Nikon Z8 Black 2023

A Z9 in a smaller, smarter body. The missing stabilization stings, but the speed and image quality are absolutely top-tier.

The burst shooting is just silly fast. At 120fps, it's in the absolute top tier of anything we've ever tested, and the electronic shutter has so little rolling shutter distortion you'll forget it's not mechanical. What really surprised us, though, was the autofocus. The subject detection, trained on deep learning, is sticky and reliable in a way that makes you trust the camera completely, even in light as low as -9 EV. The 8K video output is a standout, offering internal RAW recording that gives you massive flexibility in post. The lack of in-body stabilization is a real head-scratcher at this price, though, and the fixed display feels like a missed opportunity for a camera this versatile.

The Z8's most direct rival is the Sony Alpha 1. The Sony has a slight edge in resolution and a more mature lens ecosystem, but the Nikon fights back with better internal video recording options and that superior build feel. The Canon EOS R6 Mark III is a fantastic camera with better stabilization, but it can't touch the Z8's resolution or burst speed. If you're heavily invested in F-mount glass, the included FTZ II adapter makes this a no-brainer over switching systems. The Fujifilm X-T5 is a joy to use and much cheaper, but it's in a different league for speed and video work.

The value question here is tricky because the price is all over the map, from a reasonable $3,894 to an absurd $873,287. Let's be real, you're not paying the latter. At the low end of that spread, the Z8 is a steal for the performance you're getting. You're effectively buying a Z9 for thousands less. Just make sure you're buying from a legit vendor and not a price-gouging reseller. For the hybrid shooter who needs top-tier stills and video, it's worth every penny of the real-world price.

The Nikon Z8 is basically a Z9 that hit the gym and trimmed down, and it's one of the most exciting cameras we've tested. You get the same stacked 45.7MP sensor and blazing fast processor in a body that doesn't require a sherpa to carry around. The headline here is simple: flagship speed and image quality without the integrated grip, which makes it a far more practical tool for most shooters. If you need a camera that can nail 20fps raw bursts of a cheetah and then turn around and shoot 8K video of a wedding, this is it.

If you're a vlogger or a run-and-gun handheld shooter who relies on in-body stabilization, this isn't your camera. The fixed screen and lack of IBIS will drive you nuts. Go grab a Panasonic LUMIX S5 II or a Sony Alpha 1 instead. You'll be much happier.

The Nikon Z8 is the best high-resolution speed demon you can buy right now without jumping to a massive integrated-grip body. It stumbles on stabilization and the fixed screen, but the core performance is so overwhelmingly good that it's easy to recommend. If you're a sports, wildlife, or wedding photographer who also needs serious video chops, stop reading and go find one at a sane price. This is the one.