Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
What Buyers Say
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
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
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
The Panasonic Lumix S1ii is widely praised for its exceptional image quality, versatile video modes including internal raw codecs, and outstanding IBIS. Users highlight the significant upgrade from previous models, though some note a complex menu system and a tendency to overheat when using CF Express Type B cards. The rolling shutter with DR boost and slight differences in color science compared to the S5ii are minor drawbacks, but overall it is considered a top hybrid camera for 2025.
Pros
- Exceptional image quality
- Versatile video modes with internal raw
- Outstanding IBIS
- Significant upgrade from S5ii
- 4-way flip screen
Cons
- Complex menu system
- Overheating with CF Express Type B
- Rolling shutter with DR boost
- S5ii cages do not fit
- Color science slightly less appealing than S5ii
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon Z Z8 | Panasonic LUMIX S S1II | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | Stacked CMOS | CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | full-frame |
| Megapixels | 45.70000076293945 MP★ | 24.100000381469727 MP |
| ISO Range | 64★ | 100 |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 | — |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | ||
| AF Type | Photo, VideoPhase Detection: 493 | Photo, VideoContrast Detection, Phase Detection: 779 |
| Eye AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Animal AF | ✓ | ✓ |
| Subject Detection | ✓ | ✓ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 30 fps | 70 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | 120 fps★ | 70 fps |
| Max Shutter | 1/32000 | 1/2000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 6K |
| 4K FPS | 120 fps | 120 fps |
| 1080p FPS | 120 fps | 240 fps★ |
| 10-bit | ✓ | ✓ |
| Log Profile | ✓ | ✓ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | N-RAW, ProRes RAW | MOV, MP4, HEVC, RAW, MPEG-4 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 3.2"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✓ | ✓ |
| EVF Resolution | 3.7M dots | 5.8M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Weight | 0.82 kg | 0.72 kg★ |
| Battery Life | 340 shots | 1150 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C | USB-C |
| HDMI | HDMI Output | HDMI Output |
| Hot Shoe | ✓ | ✓ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon Z Z8 Black 2024
- Strong video (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong social proof (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong burst (96th percentile)96th %ile
Panasonic LUMIX S S1II Black 2025
- Strong battery (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong stabilization (99th percentile)99th %ile
- Strong af (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong build (97th percentile)97th %ile
Verdict
Scores 95 overall, wins 6 of 10 usage categories and 5 of 33 specs.