Nikon shook the camera world with its Nikon Z9, its first flagship mirrorless body with an incredible autofocus system and a first: no mechanical shutter. Now, they have just released the Nikon Z8, which is basically a Z9 but in a smaller body. Given that these cameras are so similar but with the Z8 less expensive than a Z9, which one should you get?
Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9 Specifications Comparison
Here is how the Nikon Z8 compares to the Z9 in terms of specifications:
| Camera Feature | Nikon Z8 | Nikon Z9 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | May 2023 | October 2021 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | Stacked CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 45.7 MP | 45.4 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 8256×5504 | 8256×5504 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 4.35µ | 4.35µ |
| Low Pass Filter | No | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 64 | ISO 64 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 25,600 | ISO 25,600 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 32-102,400 | ISO 32-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | No | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/32000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | No mechanical shutter | No mechanical shutter |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 20 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) | 20 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 FPS; DX JPEG at 60 FPS; 11 megapixel JPEG at 120 FPS) |
| Buffer Size (Raw) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF | Hybrid PDAF |
| Autofocus Points | 493 | 493 |
| Low-Light AF Sensitivity (f/2 Lens, ISO 100) | -7.5 EV | -7 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 12 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | Yes | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | No | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 90 min | 125 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | CFExpress Type B | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Type B |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Dual Axis | Dual Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x | 0.80x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Illuminated Buttons | Yes | Yes |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.2 Gen 2 | Type C 3.2 Gen 2 |
| Ethernet Port | No | Yes |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL18d |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 330 frames | 700 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 340 frames | 740 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 370 frames | 770 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) | 1340 g (2.95 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)1 | 149 x 150 x 106 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 4.2″)1 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $4000 (Check Current Price) | $5500 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Z8 Used Prices | Nikon Z9 Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Z8 and Z9’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 15mm were added to the Z9’s depth measurement and 5mm to the Z8’s in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
As you can see, it is clear that the Z8 is very similar to the Z9. However, when the Nikon Z9 was released, many photographers wanted something like it but in a smaller body, and that’s where the Z8 delivers. Of course, there are a few compromises that come with it: a 90-minute record limit over the Z9’s 125-minute limit, and less battery life (although an optional grip can be used if desired).
The Z8 has a few new features over the Z9, like its twin USB-C sockets. Unlike the Z9, the Z8 has a second socket that allows you to power the Z8 while using the second for data transfer, which could be very useful in a studio situation where you want to keep the Z8 externally powered at all times. Videographers could use power banks in the field to deliver more continuous power using this feature, which is another advantage.
To be honest, the biggest difference between the two cameras is the price of $4000 for the Nikon Z8 compared to $5500 for the Nikon Z9. Although it is a bit higher than the launch price of the D850 (see our in-depth Nikon D850 review), it should be much more appealing to D850 users who finally might like to upgrade to Nikon’s mirrorless Z system.
So which one should you get? I think that for the vast majority of people, the Nikon Z8 is the answer. It offers almost everything the Z9 does in a smaller body at a better price. On the other hand, users who need the pro-level features of the Nikon Z9 like the built-in Ethernet port (Z8 requires a USB to Ethernet adapter), GPS, and integrated grip should still get the Z9.
I am currently using Z50 and I will wait for Z1.
I have the Z8 on pre-order based on the specs, but after further investigation and seeing real world comparisons, I am going to get the Z9 instead. The battery life is more than double, the built in GPS and logging is important, the vertical controls are critical, and the speed is faster without overheating. It has 2 fast card slots instead of 1. That is a lot of benefit for the small price difference. The price difference is even smaller when you factor in the extra batteries to swap, or the grip, and possible GPS solutions.
I always shoot with my D850s with the grips on as without the grip it is too small to hold and operate comfortably. The Z9 is actually smaller than this setup but still comfortable enough to operate all of the controls. I can’t use the D850 without the grip so I don’t think the Z8 is an option.
My initial plan was to get the Z8 with the grip to make up for the smaller size, smaller batteries and missing controls, but that grip is a monster and makes the camera even bigger than the Z9! Plus the buttons on the grip are not as functional. I’d be surprised if anyone bought that grip. You cannot even leave the battery in the camera. It reminds me of the older D models before they got smart with the grips. The grip on the D850 adds extra batteries to the battery in the camera, it doesn’t replace the one in the camera.
The size advantage of the Z8 disappears when you add a grip to boost the batteries and include the same controls. The Z8 grip is a real disappointment but made the decision to get the Z9 very easy.
Another consideration is the balance would be better on the Z9 when I have the large lenses on it.
I’ve just done the same as you. Purchased a Z9 today even though Z8 is becoming available. The grip and controls for vertical shooting plus the battery longevity is enough of a deal breaker for me. Only had the Z9 for half a day…. I’m in love already!
Really impressive that they didn’t cut many corners with this camera. I do see that the price difference is not as significant in many markets, but for those in the US it’s really the best value camera out there, by far, and should smoke the A1, R3, etc.
I hope the Z6iii comes next with some significant improvements to place it on par with the competition, not just the A7IV but the A7V which could be out in 2024 by the time the Z6iii is out.
I agree it’s a great camera but I do not think it will smoke the A1 (except in terms of price).
No offense but that’s just your school of thought and not everyone agrees. Each flagship camera offers its strengths and or weaknesses and it’s all somewhat subjective. So please don’t feel like I’m attacking you at all, you’re of course entitled to your own opinion. I just think though if you tried all three flagships, the Z9, A1 and R3…you’d see each is amazing. Each one gives the others a run for it’s money. Sure the A1 technically can shoot faster or fastest for RAW files, the Nikon and Canon offer their own great speed/specs such as 120fps on the Z9! I’m a lifelong Nikon user and absolutely a Nikon fanboy, through and through…I love the Canon R3! If I ever go mirrorless it’s going to be a switch to Canon and it’s R3 or R1? As a photojournalist, I definitely prefer the lower 20-24mp sensors and I prefer the weight and feel of the R3, over the A1 or even Z9.
The Z9 is heavy and feels like a D6 had a baby with a Z7? Anyways the Z9 feels amazing in your hands, it just fits like a glove to me. However I still use and love the Nikon D6 and it will remain my camera of choice for the next couple of years. Mirrorless does not offer me anything and I prefer OVF to EVF, because I have light sensitivity issues related to TBI’s or possibly CTE. However I do have 20-10 vision and therefor I can actually see the differences in EVF’s. Anyways for my taste, the R3 is the closest thing to my D6…but in mirrorless! With the R3 in OVF simulation mode, I at least feel comfortable for longer periods of time. At the end of the day though, I’ve shot both and I saw absolutely no difference in image quality or hit rate. Actually my hit rate went way down with the Canon R3 compared to my D6, which is nearly flawless. Although I’m sure the R3 is more capable than I was able to see, because I admit I’ve not spent long with one. If I had to guess though, my D6 is slightly better AF wise.
Why don’t I own a Nikon Z9? I prefer the D6 and OVF, all day everyday. At first I wrote the D6 off and I kept my D5’s and D850. However eventually I heard B. Moose Peterson say that Nikon made the AF system even better with firmware 1.2? So I decided to get another D6 and thankfully got one at cost (approximately $4400 USD) and it’s been in my bag ever since! I absolutely fell in love with the Nikon D6! It’s files are almost perfect straight out of camera and the AF system is nearly flawless. I’ve taken a few very long burst of F-35 and F-22 fighter jets coming head on at near Mach 1 and 99/102 images were tack-sharp. The Auto AF with choose starting point is awesome and so is the eye-AF, and the D6 is the only DSLR that has eye-AF. It actually works amazingly well for me, at least. I don’t shoot a lot of portraits, but I do from time to time and it works.
The best features though are the customizable Group AF options and just the overall user experience! Plus the D6 accepts the WT-6A wireless transmitters and they are 100% reliable and work at up to 650ft range. The built in wireless on the D6 and Z9 is much worse in comparison. The range is much less, 35ft? This is actually a deciding factor for me, as I’ve become spoiled by instant access and ability to get images out fast and reliably! The D6’s with WT-6A’s just work, always, no matter what or where, I can transmit images within seconds. So we all have our own needs and wants, and not everyone cares about specs. Would I prefer to have 30fps RAW? Sure, that could be useful at times, but I wouldn’t be caught dead using a Sony camera. Their ergonomics are so atrocious that I refuse to even hold them for longer than a few seconds or I get physically nauseous, lol. The uncomfortable squared-off edges and painful ergonomics are terrible, the lens release button is on the wrong side and toddlers developed the menus. Sony for me, is a no-go, strictly off principles. However if Canon offered a trade in program on Nikon gear, I’d trade my D6’s for some R3’s!
No offense but that’s just your school of thought and not everyone agrees.
I can clearly see the advantages and attractiveness of the new Z8, and ?I hope those who like those advantages go out and buy one or more! I truly love My Z9 and will not be trading off. The Z9 is the first camera I have owned that fits my hands and feels ergonomically “correct”. Even if I never master many of its capabilities, I will shoot a lot with it because it is comfortable for me. It is also a great balance to the Z800, making handheld shooting easier with that extra weight to the rear. I would lose that with the Z8,.\ just like I did not have that balance with my D850/500 f/5.6 combo. My Z6 will be my backup mirrorless and the D850 will host the 500 PF. All in all I am set and hope others can become this comfortable with the Z8 in their hands.
Very niche question, and I’ve had a hard time finding the answer myself.
The Nikon Z7II has the ability to crop 4×5 in the viewfinder and deliver an 4×5 raw file.
Can the Z8 do that?
Many thanks for the help anyone might be able to provide.
Michael, It does not look like it has 5:4. In the tech specs for Z8/Z9 on nikonusa.com under image area it says: FX,DX,1:1 and 16:9. The 5:4 aspect ratio is one of the main reasons why I bought the Z7.
Just another comment – it seems that the difference in card / card controllers is affecting seriously the burst shooting in raw at 20 and 15 FPS. This is related to the SD Card. There is an initial review by Matt Granger.
I expected it to be more expensive, so I told myself “if it’s less than 4k, I’ll buy it!”, expecting I could tell myself “see, far too expensive!”. Now I am sadly stuck with having to buy one. :D
Prices in Copenhagen:
Z8: 5,250$
Z9: 7,000$
Consider yourself lucky
Any chance Photography Life could setup a townhall meeting with yourselves and Nikon reps?
Given the many different perspectives participants in this forum bring, I would not make it an Q&A session with the forum participants. But you could ask your forum participants for their answers to very specific questions (e.g. what specific features would you want to see in a Nikon Z6 III or Nikon Z5 II or Nikon Z50 II).
Then using those responses create a checklist of features for members to vote on at specific price points (e.g. $900 APS camera; $1200 entry level FF camera, $2000-$2500 FF camera).
This might enable you as the moderator to hone in on the demand that exists but is not being fulfilled right now while also letting them understand the level of frustration that exists coupled with the desire to see Nikon succeed in light of our existing investments in the brand.
Maybe some limited questions from the audience at the end.
Nikon is going to kill the Z9. Unless it releases a Z9 II or a major firmware update, from a business standpoint Nikon did the same thing with the Z9 as it did with the D3 when it released the D700.
Andre, absolutely not the case. The Nikon D700 worked out wonderfully to boost Nikon DSLR sales, and the Z8 will do the same. Those who need the Z9 will still get the Z9, even without any major updates. Nikon’s camera release cycle has been quite predictable, and we anticipate the same moves in the future. At some point, we should see a Z9s or Z9x (if we see more advanced sensors), then in we will get a Z9 II that will provide the next big jump in features.
Yes, the D3, which was famously a complete flop. Some people value full-sized, gripped cameras with large battery capacity. They will keep buying the Z9.
D3 a complete flop? In what universe? It was a fabulous camera that quickly took over the market, and a huge upgrade from the DX predecessors. The D700 lowered the price point with basically the same quality, but It took the D800 to out perform for image quality.
I believe that was *sarcasm*
There is more to it. The modification from two CF-Express Cards to one is obviously affecting people who use two cards. Secondly, even when storing to a single card the Z 8 appears to be slower in clearing the buffer. This might be related to differences in card controllers. This is only a difference when one shoots action. The time it takes for the Z8 to clear the buffers seems to be also longer.
In my opinion, the Z8 is the first camera from Nikon that I’d consider replacing my D500 with. Although it’s not an exact D500 replacement since it’s full-frame, the price tag is a bit easier to swallow and it’s close enough in size (just 50g heavier) that it makes a lot of sense.
Was also looking for a D500 mirrorless equivalent and thinking of the Z8, but maybe Nikon will decide and actually release a proper mirrorless with a DX sensor
Other than frame rate and maybe eye detection, I’d put my D500 up against any mirrorless for wildlife. I’m also a cheapskate, and not willing to fork over $4000 for a body, plus fall into the downward financial spiral of buying more glass.
Indeed Mary!
In Italy the Z8 costs 4600€, FTZ II is 299€, while you can find a brand new grey market D850 for 2110€, with which you have access to the whole F-mount optics, AF & AF-D included. For a D500 with 16-80mm DX lens the official distribution asks 1695€ for new items. For both D850 & D500 there are very valid low budget battery grips.
I do not really think that Z8 is the natural upgrading path for those already in F-mount system. I will instead search for a good second hand D780 or D6, while my D810 & D850 serve me so well and are enough for my needs, both bought with great deals at their time.
A different story is of course for those that are starting from scratch and do not want any F-mount (screw-drive) glass.
Have you ever tried a Z9 or other top mirrorless camera? Because they offer a lot more benefits for wildlife photography beyond the spec sheets. I switched from the D850 to the Z9 and that was probably my most significant camera-upgrade since I switched from analog to digital back in 2005!
It’s not just frame rate and eye detection (which is extremely helpful!) – other benefits are the use of the tilt-screen with no AF penalty for shots from uncommon perspectives, blackout-free viewfinder to follow action with more ease, significant AF improvements (speed, accuracy, low-light) and absolutely silent shutter, just to name a few. I have a lot of shots taken with the Z9 that I could not have taken with the D850.
But you are of course right about the financal implications…
Hi Nightjar!
I’m thinking to upgrade/change my z6 for z8 more likely for a z9, but I’m still afraid from the battery life.. What is your experience with z9? Do you use/need plus battery for it?
I agree with that. Nevertheless, there will come a time where the D500 won’t be easy to find any more (at least not in good condition) and then the only logical choice will be one of Nikon’s mirrorless cameras. Chances are after 3-4 years there will be some lightly used ones for $2500-3000 as well…which isn’t bad considering my D500 has about that much life left in it.
Doubt it. Buy a Z8 and be done with it.
I agree. A phenomenal offering, considering the features and capabilities. Time to sell the Z7 II and my dated Z6!
Sounds like a plan. Shoot in crop mode, get about the same resolution as the D500, use many of your lenses with the FTX until you can replace them with Z lenses. I did a version of that when moving from the D750 to mirrorless. You even get to use the same EN-EL15 batteries.