p.53 #1 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
fpoet wrote:
Did you have a chance to use the Z8 in lower lighting? If so, what are your thoughts concerning AF speed/acquisition in these conditions compared to the D850?
First for *stills* (not video): Yes, I have tested the AF decisiveness, acquisition and accuracy extensively in low light indoors and outside. It is every bit as good as my D850 and probably a bit better. However, I did not use any timer on it like Steve Perry does.
I am impressed and I believe you will be too.
Now for Video AF: This is slow. I must be doing something wrong. Trying to complete a statement on it here and now but it is taking too long.
So I will finish this post with the above and maybe try to open a discussion on Z8 VIDEO AF.
. You will be happy with the Z8's ability to AF for stills in dim light.
p.53 #2 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
ilkka_nissila wrote:
The Z8 manual notes the following cards to be compatible:
"The camera can be used with CFexpress (Type B), XQD, SD, SDHC, and SDXC memory cards.
UHS‑I and UHS‑II SD cards are supported."
I.e., all CFexpress type B cards can be used. This is followed by specific recommendations where it comes to high quality video recording modes which require certain things from the memory card above the CFexpress standard's specifications. However, Nikon hasn't tested every card on each camera. Having been tested and listed as supported on a list which includes specific makes and models means that Nikon basically guarantee it will work. These are listed here:
Just a particular card not having gone through Nikon's test procedure doesn't mean it won't work. Nikon School's Ricci Chera, however, has tested and got good results (in overheating tests) with Delkin Black cards.
With regards to what Nikon Z8 manual says about VR and tripods, in the section on Vibration Reduction of the online reference guides (of both Z8 and Z9): "[Normal] and [Sport] are also recommended if the camera is mounted on a tripod or monopod. Note, however, that [Off] may be a better choice with some tripods depending on shooting conditions. Settings may vary from lens to lens; consult the lens documentation for more information."
They do NOT say "when on a tripod to turn OFF the VR function." I did a search and didn't find any such claim in the Z8 or Z9 manuals. They recommend to use VR NORMAL or SPORT on a tripod but note that with some tripods and in some conditions (and dependent on the lens), OFF may be a better choice. ...Show more →
The one exception I can think of is the Nikon 300mm f4 PF ED lens, which had a bad reputation for image softness if used on a tripod with VR engaged. I've never encountered any other lens (from any brand) that had issues when using IS/VR on a tripod.
p.53 #6 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
The camera deliberately moves focus slowly during video recording because fast changes would seem very disturbing to the viewer. The system mimics how a focus puller would change focus in cinema.
You can change the speed of video AF. Check out custom settings g6 and g7.
bs kite wrote:
First for *stills* (not video): Yes, I have tested the AF decisiveness, acquisition and accuracy extensively in low light indoors and outside. It is every bit as good as my D850 and probably a bit better. However, I did not use any timer on it like Steve Perry does.
I am impressed and I believe you will be too.
Now for Video AF: This is slow. I must be doing something wrong. Trying to complete a statement on it here and now but it is taking too long.
So I will finish this post with the above and maybe try to open a discussion on Z8 VIDEO AF.
. You will be happy with the Z8's ability to AF for stills in dim light. ...Show more →
p.53 #7 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
Why not? There are cards with minimum write speeds that should make it possible. (Should not 1300 MB/s be enough?) Some cards spec 1600 MB/s minimum sustained write speed.
arbitrage wrote:
Thom likely missed the slowdown to ~15FPS at the ~80 shot mark.
No way any card will shoot Lossless at 20FPS for 300+.
p.53 #8 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
You are absolutely right! Thanks so much for that! I just went outside to try it and G6 did it.
Ok, I can understand what you are saying. Yes, it is most plausible that this is the reason they slow it. That slow speed is most like the speed when manually "pulling focus".
But what I still do not understand is how that will apply to an incoming loon taking off, running across the water, tangentially toward me. In addition to the articulating LCD (with full AF functionality) the second main reason I bought this pro-grade MILC camera was to execute just such a video challenge. It's looking more like it will do it!!
Scenario: If I have G6 set at top speed and the loon is running/flying *slower than that top speed I have G6 set at*, will the AF simply stay focused on the loon? It had better
ilkka_nissila wrote:
The camera deliberately moves focus slowly during video recording because fast changes would seem very disturbing to the viewer. The system mimics how a focus puller would change focus in cinema.
You can change the speed of video AF. Check out custom settings g6 and g7.
p.53 #9 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
fpoet wrote:
Did you have a chance to use the Z8 in lower lighting? If so, what are your thoughts concerning AF speed/acquisition in these conditions compared to the D850?
Today I took the Z8 (and a few telephotos) to a fisherman's co-op in hopes of testing its AF abilities in video mode. I went there because this place has lots of pigeons and gulls.
Currently I have this Z8 set to focus with the shutter release button and I believe on AF wide L (large).
I was blown away by what happened. Wow! The Z8/500PF combo was blistering fast. And no blackout! My D850 cannot do nearly as well AFing on these pigeons. The lighting very bright but hard (not low enough so not ideal). I will soon post some action images done with the Z8, but not today. I think this Z8/500PF nailed focus on every single image. And is was so fast and lightweight.
Just based on the AF ablities of this Z8 and 500PF I am sold on this pro-grade MILC and I will probably not swap out the Z8 for the Z9. But no final decision on that yet.
Please see the solution that ilkka_nissila gave to me regarding AF while in video mode. That makes the camera even more exciting!
p.53 #10 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
ilkka_nissila wrote:
The camera deliberately moves focus slowly during video recording because fast changes would seem very disturbing to the viewer. The system mimics how a focus puller would change focus in cinema.
You can change the speed of video AF. Check out custom settings g6 and g7.
To further test the Z8's video AF, I am going to the same place late today when the sun is low.
p.53 #11 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
ilkka_nissila wrote:
The camera deliberately moves focus slowly during video recording because fast changes would seem very disturbing to the viewer. The system mimics how a focus puller would change focus in cinema.
You can change the speed of video AF. Check out custom settings g6 and g7.
Thank you for sharing.
bs kite wrote:
So I will finish this post with the above and maybe try to open a discussion on Z8 VIDEO AF.
Even though video is not my forte, I would be interested in a dedicated Video thread to learn a little more.
p.53 #19 · Nikon unveils the highly anticipated Z8 camera!
I just want to emphasize that the EN-EL15 cannot be used in the Z8. Only EN-EL15c (preferred), EN-EL15b, and EN-EL15a can be used. Probably you meant the current version of the battery (:-)) (the c type) but it's important for readers to be aware that the original EN-EL15 is incompatible.
bs kite wrote:
What do you use to carry several EN-EL 15 batteries into the field?
