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Nikon Z8 CSC Camera Body Only

45.7 Megapixel Stacked CMOS Sensor

The Nikon Z 8 features the same stacked CMOS sensor with 45.7 effective megapixels as the Z 9, making it the world's fastest* scanning speed mirrorless camera. This allows for minimised rolling-shutter distortion, as well as eliminating the need for a mechanical shutter.

Exquisite Image-processing - Expeed 7 Processor

The Z 8 is equipped with Nikon's most advanced image-processing engine, EXPEED 7. It processes a vast amount of data and enables next-generation features like the Real-Live Viewfinder, powerful AF, 120fps Pre-Release Capture, High-Efficiency RAW, in-camera 8.3K/60p N-RAW, 4K UHD/120p, and more.

Groundbreaking Subject Detection and AF Performance - Even Better Than Before

The powerful AF algorithm automatically detects and tracks nine subject types - people (eye, face, head, upper body), dogs, cats, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, trains, and planes. The detection performance in dimly lit situations, such as indoors and at sunsets, has also been enhanced. Together with fast AF calculation and constant, rapid communication between the camera body and the NIKKOR Z lenses, the Z 8 offers high AF performance in a variety of shooting scenes.

The powerful EXPEED 7 engine allows the Z 8 to detect faces even as small as 3% of the frame's long edge. This is very useful for wedding scenes when you want to shoot the couple in an expansive landscape and keep them in sharp focus. The function also allows videographers to capture a person approaching from a distance, keeping the AF on them as they run toward the camera from a starting point.

*As of May 10, 2023, among mirrorless cameras, based on Nikon research.

Dual Card Slots Give You The Options To Suit Your Needs

The Z 8 has two card slots, which give you a choice according to your shooting needs. One slot takes industry-leading CFexpress Type B cards, excellent for fast reading/writing of heavy stills or video data. This slot also accepts XQD memory cards. The second slot takes the more widely available SD (UHS-II) cards, which have a great balance of writing speed and cost.

Extended Recording Up To 125 Min. In 4k UHD/60p*1 And Up To 90 Min. In 8K UHD/30p*2

The Z 8 enables extended recording up to 125 min. in 4K UHD/60p and up to 90 min. in 8K UHD/30p without overheating. With its smaller and lighter body than the Z 9, it is suitable for demanding all-day weddings and long, fly-on-the-wall documentaries.

*1H.265 8-bit (MOV), [Extended oversampling]: [OFF], [Auto temperature cutout]: [Standard], at 25°C/77°F, using a Nikon MC-CF660G memory card and an external power source.

*2H.265 8-bit (MOV), [Auto temperature cutout]: [High], at 25°C/77°F, using a Nikon MC-CF660G memory card and an external power source.

Rich Tones With Increased Luminance Captured In HEIF, Both For Stills And Time-Lapse Videos

Landscape/cityscape photographers can now take full advantage of capturing the rich tones of sunset and high luminance of city illumination by shooting in HEIF (High-Efficiency Image File). The HEIF format can retain rich tonal gradation with HLG gamma in 10-bit. You can also get an idea of how the HEIF images that you shoot will look on an HDR (HLG)-compatible monitor with the Z 8's 3000cd/m2 compatible EVF and 900cd/m2 high-luminance image monitor on location. It is also possible to create 8K UHD HLG time-lapse videos in-camera. You can enjoy viewing the HEIF images and footage by connecting the Z 8 to an HDR (HLG)-compatible monitor or television via an HDMI 2.1 cable.

12-Bit Or 10-Bit Professional-Level Video Options - All In-Camera

Whatever you are shooting, you can achieve maximum creative potential with high-quality grading possibilities. The Z 8 records pristine 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ, Nikon's proprietary N-RAW video, or 10-bit ProRes 422 HQ internally - no external device is required. Full HD proxy files are simultaneously created in-camera when shooting in ProRes RAW and N-RAW, making editing the footage smoother. Furthermore, you can shoot in N-Log for any of the 12-bit and 10-bit in-camera codecs to get more control over the look of your final footage.

12-Bit N-RAW For 8.3K 60p Streamlines High-End Video Production

Nikon's groundbreaking N-RAW* video format packs all the depth and detail of 12-bit RAW into a file that is half the size of ProRes RAW HQ files. You can work with 8.3K/60p, 5.4K/60p (DX format), 4.1K/120p, or 4K UHD/120p (2.3x crop) footage in compatible editing software to create 8K or 4K video outputs in both DCI and UHD formats. Furthermore, 8K footage gives you the freedom to crop, zoom, and track in the post while still being able to output your finished video in 4K.

* Compatible with Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve ver.17.4.6 or later and Grass Valley EDIUS X ver.10.32 or later.

12-Bit ProRes RAW HQ Optimises Editing Workflow

The Z 8 lets you record 4.1K/60p in 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ, also in-camera. ProRes RAW HQ is a go-to codec for professionals, so it's practical to use when you are editing videos with footage taken by multiple different cameras and recorders which support the format. You can take advantage of the flexibility in post, including for green-screen chroma key compositing and other digital effects.

ProRes 422 HQ and H.265 Available in 10-bit

The Z 8 lets you shoot in 10-bit video files that pack rich depth and detail but are easy to grade and edit on your laptop on the go. ProRes 422 HQ, regarded as an industry standard, is a video format that is compatible with a wide variety of editing software. You can shoot up to 4K UHD/60p and Full HD/120p in 4:2:2 colour sampling with ALL-I intraframe compression to achieve high image quality. You also have the option to shoot in H.265, which supports up to 4K UHD/120p without cropping.

More Control Over Your Look with N-Log*1

You can select the tone mode when recording video from SDR, N-Log, and HLG. Nikon's original N-Log utilises extensive colour depth and 12-stop 1,300% dynamic range to record rich tones in both the highlights and shadows. You can also take advantage of Nikon's 3D LUT*2 to help speed up your grading in post.

*1 N-Log is not supported in 8-bit.

*2 Can be downloaded from the Nikon website

High-definition 4K UHD/60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p Oversampled From 8K

Sharpness matters, especially on larger monitors. With the Z 8, you can record high-definition 4K UHD/60p, 50p*1 30p, 25p, and 24p oversampled*2 from 8K in 10-bit and 8-bit. Combining this with high-resolution NIKKOR Z lenses creates overwhelmingly immersive 4K videos.

*1 Oversampling expansion is available when the FX-based video format is selected.

*2 For 60p and 50p, [ON] must be selected for [Extended oversampling].

Crystal Clear 24-bit/48 kHz Linear PCM Audio Recording

The Z 8 lets you record high-quality audio in 24-bit/48 kHz linear PCM* when shooting video. With uncompressed linear audio, you can record sound clearly with a wider dynamic range.

*H.264 only supports 16-bit AAC 48kHz

Zoom In On Your Subjects Even When Using Prime Lenses - Hi-Res Zoom*

With the Z 8's Hi-Res Zoom, you can enjoy an extra reach of up to 2x zoom during 4K UHD and Full HD video recording with the touch of a button, even when using prime lenses. Unlike an ordinary digital zoom, it preserves high resolution when zooming in, as it utilises up to 8K resolution in real-time. You can also select a zooming speed from three options.

* Available in 10-bit ProRes 422 HQ or H.265 4K UHD/30p/25p/24p, and 8-bit H.265/H.264 Full HD with FX format in all frame rates. AF-area mode is fixed at wide-area AF (L), and the focus point will not be indicated.

A Truly Blackout-Free EVF: Real-Live Viewfinder

A constant, seamless connection to your subject through the viewfinder is key to capturing decisive moments you would otherwise have missed. The Z 8's Real-Live Viewfinder prevents blackout or repeats of certain frames, even during intermittent continuous shooting, ensuring you see every single moment. A 120-fps refresh rate can be selected when you want to follow fast-moving subjects even more smoothly.

The Sheer Joy Of Agile Operation

The Z 8 is designed to let you go further and faster with your creativity. With the first-rate performance and functionality of the Z 9 condensed into a well-balanced, compact body, this is an agile camera allowing for a more flexible shooting experience and more space in your camera bag. With less weight yet assuring durability, you can tackle even the toughest mountain climbs, lengthy bird shoots, or demanding all-day weddings. The sturdy grip and the robust, well-balanced body are engineered to be comfortable in your hands with a wide range of NIKKOR Z lenses, from ultrawide-angle to super-telephoto, making the camera more stable in various different still and video shooting conditions.

The 4-Axis Tilting Monitor Expands Flexibility, In-Camera Angles

The Z 8's 4-axis horizontally and vertically tilting image monitor gives you the confidence to shoot from more perspectives that would be otherwise difficult, letting you try new, creative camera angles intuitively - whether it's still or video shooting.

Stable Handheld Shooting With VR Functions

The compact yet well-balanced body of the Z 8 gives you the confidence and freedom to shoot video, as well as stills, handheld. It supports not only in-camera VR but also Synchro VR, a function in which in-camera VR and the VR of compatible NIKKOR Z lenses*1 work together to enhance the stabilisation, giving you a VR effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 6.0 stops*2 faster. In addition, you can apply the powerful electronic VR*3 to facilitate recording while walking. It also helps correct trapezoid distortion, something usually common with wide-angle lenses.

*1 As of May 10, 2023, the following lenses are compatible with Synchro VR: NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S, NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S, NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S, NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S, NIKKOR Z 600mm f/4 TC VR S, NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S, and NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8 VR S.

*2 Based on CIPA Standards. When using the telephoto end of the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S with NORMAL mode

*3 With electronic VR, the angle of view becomes equivalent to 1.25x the focal length of the lens in use. Not compatible with 120p/100p, 8K UHD, or RAW.

Capture Moments You Couldn't Before - Pre-Release Capture

A perching kingfisher suddenly takes flight - some action happens too quickly to react in time. The Z 8's Pre-Release Capture lets you nail such a fleeting millisecond that you would have missed before. Simply hold the shutter-release button half down to start buffering, and the camera captures images up to 1 second before - as well as up to 4 seconds after - the button is fully pressed. At 60 fps (C60), the image area is in DX format, which brings your subject larger into the frame with a 1.5x crop factor. In combination with the Z 8's powerful AF performance, Pre-Release Capture* helps turn fast-moving instants into stunning tack-sharp images.

* JPEG normal image quality only; selectable between 30 fps, 60 fps, and 120 fps. At 60 fps, the image area becomes approx. 19 megapixels only in DX format; at 120fps, approx. 11 megapixels only in FX format. Use of a recommended card is advised.

A Robust Body That Can Withstand Sub-Zero Conditions - Shoot In More Locations

The Z 8 allows you to shoot in more locations. Its body and the EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries are designed to work in freezing conditions down to -10°C/14°F. The front cover of the Z 8's body is made from magnesium alloy to ensure mount rigidity when using super-telephoto lenses, to secure the image sensor with high precision, and to ensure heat dissipation. The back and top covers are made of a Sereebo® P series material, a new material from Teijin, a world-renowned Japanese material manufacturer. By using the lightweight Sereebo® P series material, the Z 8 realises as strong a body as with magnesium alloy, providing high impact resistance for the entire camera. With its excellent dust- and drip-resistant performance achieved with thorough sealing applied across the entire system, including lenses, the Z 8 can withstand a wide range of extreme conditions.

Multiple Sensor Protection Measures From Dust And Accidental Shock

The Z 8 features thorough sensor protection to minimise the risk of foreign matter collecting on the image sensor. The camera incorporates the same cutting-edge double-coating process as the Z 9 on the optical filter in front of its image sensor. The first layer is an electro-conductive coating that repels dust, and the second is a fluorine coating that makes it easy to wipe off more stubborn dust. Furthermore, the camera is equipped with a sensor shield that is closed when the camera is turned off, which blocks out dust, and accidental touches when you change lenses. When the camera is turned off, the in-camera VR lock mechanism holds the sensor securely in place. This prevents it from being damaged if the Z 8 is accidentally jolted or shaken during transportation.

External Power Sources To Extend Your Hours Of Shooting

The dust- and drip-resistant MB-N12 Power Battery Pack increases the battery life by approx. 1.8 times compared to the included EN-EL15c batteries. The MB-N12 enables hot swapping, so you can continue shooting when one of the two batteries is removed. In addition, because the Z 8 offers two USB terminals - one for communication and the other for power charge/supply - this enables power charge/supply via a mobile battery or V-mount battery while the camera is communicating with other devices.

Nikon MB-N112 Power Battery Pack for Nikon Z8

Extended Battery Life for Nikon Z 8

The MB-N12 is an optional power battery pack for the Nikon Z 8, providing an extended battery life of approximately 1.8x when used with Nikon EN-EL15C series batteries. This enhances vertical shooting operation, giving you more time to capture the perfect shot.

Concentrating on vertical shooting becomes effortless with the easy-to-hold grip and relies on the excellent drip and dust resistance that enables operation in temperatures as low as -10°C/14°F.

The MB-N12 also supports hot swapping, in which the power supply continues uninterrupted even when one of the two batteries is removed, as long as the other still has a remaining charge. In addition, it allows the batteries to be charged inside even when not attached to the camera body. All of these features are ideal for extended recording, such as when shooting weddings or time-lapse videos of landscapes.

*Requires additional EN-EL15C Battery

EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion Battery

The Nikon EN-EL15c rechargeable Li-ion rechargeable battery is designed to work with the Nikon Z series of cameras. It has a high capacity charge for long use. It can be used as a substitute for previous gen batteries.

This battery can be charged in the camera and via external chargers.

Type of Camera Digital Camera with Support for Interchangeable Lenses
Lens mount Nikon Z mount
Compatible lenses Z mount NIKKOR lenses 
  F mount NIKKOR lenses (mount adapter required; restrictions may apply)
Effective pixels 45.7 million
Image sensor 35.9 × 23.9 mm CMOS sensor (full-frame/FX-format)
Total pixels 52.37 million
File format NEF (RAW): 14 bit with lossless compression, high efficiency or high efficiency 
  JPEG (JPEG-Baseline compliant) or HEIF: fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16) compression; size-priority and optimal-quality compression available 
  NEF (RAW)+JPEG or NEF (RAW)+HEIF: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG or HEIF formats
Picture Control System Auto, Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape, Flat, 20 Creative Picture Controls; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls; Standard, Monochrome, and Flat are available for HLG tone mode during still photography
Storage media CFexpress (Type B), XQD, SD (Secure Digital), and UHS-II compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards
Dual card slots Either card can be used for overflow or backup storage, for separate storage of NEF (RAW) and JPEG or HEIF pictures, or for storage of duplicate JPEG or HEIF pictures at different sizes and image qualities; pictures can be copied between cards
Viewfinder 1.27-cm/0.5-in. approx. 3690k-dot (Quad VGA) OLED electronic viewfinder with colour balance, auto and 18-level manual brightness controls, and support for high frame rates
Viewfinder frame coverage Approx. 100% horizontal and 100% vertical
Viewfinder magnification Approx. 0.8× (50 mm lens at infinity, −1.0 m−1)
Monitor 8-cm, approx. 2100k-dot vertically and horizontally tilting TFT touch-sensitive LCD with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and colour balance and 15-level manual brightness controls
Shutter type Electronic shutter with shutter sound and sensor shield
Shutter speed 1/32000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3, 1/2 and 1 EV, extendable to 900 s in mode M, bulb, time
Release modes Single frame, continuous L, continuous H, High-Speed Frame Capture+ with Pre-Release Capture, self-timer
Approximate frame  Continuous L: 1 to 10 fps 
Advance Rate Continuous H: 10 to 20 fps 
  High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C30): 30 fps 
  High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C60): 60 fps 
  High-Speed Frame Capture+ (C120): 120 fps 
Exposure metering system TTL metering using a camera image sensor
Exposure metering modes Matrix metering 
  Centre-weighted metering: Weight of 75% given to 12- or 8-mm circle in center of frame or weighting can be based on average of entire frame 
  Spot metering: Meters circle with a diameter of approx. 4-mm centered on selected focus point 
  Highlight-weighted metering
Metering range (ISO 100, f/2.0 lens,  20°C/68°F) -3 to +17 EV 
ISO sensitivity ISO 64 to 25600 in steps of 1/3 or 1 EV; can also be set to
(Recommended Exposure Index) approx. 0.3, 0.7 or 1 EV (ISO 32 equi valent) below ISO 64 or to approx. 0.3, 0.7, 1 or 2 EV (ISO 102400 equivalent) above ISO 25600; auto ISO sensitivity control available; ISO 400 to 25600 for HLG tone mode
Active D-Lighting Can be selected from auto, extra high 2, extra high 1, high, normal, low, or off
Autofocus type Hybrid phase-detection/contrast AF with AF assist
AF detection range (in photo mode, AF-S, ISO 100, f/1.2 lens, 20°C/68°F) -7 to +19 EV (-9 to +19 EV with starlight view)
Focus points (in photo mode, FX-format, single-point AF)  493 points
AF-area modes Pinpoint AF, single-point AF, dynamic-area AF (S, M and L), wide-area AF (S, L, C1 and C2), auto-area AF, 3D-tracking and subject-tracking AF (available in video mode only); Pinpoint AF, dynamic-area AF and 3D-tracking are available in photo mode only
Camera on-board VR 5-axis image sensor shift
Lens on-board VR Lens shift (available with VR lenses)
Flash control TTL: i-TTL flash control; i-TTL balanced fill-flash is used with matrix, center-weighted, and highlight-weighted metering, standard i-TTL fill-flash with spot metering
Flash modes Front-curtain sync, slow sync, rear-curtain sync, red-eye reduction, red-eye reduction with slow sync, off
Nikon Creative  i-TTL flash control, radio-controlled Advanced Wireless 
Lighting System (CLS) Lighting, optical Advanced Wireless Lighting, modeling illumination, FV lock, colour information communication, auto FP high-speed sync, unified flash control
White balance Auto (3 types), natural light auto, direct sunlight, cloudy, shade, incandescent, fluorescent (3 types), flash, choose colour temperature (2500 to 10000 K), preset manual (up to 6 values can be stored), all with fine-tuning
Bracketing types Exposure and/or flash, white balance, and ADL
Video metering modes Matrix, center-weighted or highlight-weighted
Frame size (pixels) and frame rate 7680 × 4320 (8K UHD); 30p (progressive), 25p, 24p 
  1920 × 1080; 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
Frame size (pixels) and  8256 × 4644; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
frame rate (RAW video)  5392 × 3032; 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p 
  4128 × 2322; 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p 
  3840 × 2160; 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p 
File format NEV, MOV, MP4
Video compression N-RAW (12 bit), Apple ProRes RAW HQ (12 bit), Apple ProRes 422 HQ  (10 bit), H.265/HEVC (8/10 bit), H.264/AVC (8 bit) 
Audio recording format Linear PCM (48 KHz, 24 bit, for videos recorded in NEV or MOV format) or AAC (48 KHz, 16 bit, for videos recorded in MP4 format)
Audio recording device Built-in stereo or external microphone with attenuator option; sensitivity adjustable
Video exposure compensation -3 to +3 EV in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Video ISO sensitivity M mode: ISO 64 to 25600 in steps of 1/6, 1/3 or 1 EV;  
(Recommended with additional options available equivalent to approx.
Exposure Index)  0.3, 0.7, 1 or 2 EV (ISO 102400 equivalent) above ISO 25600; auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 64 to Hi 2.0) available with selectable upper limit 
  P, S or A mode: Auto ISO sensitivity control (ISO 64 to Hi 2.0) with selectable upper limit; ISO 400 to 25600 for HLG tone mode
Other video options Time-lapse video recording, electronic vibration reduction, time codes, N-Log and HDR (HLG) video, wave-form display, red REC frame indicator, video recording display zoom (50%, 100%, and 200%), extended shutter speeds (M mode), and dual-format (proxy video) recording for RAW video; extended oversampling available; option to view video recording info available via i menu; Hi-Res Zoom
USB Type-C USB connectors 
  USB data connector (SuperSpeed USB) ×1 
  USB Power Delivery connector ×1
HDMI output Type-A HDMI connector
Audio input Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter; plug-in power supported)
Audio output Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter)
Ten-pin remote terminal Built-in; can be used with MC-30A/MC-36A remote cords and other optional accessories
Wi-Fi Available
Bluetooth Available
Battery One EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion Battery; EN-EL15b and EN-EL15a batteries can be used in place of the EN-EL15c; Note that fewer pictures can be taken on a single charge than with the EN-EL15c and that EH-7P Charging AC Adapter and EH-8P AC Adapter can be used to charge EN-EL15c and EN-EL15b batteries only
Battery pack MB-N12 Power Battery Pack (available separately) taking two EN-EL15c batteries; EN-EL15b and EN-EL15a batteries can be used in place of the EN-EL15c 
AC adapter EH-7P Charging AC Adapter
(available separately) EH-8P AC Adapter; requires UC-E25 USB Cable  
  EH-5d, EH-5c, and EH-5b AC Adapters; requires EP-5B Power Connector
Tripod socket 0.635 cm; ISO 1222
Dimensions (W × H × D) Approx. 14.4 × 11.85 × 8.3 cm
Weight Approx. 0.910 kg with battery and memory card but without body cap and accessory shoe cover; approx. 0.820 kg (camera body only)
Operating environment Temperature: -10 to 40°C/+14 to 104°F; Humidity: 85% or less (no condensation)
Supplied accessories BF-N1 Body Cap, EN-EL15c Rechargeable Li-ion Battery


* Specifications subject to change by the manufacturer without notice

  • Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera Body
  • Nikon EN-EL15c Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery
  • Nikon MH-25a Battery Charger
  • Nikon UC-E24 USB Cable
  • HDMI/USB Cable Clip
  • Nikon BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cap
  • Nikon AN-DC26 Camera Strap
  • Nikon BF-N1 Body Cap
  • Nikon DK-33 Rubber Eyecup
  • Nikon MB-N12 Power Battery Pack
  • Additional Nikon EN-EL15c Battery

Reviews

* Dispatch timeframes are indications only and may vary for multiple quantities. Timeframes are updated regularly during normal business hours.