar colours, fantastic dynamic range and high-speed calculations up to 120 cycles, even in low light with minimal noise.
• Users now have the option to shoot in a 10-bit HEIF image file, a superior file format to JPEG that is approximately equal in size yet offers approximately one billion more colours.
• 14-bit RAW image file formats include the proven high-efficiency RAW format, plus a new HLG RAW option for use on compatible devices.
• The Z 8 includes features specifically for portrait photographers, including the Portrait Impression Balance function for precise control of skin tone accuracy, in addition to a new Skin Softening function and improved white balance.
• Burst speeds range from 20 fps full res RAW+JPEG, 30 fps full-res JPEG, 60 fps DX-format JPEG, or up to 120 fps as 11 mp JPEG with High-speed frame capture +. Pre-Release Capture5 is also available to capture the moment in the camera's buffer before the shutter is even depressed fully.
• Get a wide and bright view with the truly blackout free Quad-VGA viewfinder, which provides a clear picture, especially when shooting at 120 fps. The same 3.2” horizontal and vertical tilting four-axis touchscreen LCD from the Z 9 is also used, which enables creative composition from any angle.
• Vibration Reduction image stabilization has been enhanced with Synchro VR to achieve up to 6.0 stops of compensation with compatible lenses.
• Upcoming features will be added in planned firmware, including an Auto Capture function, which will allow a photographer to automatically trigger a remote camera on user-set parameters. An update will also allow for the base ISO to be extended down to 200 when shooting video footage with N-Log enabled.