Nikon Z Z8 Black 2023
Nikon
95 Overall Score
vs
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Blue 2025
Panasonic
62 Overall Score
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2023
85 out of 100 high confidence 389 reviews
The Nikon Z8 is widely praised as a powerful, versatile mirrorless camera that excels in autofocus, image quality, and build. Users upgrading from DSLRs like the D850 or D500 find the transition smooth, and many highlight its exceptional performance for wildlife, sports, and video. However, a minority report issues with battery life, occasional autofocus misses, and a steep learning curve, while a few experienced defects or poor customer service from certain retailers. Overall, the Z8 is seen as a top-tier camera that delivers on its promise, though not without minor drawbacks.
Pros
- Excellent autofocus performance
- High image quality and sharpness
- Great for wildlife and sports photography
- Smooth transition from DSLR
- Solid build and ergonomics
Cons
- Battery life could be better
- Occasional autofocus misses
- Steep learning curve for some
- No included reference guide
- Some units had defects or recalls
Autofocus performance 25
Image quality 20
Battery life 8
Build quality 15
Learning curve 6
Customer service 5
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Blue 2025
No customer feedback yet
Scores
Beginner
Video
Wedding Events
Sports Wildlife
Photography
Youtube
Product Photography
Travel
Streaming
Vlogging
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z8 | Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 24.200000762939453 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | — |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | No data | |
| AF Type | Photo, VideoPhase Detection: 493 | — |
| Eye AF | ✓★ | — |
| Animal AF | ✓★ | — |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 30 fps |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | — |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | — |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps★ | 60 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓★ | — |
| Codec | N-RAW, ProRes RAW | 4:2:0 10-bit LongGOP |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.82 kg | 0.76 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 340 shots★ | — |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | Micro-HDMI |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2023
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong burst (96th percentile)96th %ile
Panasonic LUMIX S9 S9 Blue 2025
- Strong connectivity (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong build (93rd percentile)93rd %ile
- Strong stabilization (88th percentile)88th %ile
- Strong display (87th percentile)87th %ile
- Below average social proof (27th percentile)
Verdict
Winner: Nikon Z Z8
Scores 95 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 12 of 33 specs.