Nikon Releases Z 8 Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

Nikon Corp has released the full-frame/FX-format Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera, which condenses the functionality and performance of the flagship Nikon Z 9 into a compact and lightweight body.

The Z 8, priced at around 600,000 yen, is ideal for a variety of image creators who seek new possibilities for visual expression in a wide range of genres and subjects, such as landscapes, wild birds, airplanes, portraits, and weddings.

Whether shooting stills or video, the Z 8 enables nimble camerawork, realizing superior operability. On top of this, its reliable performance allows users to capture decisive moments and achieve outstanding image depiction.

The Z 8 is 30% smaller than the flagship model Z 9, and was engineered to retain the easy-to-hold grip and comfortable operability. Its 4-axis tilting monitor delivers high operability when shooting from high and low angles in both horizontal and vertical positions.

For video recording, the Z 8 can record 12-bit RAW and 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ video in-camera, allowing users to take advantage of a minimal video recording system that does not require an external recorder. With the MC-N10 Remote Grip (sold separately) attached, solo videographers get more control over operating the camera.

The Z 8 can record up to approx. 125 min. in 4K UHD/60p and up to approx. 90 min. in 8K UHD/30p.

It features a new dedicated airplane detection mode. With this subject detection mode, users have more powerful detection and tracking performance when shooting airplanes — whether near or far, in low light, or against busy backgrounds. In addition, the camera realizes high-speed, high-precision AF performance equivalent to that of the Z 9, and can also detect subjects down to the low-light limit of -9 EV.

These features support the improvement of autofocus for subjects in dark environments, as well as the effective focus on subjects in backlit situations, by separately controlling the exposure of the live-view image and the AF image.

For still shooting, the Z 8 features Pre-Release Capture, which allows the capture of images up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed.