The Nikon Zf and Nikon Z8 are two fairly different cameras. The Zf is a well-rounded, all purpose camera whereas the Z8 is a high-end action camera costing exactly twice the price of the Zf. Still, these two cameras are a lot closer than the Zf is to the Z9, so you may be deciding between these two. So, what should you get? Read on to find out!
Nikon Zf vs Nikon Z8 Specifications Comparison
| Camera Feature | Nikon Zf | Nikon Z8 |
|---|---|---|
| Announced | September 2023 | May 2023 |
| Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Sensor Type | BSI CMOS | Stacked CMOS |
| Image Processor | EXPEED 7 | EXPEED 7 |
| Resolution | 24.5 MP | 45.7 MP |
| Pixel Dimensions | 6048×4032 | 8256×5504 |
| Sensor Dimensions | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) | 35.9 x 23.9 mm (Full Frame) |
| Sensor Pixel Size | 5.9µ | 4.4µ |
| Low Pass Filter | Yes | No |
| IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization) | Yes | Yes |
| Base ISO | ISO 100 | ISO 64 |
| Max Native ISO | ISO 64,000 | ISO 25,600 |
| Extended ISOs | ISO 50-204,800 | ISO 32-102,400 |
| High-Resolution Sensor Shift | Yes | No |
| Focus Stack Bracketing | Yes | Yes |
| Pre-Shoot Burst Mode | Yes (JPEG only) | Yes (JPEG only) |
| Fastest Shutter Speed | 1/8000 | 1/32000 |
| Longest Shutter Speed | 900 seconds | 900 seconds |
| Continuous Shooting (Mechanical Shutter) | 14 FPS | No mechanical shutter |
| Continuous Shooting (Electronic Shutter) | 14 FPS | 20 FPS |
| Notes for High FPS Shooting | 14 FPS figure is for .NEF files (full-res JPEG at 30 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 200 frames | Over 1000 frames (20 FPS) |
| Autofocus System | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition | Hybrid PDAF with deep learning subject recognition |
| Autofocus Points | 273 | 493 |
| Maximum Low-Light AF Sensitivity (Standardized to f/2, ISO 100) | -8.5 EV | -7.5 EV |
| Standard Flash Sync Speed | 1/200 | 1/200 |
| Curtain to Protect Sensor at Shutdown | No | Yes |
Video Features | ||
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (Internal) | 10 bits | 12 bits |
| Maximum Video Bit Depth (External) | 10 bits | 12 bits |
| Raw Video | No | Yes |
| 8K Maximum Framerate | N/A | 60 FPS |
| 4K Maximum Framerate | 60 FPS | 120 FPS |
| 1080P Maximum Framerate | 120 FPS | 120 FPS |
| Additional Video Crop Factor | 1.5x crop at 4K 60p (4K 30p has no additional crop) | No |
| Chroma Subsampling | 4:2:2 | 4:2:2 |
| Video Recording Limit | 125 min | 90 min |
Physical and Other Features | ||
| Card Slots | 2 | 2 |
| Slot 1 Type | SD (UHS-II) | CFExpress Type B |
| Slot 2 Type | Micro SD (UHS-I) | SD (UHS-II) |
| Rear LCD Size (Diagonal) | 3.2 in | 3.2 in |
| Rear LCD Resolution | 2.1 million dots | 2.1 million dots |
| Articulating LCD | Fully Articulating | Dual Axis |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder | EVF | EVF |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.80x | 0.8x |
| Viewfinder Resolution | 3.69 million dots | 3.69 million dots |
| Viewfinder Coverage | 100% | 100% |
| Voice Memo | Yes | Yes |
| Headphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Microphone Jack | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Flash | No | No |
| GPS | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes |
| USB Type | Type C 3.2 Gen 1 | Two Type C 3.2 Gen 2 ports |
| Battery Type | EN-EL15c | EN-EL15c |
| Battery Life (Viewfinder) | 360 frames | 330 frames |
| Battery Life (Rear LCD) | 380 frames | 340 frames |
| Battery Life (Eco Mode) | 430 frames | 370 frames |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Weight (Body Only w/ Battery + Card) | 710 g (1.57 lbs.) | 910 g (2.01 lbs.) |
| Dimensions (LxHxD) | 144 x 103 x 59 mm (5.7 x 4.1 x 2.3″)1 | 144 x 119 x 88 mm (5.7 x 4.7 x 3.5″)2 |
Price Comparison | ||
| MSRP, Body Only | $2000 (Check Current Price) | $4000 (Check Current Price) |
| Used Prices | Nikon Zf Used Prices | Nikon Z8 Used Prices |
| 1The Nikon Zf’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 10mm were added to the Zf’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
| 2The Nikon Z8’s official dimensions do not include the depth of the protruding viewfinder. To match the typical standards today, 5mm were added to the Z8’s depth measurement in this table. | ||
Summary and Recommendations
The Z8 and Zf are not so different in size, but they are very different cameras inside. The Z8 is a 45.7MP camera with a stacked sensor so fast that it doesn’t even need a mechanical shutter, whereas the Zf is a more conventional 24MP BSI sensor. The Zf also has fairly decent autofocus, but it can’t compare to the deftness of the Z8.
These feature differences alone says who the cameras are for: the Z8 is those looking to capture the most difficult action, whereas the Zf can handle most situations well. In fact, if I couldn’t use the Z9 or Z8, the Zf would be my next choice. In fact, the Zf also has some features that the Z8 does not including it being the first of Nikon’s cameras to have high-resolution sensor shift. I’ve actually used this feature on a variety of cameras and it does work decently well although it has limited applications to be sure.
In terms of video, the Nikon Zf is not as good as the Z8 but produces very high quality similar to the Z8 up to 4K30. Unlike the Z8, it does not have 8K recording (it’s sensor is too low-resolution for 8K), but it does have a slightly longer recording limit of 125 minutes over the Z8’s 90 minutes. Therefore, if you want to record a long lecture or concert, the Zf could actually be a superior choice.
The card slot configuration is also a little different and weird on the Zf: it takes one SD card and one micro SD card, as opposed to the CFExpress B and SD card configuration of the Z8 (which seems more sane to me), but for people who want to use the micro SD slots on their phones, the Zf’s configuration could be useful.
I think it won’t be too hard to decide between the Zf and the Z8. The Z8 is better in almost every way but for twice the price. Most people won’t need the Z8 though, and I have a hard time thinking of a scenario outside sports and wildlife where the Zf couldn’t handle itself.
What does the Nikon Zf offer over the Nikon Z8?
- Lighter weight (200g lighter or about 1.3 times lighter)
- Much lower price, costing $2000 less—you could take a trip with this savings!
What does the Nikon Z8 offer over the Nikon Zf?
- Better autofocus
- Faster, stacked sensor with hardly any rolling shutter
- Better video including 8K and Raw video
- 1.87 times more megapixels (24.5MP vs 45.7MP)
Questions? Go to our forum, where you can start a conversation and talk to photographers about these two cameras!
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