Nikon Z 8 Announced – More Compact but just as Powerful as Nikon Z 9

May 10^th, 2023

Nikon Z 8 Announced - More Compact but just as Powerful as Nikon Z 9

by Florian MilzMay 10^th, 2023

After the very popular Nikon Z 9, the company just announced the Nikon Z 8. This lighter model still features all the powerful features of the Z 9 but in a much more compact body. Let’s look at what’s new, what hasn’t changed, and when you can get your hands on it.

Nikon got a lot of attention from the video camera market with the Nikon Z 9, which has internal 8K RAW video recording, 4K 120p, internal ProRes, and more. CineD even crowned it as the best mirrorless camera of the year 2021. We covered this camera extensively in our Video Review, Lab Test, and you can find all the data in the Camera Database.

Nikon Z 8 and Z 9 size comparison — Nikon Z 9 next to the new Z 8. Image credit: CineD

Users have since been asking for a lot of the functionality of the Nikon Z 9 but in a more compact form factor. Nikon replied with the new Nikon Z 8.

The Z 8 features the exact same features as the Z 9, but inside of a smaller camera body. The grip has been removed and everything is now housed in this new compact housing. The camera is 30% lighter than its predecessor and only weighs 910 g (32.1 ounces).

New features

Unlike the Nikon Z 9, the Z 8 features one CFexpress Type B and one SD card slot.

Nikon Z 8 connectors — New connector layout on Nikon Z 8. Image credit: CineD

There are now two USB-C ports on the camera, one for communication and one dedicated to charging.

You still have the ability to record 8K internal RAW, 4K 120fps, internal ProRes and much more, just like the Z 9. You can record up to 90 minutes in 8K 60p internally.

A Nikon Z 8 review will follow later this month

Price and availability

The camera will be available at the end of May 2023 for $3,996.95.

Also available is the optional grip MB-N12 which enables longer battery runtime, which you can get for $346,95.

You can find more information on Nikon’s website.

Are you planning on buying the new Nikon Z 8? Are you one of the Z 9 users, who wished for a more compact version? Does the Z 8 make you consider switching camera systems? Let us know what you think in the comments.