NIKON Z8---After 7 days and 5,000 Photos
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
Chapter 2
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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