Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera

Key Features

• 45.7MP FX stacked CMOS sensor with EXPEED 7 processing
• Advanced subject detection AF with 3D Tracking
• Up to 20fps full-resolution RAW shooting with AF/AE
• Blackout-free EVF for continuous viewing during high-speed bursts
• Internal 8K/60p N-RAW and 4K/120p video recording
• 5-axis in-body VR for handheld stills and video
• 3.2-inch four-axis tilting touchscreen for horizontal and vertical shooting
• CFexpress Type B/XQD and UHS-II SD card slots for flexible storage

Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera Body Summary

The Nikon Z8 brings much of the flagship Z9’s professional stills and video performance to a smaller body. Its 45.7MP FX stacked CMOS sensor and EXPEED 7 processor combine high resolution with advanced subject detection, 3D Tracking and blackout-free continuous viewing for wildlife, sport, weddings and other demanding subjects.

Photographers can capture full-resolution RAW images at up to 20fps, while filmmakers gain internal 8K/60p N-RAW and 4K/120p recording. Five-axis in-body VR, weather sealing, a four-axis tilting monitor and CFexpress Type B/XQD plus UHS-II SD card slots support professional stills and video workflows.

Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera In More Detail

45.7MP Stacked Sensor and EXPEED 7

The 45.7MP FX-format stacked CMOS sensor captures images up to 8256 x 5504 pixels, with a native ISO range of 64-25,600. Its fast readout enables an electronic-only shutter with exposure times to 1/32,000 sec, silent shooting and no mechanical shutter vibration.

Pixel Shift uses the sensor-shift VR system to capture multiple RAW images, which are combined in NX Studio into files up to 180MP. Current firmware also allows Pixel Shift to be combined with Focus Shift or auto-exposure bracketing for detailed product, architecture, landscape and close-up photography.

High-Speed Shooting and Blackout-Free Viewing

Full-resolution 45.7MP RAW images can be captured at up to 20fps with continuous autofocus and auto-exposure. With a compatible high-performance CFexpress card, the buffer is rated at over 1,000 RAW images during a continuous 20fps burst.

High-Speed Frame Capture+ increases this to 30fps for 45MP JPEGs, 60fps at approximately 19MP or 120fps at approximately 11MP, with AF/AE tracking. Pre-Release Capture buffers images before the shutter is fully pressed, helping with unpredictable action.

The 3.69-million-dot Real-Live Viewfinder remains blackout-free during continuous shooting and refreshes at up to 120fps, providing an uninterrupted view when following fast or erratic subjects.

Advanced Subject Detection and 3D Tracking

The 493-point hybrid AF system combines 3D Tracking with subject detection for:

• People: eyes, face and upper body
• Animals: dogs, cats and birds, including eyes, heads and bodies
• Vehicles: cars, motorbikes, bicycles, trains and aircraft

Dedicated bird detection helps maintain focus against complex backgrounds, while 3D Tracking follows subjects as their position, orientation and distance change.

AF sensitivity extends down to -9 EV with Starlight View enabled in supported modes. Firmware updates have also introduced refinements to subject detection, including bird and aircraft tracking.

8K RAW and Professional Video

Internal recording reaches 8.3K/60p in 12-bit N-RAW and 4.1K/120p for high-resolution slow motion. Oversampled 4K UHD can also be created from 8K capture.

Formats include N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ, H.265/HEVC and H.264/AVC. N-RAW records 12-bit footage internally and can simultaneously create Full HD proxy files for editing.

Recording is available in 8-bit, 10-bit or 12-bit depending on format. N-Log provides greater latitude for grading, while HLG supports HDR delivery.

Video Monitoring and Recording Controls

Tools include:

• Waveform monitor
• Zebra patterns
• Focus peaking
• Red REC frame indicator
• Fine ISO control in 1/6 EV increments
• Linear manual focus with compatible lenses
• Adjustable AF speed and tracking sensitivity
• Dedicated video information display
• Timecode support
• RAW proxy recording
• Audio attenuator
• Slow shutter speeds down to 1/4 sec

Audio can be recorded using 24-bit linear PCM with compatible formats. 3.5mm microphone and headphone connections support external audio and monitoring, while compatible XLR adapters provide additional professional microphone options.

5-Axis VR, Four-Axis Monitor and Professional Handling

Five-axis in-body Vibration Reduction supports handheld stills and video, with electronic VR also available for video. Synchro VR coordinates in-camera and lens stabilisation with compatible NIKKOR Z lenses.

The 3.2-inch, 2.1-million-dot touchscreen tilts in four directions for high- and low-angle shooting in horizontal or vertical orientation while remaining aligned with the camera body.

At approximately 910g with battery and memory card, the body is around 30% smaller than the Z9 and omits its integrated vertical grip. It retains extensive weather sealing, while a sensor shield closes when the camera is switched off to help protect against dust and fingerprints during lens changes.

Low-Light Handling

Several features support operation in dark environments:

• Illuminated buttons help identify controls
• Starlight View brightens the display
• Warm display colours help preserve night vision
• Lo1 and Lo2 reduce viewfinder brightness
• Image frame display makes the edges of the shooting area easier to identify

Creative Photography Tools

Additional in-camera functions include:

• Focus Shift Shooting for subsequent focus stacking
• Multiple Exposure
• Interval Timer Shooting and Time-Lapse Video
• Long Exposure Noise Reduction
• Creative Picture Controls

Storage, Power and Connectivity

One card slot accepts CFexpress Type B or XQD media, while the second supports UHS-II SD cards. CFexpress provides the sustained write speeds required for demanding bursts and high-resolution video, while SD can be used for backup, overflow or separating file types.

Power comes from an EN-EL15c rechargeable Li-ion battery, with in-camera USB charging and compatible external USB power during operation. Older EN-EL15-series batteries offer varying levels of compatibility and performance.

Two USB-C terminals separate data communication from charging and power delivery, allowing external power without occupying the data connection. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are built in, while wired Ethernet is supported through a compatible USB-C adapter for image transfer and remote workflows.

Z Lenses and F-Mount Compatibility

The Z mount supports a range of NIKKOR Z lenses as well as compatible third-party Z-mount options.

F-mount NIKKOR lenses can be used with the optional FTZ II Mount Adapter. Compatible AF-S, AF-P and AF-I lenses retain autofocus and exposure functionality, while older lenses offer varying levels of compatibility. In-body VR can also provide stabilisation with compatible F-mount lenses.

Some functions, including Synchro VR and linear manual focus behaviour, depend on specific compatible Z lenses.

Flash and Accessory Compatibility

Nikon's Creative Lighting System and compatible Speedlights are supported for TTL flash photography, alongside compatible third-party lighting systems.

HDMI, USB-C, microphone, headphone and accessory connections support external microphones, monitors, recorders, remote controls and other production equipment.

Read our Nikon Z8 review for first-hand shooting impressions, sample images and video, and to see how the camera performs for wildlife, landscapes, portraits and everyday photography.

Lifestyle images

Nikon Z8 Specifications at a Glance

What's in the Box

• Nikon Z8 camera body
• BS‑1 accessory shoe cover
• DK‑33 rubber eyecup
• BF‑N1 body cap
• EN‑EL15c rechargeable Li-ion battery with terminal cove
• MH‑25a battery charger
• HDMI/USB cable clip
• AN‑DC26 strap
• UC‑E24 USB cable