Following weeks of rumours and teasers, Nikon has announced its latest mirrorless camera, the 52-megapixel Z8, which offers many features of the Z9 in a smaller, lighter body
Angled view of the new Nikon Z8 camera with the Nikkor Z 24-120mm f/4 S lens. (Source: Nikon.)
With a body weight of only 910 grams, the Z8 is designed for hand-held shooting of stills and videos. As well as offering a full range of pro-level stills capabilities is also supports ProRes422 HQ and RAW video file formats and is compatible with a wide range of videography accessories to provide flexibility for filming in different genres. Users can record up to 125 minutes in 4K UHD/60p, or up to 90 minutes in 8K UHD/30p. The camera also supports the creation of in-camera 8K HDR time-lapse videos which can be viewed in hi-definition with HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) monitors. It also boasts a 4-axis vertical/horizontal tilting monitor that is touch-sensitive for added shooting flexibility. Internal movie zooming allows users to zoom up to 2x the focal length even with a prime lens, and achieve 4K UHD (30p/25p/24p) and Full HD video shooting in FX-format without losing resolution. Time coding is provided and users can also synch footage across multiple devices over Bluetooth using UltraSync Blue.
A new Skin Softening effect for both videos and stills auto-detects human faces to smoothen the overall skin tone while keeping the eyes and hair sharp. The new pre-release capture mode records images up to one second before the shutter button is fully pressed, and up to four seconds after the shutter button is fully pressed. The autofocusing system has a wide detection range of -7 to 19 EV (-9 to 19 EV in starlight view mode) plus 20 custom AF pattern options in wide-area AF to choose from. AF tracking is powered by the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine and includes 3D-tracking for up to nine types of subjects simultaneously, covering humans, pets and a variety of different vehicle types. A new airplane mode, an added option on the AF subject detection menu, provides increased stability in low light situations or against a busy background. The in-camera VR and Synchro VR can work together to achieve up to six stops of VR effect for stills, while the EVR on top of the in-camera VR.
The new Nikon Z8 includes weather-resistant sealing. (Source: Nikon.)
To its existing JPEG and NEF.RAW options for stills shooting, the Z8 also adds the HEIF format to render 10-bit still images with rich tonal gradation. It works together with the QUAD-VGA 3000cd/m2 monitor panel to display accurate colours at all times of day. The Z 8 comes with an extra tough, strong, sturdy body that is built with a new environmentally friendly material that is robust and can withstand temperatures up to -10°C, with effective sealing to each cover such as the battery chamber and shutter release button, to make it dust- and drip-resistant. A sensor shield and dual coating on the image sensor prevents dust from sticking to the sensor, while a Vibration Reduction lock minimises sensor shaking. Backlit buttons make it easy to shoot in low light levels. Built-in Wi-Fi capability can be used with a compatible iOS devices or smart devices running on the Android operating system. The camera is also SnapBridge enabled.
The Z8 is available to pre-order at a local RRP of $6999. Click here for more information.
