Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera

Read our Nikon Z8 underwater Review

Read our Nikon Z8 Underwater Settings Guide

Recommended Underwater Housings for the Nikon Z8

• Nauticam Nikon Z8 Underwater Housing ($4832)
• Aquatica Nikon Z8 Underwater Housing ($3349)
• Ikelite Nikon Z8 Underwater Housing ($1895)
• Marelux Nikon Z8 Underwater Housing ($3998)
• Sea & Sea Nikon Z8 Underwater Housing
• Isotta Nikon Z8 Underwater Housing

The Nikon Z8 is a high-end mirrorless camera, released in May 2023. With the rapid rise in popularity of this camera from Nikon, it must be considered as one of the best underwater camera options available today. The Nikon Z8 is a small, light camera that incorporates much of the technology found in the Z9 but in a sleeker, more portable body. The Z8, dubbed the "ultimate hybrid camera," has a redesigned body design that is better suited for gimbal use, event photography, and other handheld applications. It still has the same tested sensor, processing, and AF capabilities as the flagship Z9.

The Z8 Camera

The FX-format 45.7MP BSI stacked CMOS sensor, which uses the same sensor as the Z9, offers a practical combination of resolution, quick readout times, exceptional clarity, and little noise. When operating at the upper end of the enlarged ISO 32-102400 range, the BSI designation provides improved noise levels while the layered construction helps to decrease rolling shutter. Additionally, the 45.7MP resolution and full-frame sensor size strike a sweet spot that advantages photographers who specialize in genres that emphasize fine detail and makes it possible to capture video at resolutions as high as 8K.

The EXPEED 7 processing engine, which provides speeds around 10 times faster than a Z7 II, works in tandem with the sensor to complete the device. A high buffer capacity, fluid video performance, astonishingly quick AF speeds, burst shooting rates, and snappy all-around handling are made possible by EXPEED 7 in combination with the stacked sensor design.

The Z8 is a weather-sealed camera, which means that it is protected from dust and moisture. This makes it a good choice for photography in all conditions, including underwater.

Here are some of the key features of the Nikon Z8:

• 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
• Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
• 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
• 8K30p and 4K120p Video, 10-Bit Internal
• Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
• 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
• Blackout-Free Real Live Viewfinder
• 3.2" 4-Axis Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• CFx Type B & SD Memory Card Slots

Stills Performance

Top continuous shooting rates of 20 frames per second when shooting in raw, 30 frames per second when shooting in JPEG, 60 frames per second when shooting 19 MP JPEGs using a DX area, and an astonishing 120 frames per second when recording 11 MP stills, all of which enable complete AF/AE performance.

The fastest shutter speed possible with an electronic shutter is 1/32,000 sec, allowing for use with larger apertures in the strongest lighting.

When dealing with shutter speeds up to 1/32,000 sec, stacked sensor architecture prevents rolling shutter distortion so fast-moving subjects like excitable sharks, schooling fish or gamefish, do not appear deformed.

The Z8 employs the industry-leading 493-point phase-detection AF technology to achieve quick and precise focusing performance while covering the whole sensor area. This system benefits from the Z interface's high-speed communication and the sensor's speed, which allow AF readings to happen at up to 120 frames per second.

Incredible Video 

The Z8 matches the Z9's video recording skills in this regard as well, offering a range of resolutions and frame rates up to 8K. UHD 8K 30p video can be recorded using full pixel readout, and continuous recording is achievable for about 2 hours and 5 minutes.

A number of frame rates are also available for UHD 4K and Full HD recording, including full-frame 4K recording at up to 120p for slow-motion playback. For improved sharpness and detail, oversampled UHD 4K recording at up to 60p is available using an 8K area. Additionally, 8K and 4K recordings can be used to create high-resolution frame grabs that can be used to create 33MP or 11MP still images, respectively.

Video in 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW
Both internal ProRES RAW HQ and internal 12-bit raw recording at up to 8.3K 60p are supported. The flexibility of post-production and color grading are benefited by raw recording's increased tonal and color freedom and potential for improved dynamic range.

Nikon's proprietary raw recording format, called N-RAW, has remarkably reduced file sizes when compared to competing raw formats and the option to generate MP4 proxies for faster previewing or transferring.

Up to 8.3K at 60p or 24p, 4.1K at up to 120p, 5.3K at up to 60p with a 1.5x crop, and 3.8K at 120p with a 2.3x crop are all possible with N-RAW recording. Up to 4.1K and 60p ProRes RAW recording is also available.

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