The Nikon Z8 represents a significant step forward for photographers who demand professional performance without compromise. After 10 months of real-world testing, this photographer's honest assessment reveals surprising insights about this full frame powerhouse.
Coming to you from Matt Day Photo, this candid video breaks down the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera from the perspective of someone who has extensively used Sony, Canon, Leica, and Fuji systems. Day explains how he transitioned from the beloved Nikon D750 DSLR to mirrorless systems, eventually circling back to Nikon after being impressed by the Z8's DSLR-style body design and exceptional autofocus performance. His decision wasn't made lightly, as he specifically needed a camera that could handle challenging scenarios. The Z8's autofocus capabilities proved superior to his previous Lumix S5 II system, particularly for still photography where precision matters most.
What makes Day's perspective particularly valuable is his emphasis on practical performance over aesthetic appeal. Unlike cameras that prioritize emotional connection or visual design, the Z8 functions as what he describes as "a hammer that works." The camera exceeded his expectations not just for paid work but surprisingly for personal photography as well. Day highlights the camera's exceptional dynamic range, especially in highlight retention, where scenes that appeared clipped on the rear LCD revealed abundant recoverable detail in post-processing. The 45-megapixel resolution strikes an ideal balance, providing ample detail for cropping without creating unwieldy file sizes that bog down workflows.
Key Specs
- 45.7-megapixel full frame CMOS sensor
- 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization
- Native ISO range of 64-25,600 (extendable to 32-102,400)
- Continuous shooting up to 30 fps
- Internal raw recording up to 8K
- ProRes 422 HQ recording capabilities
- H.265 4:2:2 10-bit video recording
- Dual memory card slots (CFexpress Type B/XQD and SD UHS-II)
- 3.2-inch 4-axis tilting touchscreen
- 3.69-million dot OLED viewfinder with 100% coverage
However, Day doesn't shy away from discussing the camera's limitations, particularly in video applications. He reveals specific issues with the view assist function when shooting in log profiles, problems with electronic stabilization during handheld movement, and the lack of dual recording capabilities for video files. These insights prove invaluable for potential buyers who need to understand both strengths and weaknesses before making an investment. His testing included demanding scenarios like all-day video shoots in extreme heat, providing real-world reliability data that specification sheets cannot convey. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Day, and don't miss his new book, Surveyor.
