NIKON Z8---After 7 days and 5,000 Photos

Manny Ortiz

Manny Ortiz

19 min, 8 sec

A detailed review of the Nikon Z8 for sports and action photography with comparisons to Canon R3 and Sony A1.

Summary

  • The Nikon Z8 is tested for sports photography, particularly at a Major League Baseball game, comparing its performance with the Canon R3 and Sony A1.
  • The Z8's autofocus system, battery life, and the ease of carrying the camera with a 400mm lens are discussed in detail.
  • The video highlights the Nikon Z8's strengths, such as not veering off into the crowd during autofocus and the 120 frames per second burst mode.
  • The reviewer points out a flaw in the Z8's autofocus system where it momentarily loses focus when the subject is obstructed.
  • The video also includes a promotion for the reviewer's presets and Squarespace, the sponsor of the video.

Chapter 1

Introduction and Sponsorship Acknowledgment

0:00 - 4 sec

The video opens with a sponsorship acknowledgment followed by an introduction to the Nikon Z8 review.

The video opens with a sponsorship acknowledgment followed by an introduction to the Nikon Z8 review.

  • The video is sponsored by Squarespace.
  • The Nikon Z8 is introduced as the camera being reviewed, with a focus on sports and action photography.

Chapter 2

Camera and Lens Setup Overview

0:04 - 40 sec

Overview of the camera and lens setup used for the sports photography test.

Overview of the camera and lens setup used for the sports photography test.

  • The Nikon Z8 is paired with a 400mm F4.5 lens, and the setup is compared to the Canon R3 with a heavier 400mm F2.8 lens.
  • The lighter Nikon setup allows for greater portability and is preferred by the reviewer.

Chapter 3

Performance Evaluation and Autofocus Comparison

0:44 - 44 sec

The Z8's performance, particularly autofocus, is compared with Canon and Sony cameras.

The Z8's performance, particularly autofocus, is compared with Canon and Sony cameras.

  • The Nikon Z8's autofocus is compared to the Canon R3 and Sony A1, with specific examples provided from a baseball game.
  • The Nikon Z8 performs well overall, with nearly all shots in focus, but a few issues with the autofocus system are noted.

Chapter 4

Autofocus Modes and Performance

1:28 - 1 min, 21 sec

Exploration of different autofocus modes and their effectiveness in various scenarios.

Exploration of different autofocus modes and their effectiveness in various scenarios.

  • Wide Large AF mode is praised for its effectiveness in action photography, particularly baseball.
  • Auto Area AF mode is found to be reliable and does not easily get distracted by the crowd.

Chapter 5

Camera Handling and Autofocus Behavior

2:48 - 20 sec

Discussion on the camera's handling and nuances in autofocus behavior during the game.

Discussion on the camera's handling and nuances in autofocus behavior during the game.

  • The Z8's autofocus system is described as slightly laggy in Auto Area AF mode, but it's still usable.
  • The camera does not drift into the crowd, and switching between subjects is quick using the joystick.

Chapter 6

Autofocus Performance with Fast Action

3:08 - 1 min, 7 sec

Examples of autofocus performance with fast-moving subjects in a sports setting.

Examples of autofocus performance with fast-moving subjects in a sports setting.

  • Examples provided show the Z8's autofocus handling players running at full speed around the bases.
  • The autofocus successfully tracks subjects moving in various directions without significant issues.

Chapter 7

Autofocus Versatility and Burst Mode Features

4:15 - 2 min, 28 sec

An in-depth look at the versatility of the Z8's autofocus and the utility of the 120 frames per second burst mode.

An in-depth look at the versatility of the Z8's autofocus and the utility of the 120 frames per second burst mode.

  • The versatility of Nikon's autofocus allows for quickly switching focus between subjects.
  • The 120 frames per second burst mode is highlighted as a valuable feature for capturing pivotal moments in sports.

Chapter 8

Battery Life and Charging Capabilities

6:42 - 2 min, 5 sec

Evaluation of the Z8's battery life and its in-use charging capabilities.

Evaluation of the Z8's battery life and its in-use charging capabilities.

  • The Z8's battery life is surprisingly good, allowing for thousands of shots and additional features to be used.
  • The camera can be charged while in use with a battery pack via USB-C, extending its usability during long shoots.

Chapter 9

Video Autofocus and Performance

8:47 - 1 min, 19 sec

Review of the Z8's video autofocus performance during the baseball game.

Review of the Z8's video autofocus performance during the baseball game.

  • The Z8's video autofocus performs well, even with fast-moving and unpredictable subjects.
  • Examples are provided to showcase the reliability and effectiveness of the video autofocus.

Chapter 10

Autofocus System Flaw and Comparison

10:06 - 1 min, 19 sec

Identification of a specific flaw in the Z8's autofocus system compared to Canon and Sony.

Identification of a specific flaw in the Z8's autofocus system compared to Canon and Sony.

  • A flaw is noted where the Z8's autofocus system has a delayed reaction when the subject becomes temporarily obstructed.
  • Comparison with Canon and Sony reveals that this issue is unique to Nikon.

Chapter 11

Closing Thoughts and Additional Sponsorship

11:25 - 1 min, 36 sec

The reviewer provides closing thoughts on the Z8 and gives a final shout out to the sponsor.

The reviewer provides closing thoughts on the Z8 and gives a final shout out to the sponsor.

  • Closing thoughts praise the Nikon Z8's capabilities and potential as a sports photography camera.
  • Squarespace is acknowledged again as the sponsor of the video and a promo code is offered.

Chapter 12

Final Verdict and Personal Preference

13:01 - 5 min, 38 sec

The reviewer shares his personal preference for the Z8 and discusses its features.

The reviewer shares his personal preference for the Z8 and discusses its features.

  • The Z8's size and battery life make it a more preferable choice for the reviewer over the Z9.
  • A few minor complaints are mentioned, such as the difficulty in opening the battery door without nails.

Chapter 13

Upcoming Content Teaser

18:38 - 21 sec

The reviewer teases upcoming content featuring the Nikon Z8.

The reviewer teases upcoming content featuring the Nikon Z8.

  • Upcoming videos will include portrait photography with the Z8, both in the rain and in the studio.

Chapter 14

Sign-Off

18:59 - 7 sec

The reviewer signs off at the end of the video.

  • The reviewer attempts to sign off with a catchphrase but gives up.

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