@nightjar Z9/Z8 is a killer combo. However, if the second camera was really just a backup, then I could see something like the Z9/Z6. I take the Z50 as a backup for travel. But really just in case my Z9 falls off a cliff or into a river.
@prg-lagarde Good tip, thank you. One less reason to upgrade.
@libor-vaic Indeed, I think we can wait a bit (at least until next September/November sales ;) )
... I take the Z50 as a backup for travel. But really just in case my Z9 falls off a cliff or into a river.
I bought a Z50 a little over two years ago. I use it for travel and take anywhere camera. Especially when I go on a ski trip, the small and very lightweight Z50 comes in handy. It easily fits in my backpack and I don't notice the weight. I guess a Z9 would be a different story in such case... 😀
I must say that I'm impressed by the IQ of the Z50. I didn't expect it but I love that little camera! It punches well above its weight!
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Pascal Hibon
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/phibon/
Website: https://pascalhibon.net/
@libor-vaic I wouldn't just use the Z8 as a backup, but also as a lightweight option for hiking etc. - I think it would would be a very well-balanced combination with the 500 5.6 PF. The Z7II just isn't ideal for that, mostly due to the much slower AF.
Anyway, I guess I won't be able to resist the Z8 very long - at the first sale, I'm gonna get it...
@prg-lagarde For me, the main thing is that version 23 does not bring me anything important. If I were a wedding photographer I might see it differently, but for now I'm happy with Capture One 22.
@libor-vaic Indeed. The only interesting development for me would be auto spot removal - especially for mosquitos spots -, but I feel we must wait a bit before it is efficiently stable.
I'm starting this thread for those of you who have questions about the new Nikon Z8 but don't want to wait for our in-depth review. We look forward to your questions and comments. If we know the answer, we will be happy to respond.
Libor, thx for the answer question offer. Mine has to do with the user interface.
I've been a Fujifilm fan from wayback mostly for the size and user interface. But I've always had a soft spot for Nikon since way back with my FM and 105mm. When the Z7 came out, I bought in. Loved the images but didn't like the PSAM. Went back to Fujifilm. Then repeated the process over again. 🙄
It wasn't until I started using an X-H2 that I realized what my specific issue was. It wasn't the PSAM; it has to do with the saved configuration. On the X-H2, I can save seven different configurations. And, in each saved configuration, I can save EVERY different setting.
On my Z7 I could only have three different saved configurations. And when I changed to a different saved configuration, I had to also change at least a few menu settings or switch/button settings.
On the X-H2, I can go from my "default configuration" to my "tripod configuration" (which changes approx eight different settings) with one click of the top dial. I could never do that with my Z7.
How is the Z8 in this regard? How many configurations can I save? And can I save all my settings in a configuration or will I still need to make button changes or dive into menus?
Thx.
How many configurations can I save? And can I save all my settings in a configuration or will I still need to make button changes or dive into menus?Thx.
The Z8 uses Custom Setting Banks like the DSLR's did. My D850 has a max of 4 banks (A through D). I don't own a Z8 so I don't know how many banks it supports.
The Custom Bank Settings include the bottom configurations. So you can have different button configurations in different banks.
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Pascal Hibon
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/phibon/
Website: https://pascalhibon.net/
@leond It is as delange writes. The Nikon Z8 and Z9 are like DSLRs in this respect. They allow four different shooting menu bank settings. Most settings can be set separately for each option, but some cannot. Like the shooting mode (single, continuous, self-timer). For example, if you use the self-timer to photograph landscapes, you need to keep that in mind when you switch from Landscape (Bank C for me) to Birds in Flight (Bank B). You won't end up waiting for the harpy eagle to fly away with the self-timer set, as I did. Switching between banks is fast. You can choose any of the buttons to do this (for me it's Fn2). The custom settings bank offers 4 more options. But this is something I would recommend more for those who want to share the camera with someone (A-John, B-Rachel, C-George, D-Jane). Personally, I'd get lost in the combinations.
The custom settings bank offers 4 more options. But this is something I would recommend more for those who want to share the camera with someone (A-John, B-Rachel, C-George, D-Jane). Personally, I'd get lost in the combinations.
I believe you can rename the custom banks to something more meaningful. This makes it easier to remember which is what. And in my opinion, easier to use than the U1, U2 and U3 options. I keep forgetting the functions of those (since I mostly am in the "landscape mode", which is U1 on my Z6II).
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Pascal Hibon
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/phibon/
Website: https://pascalhibon.net/
I would appreciate any information anybody might have on the Z8's on the Auto Rotate Pictures function.
I have a son on the autistic spectrum who would like to be able to turn this function off and not have the the orientation information written to the exif file, or at the very least have just the default landscape/ normal orientation be written.
On the Nikon commercial website this function is listed as "Auto rotate images", in the manual it is listed as "Auto rotate pictures" but there is no reliable information about how it does, or does not write to the exif file. I could get no succinct answer to this question when talking to Nikon support services. They just pointed me to the website feature "Auto Rotate Images"
I understand that he can strip/or change this with Exif tool, but he feels that this is not acceptable for a four thousand dollar camera, especially when it is a feature already found on his d500.
He does some scientific and macro images, and would appreciate it if anyone has used this feature, and can help him sort this out.
@imagedoc24 The only thing I can recommend is to turn off Auto rotate info display in the Setup menu and Auto-rotate pictures in the Playback menu.
Libor,
Thanks for your help.
If I do this, do you know if it prevent the Z8 from writing the orientation tag to the exif file?
Just an update - I did have a chance to use my Z8 to photograph a box turtle. Eye AF did work at close range, and a little further away it simply recognized the subject.
Here is a screenshot from NXStudio.
Eric Bowles
www.bowlesimages.com