Nikon Z8 review
- Adrian Wirz
- Dec 20, 2025
- 5 min read
I've owned a Nikon Z8 for about a month now. What are the key improvements compared to the Nikon Z7?
Of course, I also watched countless YouTube videos and read reviews beforehand. You want to know what you're investing your hard-earned money in, after all. Somehow, after watching most of the German-language videos about the Nikon Z8, I can't shake the feeling that everything is simply sugarcoated. No one can tell me that such a review or long-term test is done independently; it's constantly emphasized, but I wouldn't let anyone else test my product if it received a bad review. And when Nikon or Canon, etc., introduce a new camera, it's pure cash thanks to the thousands of clicks. The sooner you get such a camera from the manufacturer, the more clicks your YouTube videos are guaranteed. And we're not talking about 10 or 20 francs here, no, we're talking about much larger sums! And why would anyone say anything negative? For example, why this camera turned out to be such a clunky thing? Did they simply create a camera for photographers with bear-like hands? I actually thought that the era of bulky cameras was over with the approaching demise of the SLR. The size is only mentioned as a disadvantage in very few YouTube videos. Below is a size comparison between the Z7 (left) and the Z8 (right). A Z7 weighs 671g and a Z8 weighs 910g.
While the Z7 with its L-bracket fit perfectly in my camera backpack, the Z8 utilizes all the available space. But I think owners of a Nikon Z9 would only smile wearily at such a "problem." Below is a size comparison between the Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera and the Nikon D7500 DSLR, which still serves me well for wildlife photography.
Unfortunately, the Nikon Z8 no longer accepts third-party batteries. Let's see how that develops and whether Nikon reverses course. I find the evolution of the remote control connector interesting. But first, a little recap: let's start with the Nikon D750 from 2014. It had a DC2 connector (see photo). Then came the switch to the Nikon D810, which had the DC0 connector. Later, the switch to the Nikon D850, but the remote control connector remained the same... a certain degree of consistency was noticeable. This camera was stolen in the South of France, everything gone! That was the point at which I bought the Z7. But oh dear, it has the DC2 connector again... "...where on earth did I put that DC2 remote control back then?" The search began, but I found it. Recently, I switched to the Nikon Z8... I think you can guess what's coming next... exactly, it has the DC0 connector again. So, keep your remote control after buying a new Nikon. Luckily, I bought a wireless remote control years ago, which came with both cables and connectors. That kept me going until the new remote shutter release arrived. But what's the point of this constant switching?
But I need a wired remote; wireless remotes are great and convenient. The only problem is that the battery usually dies when you're out in the middle of nowhere or on an 8000-meter peak, and then the frantic search for a spare in your camera bag begins... but the battery has already settled comfortably in my desk drawer at home. Anyway, back to the Nikon Z8. Below is a photo with all three: from left to right, Nikon D7500, Z8, Z7
But of course, there are also positive things to report. For example, there's a top-of-the-line 45 MP sensor. That alone made the purchase worthwhile. The color noise, which is undoubtedly bothersome in long exposures on the Z7, is significantly less pronounced in the new Nikon Z8. Yes, this sensor is fantastic; I noticed it immediately during my first (short) long exposure – absolutely no color noise, simply perfect. The dynamic range has improved again, albeit only slightly. I think the era of major leaps is over anyway. The sensor shield is also new; it protects the sensor from dust, etc., when changing lenses. I think that's excellent. But I almost forgot something very important, perhaps because it was never a priority for me. Nevertheless, it's great that this shortcoming has now been addressed: the autofocus. It's now back to the level of the good old Nikon D850, and this focus was sharp on absolutely everything, even under a full moon. I had real problems with that on the Z7, but somehow it worked. But it's also reassuring to know that autofocus is no longer an issue with the Z8.
Another positive aspect is the two memory card slots. The good old SD card slot is also included now, but I didn't actually miss it. CFexpress cards are so durable; I'm still using my first two from 2019, and they're working perfectly. But SD cards are a cheap backup alternative for the camera.
But what will happen to my Nikon Z7 now? Will I sell it off? No, I'll keep it; it only has 8,000 shutter actuations, which is very, very low for a five-year-old camera. It will continue to be my faithful companion on my e-mountain bike tours in the Basel region. With the Nikkor 24-200mm lens, it's a perfect combination when weight saving is a priority.
Conclusion: No, I haven't regretted the purchase! Knowing that this 45MP sensor, which I already had in the D850 and Z7, has taken another leap forward makes me approach certain projects with a bit more composure. A quick note: Even though this post is titled "Review," I don't claim it's comprehensive, and I'd prefer a different title, but that brings us back to the beginning of the blog, to YouTube. I need clicks too, and Google values them more highly with the keyword "review" than with "Yay, I got a Z8..."
Finally, one more thing: If you're thinking of getting into the Nikon Z system today, you have a wide selection of lenses, including those from third-party manufacturers. Back in 2019, the selection was very limited. I bought the Nikkor 14-30mm f/4 and the ridiculously expensive Nikkor 24-70mm f/2.8. These two lenses alone cost me around 4700 Swiss francs. Later, I added the Tamron 70-200 SP 70-200mm f/2.8 Di VC USD G2 with an adapter. That was another 1200 Swiss francs. So, to cover the classic landscape photography focal length range, I spent around 6000 Swiss francs on lenses. Today, in 2024, things look much more convenient and, above all, cheaper. My lenses today would be: Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S (CHF 1179.00 - this lens is simply brilliant) Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 (CHF 713.00) I'm not familiar with this lens, but from what I've seen of Tamron so far, I'm sure it can hold its own against any comparison. Tamron AF 70-300mm F/4.5-6.3 Di III RXD (CHF 542.00) Test report here. If we add that all up, we arrive at CHF 2434.00, that's quite an argument, isn't it? I've sold so many pictures and photo files, and no one has ever asked me about the lens I used. With constantly declining income from image sales, why should I invest this money in incredibly expensive lenses? For better quality? Tamron and Sigma are also top-tier players these days. It makes no sense to use an expensive camera with bad lenses.
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