Nikon Z8 (Body Only)

Tap into the world of professional imagery with top-performing features of the Nikon Z series. The Nikon Z 8 comes in a smaller, lighter form factor, helping you capture moments of inspiration while staying agile. With its robust and hardy build, you can immerse yourself in the deep of the action and showcase that winning moment with confidence.

Key features

• 45.7 MP full-frame CMOS sensor
• Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
• EXPEED 7 image processor
• Video: 8K (30p) / AK (120p)
• Vertically and horizontally tilting TFT touch-sensitive LCD
• 1 x CFExpress (Type B)/XQD slot + 1 x SD (UHS-II) slot

Features overview

Stacked CMOS sensor with minimal rolling shutter distortion

The Z 8 incorporates the same stacked CMOS sensor featuring 45.7 effective megapixels as the Z 9. The world’s fastest¹ scanning speed makes it possible to minimize rolling-shutter distortion while eliminating the need for a mechanical shutter.

^{1 As of May 10, 2023, among mirrorless cameras incorporating an image sensor with 30 megapixels or larger, based on Nikon research.}

Exquisite image-processing – Expeed 7 Processor

The Z 8 is equipped with Nikon’s most advanced image-processing engine, EXPEED 7. It processes a vast amount of data and enables next-generation features like the Real-Live Viewfinder, powerful AF, 120fps Pre-Release Capture, High Efficiency RAW, in-camera 8.3K/60p N-RAW, 4K UHD/120p, and more.

Groundbreaking subject detection and AF performance — even better than before

The powerful AF algorithm automatically detects and tracks nine subject types — people (eye, face, head, upper body), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, and planes. The detection performance in dimly lit situations, such as indoors and at sunsets, has also been enhanced. Together with fast AF calculation and constant, rapid communication between the camera body and the NIKKOR Z lenses, the Z 8 offers high AF performance in a variety of shooting scenes.

The powerful EXPEED 7 engine allows the Z 8 to detect faces even as small as 3% of the frame’s long edge. This is very useful for wedding scenes when you want to shoot the couple in an expansive landscape and keep them in sharp focus. The function also allows videographers to capture a person approaching from a distance, keeping the AF on them as they run toward the camera from a starting point.

^{*As of May 10, 2023, among mirrorless cameras, based on Nikon research.}

Dual card slots give you the options to suit your needs

The Z 8 has two card slots, which give you a choice according to your shooting needs. One slot takes industry-leading CFexpress Type B cards, excellent for fast reading/writing of heavy stills or video data. This slot also accepts XQD memory cards. The second slot takes the more widely available SD (UHS-II) cards, which have a great balance of writing speed and cost.

Extended recording up to 125 min. in 4K UHD/60p¹ and up to 90 min. in 8K UHD/30p²

The Z 8 enables extended recording up to 125 min. in 4K UHD/60p and up to 90 min. in 8K UHD/30p without overheating. With its smaller and lighter body than the Z 9, it is suitable for demanding all-day weddings and long, fly-on-the-wall documentaries.

^{1 H.265 8-bit (MOV), [Extended oversampling]: [OFF], [Auto temperature cutout]: [Standard], at 25°C/77°F, using a Nikon MC-CF660G memory card and external power source.}

^{2 H.265 8-bit (MOV), [Auto temperature cutout]: [High], at 25°C/77°F, using a Nikon MC-CF660G memory card and external power source.}

Rich tones with increased luminance captured in HEIF, both for stills and time-lapse videos

Landscape/cityscape photographers can now take full advantage of capturing the rich tones of sunset and high luminance of city illumination by shooting in HEIF (High Efficiency Image File). The HEIF format can retain rich tonal gradation with HLG gamma in 10-bit. You can also get an idea of how the HEIF images that you shoot will look on an HDR (HLG)-compatible monitor with the Z 8’s 3000cd/m2 compatible EVF and 900cd/m2 high-luminance image monitor on location. It is also possible to create 8K UHD HLG time-lapse videos in-camera. You can enjoy viewing the HEIF images and footage by connecting the Z 8 to an HDR (HLG)-compatible monitor or television via an HDMI 2.1 cable.

12-bit or 10-bit professional-level video options — all in-camera

Whatever you are shooting, you can achieve maximum creative potential with high-quality grading possibilities. The Z 8 records pristine 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ, Nikon’s proprietary N-RAW video, or 10-bit ProRes 422 HQ internally — no external device required. Full HD proxy files are simultaneously created in-camera when shooting in ProRes RAW and N-RAW, which makes editing the footage a smoother process. Furthermore, you can shoot in N-Log for any of the 12-bit and 10-bit in-camera codecs to get more control over the look of your final footage.

12-bit N-RAW for 8.3K 60p streamlines high-end video production

Nikon’s groundbreaking N-RAW¹ video format packs all the depth and detail of 12-bit RAW into a file that is half the size of ProRes RAW HQ files. You can work with 8.3K/60p, 5.4K/60p (DX format), 4.1K/120p, or 4K UHD/120p (2.3x crop) footage in compatible editing software to create 8K or 4K video outputs in both DCI and UHD formats. Furthermore, 8K footage gives you the freedom to crop, zoom, and track in post, while still being able to output your finished video in 4K.

^{1 Compatible with Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve ver.17.4.6 or later, and Grass Valley EDIUS X ver.10.32 or later.}

12-bit ProRes RAW HQ optimizes editing workflow

The Z 8 lets you record 4.1K/60p in 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ, also in-camera. ProRes RAW HQ is a go-to codec for professionals, so it’s practical to use when you are editing videos with footage taken by multiple different cameras and recorders which support the format. You can take advantage of the flexibility in post, including for green-screen chroma key compositing and other digital effects.

ProRes 422 HQ and H.265 available in 10-bit

The Z 8 lets you shoot in 10-bit video files that pack rich depth and detail but are easy to grade and edit on your laptop on the go. ProRes 422 HQ, regarded as an industry standard, is a video format that is compatible with a wide variety of editing software. You can shoot up to 4K UHD/60p and Full HD/120p in 4:2:2 color sampling with ALL-I intraframe compression to achieve high image quality. You also have the option to shoot in H.265, which supports up to 4K UHD/120p without cropping.

More control over your look with N-Log¹

You can select the tone mode when recording video from SDR, N-Log, and HLG. Nikon’s original N-Log utilizes extensive color depth and 12-stop 1,300% dynamic range to record rich tones in both the highlights and shadows. You can also take advantage of Nikon’s 3D LUT² to help speed up your grading in post.

^{1 N-Log is not supported in 8-bit.}

^{2 Can be downloaded from the Nikon website.}

High-definition 4K UHD/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p oversampled from 8K

Sharpness matters, especially on larger monitors. With the Z 8, you can record high-definition 4K UHD/60p, 50p¹ 30p, 25p, and 24p oversampled² from 8K in 10-bit and 8-bit. Combining this with high-resolution NIKKOR Z lenses creates overwhelmingly immersive 4K videos.

^{1 Oversampling expansion is available when the FX-based video format is selected.}

^{2 For 60p and 50p, [ON] must be selected for [Extended oversampling].}

Crystal clear 24-bit/48 kHz linear PCM audio recording

The Z 8 lets you record high-quality audio in 24-bit/48 kHz linear PCM¹ when shooting video. With uncompressed linear audio, you can record sound clearly with a wider dynamic range.

^{1 H.264 only supports 16-bit AAC 48kHz.}

Zoom in on your subjects even when using prime lenses — Hi-Res Zoom¹

With the Z 8’s Hi-Res Zoom, you can enjoy an extra reach of up to 2× zoom during 4K UHD and Full HD video recording with the touch of a button, even when using prime lenses. Unlike an ordinary digital zoom, it preserves high resolution when zooming in, as it utilizes up to 8K resolution in real time. You can also select a zooming speed from three options.

^{1 Available in 10-bit ProRes 422 HQ or H.265 4K UHD/30p/25p/24p, and 8-bit H.265/H.264 Full HD with FX format in all frame rates. AF-area mode is fixed at wide-area AF (L), and the focus point will not be indicated.} 

A truly blackout-free EVF: Real-Live Viewfinder

A constant, seamless connection to your subject through the viewfinder is key to capturing decisive moments you would otherwise have missed. The Z 8’s Real-Live Viewfinder prevents blackout or repeats of certain frames, even during intermittent continuous shooting, ensuring you see every single moment. A 120-fps refresh rate can be selected when you want to follow fast-moving subjects even more smoothly.

The sheer joy of agile operation

The Z 8 is designed to let you go further and faster with your creativity. With the first-rate performance and functionality of the Z 9 condensed into a well-balanced, compact body, this is an agile camera allowing for a more flexible shooting experience and more space in your camera bag. With less weight yet assuring durability, you can tackle even the toughest mountain climbs, lengthy bird shoots, or demanding all-day weddings. The sturdy grip and the robust, well-balanced body are engineered to be comfortable in your hands with a wide range of NIKKOR Z lenses, from ultrawide-angle to super-telephoto, making the camera more stable in various different still and video shooting conditions.

4-axis tilting monitor expands flexibility in camera angles

The Z 8’s 4-axis horizontally and vertically tilting image monitor gives you the confidence to shoot from more perspectives that would be otherwise difficult, letting you try new, creative camera angles intuitively — whether it’s still or video shooting.

Stable handheld shooting with VR functions

The compact yet well-balanced body of the Z 8 gives you the confidence and freedom to shoot video, as well as stills, handheld. It supports not only in-camera VR but also Synchro VR, a function in which in-camera VR and the VR of compatible NIKKOR Z lenses¹ work together to enhance the stabilization, giving you a VR effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 6.0 stops² faster. In addition, you can apply the powerful electronic VR³ to facilitate recording while walking. It also helps correct trapezoid distortion, something usually common with wide-angle lenses.

^{1 As of May 10, 2023, the following lenses are compatible with Synchro VR: NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, and NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S.}

^{2 Based on CIPA Standards. When using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S with NORMAL mode.}

^{3 With electronic VR, the angle of view becomes equivalent to 1.25× the focal length of the lens in use. Not compatible with 120p/100p, 8K UHD, or RAW.}

Capture moments you couldn’t before — Pre-Release Capture

A perching kingfisher suddenly takes flight — some action happens too quickly to react in time. The Z 8’s Pre-Release Capture lets you nail such a fleeting millisecond that you would have missed before. Simply hold the shutter-release button half down to start buffering, and the camera captures images up to 1 second before — as well as up to 4 seconds after — the button is fully pressed. At 60 fps (C60), the image area is in DX format, which brings your subject larger into the frame with a 1.5× crop factor. In combination with the Z 8’s powerful AF performance, Pre-Release Capture¹ helps turn fast-moving instants into stunning tack-sharp images.

^{1 JPEG normal image quality only; selectable between 30 fps, 60 fps, and 120 fps. At 60 fps, the image area becomes approx.  19 megapixels only in DX format; at 120fps, approx. 11 megapixels only in FX format. Use of a recommended card is advised.}

A robust body that can withstand sub-zero conditions — shoot in more locations

The Z 8 allows you to shoot in more locations. Its body and the EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries are designed to work in freezing conditions down to -10°C/14°F. The front cover of the Z 8’s body is made from magnesium alloy to ensure mount rigidity when using super-telephoto lenses, to secure the image sensor with high precision, and to ensure heat dissipation. The back and top covers are made of a Sereebo® P series material, a new material from Teijin, a world-renowned Japanese material manufacturer. By using the lightweight Sereebo® P series material, the Z 8 realizes as strong a body as with magnesium alloy, providing high impact resistance for the entire camera. With its excellent dust- and drip-resistant performance achieved with thorough sealing applied across the entire system, including lenses, the Z 8 can withstand a wide range of extreme conditions.

Multiple sensor protection measures from dust and accidental shock

The Z 8 features thorough sensor protection to minimize the risk of foreign matter collecting on the image sensor. The camera incorporates the same cutting-edge double-coating process as the Z 9 on the optical filter in front of its image sensor. The first layer is an electro-conductive coating that repels dust, and the second is a fluorine coating that makes it easy to wipe off more stubborn dust. Furthermore, the camera is equipped with a sensor shield that is closed when the camera is turned off, which blocks out dust, and accidental touches when you change lenses. When the camera is turned off, the in-camera VR lock mechanism holds the sensor securely in place. This prevents it from being damaged if the Z 8 is accidentally jolted or shaken during transportation.

External power sources to extend your hours of shooting

The dust- and drip-resistant MB-N12 Power Battery Pack increases the battery life by approx. 1.8 times compared to the included EN-EL15c batteries. The MB-N12 enables hot swapping, so you can continue shooting when one of the two batteries is removed. In addition, because the Z 8 offers two USB terminals — one for communication and the other for power charge/supply — this enables power charge/supply via a mobile battery or V-mount battery while the camera is communicating with other devices.