Nikon Z 8 camera arrives with 46MP sensor, 8K60 video

The much-anticipated Nikon Z 8 mirrorless camera is now official, marrying professional features with a compact and portable body.

The Z 8 joins Nikon's growing mirrorless lineup, slotting between the Z 7II and the top-of-the-line Z9. Designed as a true successor to the ever-popular D850, the Z 8 is a true hybrid shooter.

It packs a full-frame FX-format 45.7MP stacked sensor that is powered by Nikon's EXPEED 7 processor that yields a scan rate fast enough to ditch the mechanical shutter. This is the same sensor found in the Z 9.

Other borrowed features include 12-bit RAW video capture at up to 8K (60FPS), a powerful auto-focus system, and a blackout-free electronic viewfinder (EVF). The camera is simultaneously 30 percent smaller than the Z 9.

"We continue to rapidly expand the entire mirrorless ecosystem to support users, and with every Z series camera added to the line, the advantages of the next-generation Z mount become clearly apparent," said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. "As Nikon continues to roll out more Z series cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, we push forward and continue to break new ground in optical and technological innovation."

The new Nikon Z 8

On the video front, it can capture 8K video at 60 frames per second, 4K video at 120 frames per second, and other resolutions and frame rates. When capturing, it can record up to 125 minutes in 4K and approximately up to 90 minutes in 8K.

Nikon has included several useful ports including dual USB-C ports — one for data, one for charging — and a full-size HDMI. It has dual card readers, one a CFExpress Type-B bolstered by an SD card slot for redundancy.

The body is fully sealed to withstand the elements, remaining operational at -10C. It keeps the weight down by utilizing a new carbon fiber composite and magnesium alloy body.

Nikon Z 8 design

New features of the Z 8 include a Portrait Impression Balance function, skin softening for portraits, and HEIF support. The Z 8's wide-ranging capabilities cater to professionals, videographers, and advanced creators.

The Nikon Z 8 will be available to order on May 25 for $3,999.95. A companion battery grip (MB-N12) will be available in May for $349.95.