The stimulation for this article is the release of the new Nikon Z8 camera.
It's been awhile since I posted any articles. My dream gear has changed a bit, I now have two full kits
- Nikon Z9 with:
– Nikon Z 100-400
– Nikon Z 24-120
– Nikon Z 24-200
– Nikon Z 15-30 - Nikon D850 with:
– Sigma Art 50 1.4
– Sigma Contemporary 100-400
– Nikon S 24-120
– Nikon S 16-35
– Nikon S 28-300
I have a few other lenses as well, plus my growing Miranda collection and one medium format S2A.
But, this is about you making up your own mind about the right gear for you.
The Nikon Z8 is a really good example why it is important for you to do your research, determine your needs, and then make a decision on which gear meets your needs.
The Nikon Z8 has been anticipated for release since at least 2021. Covid got in the way, of course, and resulted in chip shortages and manufacturing logistic issues. There has been rampant discussion about the Z8 with many pundants claiming their own version of specifications. They weren't specifications, they were their own personal wish lists.
The Nikon Z8 is now officially released. It is a game changer, it is the first mirrorless body released by Nikon specifically targetting enthusiasts and some pros. The mode dial is akin to the enthusiast DSLRs and the Z9. Those same pundants making stuff up are now suggesting the Z8 is a Z9 killer. Hogwash, that's the same BS that was espoused about the D500 ... it was supposed to be the D5 killer. Skip ahead a few years ... the D500 was an amazing camera, today it sells for around $900 to $1000 used. The D5 is still one of the most sought after pro cameras and still commands over $2800 in price.
There is no doubt the Z8 will be in demand as well. I have already read some Z9 users are selling off their cameras to buy the Z8. I suspect their Z9 purchase was just a knee-jerk reaction to not having a decent choice to replace the D850. Hey, trust me, the Z7 and Z7II are close, but nowhere near being replacements for the D850 (I've had that piece of junk Z7, and then a Z7II, and at least six D850's now).
I'm not selling off my Z9 and not buying a Z8. There are too many features on the Z9 that are desirable and not available (or trivialized) on the Z8. Those include:
- Z9 has built-in GPS for location data. Z8 does not.
- Z9 has built-in vertical grip and functions. Z8 does not.
- Z9 has built-in LAN. Z8 does not.
- Z9 has two CF Express card slots. Z8 has one CF Express and one SD slot.
- Z9 battery is rated for 770 shots. Z8 battery is rated for 370 max.
- Z9 has no time limits for 4K and 2-hour limit in 8K. Z8 has 2-hour limit in 4K and 90-minutes for 8K.
Most buyers of single digit D bodies are looking for professional cameras. That includes slightly heavier bodies that balance better with long reach lenses. That additional heft and the built-in vertical grip and long-life batteries is major. GPS is a work flow issue. I can't see professionals giving up a Z9 in favour of a Z8 with an optional external dongle.
LIke I said, the Z8 is a game changer. I personally think Nikon missed the boat slightly and should have increased the mega pixels to come closer to Sony's offerings. But, hey, that's me. I rarely see eye to eye with Nikon these days.
Best of luck with your own research.