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Home → Comparison

Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9: Which One Should You Get?

By Nasim Mansurov 78 Comments
Last Updated On September 27, 2024

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!

NikonZ8_vs_NikonZ9_comparison_front

Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9 Specifications Comparison

Here is how the Nikon Z8 compares to the Z9 in terms of specifications:

Camera FeatureNikon Z8Nikon Z9
AnnouncedMay 2023October 2021
Camera TypeMirrorlessMirrorless
Sensor TypeStacked CMOSStacked CMOS
Image ProcessorEXPEED 7EXPEED 7
Resolution45.7 MP45.4 MP
Pixel Dimensions8256×55048256×5504
Sensor Dimensions35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame)35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame)
Sensor Pixel Size4.35µ4.35µ
Low Pass FilterNoNo
IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)YesYes
Base ISOISO 64ISO 64
Max Native ISOISO 25,600ISO 25,600
Extended ISOsISO 32-102,400ISO 32-102,400
High-Resolution Sensor ShiftYesNo
Focus Stack BracketingYesYes
Fastest Shutter Speed1/320001/32000
Longest Shutter Speed900 seconds900 seconds
Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter)No mechanical shutterNo mechanical shutter
Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter)20 FPS20 FPS
Notes for High FPS Shooting20 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 SystemHybrid PDAFHybrid PDAF
Autofocus Points493493
Low-Light AF Sensitivity (f/2 Lens, ISO 100)-7.5 EV-7 EV
Standard Flash Sync Speed1/2001/200
Auto CaptureNoYes
Video Features
Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal)12 bits12 bits
Maximum Video Bit Depth (External)12 bits12 bits
Raw VideoYesYes
8K Maximum Framerate60 FPS60 FPS
4K Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
1080P Maximum Framerate120 FPS120 FPS
Additional Video Crop FactorNoNo
Chroma Subsampling4:2:24:2:2
Video Recording Limit90 min125 min
Physical and Other Features
Card Slots22
Slot 1 TypeCFExpress Type BCFExpress Type B
Slot 2 TypeSD (UHS-II)CFExpress Type B
Rear LCD Size (Diagonal)3.2 in3.2 in
Rear LCD Resolution2.1 million dots2.1 million dots
Articulating LCDDual AxisDual Axis
TouchscreenYesYes
ViewfinderEVFEVF
Viewfinder Magnification0.80x0.80x
Viewfinder Resolution3.69 million dots3.69 million dots
Viewfinder Coverage100%100%
Illuminated ButtonsYesYes
Voice MemoYesYes
Built-in FlashNoNo
GPSNoYes
BluetoothYesYes
WiFiYesYes
USB TypeType C 3.2 Gen 2Type C 3.2 Gen 2
Ethernet PortNoYes
Battery TypeEN-EL15cEN-EL18d
Battery Life (Viewfinder)330 frames700 frames
Battery Life (Rear LCD)340 frames740 frames
Battery Life (Eco Mode)370 frames770 frames
Weather SealedYesYes
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″)1149 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 PricesNikon Z8 Used PricesNikon 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).

NikonZ8_vs_NikonZ9_back

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.

Nikon Z9_Nikon 180-600mm_Image Sample__LVP5128-NEF
NIKON Z 9 + NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR @ 600mm, ISO 800, 1/1000, f/6.3

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.

nikon-z8-00012
NIKON Z 8 + AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/5.6E PF ED VR @ 500mm, ISO 1250, 1/250, f/5.6

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.

Nikon Z8_Nikon 180-600mm_Sample image__DSC6992-NEF
NIKON Z 8 + NIKKOR Z 180-600mm f/5.6-6.3 VR @ 600mm, ISO 5000, 1/640, f/6.3

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.

Nikon-Z9-00012
NIKON Z 9 + NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S @ 270mm, ISO 64, 1/500, f/6.3

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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Tagged With: Choosing a Camera, Nikon, Nikon Mirrorless, Nikon Z8, Nikon Z9

About Nasim Mansurov

Nasim Mansurov is the author and founder of Photography Life, based out of Denver, Colorado. He is recognized as one of the leading educators in the photography industry, conducting workshops, producing educational videos and frequently writing content for Photography Life. You can follow him on Instagram and Facebook. Read more about Nasim here.

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Russ
Russ
August 6, 2024 3:01 pm

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.

1
Reply
Rob G
Rob G
May 24, 2024 6:23 am

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.

4
Reply
Ranjan KM
Ranjan KM
August 13, 2023 10:21 am

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).

2
Reply
Steven
Steven
May 22, 2023 11:07 pm

I am currently using Z50 and I will wait for Z1.

-1
Reply
Steve M
Steve M
May 20, 2023 11:40 am

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.

9
Reply
Iain
Iain
Reply to  Steve M
May 23, 2023 12:07 pm

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!

6
Reply
AZMyke
AZMyke
Reply to  Steve M
June 28, 2023 10:03 pm

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.

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novalaker
novalaker
May 13, 2023 5:59 am

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.

1
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Jason Polak
Jason Polak
Reply to  novalaker
May 16, 2023 1:22 am

I agree it’s a great camera but I do not think it will smoke the A1 (except in terms of price).

0
Reply
Patrick Smith
Patrick Smith
Reply to  novalaker
May 19, 2023 9:24 am

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!

7
Reply
Dmitry
Dmitry
Reply to  Patrick Smith
May 20, 2023 4:26 am

No offense but that’s just your school of thought and not everyone agrees.

-3
Reply
Joe
Joe
May 12, 2023 5:16 pm

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.

4
Reply
Michael
Michael
May 12, 2023 5:07 pm

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.

0
Reply
Rudy Merz
Rudy Merz
Reply to  Michael
May 13, 2023 10:43 am

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.

0
Reply
Andrew
Andrew
Reply to  Michael
October 10, 2023 11:00 am

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

0
Reply
Michael
Michael
May 12, 2023 2:34 pm

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.

1
Reply
bg5931
bg5931
May 12, 2023 12:28 pm

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

3
Reply
CphChrri
CphChrri
Reply to  bg5931
May 13, 2023 3:08 am

Prices in Copenhagen:
Z8: 5,250$
Z9: 7,000$
Consider yourself lucky

3
Reply

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