Nikon launches full frame Z 8 as a smaller, cheaper Z 9 hybrid mirrorless camera that ditches the mechanical shutter entirely ^↺

Nikon has just announced the new Z 8 full-frame mirrorless camera for the Z mount system, aimed at the professional and high-end consumer market. The Z 8 is equipped with the exact same 45.7 MP backside illuminated CMOS sensor as in the flagship Z9, but the body of the Z 8 is much closer in size and form factor to the smaller Z7. Nikon claims that the Z 8 is 30% more compact than the Z 9. Despite the smaller body, the Z 8 still features five-axis sensor-shift image stabilisation.

On the subject of the body of the Z 8, it's fully weather sealed and can operate at temperatures of up to -10° (14°F), and it features an EVF that covers the whole sensor at about 0.8x magnification. Dual card slots — one that is compatible with CFexpress Type B, XQD and the other, a variety of SD cards, including USH-II cards — which can be used for separate storage of different file formats and qualities, or as a backup or overflow option.

The Z 8, just like the Z 9, has a weather-sealed body and an EXPEED 7 image processor that grants it some neat tricks. Thanks to the combination of the ultra-fast sensor and the high-end processor, the Z 8 is capable of shooting full resolution 14-bit RAW images at 20 fps, with JPEG only bursts of 30 fps — all without EVF blackout. The native sensor ISO is 64-25,600, with extended ISO options up to 32-102,400.

The Nikon Z 8's high-framerate burst shooting is only possible thanks to a fully-electronic shutter, and Nikon claims that the sensor readout is fast enough to basically eliminate rolling shutter. Nikon's Z 8 also features 8K 60p and 4K 120p video recording, although there is a time limit — 125 minutes for 4K 60p, and 90 minutes for 8K 30p — per clip when recording at higher video qualities and framerates.

The Z 8 supports a wide range of video codecs for creators, including 12-bit Apple ProRes RAW HQ, 10-bit Apple ProRes 4:2:2, 12-bit N-RAW, and 10-bit H.265. Video creators will also welcome the inclusion of colour profiles like HLG, N-Log, and Flat. There are two USB Type-C ports and a full-size HDMI port on the Nikon Z 8 to facilitate charging and external recording, but the Z 8 can also internally record video at up to 12-bit using ProRes RAW 4K 60p, or 8K 60p with the N-RAW codec.

The wealth of video features, fast burst shooting, and versatile hybrid autofocus system with 493 focus points and 3D tracking make the Z 8 look like a very convincing option for high-end hybrid creators. The Nikon Z 8 is currently available for pre-order and will be available to purchase on May 25 with an MSRP of US$3,999.95. For reference, the Z 9 comes in at a whopping US$5,499.95.

Buy the Nikon Z 7II full-frame mirrorless camera on Amazon.