While a lot of us don't need high resolution, there is a bit of a market else no one would be buying medium-format cameras like the Fuji GFX-100. I won't get a Z 8, but I see a niche...
Between a higher-res (say 80-100 MP) camera to maximize detail, versus a "mini Z9" (stacked sensor, faster FPS) where are people leaning?
To me, the biggest gap in Nikon Z FX at the moment is a less expensive camera, $2500 or so, that can autofocus near the Z9's level. Although, the rumors I've heard suggest the Z8 will be more expensive and higher-end than that.
I actually conducted a poll at BCG few weeks back and most of the folks wanted a mini z9. By mini z9, I mean a full frame sensor thats without a vertical grip. There are not many people that are interested in a high mp non stacked sensor camera.
@thelordofthelight That’s the sense I’m getting too, even though my guess is that it will be a higher resolution/a7R V type competitor.
Rumors are that there may be two Z8s; a 24 megapixel, and a 60 MP. Both will share the same body with similar features and AF. I like using 24 mp as it is an excellent compromise between speed and resolution. The Z 6II, in all aspects, would be a great camera, if its AF system was more accurate, by modern standards. A Z 8 (S?) shooting at 20 FPS in 14 bit raw, with the ability to adjust exposure, on the fly, and keep subject in focus, would be just fine for me.
just improved focus performance to be more dslr-like and 24 mp on a Z6 body would suit me.
Depends very much on the specs of a Z8 for me.
I'm definitely not interested in a 60MP BSI CMOS sensor version that follows the Sony A7RV.
Basically, the 24MP of my Z6 are enough for me, but 45MP would give me more leeway in cropping with my Z 400/4.5 VR S + Z TC-1.4.
I would even be willing to make slight sacrifices in AF performance, top priority for me would be the EVF performance and responsivines as close as possible to a OVF.
A crystal clear, lag-free and blackout-free EVF is more important to me than the last bit of AF performance.
This point bothers me by far the most about my Z6.
If it's a mini Z9, 45.7MP Stacked CMOS sensor like the Z9, Expeed 7, same EVF, dual stream technology, I'm buying it asap.
I don't have a real need for a new camera. My D850, Z6II and Z50 are plenty. There are however two features I miss: a tilting display such as the Z9 and a "preview feature" where you could set a preview format ratio (16:9, 3:1, 1:1, custom) while the camera captures the full 3:2 ratio.
None of these are showstoppers so I guess I won't be buying a new camera soon.
I can see why Nikon only saves the size that's selected, FX, or 16:9 or 1:1. The photographer framed the scene as seen, and why save extra pixels.
I'd like to see a customizable outline frame within the FX view: DX or 16:9 or 1:1, or even more custom sizes. That would be useful. I don't expect it to happen, though.
I don't have a real need for a new camera. My D850, Z6II and Z50 are plenty. There are however two features I miss: a tilting display such as the Z9 and a "preview feature" where you could set a preview format ratio (16:9, 3:1, 1:1, custom) while the camera captures the full 3:2 ratio.
None of these are showstoppers so I guess I won't be buying a new camera soon.
I'd like to see a customizable outline frame within the FX view: DX or 16:9 or 1:1, or even more custom sizes. That would be useful.
That is exactly what I was trying to explain in my post above. This is a very useful feature for landscape photography. Hope Nikon is reading these forums too... 😀
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Pascal Hibon
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Nikon is behind in low end professional video. The Z9 offers some great video tools, but the price is too high. The video options for Z6ii and Z7ii are lacking for those price points. The Z6ii has to be sent back to Nikon to get NLog and 10 bit added and even then it still requires an atomos ninja with a ssd to record and can only capture 30 fps.
The z8 will provide a higher end hybrid camera, which Nikon sorely needs to remain relevant in entry level professional photography/videography.
My answer may be pretty simple and boring, but here it goes...
I'm a wait n see guy. I hardly ever get excited about new camera announcements because I know the immense value of using a camera in person over a long period of time. I used to be that guy drooling all over my monitor and doing pre-orders.
Don't get me wrong, some announcements will occasionally cause a lift of one eyebrow and fuel some desire to pre-order a camera (the Pentax K-3III Monochrome for example) but, those moments are so rare for me these days and they have been for about a half decade or more.
To me using a camera long term, and letting myself really get to know it patiently, is the key to knowing whether or not I really value it.
Plus I love a good sale and price drops that increase the bang for the buck factor dramatically.
I will say that Nikon's Z system is the most attractive of the new generation mirrorless systems overall. So hopefully it's a hit for Nikon as I have a soft spot for them and want to see them overtake Sony and Canon.
www.photographic-central.blogspot.com
So, seems like the cat is out of the bag - according to the latest Nikon Rumors post, the Z8 is indeed going to be a "mini Z9", very similar specs to the Z9 and about the size of a D850.
I think that was the right decision by Nikon, it will sell very well. Personally, I will eventually get one to replace my Z7II, but I'll probably wait until the first sale or good used deal. Maybe I'll get even two and also replace the Z9.
Count on it to be at or over the $3k mark USD.
www.photographic-central.blogspot.com
Hello there,
this topic should discuss the upcoming Nikon Z8.
Based on nikonrumors.com the camera is supposed to be announced pretty soon. I guess it will be in the next few days during NAB. But maybe only the two new lenses get announced - which would disappoint.
Regardless of the release date: are you guys interested in a high-megapixel camera? I certainly am, as my main photography goals depend on high resolution.
A few open questions remain and I wonder what you guys think about those:
1) If the Z8 surpasses the Z7/Z7II/Z9 in resolution, will we get more problems with weaker glass and diffraction? Possible implications could mean a worse performance for landscape photography at f stops like f10-f11, correct? I expect the camera to have the Sony sensor from the A7RV.
Will the 24/70f2.8 still be enough? It for example does not perform as well in regards of sharpness like the 24-70f2.8 GMII from Sony. I've heard many stories that the A7RIII could be a better landscape camera than the A7RIV in that regard if you shoot closed apertures.
2) If the price goes up, will it be cheaper than the Sony A7RV? Or will it offer many other features to justify a possibly higher price. If so which features could it offer?
3) Will the Z6/Z7 series be obsolete then? Or will the Z8 actually be the Z7III?
4) Connected to point 1 - will we get Version 2s of the lenses? Maybe a new Trinity Series if the camera gets a bump in megapixels? I kinda think, that if they go the route of 61 or even 80 mp they would require better-suited lenses.
5) Are you even interested in an Z8? Would you sell your current cameras for it? I recently sold my Z7 and my 2470f28 for some cash for my new car. Now I earn money back to buy a new camera. I am interested in the Z8, but my gut tells me that Sony offers better lenses with their new releases.
Your first question demonstrates that your technical knowledge when it comes to diffraction is limited.