Nikon Z* mirrorless

I have 2* OM1 cameras with 8-25 F4, 12-40 F2.8, 40-150 F2.8 and the 90 mm macro. I think the OM system is fab but I do miss the image quality of my old FF kit. Trouble with my old kit was it was Lumix, and the AF was pretty useless on the best of days. I had the S5, S5II and the original S1 which was massive and I loved it.

I've played with the Sony cameras and they are too small for me. I can grip them but my fingers squeeze in-between the body and lens with my knuckles resting on the lens itself.

I tried the R6ii and that felt nice but I'm not sure I'd get much more from the R6ii over the OM1, well not enough of a bump to justify the outlay.

The Z8 felt like a lump...a big, solid, lump of quality. I like the top LCD screen just like my old G9 and S1.

I need to make sure it is the right decision as I can't afford to mess this one up.

I like the fact the Z8 has a 45 MP sensor with super fast readout. That's a significant increase on the OM1. From what I've read and seen the AF is good and should get me images of my dog without too much hassle. The price is lower than the canon and I don't need too many lenses. To be honest my most used lens on my old Lumix kit was my 24-105 F4 Macro and the 85 mm F1.8 for dog images.

So I'm thinking grab the Z8 and 24-120 F4 and then either an 85 or 135 F1.8. No rush on these as I'm happy with the Olympus stuff also.

It's not a need but a want if that makes sense. I won't use it for dedicated macro or anything.

I just need to make sure it does what I need.

For example I've just read that it doesn't have zebras or highlight and Shadow warnings ?

Does it do AE bracketing, HDR, focus bracketing and such.

I'm trying to ensure I do not make an expensive mistake lol
 
I pre-ordered my Z8 from WEX Belfast and got it on release day.
Price and availability for grey imports at the time were the same as the UK. I was impatient and had felt that coming from a D850, other than a Z9 (which was too big) the rest of the Z lineup didn't live up to my expectations. Thankfully the Z8 did. It's only after the initial release that prices began to tumble on the likes of Panamoz.
I've used Panamoz many times and never had a problem.
I always emailed them asking for their best price on whatever I'm going to buy and they've always knocked around another £50 off the website price.
 
Where can I get a breakdown of all the functions the camera has?

Obviously I know I am spoilt in terms of computational features of the OM1 (focus stacking, bracketing, HDR and such).

I just want to check exactly what features the camera offers.

I am also still trying to establish if the Z8 has these highlight and shadow indicators / blinkers / zebras that my OM and prevous Lumix cameras had.

I know I will buy it as I have told my wife and parents about it lol
 
wilt said:
I pre-ordered my Z8 from WEX Belfast and got it on release day.
Price and availability for grey imports at the time were the same as the UK. I was impatient and had felt that coming from a D850, other than a Z9 (which was too big) the rest of the Z lineup didn't live up to my expectations. Thankfully the Z8 did. It's only after the initial release that prices began to tumble on the likes of Panamoz.
I've used Panamoz many times and never had a problem.
I always emailed them asking for their best price on whatever I'm going to buy and they've always knocked around another £50 off the website price.
Click to expand...
I have dropped them a message as it is marginally cheaper with e-infinity and cotswold.
 
Adamcski said:
Where can I get a breakdown of all the functions the camera has?

Obviously I know I am spoilt in terms of computational features of the OM1 (focus stacking, bracketing, HDR and such).

I just want to check exactly what features the camera offers.

I am also still trying to establish if the Z8 has these highlight and shadow indicators / blinkers / zebras that my OM and prevous Lumix cameras had.

I know I will buy it as I have told my wife and parents about it lol
Click to expand...
It does have highlight indicator.
It has focus peaking indicator as well.
Have a look here https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/produ...f-vs08HG2R10WiCzVwA3PO535QY0qcwaeRyCZSoNsKWM8
Download the manual too if you want form there.
Watch a few Youtube videos, especially the ones around it's time of release for features, although it has improved significantly since then via firmware updates.

Personally I don't think you'll be disappointed, as I'm impressed by it and I'm hard to please.
You'll notice quite a size and weight jump from the OM1.
I think the only thing missing from the Z8 that would make it complete is pre-capture in RAW format, currently it's in jpeg only.
 
wilt said:
It does have highlight indicator.
It has focus peaking indicator as well.
Have a look here https://www.nikon.co.uk/en_GB/produ...f-vs08HG2R10WiCzVwA3PO535QY0qcwaeRyCZSoNsKWM8
Download the manual too if you want form there.
Watch a few Youtube videos, especially the ones around it's time of release for features, although it has improved significantly since then via firmware updates.

Personally I don't think you'll be disappointed, as I'm impressed by it and I'm hard to please.
You'll notice quite a size and weight jump from the OM1.
I think the only thing missing from the Z8 that would make it complete is pre-capture in RAW format, currently it's in jpeg only.
Click to expand...
That is great thank you.

I had the original Lumix S1 so size wise I am used to it and have larger hands anyway.

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Birdfair price last weekend for Z8+24-120+FTZII was £3499!! I thought I did well to get all that late last year for £3950!
 
My first time moving to the dark side came 2 weeks ago with ZF, getting to grips nicely… I think.
 
I'm still keeping my OM stuff. I'll now just save for the 70-200 F2.8. I think (you folks will know more) that the 24-120 F4 is pretty good, so probably negate the need for a 24-70 F2.8 for now (I also have the 8-25 F4 Pro and 12-40 F2.8 Pro on my OM). So I'll just stick with the 24-120 for now, then get the 70-200 and perhaps either an 85 or that 135 prime (it's expensive isn't it).
 
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Adamcski said:
Just checking is this the battery for the Z8?


I get Amazon vouchers at work so I use those a lot.

I've seen some small rig and k&F batteries that have usb c charging. I have some batteries like this for the OM1. Anyone use those? I believe the orange ones are the best ones for the Z8?

Does it come with a charger at all?
Click to expand...
I have recently bought the small rig orange one for my z6ii and it works fine. Used it for a while day at the weekend and lasted as well as the normal Nikon one.

You just get a usb cable with it, you need to supply the charger.
 
I had a Z7 and it was and still is a fine camera to use the AF was not great. I got a Z9 as the update to Z7ii was no big deal then Nikon released the Z8 and Zf and I got the Zf as it was very much like my Fuji XT5 that has been great. I finally got a Z8 and that matches my Z9 in almost all situations so I am satisfied.
I recently purchased a MonsterAdapter FA-LZ1 so I can use my old Nikon AF F mount lenses on the Z series cameras so I have all I need for my current shooting.

My only disappointment with the Zf is that it isnt 45MP like the Z8 and that the second hand value of the Z9 is low now.
 
Adamcski said:
I have 2* OM1 cameras with 8-25 F4, 12-40 F2.8, 40-150 F2.8 and the 90 mm macro. I think the OM system is fab but I do miss the image quality of my old FF kit. Trouble with my old kit was it was Lumix, and the AF was pretty useless on the best of days. I had the S5, S5II and the original S1 which was massive and I loved it.

I've played with the Sony cameras and they are too small for me. I can grip them but my fingers squeeze in-between the body and lens with my knuckles resting on the lens itself.

I tried the R6ii and that felt nice but I'm not sure I'd get much more from the R6ii over the OM1, well not enough of a bump to justify the outlay.

The Z8 felt like a lump...a big, solid, lump of quality. I like the top LCD screen just like my old G9 and S1.

I need to make sure it is the right decision as I can't afford to mess this one up.

I like the fact the Z8 has a 45 MP sensor with super fast readout. That's a significant increase on the OM1. From what I've read and seen the AF is good and should get me images of my dog without too much hassle. The price is lower than the canon and I don't need too many lenses. To be honest my most used lens on my old Lumix kit was my 24-105 F4 Macro and the 85 mm F1.8 for dog images.

So I'm thinking grab the Z8 and 24-120 F4 and then either an 85 or 135 F1.8. No rush on these as I'm happy with the Olympus stuff also.

It's not a need but a want if that makes sense. I won't use it for dedicated macro or anything.

I just need to make sure it does what I need.

For example I've just read that it doesn't have zebras or highlight and Shadow warnings ?

Does it do AE bracketing, HDR, focus bracketing and such.

I'm trying to ensure I do not make an expensive mistake lol
Click to expand...
I moved away from Nikon after dropping my D850 & D500 which resulted in damaging the mount to both cameras and lenses. I originally then bought the Panasonic S5 on release which I liked but it was too small for my hands so quickly changed to the Panasonic S1R with 24-105mm and 16-35mm lenses, Wasn't keen on either lenses so bought the Sigma 24-70 f2.8, 70-200mm and 100-400mm.

I was starting to get back into bird photography and although I loved the S1R the EVF blackout wasn't great for me, so decided to sell up and move to the Z8 with the 24-120mm and 400mm f4.5 and 1.4tc, No regrets what's so ever and I think you will enjoy your journey.
 
jknights said:
a MonsterAdapter FA-LZ1 so I can use my old Nikon AF F mount lenses on the Z series cameras so I have all I need for my current shooting.
Click to expand...
That should read ... MonsterAdapter LA-FZ1 ....
 
Adamcski said:
Just checking is this the battery for the Z8?


I get Amazon vouchers at work so I use those a lot.

I've seen some small rig and k&F batteries that have usb c charging. I have some batteries like this for the OM1. Anyone use those? I believe the orange ones are the best ones for the Z8?

Does it come with a charger at all?
Click to expand...
Got one of the Smallrig ones from Amazon. Seemed to last as long as the OEM but failed completely in less than a year after just light use. Was also successfully using a Duracell clone for a while but now the Z8 won't accept it. Best sticking with the OEM ones.
 
Adamcski said:
I have 2* OM1 cameras with 8-25 F4, 12-40 F2.8, 40-150 F2.8 and the 90 mm macro. I think the OM system is fab but I do miss the image quality of my old FF kit. Trouble with my old kit was it was Lumix, and the AF was pretty useless on the best of days. I had the S5, S5II and the original S1 which was massive and I loved it.

I've played with the Sony cameras and they are too small for me. I can grip them but my fingers squeeze in-between the body and lens with my knuckles resting on the lens itself.

I tried the R6ii and that felt nice but I'm not sure I'd get much more from the R6ii over the OM1, well not enough of a bump to justify the outlay.

The Z8 felt like a lump...a big, solid, lump of quality. I like the top LCD screen just like my old G9 and S1.

I need to make sure it is the right decision as I can't afford to mess this one up.

I like the fact the Z8 has a 45 MP sensor with super fast readout. That's a significant increase on the OM1. From what I've read and seen the AF is good and should get me images of my dog without too much hassle. The price is lower than the canon and I don't need too many lenses. To be honest my most used lens on my old Lumix kit was my 24-105 F4 Macro and the 85 mm F1.8 for dog images.

So I'm thinking grab the Z8 and 24-120 F4 and then either an 85 or 135 F1.8. No rush on these as I'm happy with the Olympus stuff also.

It's not a need but a want if that makes sense. I won't use it for dedicated macro or anything.

I just need to make sure it does what I need.

For example I've just read that it doesn't have zebras or highlight and Shadow warnings ?

Does it do AE bracketing, HDR, focus bracketing and such.

I'm trying to ensure I do not make an expensive mistake lol
Click to expand...
I'm probably a bit late to the party.. but I went from Olympus mirrorless to Nikon DSLR to Z8. I still use all 3.

DM if there's anything particular you need to know.

fwiw the 45mp sensor is both a blessing and a curse. Multi layer files can easily top the 4Gb tiff limit.
 
Hmmm just been looking at the current Nikon Z lineup and it’s very confusing to say the least .. I shoot birds and wildlife in general and currently use an Olympus om1 and a Nikon d500 .. so unsure if a change/ addition of a Z line body would be any advantage , I know you can get a F mount to Z mount adaptor but are they any good ?
 
juggler said:
I'm probably a bit late to the party.. but I went from Olympus mirrorless to Nikon DSLR to Z8. I still use all 3.

DM if there's anything particular you need to know.

fwiw the 45mp sensor is both a blessing and a curse. Multi layer files can easily top the 4Gb tiff limit.
Click to expand...
Thank you, that is very kind.

I am happy with my OM1 and for capturing my dog running around the 40-150 F2.8 is fantastic, so much better than my old lumix system. For Macro I don't think there is a better system or format so it is really the draw of the full frame image quality (although the M43rds stuff is great) and I wanted a camera that I could use for taking pictures of the dogs and the fact the Z8 has a 45/46mp sensor is a bonus.
 
the black fox said:
Hmmm just been looking at the current Nikon Z lineup and it’s very confusing to say the least .. I shoot birds and wildlife in general and currently use an Olympus om1 and a Nikon d500 .. so unsure if a change/ addition of a Z line body would be any advantage , I know you can get a F mount to Z mount adaptor but are they any good ?
Click to expand...
Jeff, Hi JK here from Nikon forum.
The FTZ adapter only works with AFS lenses so that is a limitation so if you have the older F mount AF or AFD lenses then you are into manual focus mode only.
I have ordered a MonsterAdapter LA-FZ1 but that is a new product only available in September so it is untested.

I always found that my D500 with 200-500 F5.6 AFS to be the best camera combo compared with D850/810 but the Z8 and Z9 AF is much better and faster than the D500 so a move to Z series is advantageous.
I use the 100-400 Z series lens with a Nikon Z mount TCx1.4 on the Z8 or Z9 and that is a better combo than the D500+200-500.
 
the black fox said:
I know you can get a F mount to Z mount adaptor but are they any good ?
Click to expand...
I have an FTZ2 for use with a Z9 combined with a 300mm f4.0 PF and a 400mm f2.8 E FL ED and find focusing speed and accuracy just as good (If not better than on my D5's)
I did see some reports that accuracy of F mount lenses on Z mount cameras via the FTZ mount to be better than on F mount cameras...presumably because the info' for the lens comes straight from the sensor eliminating front / back focusing issues.
EDIT Oh yes, as per @jknights above manual focus only on older lenses but aperture controll seems to work ok...I only have older Fisheye and Macro lenses so lack of auto focus isn't really an issue.
 
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the black fox said:
Hmmm just been looking at the current Nikon Z lineup and it’s very confusing to say the least .. I shoot birds and wildlife in general and currently use an Olympus om1 and a Nikon d500 .. so unsure if a change/ addition of a Z line body would be any advantage , I know you can get a F mount to Z mount adaptor but are they any good ?
Click to expand...
I switched from a D500 with 300mm f4 PF and 1.4TC to a Nikon Z8, using the same lens combination but with an FTZ adapter. I have found the Z8 to be better than the D500 in everyway: except battery life, but a single battery still lasts me all day with the Z8. However, I rarely reach a 1000 pictures a day when photographing birds.

With the Z cameras, only the Z9, Z8 and Z6III are going to match or improve on the D500 for birds in flight (maybe the Zf and Z50II, could come close, but they wouldn't be my choice).
 
mav said:
z8 doesn't have zebras in real time for photos but does for video iirc.it has a highlight indicator on playback of the photo just taken,
unless I am mistaken . its the only thing I miss after swapping from Sony
Click to expand...
That's what I had read, seems a bit daft. But just have to work with histogram and check after taking
 
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