Nikon shook the camera world with its Nikon Z9 – the company’s first-ever flagship mirrorless body, with an incredible autofocus system and a fully electronic shutter. Now, they have just released the Nikon Z8, which is basically a Z9 but in a smaller body. Given that the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9 have such similar features, which one should you get? This article will answer your questions!
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 | Yes | 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 |
| Auto Capture | No | Yes |
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 – except for size. 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, such as the shorter battery life and slower SD card slot (rather than dual CFExpress slots).
One of the biggest advantages of the Z9 is a feature added in the Z9’s firmware version 4.0 called Auto Capture. According to Nikon, Auto Capture can “shoot bursts or record video automatically when the camera detects that the subject meets certain conditions, for example that it is in the frame, within a certain range of distances, and moving in a certain direction.” It’s an extremely advanced feature for certain types of professional photography, especially when using the camera remotely.
By comparison, the only big feature that the Nikon Z8 offers compared to the Z9 (again, aside from price/size/weight) is the pixel shift mode for high resolution photography. This mode also isn’t as useful as it seems on the surface, because everything in the photo needs to be 100% stationary, or you’ll end up with artifacts upon close inspection.
The Nikon Z8 does also have a second USB-C socket. This allows you to power the Z8 while using the second USB-C slot 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, though, the biggest difference between the two cameras is the price of $4000 for the Nikon Z8 compared to $5500 for the Nikon Z9. The other big difference is body shape – the Z8 is substantially smaller than the Z9 because it lacks a vertical grip, which could be a positive or negative depending on your needs.
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.
If you’re still not sure, check out the field report that Marsel van Oosten published right here on Photography Life, where he said,
If you wanted a Z9 but couldn’t afford one or thought it was too big, the Z8 will be the perfect alternative. It’s well-balanced, as powerful as its bigger brother, yet in a smaller package.
And, if you’ve already got one of these amazing cameras, you might need a few lenses! So check out the following articles:
- The Sharpest Lenses for the Nikon Z7, Z7 II, Z8, and Z9: We’ve hand-selected the best lenses specifically for the high-resolution sensors of these cameras.
- Best Wildlife Lenses for the Nikon Z8: Having tested almost every modern Nikon telephoto lens extensively, here are the ones we recommend.
You may also be interested in how the Z8 compares against the Sony a9 II.
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Both cameras pixels are 8256×5504, but Z8 is 45.7MP and Z9 is 45.4?
And Z8 also has auto-capture now i think.
I have both. I have not used either extensively. I purchased the Z8, based on the need to have a second camera with equal IQ and frame capture capability ~ for less money I could count on those two basic features.
As for battery life, I can attest to the following. In a recent storm chase, I unexpectedly took 8080 photos in the Z9. The battery meter displayed a fully charged battery. That was also unexpected.
As for the Z8, having taken 1100 photos in one particular session, the indicator showed all but one bar (a.k.a. almost fully charged).
So, I am not sure where Nikon came up with the numbers they did, 700 shots / 300 shots respectively, but those numbers are not even close the amount of photos you can really take before the need to change the battery.
For the record, both cameras are capturing lossless raw photos to Delkin Black CF Express cards
As for IQ results, well, both cameras did just fine for my needs (so far). The Z9, for example, I used ISO 500 with the 20mm Z 1.8 mounted to capture the May 10th, 2024 Aurora in completely dark skies. in post, seeing that the aurora images were captured very dim, then adjusting exposure (+1.5), white levels +50, blacks -50, contrast +30 etc. I did not have a need to adjust clarity or texture. The end result was absolutely stunning. Full color recovery with no noticeable noise was the result. Absolutely impressed.
I also captured the total solar eclipse with the Z9 (and the 600mm PF) using ISO 64. Stunning performance with the camera. For the record, the battery life remained almost completely full, as I was using the rear screen during the entire shoot over 6000 images taken.
Love both cameras.
I feel there is a valid reason for the price gap between Z8 & Z9 inspite of Z8 having almost all features of Z9! The Z8 build quality…no one is talking about it yet! I am not talking about the strap lug failure, mount locking issue…I’m talking about the material of the body! Z8 top, bottom & sides are made of plastic….BOO ! A deal breaker for me at least! I read it in Ken Rockwell’s detailed review. Z9 is all metal- Top, Bottom & both sides (probably Magnesium Alloy).
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!
I had the Z8 on preorder and decided to go with the Z9. Personally, I don’t mind feeling a solid camera body in my hands. I have the D850 and Z7ii, sadly I am parting with the D850 converting to 100% mirrorless. What swayed me, was the grip, GPS, raised buttons, and auto-capture features. I will have this camera for a very long time.
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.
You can’t do a 5:4 crop with the Z9 or Z8 but you can set up a 5:4 overlay in the eve. It does work well in practice
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