Nikon Z9 vs Nikon Z8 - we compare two top range models

The latest addition to Nikon’s mirrorless range is the Nikon Z8; a smaller alternative to the Z9, which was launched at the end of 2021. The Z8 is presented by Nikon as the true successor to the D850 DSLR. Both are among the best full-frame mirrorless cameras – but what’s different about the new model and is it worth the upgrade? This head-to-head Nikon Z9 vs Z8 spec comparison between the two highlights some key factors to consider.

10 similarities and differences between the Nikon Z9 and the Nikon Z8

Image Sensor and Processor

Nikon Z9: 45.7MP, full-frame stacked CMOS sensor – EXPEED 7 Processor
Nikon Z8: 45.7MP, full-frame stacked CMOS sensor – EXPEED 7 Processor

The Nikon Z8 has the same 45.7MP sensor and EXPEED 7 processor found in the Nikon Z9. Like the Z9, the Z8 does not have a mechanical shutter. According to Nikon, it achieves ‘the world’s fastest scanning speed’ which, with the help of the electronic shutter, eliminates rolling shutter distortion.

Best professional camera: Nikon Z9 in hand, photo AW, original: PA220189-acr — The Nikon Z9. Photo credit: Andy Westlake.

Lens Mount

The availability and variety of lenses is often an important factor when choosing a camera. Both Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8 have a Z-mount system compatible with Z-Mount lenses and, with a mount adapter, F-Mount Nikkor lenses too.

Memory Card Slots

The Nikon Z9 has dual card slots that accept either CFexpress Type B or XQD cards. These can be used either sequentially or simultaneously in back up mode, or raw files can be recorded to one and JPEGs to the other. The downside is that they are much more expensive than SD cards. While the Nikon Z8 still has two card slots, only one takes CFExpress Type B (or XQD); the other accepts cheaper UHS-II SD media.

Lexar CFexpress Type C in Nikon Z9, with XQD also, photo: Andy Westlake

Focus

Nikon Z9: 493 manually selectable AF points, 10 AF-area modes. AF tracking. Human/Animal/Bird/Vehicle/Airplane/Train AF subject detection
Nikon Z8: Eye, Precision detection, AF tracking. Human/Animal/Bird/Vehicle/Airplane/Train subject detection.

Both cameras have intelligent subject-recognition autofocus – so no need to specify in advance what you’re shooting – and 3D tracking. The Nikon Z8 includes deep-learning AF and its subject detection and AF work down to -9 EV for video and stills.

Touchscreen and Viewfinder

Nikon Z8 rear view with screen tilted — The back of the Z8 has a similar layout to other Nikon models, with a tilting touchscreen. Credit: Andy Westlake

The Nikon Z8 employs the same viewfinder and 3-way tilting screen as the Nikon Z9.

Shutter and shutter speed

Nikon Z9: Up to 1/32,000sec, 20fps in raw (with a buffer of over 1000 frames), full-resolution JPEGs 30fps and 11MP files at 120 fps
Nikon Z8: Up to 1/32,000sec, 20fps in raw (with a buffer of over 1000 frames), full-resolution JPEGs can be recorded at 30fps, and 11MP files at 120fps

Like the Z9, the Nikon Z8 is built without a mechanical shutter. Instead it relies entirely on an ultra-fast, silent electronic shutter that promises minimal subject distortion.

Battery and Body

From the outside, the Nikon Z8 is similar to the Nikon Z9, but does not have a vertical grip and weighs 910g, compared to Nikon Z9’s 1340g. The trade-off is that it’s powered by the smaller EN-EL15-type battery, instead of the EN-EL18d Li-ion-type battery of the Nikon Z9. An optional MB-N12 battery grip is available for the Nikon Z8, which gives it 1.8x more battery life.

Video

Nikon Z9: 8K video at 30 fps, Full-frame 4K at up to 120fps
Nikon Z8: 8K video at 30fps, 4K 60p

Both cameras have a lot of choice when it comes to video. The Nikon Z9 has a choice of 8-bit or 10-bit color, with efficient H.265 compression to keep file sizes down.

The Nikon Z8 is capable of recording in 10-bit colour using either the H.265 or Apple ProRes 422 HQ codecs, with both Hybrid Log Gamma and N-Log on hand for colour grading in post-production. For even higher quality, it supports ProRes RAW and N-RAW, both with 12-bit colour. Stereo audio is recorded in 24-bit depth at 48kHz. For HDR content creators who shoots both stills and video, the camera can record 10-bit HEIF stills and 10-bit HLG video.

Nikon with MC-N10 remote grip — Nikon Z9 with MC-N10 remote grip

Controls and connectivity

The control layout of the Nikon Z8 looks near identical to that of the Z9, but without the extra buttons on the vertical grip. In a first for Nikon, there are dual USB-C sockets (on the Z8), one for charging the camera or powering the camera, and the other for connectivity, either to a computer or the ethernet by USB-LAN.

Price

Nikon Z9: $5,495 / £4,849 body-only

Nikon Z8: $3,696 / £3,789 body-only

While the Nikon Z8 has many of the same features of the Nikon Z9, it also comes at a much lower price point, around $2,000 / £2,000 less.

Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Z9: Ultimate Showdown!

Nikon Z9 Sample photos:

The Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8 are both capable of taking amazing photographs, just have a look at these photos below, and be sure to have a look at the full reviews to see more sample photos from these cameras.