Nikon has unveiled the Z 8, an ‘agile’ mirrorless full-frame camera with a 45.7-megapixel stacked-CMOS sensor that’s capable of shooting 4K video.
The camera utilised the same sensor and processor as the Z9, however is loaded into a smaller body, weighing 910g.. Hence it being described as ‘agile’.
The camera is more geared toward video than stills, according to the press release, with it able to record approximately 125 minutes of continuous 4K 60p video. In fact the press release, re-published below, barely mentions stills.
Agility that inspires with the Z 8
Agility meets exceptional optical performance with the new Z 8, Nikon’s latest powerhouse
Z series mirrorless camera that is ready for action.
Sydney, Australia – 10 May 2023 – Nikon Australia introduces the Z 8, an agile mirrorless camera made for creative-filled narratives in videos and stills. Condensing the advanced performance of the flagship Nikon Z 9 into a compact and portable body, whilst also maintaining reliability and uncompromised functionality.
“The Z 8 was engineered to be the always-ready partner for professionals and creators alike. Powerful, yet compact, the Z 8 provides stability during handheld shooting as well as the flexibility of a one-person operation when it comes to videos. Among the features that creators can look forward to are multiple long duration video recording options and formats, enhanced AF detection capabilities and the inclusion of the new HEIF format support for still images. The Z 8 will enable creators to fully immerse themselves in achieving their creative vision.” said John Young, General Manager of International Marketing, International Business Division of the Imaging Group, Nikon Australia.
Agility that astounds
Weighing approximately 910g [1], the new Z 8 allows for agile shooting for an extended period of time, even for a one-person operation with its compact and lightweight video recording system. The camera’s compatibility with an array of videography accessories, including the MC-N10 Remote Grip and wireless video transmitters, and v-mount batteries, significantly reduces the amount of equipment needed during shoots and the set-up time.
Stay versatile when packing equipment, as the High-Res zoom allows users to zoom up to the angle of view equivalent to 2x of the focal length, even with a prime lens attached, during 4K UHD (30p/25p/24p) and full HD video recording in full-frame.
Engineered with videographers in mind, the Z 8 can record up to approx. 125 min. in 4K UHD/60p [2] and up to approx. 90 min. in 8K UHD/30p [3].
Enjoy nimble and comfortable shooting angles with smooth and flexible operation, thanks to the camera’s 4-axis vertical/horizontal tilting monitor that also includes vertical display orientation. Display of the i menu is also shown in the respective orientation when tilting the monitor vertically or horizontally during shooting mode.
The pro’s video choice
Choose from a wide variety of video formats as the extension of your narratives. From 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW, to 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 8 bit-H265 SDR in-camera recording, the versatility is endless for a creator just starting out or for a full-fledged professional. Create videos in high-definition 4K UHD/60p[1], 50p2, and 30p oversampled from 8K, providing the opportunity to shoot in high-definition video that can be enjoyed on a large screen. For those requiring higher frame rates, the 4K 120p is also available for greater filmmaking flexibility. Alternatively, amp it up with 8.3K/60P (in N-RAW only) or 8K UHD/30P. Accompanied by N-Log for colour grading, users will be able to capture impressive stories in motion.
Capture busy city scenes or epic wildlife movements with time-lapse videos in 8K HDR in-camera that are also compatible for viewing on Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)-compatible 8K monitors via a HDMI 2.1 connection.
With the Z 8, decisive moments are easily caught on camera with the Pre-Release Capture [3] function. When using High-Speed Frame Capture+, users can record up to 1 second before the shutter button is fully pressed, or up to 4 seconds after the button is fully pressed.
Focusing your camera before capturing a crowd of faces can be a challenge, especially when capturing the intimate moments of a bride and groom among their guests, or while tracking the couple’s movement amongst their family and friends. The camera’s autofocusing automatically detects approximately 3% [4] of the human face size in the frame.
Subject detection also works in 3D-tracking, auto-area autofocus (AF), or 20 types of custom wide-area AF (12 types in video). Capture night scenes with clarity with the excellent AF detection range down to -7 EV (-9 to 19 EV in starlight view mode) [5] – allowing enhanced detection of subjects under darker conditions.
Lock focus quickly and reliably as the AF identifies and tracks up to nine different kinds of subjects. Users who love capturing aviation photography will appreciate the addition of the new Airplane mode to the AF subject detection menu. Focus easily on the intended aircraft regardless of the magnification (size) as this mode provides a more stable detection, including in low-light situations or with a cluttered background.
The new support for HLG (HEIF) [6] format also provides an option for 10-bit still images with richer tonal gradation.
Post-editing made simple
Minimise editing time with the portrait impression balance effect, which enhances portraits in-camera by adjusting the hue and brightness. The adjustment is also available via direct settings and the I menu while confirming the subjects through a live view image function, in addition to via the photo or video shooting menu.
Achieve more beautiful depictions with an intuitive user interface in adjusting colour temperatures, and an enhanced auto white balance (AWB) performance that helps to reduce colour cast.
Capture with confidence
Adding on to the robustness of this camera is SereeboÒ P series, a new environmentally friendly material used on the main body components, which can endure knocks and withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, the dust-and-drip resistant [7] design helps to prevent dust and liquid from entering the camera.
Carry the Z 8 with confidence as it features a VR lock to prevent accidental damage to the image sensor when the power is turned off. Minimise the risk of dust adhering to the image sensor with dual coating used for the optical filter and image sensor, as well as a sensor shield that comes in handy when one is attaching and detaching the lens.
Never miss out on another decisive moment with the Real-Live Viewfinder that displays subject motion in real time with no blackout [8]. When capturing shots of golf swings and tennis serves, enjoy capturing a vast number of shots without worrying about shutter wear and rolling shutter distortion, all thanks to the absence of a mechanical shutter.
Obtain stable shots with a powerful Vibration Reduction (VR) that achieves an effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 6.0 stops [9] with the in-camera VR and Synchro VR. Electronic VR is also available in video recording.
Revel in your creativity without worrying about running out of power as the MB-N12 Power Battery Pack adds approximately 1.8x more shots and recording time, while providing the same dust-and drip-resistant performance as the Z 8. Sold separately, equipped for cold weather operations, even at -10 degrees Celsius, and allows for USB charging and power delivery.
Rounding up the features, the camera is also the first Z series model to provide two USB terminals – one for power charging/delivery and the other for data communication – enabling power delivery during communication without experiencing sudden disconnections and hence a more reliable connection on both ends.
The Z 8; ready for action, and a catalyst for creators and professionals in their pursuit of creative expressions.
Availability
For more information on the new Z 8, please visit www.nikon.com.au/mirrorless-z-8
Footnotes
[1] With battery and two memory cards but without body cap and accessory shoe cover.
[2] Supported when [Extended oversampling] in the video recording menu is [ON], image area is [FX], and frame size/frame rate is 3840×2160 60p/50p. Note that battery power consumption increases when [ON] is selected.
[3] Pre-Release Capture can be set only when shooting in High-Speed Frame Capture+, which enables continuous shooting at the frame rate of 120 fps
[4] The world’s smallest as of 10th May, 2023, among mirrorless cameras, ratio in long side of the frame, based on Nikon research.
[5] When using photo mode in single-servo AF (AF-S) with f/1.2 lens.
[6] Use HDR compatible TVs and monitors when viewing HEIF images.
[7] Thorough dust- and drip-resistance is not guaranteed in all situations or under all conditions.
[8] View may differ depending on settings, such as shutter speed.
[9] Based on CIPA Standards. When using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S with NORMAL mode.
* Supported when [Extended oversampling] in the video recording menu is [ON], image area is [FX], and frame size/frame rate is 3840×2160 60p/50p. Note that battery power consumption increases when [ON] is selected.
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