Hal Discusses | Why You Want to Shoot Various Genres | Nikon Z8 | Knowledge #245

The Nikon Z8 is a mirrorless camera equipped with a 45.71-megapixel full-frame stacked CMOS sensor. It features the same image processing engine, EXPEED 7, as the Z9, achieving high-speed continuous shooting and high-precision subject detection AF. The body size is more compact than the Z9, offering performance comparable to professional models while being excellent in portability.

Nice to meet you, I'm Hal. I started photography when I replaced my car. I wanted to take 'cool and beautiful' photos of my beloved car, so I purchased the Z fc and began shooting through trial and error.

Before I knew it, I was also drawn to landscape photography and started enjoying shooting self-taught. After getting the Z6, I spent more time chasing animals and nature, such as photographing deer in Nara Park, than photographing my car.

Although I was satisfied with the Z6, I felt the limits of AF performance in animal photography when the Z8 was announced. I immediately reserved it, and from the day it arrived, my world of photography changed completely.

At first, I was confused by the number of buttons and the abundance of functions, but as I used it more, changing settings became smoother, allowing me to respond instantly to any moment. The AF's precision and speed are overwhelming, making it feel like the 'yield has more than doubled.' The Z8 is a camera that makes photography more enjoyable.

Using the Z8 makes you want to challenge new genres. With the introduction of the NIKKOR Z 180-600mm, I stepped into the world of bird photography.

Even as a beginner, the Z8's AF helped me gradually capture the expressions of birds. The 45-megapixel high-resolution sensor leaves 20 megapixels even when cropped to APS-C, making a 600mm lens feel like a 900mm. It covers both full-frame and APS-C with one camera, greatly expanding the range of photography.

What is particularly useful when shooting across genres is the setting mode registration function. By memorizing the settings for animals, landscapes, and birds, you can switch instantly with one touch.

Because I can focus on the subject, I can face more emotional expressions and moving moments.

The Z8 also has weaknesses. The AF is not perfect and can be drawn to the background. It's a bit disappointing that the Pro Capture mode is JPEG only. I wish it could be used in RAW. And above all, it's 'heavy'—I always wish it were a bit lighter for more casual use in daily life.

However, I can say 'I love this camera,' including that, because the Z8 has changed my photography experience so much. It's a camera that teaches the joy of photography across genres. Surely, I will continue to capture various scenes with the Z8.