For the past six months I have been saving, selling stuff, and planning to upgrade the Nikon Z6.
I finally decided on the Z8 over the Z6III (although I briefly considered the Zf).
With my newly acquired knowledge of how autofocus works on the Z6, it would still be perfect for me if it were not for my recent interest in bird photography. The requirements for bird photography in the NZ bush are well beyond what the Z6 is intended for, and even though it performs very well in those conditions, I feel there are a lot of shots I miss that I wouldn’t with the latest generation of AF.
Thoughts on the new Nikon Z6III
The upshot: it was the right call.
The buts: in NZ the Z8 is about $2,500 to $3,000 more expensive, which is a ridiculous amount. I sure could use the extra $3,000. So after paying, I began to have serious doubts. I was starting to convince myself that I had made a mistake, and that I should have bought the Z6III.
When it arrived yesterday I was excited, but reserved. I set up the customisations, and took a few test shots in the living room. But I was not convinced I had made the right call.
But this morning when I started using it in the field I immediately realised that this thing is a seriously good piece of equipment.
I believe a product has triumphed in its purpose when it leaves its user elated for having used it. For periods I was close to tears. Not only was it acquiring focus so quickly, the image resolution was hard to comprehend. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing through my viewfinder when reviewing the images.
The ecstatic moments I was having with the Z8 will pass as it becomes familiar. I understand why people rave about this camera. It makes sense that everyone I’ve asked who has one has said that you will not regret buying it.