It’s really hard to not like the Nikon z8. It does everything so incredibly well and just keeps getting better with all the firmware that they pack into the camera. On top of that, the number of lenses available for it continue to grow at an outstanding rate. Not too long ago, the z8 got a new firmware update. And so we’re announcing that we’ve updated our review accordingly.
Here’s the updated text from our full review, which you can read in its entirety here. Want one? Check out the camera on Amazon.
Ease of Use Review Update April 2024
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The Nikon Z8 got a firmware update that makes it an even better camera overall. For example, there’s a new dedicated bird AF mode. This means that it will be even easier to photograph birds if that’s what you’re specifically after instead of using the all-animals setting. Personally, I’d still use the all-animals setting but I understand why someone would use bird-af only. In practice, it does an alright job. Combined with the pre-capture mode, it’s very difficult to miss a shot. It’s insane that this camera offers what the much more expensive Canon EOS R3 doesn’t offer bird photographers. While Canon’s lenses have much more potential, the Nikon Z8 is a much better camera for bird photography.
But where Nikon shoots themselves in the foot is with only offering Pre-capture mode to record JPEGs. It’s pretty self-defeating.
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There’s also the addition of the Auto Capture Function, which is really nice if the animals are too afraid of you.
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The last thing worth discussing is the Rich Tone Portraiture control. When you combine it with skin smoothing and a pro-mist filter, the images look great. I used the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8, which is sharp enough while not plageing me with needing to edit for hours. That’s better than with Nikon’s own lenses, which are beautiful but that I find to be too sharp most of the time. That’s to say that it doesn’t seem like you really need to do a lot of skin smoothing to begin with. But at the same time, it doesn’t have a signature look like Canon and Fujifilm have.
Here’s a link to the firmware.
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/514.html
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/514.html
1. Addition of a dedicated [Birds] mode to meet the needs of bird photography
A dedicated [Birds] option has been added to the Z 8’s AF subject-detection options. In addition to increased detection, tracking and AF performance with complicated and high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and rocky mountains, this option better enables the detection of birds in various circumstances, including flying, perched, and even those with unique-looking appearances. Those who enjoy photographing birds are able to acquire images that better satisfy their expectations.
2. Addition of functions that expand the range of shooting styles
The Auto Capture function has been added, enabling the automatic shooting of stills and video when the subject meets one or more pre-configured criteria. The three criteria that can be configured are a [Motion] option that detects subjects that move in a designated direction, a [Distance]* option which begins shooting when a subject is within a certain range of distances, and a [Subject detection] option that detects people, animals, vehicles, or airplanes within the frame. These options can be used either separately or together according to the user’s needs. Additionally, Auto Capture is also available when lenses for DX-format mirrorless cameras are used with the image area set to [DX].
Firmware version 2.00 also adds the pixel-shift shooting function, allowing users to create high-resolution photos by using dedicated software to merge multiple NEF (RAW) files recorded with the camera mounted on a tripod or otherwise stabilized. The function is ideal for capturing the finest details in subjects with intricate designs, such as buildings, art pieces, and insects, with precise rendering of the subject’s colors, textures, and structures.
3. Addition of functions that better support the user’s vision in portrait photography
The addition of the Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control increases options for portraiture by realizing the rendering of portraits with rich tones, while retaining skin details. This Picture Control is ideal for the creation of a base image in scenes where retouching is presumed, such as at weddings and for studio photography. In combination with the variety of other functions offered by Nikon for portrait photography, such as portrait impression balance and skin softening, as well as NIKKOR Z lenses popular for portraiture, including the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S, NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.2 S, and the NIKKOR Z 135mm f/1.8 S Plena, users are better able to capture the shots they desire.
4. Enhancements in operability and functionality, and addition of other functions
- The number of functions and operations that can be assigned to custom control has increased.
- A function that enables users to exit zoom with a half press of the shutter-release button when focus mode is set to manual focus, has been added.
- An option that allows users to choose the width of focus-point borders has been added.
- An option that allows users to choose not to record shooting orientation information in image EXIF data has been added.
- A new [Prefer focus point (face priority)] option that centers the display on a face when one is detected while scrolling through photos during playback zoom has been added.
- When the MC-N10 Remote Grip is attached to the camera, the ATOMOS AirGlu accessory, UltraSync Blue, can now also be connected via Bluetooth at the same time.