Nikon Z8
Announced May 10, 2023
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Exceptional
The Nikon Z8 is a powerful, versatile hybrid camera that delivers flagship-level performance and a 45-megapixel stacked sensor in a more compact, accessible body than the Z9. It excels across stills and video, offering professional-grade autofocus and build quality that makes it a top-tier choice for serious photographers.
Weighted from 47 reviewer scores
Pros
- High-performance 45-megapixel stacked sensor
- Advanced, reliable subject-detection autofocus
- Robust, weather-sealed professional build
- Comprehensive, high-quality video capabilities
- Compact, ergonomic design compared to flagship models
Cons
- Limited battery life compared to flagship alternatives
- Substantial size and weight for some users
- Lack of a mechanical shutter and associated tactile feedback
- Viewfinder resolution lower than some competitors
- High price point
- Launch price $3,999 (USD)
- Sensor 45.7MP Full-Frame Stacked BSI CMOS
- Video 8K 60p 4K 120p
- Stabilization In-body IS, 6 stops (CIPA)
- Burst 20 fps electronic
What the Reviewers Say
All 47 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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- PetaPixel 9.5/10
Even ones doing serious professional work should consider how much power the Z8 gives at a more reasonable price.
- DPReview 94%
The Z8 is the best mirrorless camera Nikon yet made, and arguably the best camera it’s ever produced. It’s big, it’s heavy and it’s expensive, but it also includes everything that makes the Z9 one of the world’s best pro cameras and delivers it, undiluted, to a broader audience.
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[N]o matter how you slice it, you're going to be spending less to get the same or better.
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My conclusion is perhaps a predictable one: The Nikon Z8 is a mini Z9. It is virtually the same as the Nikon flagship camera, only smaller, lighter, and cheaper.
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It’s built incredibly tough, offers ample customization, provides plenty of megapixels, and sports an AF system that’s capable of tracking super-fast subjects.
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In fact, it’s difficult to think of any situation where the Z8 wouldn’t excel.
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This is a jack-of-all-trades camera that can be used effectively for everything from sports to portraits to landscapes to cinematography, so it is easy to justify the price…particularly if you make some money from your work.
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Even at $4,000, the Z8 is good value for the amazing camera you're getting here.
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The Nikon Z8 is another milestone in that legendary timeline of cameras; offering flagship performance on an unprecedented budget.
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If Nikon set their sights on producing the best possible all-around camera at an aggressive price, they can consider it mission accomplished.
- ePHOTOzine 100/100
The Z 8 is a seamless meld of excellent ergonomic design and superlative performance, just as its versatility is a seamless meld of the stills camera and the video camera.
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[T]he new Nikon Z8 should be right at the top of your shopping list.
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Unless you really need the extended battery life of its bigger brother, or have to have that bigger grip with duplicated controls, this is the option we'd recommend over the Z9.
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Nikon's full-frame, do-it-all Z 8 camera employs a stacked 45MP sensor, rattles off photos at 20fps, and rolls 8K Raw video, making it a triple threat for landscapes, action shots, and movies.
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The Z8 is the Nikon camera that makes the most sense for most serious photographers.
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For many hybrid shooters, the Z8 is a better option than Sony's A1, particularly when it comes to video.
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The Z8 is a fantastic camera and a great addition to the Z9, which many thought was a bit too big and heavy, something the Z8 fixes now.
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The Z8 was an easy camera to recommend in 2023 because it put the Z9’s capability into a body most photographers would actually carry. It’s an easier camera to recommend in 2026, which is not something that can be said of much three-year-old hardware.
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The amazing autofocus, blistering capture speeds and professional level video modes are all compelling reasons to buy this camera, but only if you really need that speed and performance.
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Professionals need look no further and amateurs may want to invest.
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The Nikon Z8 is an amazing super camera that can do anything you need or want.
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No matter what you're shooting, the Z8 can likely handle it.
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So after using this camera now for several weeks, I can see why there's so much hype around this camera.
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[I]f you're looking for the best of the best in the Nikon Z system and don't want the bulk of its big brother, I highly encourage you to pick up the Nikon Z 8 camera.
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For now, this is the camera I'm going to continue to use because it's the perfect camera when it comes to a balance of everything.
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I'm just really impressed with the image quality and performance of this camera.
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But it’s hard to see how the Nikon Z8 is anything but one of the best values on the camera market.
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If I were a Nikon shooter the Z 8 would be a serious contender to grab as my main camera.
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The Z8 is the same as Nikon's top Z9 mirrorless, with the same blazing speed, extreme resolution, great handling, tough build and unbeaten Nikon image quality we all love, in a smaller, less expensive package that adds a few new features absent on the Z9. Bravo!
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One of the best flagship cameras around.
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With all the power and performance of the flagship Z9, but in a smaller and cheaper body, the Nikon Z8 is a market-leading mirrorless camera.
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I couldn't be happier with it.
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The Z8 is just the Swiss army knife of tools or cameras and potentially the ultimate camera right now.
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The Nikon Z8 is one of the most complete mirrorless cameras currently available. It delivers flagship-level performance in a more compact, affordable package than the Z9.
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If you can see past the Nikon Z8's lack of a shutter and are looking for a combination of speed, great video specs, and high resolution, the Z8 deserves a serious look and consideration.
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Starting out with enthusiasm for the Z8, I ultimately ended disappointed – disappointed that I had to return such an incredible camera! It inspired daily shooting, which is exactly what you want from a creative tool.
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Right out of the box the Z8 performs brilliantly.
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It’s a winning combination with excellent focusing and an impressive array of features in a weather-sealed body.
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Simply put: the Z8 for me has to be one of the best cameras Nikon has ever produced.
- Sam Hurd Photography 8/10
This camera offers impressive performance and flexibility, making it a strong contender in the market.
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It is a great tool for action, portrait, landscape, wildlife, or any other kind of photography or videography you choose.
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In my opinion, due to the lack of shutter, it could easily be a camera you use for the next fifteen years without problems.
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The Z8 is probably one of the most complete hybrid cameras on the market money can buy and may even have the power to make people consider switching systems.
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I think this camera is like, honestly, I would be sad if I didn't have it anymore.
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So if you are looking for a super capable camera system for wedding filmmaking, documentary filmmaking, or pretty much anything else for that matter, I highly recommend the Z8, and I am really glad to see Nikon being so competitive.
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[T]his camera is like one of the best cameras that I've ever owned.
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The Nikon Z8 is a great stills camera and with a range of features and functionality for many genres of photography.
