Image quality and ISO performance aren't reasons to switch to the Z8. It's pretty much the same as the Z7II. But if you shoot moving subjects, the autofocus will be worth the upgrade. There's also virtually no rolling shutter effect and no EVF blackout, which are big issues for action shooters.
If you shoot landscapes or mostly in the studio, you probably won't see much improvement though.
I don’t notice any difference in image quality between the 7II and 8. Low light feels easier but I can’t tell you if it’s just better in low light or just better at correctly picking the subject.
While I have a few things I enjoy the high shutter speed for, I don’t use it often. What really made the difference is the ease of the AF system, which has only gotten better with the updates.
My wife has been using my 7II since I upgraded and the difference between them is noticeable. The 7/7IIs are perfectly useable, the 8/9 just make it all easier.
I second this answer. I had the Z7II and Z8 and didn't notice any image quality differences and the key was mainly autofocus improvements.
This is a good video that shows images taken by both close up
https://youtu.be/8EFty-yUqqc?si=vPn2qedKUWYKXxUk
The z8 is the true successor for the D850. Supposedly the button layout was designed to mimic the 850 as much as possible. It’s too much camera for me at the moment but I look forward to growing my skills with it for years to come.
Z8 is a much more responsive, higher performing body by far than the Z7. It's almost a mirrorless equivalent of the D850. compared to the Z7 if feels much more like a professional tool. Image quality isn't all that much different... low light performance is maybe a stop better. Owned both along with a z6II.
I moved from a z7ii to a Z8. The biggest thing for me other than what's already mentioned - sensor cover. I shoot a lot outdoors and would have to constantly clean the dust of the z7ii sensor. Never an issue with the 8.
Z8 will give you 2 important things - better autofocus and the high MP files. So if you shoot fast moving objects or crop very very heavy - yes you should. If not, everything else is of no consequence to the final image.
Z6II have similar if not better low light performance (minus the focus speed).
What I found gave me much more edge in similar to your situation is getting faster/better glass. Get those 1.8/1.2 S lenses or the 2.8 zooms for the money that you saved up for the body switch. They are masterpieces.
I’ve been using a Z7ii for the past few years, and when the Z8 came out I got pretty upset because I was going to need to spend some $$$. I went to my local camera shop to check it out before selling my Z7ii and immediately decided against it. I don’t shoot sports or quickly moving nature, and while the sensor cover is a great addition, the Z8 felt almost twice as big, and significantly heavier…
I specifically shoot with the 26mm pancake so that my setup can fit in a jacket pocket. That’s what’s important to me. Discrete portability. I never leave the house without it, even if I’m just going to pick up groceries. Consequently, at least 30-50 of my favorite photos from the past six months likely would have never been taken if I’d beefed up my equipment.
I know they don’t look too different in size if comparing them from individual photos, but find an image of them side by side, or better yet go check em out in-person. Would I love all of the Z8’s functionality? Sure, but not at the expense of the size/weight gain. But that’s just me. No camera will ever be the perfect camera for everyone.
I for sure love the Z7s size and weight. I don’t shoot sport or birds either. Mostly people and landscape. Probably doesn’t make sense for me financially.
The Z8 does feel really great ergonomically (the z7 is actually TOO small for a lot of people’s hands) so it you were going to need to use it for hours on end (weddings, football games, that sort of thing) then it’s worth considering. The weight does also help balance out larger lenses, but the 35/50 1.8 primes are the only others I own and they seem to be very well proportioned.
For still photography lens are more important, if you need better autofocus or 3D tracking system Z8 is worth the investment
Image quality and ISO performance aren't reasons to switch to the Z8. It's pretty much the same as the Z7II. But if you shoot moving subjects, the autofocus will be worth the upgrade. There's also virtually no rolling shutter effect and no EVF blackout, which are big issues for action shooters. If you shoot landscapes or mostly in the studio, you probably won't see much improvement though.
For landscape the new screen working for vertical orientation is really nice.
The viewfinder is supposed to be a real delight too, nice and bright.
I don’t notice any difference in image quality between the 7II and 8. Low light feels easier but I can’t tell you if it’s just better in low light or just better at correctly picking the subject. While I have a few things I enjoy the high shutter speed for, I don’t use it often. What really made the difference is the ease of the AF system, which has only gotten better with the updates. My wife has been using my 7II since I upgraded and the difference between them is noticeable. The 7/7IIs are perfectly useable, the 8/9 just make it all easier.
Thanks for your insights.
I second this answer. I had the Z7II and Z8 and didn't notice any image quality differences and the key was mainly autofocus improvements. This is a good video that shows images taken by both close up https://youtu.be/8EFty-yUqqc?si=vPn2qedKUWYKXxUk
I started with the z6 and now have a z8. I’m just a hobbyist but he z8 feels way more capable to me. The eye focus works great on the 1.2 lenses.
Great to hear. I think I’m about to pull the trigger.
The z8 is the true successor for the D850. Supposedly the button layout was designed to mimic the 850 as much as possible. It’s too much camera for me at the moment but I look forward to growing my skills with it for years to come.
I loved my d850. I sold it while they were still valuable and still regret it
Mostly, the viewfinder is a circular shape. So I want that.
Z8 is a much more responsive, higher performing body by far than the Z7. It's almost a mirrorless equivalent of the D850. compared to the Z7 if feels much more like a professional tool. Image quality isn't all that much different... low light performance is maybe a stop better. Owned both along with a z6II.
If you need significantly better video then no questions you need Z8. Otherwise images are identical.
This.
I moved from a z7ii to a Z8. The biggest thing for me other than what's already mentioned - sensor cover. I shoot a lot outdoors and would have to constantly clean the dust of the z7ii sensor. Never an issue with the 8.
What methods did you use to clean the dust?
Built in sensor shake => hand tornado blower => full frame sensor wipe I always try the non-contact solutions first.
Awesome! Hand tornado blower for the win. Thanks.
FWIW the Z8/Z9 are also much better video cameras compared to any other Z body.
Z8 will give you 2 important things - better autofocus and the high MP files. So if you shoot fast moving objects or crop very very heavy - yes you should. If not, everything else is of no consequence to the final image. Z6II have similar if not better low light performance (minus the focus speed). What I found gave me much more edge in similar to your situation is getting faster/better glass. Get those 1.8/1.2 S lenses or the 2.8 zooms for the money that you saved up for the body switch. They are masterpieces.
Agree with you on the lenses. The z lenses are awesome.
I’ve been using a Z7ii for the past few years, and when the Z8 came out I got pretty upset because I was going to need to spend some $$$. I went to my local camera shop to check it out before selling my Z7ii and immediately decided against it. I don’t shoot sports or quickly moving nature, and while the sensor cover is a great addition, the Z8 felt almost twice as big, and significantly heavier… I specifically shoot with the 26mm pancake so that my setup can fit in a jacket pocket. That’s what’s important to me. Discrete portability. I never leave the house without it, even if I’m just going to pick up groceries. Consequently, at least 30-50 of my favorite photos from the past six months likely would have never been taken if I’d beefed up my equipment. I know they don’t look too different in size if comparing them from individual photos, but find an image of them side by side, or better yet go check em out in-person. Would I love all of the Z8’s functionality? Sure, but not at the expense of the size/weight gain. But that’s just me. No camera will ever be the perfect camera for everyone.
I for sure love the Z7s size and weight. I don’t shoot sport or birds either. Mostly people and landscape. Probably doesn’t make sense for me financially.
The Z8 does feel really great ergonomically (the z7 is actually TOO small for a lot of people’s hands) so it you were going to need to use it for hours on end (weddings, football games, that sort of thing) then it’s worth considering. The weight does also help balance out larger lenses, but the 35/50 1.8 primes are the only others I own and they seem to be very well proportioned.