A very intriguing test performed by YouTuber Matt Irwin has put the Nikon Z8 through its paces regarding 8K recording times of compressed RAW codecs (ProRes RAW and N-RAW). The results are awe-inspiring. Check them out below.
Nikon Z8 overheating test
Someone had to check that. After numerous issues and concerns regarding the 8K RAW limitation of recording times due to overheating (related to other camera manufacturers, especially Canon), an overheating test was essential. Luckily, Matt Irwin from the YouTube channel Matt Irwin Photography has tested that (with many other things). First, let’s get straight to the results: The Nikon Z8 never overheats! The camera was tested in shooting 8K compressed raw. We focus on N-RAW and ProRes RAW. The results are striking. Explore them below. Basically, the camera was never overheated, and the recording stopped when the card was full. Check out the slides below, and the summarized table underneath, which presents the recording times:
Check out the entire video below:
Camera manufacturers have figured this out
We all remember the Canon R5’s saga. Impaired engineering caused the EOS R5 to be able to record 8K raw for a minimal time only, due to an overheated sensor. That made users improvise creative solutions to be implemented in order to allow higher recording time (copper plate, for instance). Or, other solutions made by accessories companies in order to bypass the recording time limitation caused by overheating (Tilta’s dedicated vents to cool down the camera). Finally, it was solved by Canon, and now the R5 is cable of more than 1.5 hours of 8K raw recording time. Moreover, Sony’s mirrorless flagship, the Alpha 1, faced that concern as well. Hence, kudos for Nikon to eliminate that limitation completely for the Z9, and for the Z8.
Z8 has some problems
Apart from the good news, it seems that the Z8 faces some issues. Some of them might be intentional (be explained later). There’s a recall for the Z8 models. As stated (Google translated) by Nikon Japan (hasn’t been announced by Nikon USA, yet): “Customers using the mirrorless camera Z8 have pointed out that in rare cases the lens cannot be attached because the lens cannot be rotated to the locked position. As a result of the investigation, it was found that this phenomenon may occur in “Z 8”. We have identified the product number range of the target Z8 so that we will inform you about the correspondence. Regardless of the warranty period, we will repair the affected products free of charge. We will bear the return shipping fee. If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact the service organization. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused to our customers”. Moreover, Nikon Rumors is reporting on the removed mention of Z8’s advanced features of Auto Capture from YouTube video and press release. The site assumes that that’s because the new Z8 is “too good of a camera and in a way makes the Z9 obsolete”. Well, we thought the same (read: Nikon Has Just Killed its Flagship). In an article we wrote, the Z8 was defined as a Z9 in a smaller body, and in a much more affordable price. Why users should buy the Z9, if they have all that in the Z8? It was strange that Nikon has allowed the Z8 to shoot 8K compressed raw with the same codecs as Z9. Any thoughts about this?
Final thoughts
It’s amazing how camera companies have resolved the 8K raw overheating issues. And it’s more amazing how it was implemented in the Nikon Z8. It will be interesting to test the Z9 in that regard. However, if the Z8 can record 8.3K of N-RAW for more than 90 minutes, it can be assumed that the Z9 can also do that. Anyway, regarding the removed mentions of features from the Z8 press release — Do you think it’s because of the prevention of cannibalization of the Z9?
Yes yes yes it has to be . Something has to be left out and that is definitely something important for content creators . Most content creators want small also and it would or will be great if it’s added to the Z8.
The Z9 NEEDS to be the shortest lived Flagship camera Nikon has ever produced. I actually don’t know that timeline but it needs updated by 2024 . The first few months of 2024 I think to compete with the likes of Canon and Sony . I believe especially Canon and their af and multi-pixel readout sensors. I think something bad a$$ is coming from them . Nikon is getting better in the autofocus area . They need easier implementation of af settings I think. I’ve always been a Nikon shooter. I picked up the Sony a7siii and it was super simple. I’ve now had the Nikon Z9 and it’s not intuitive like older Nikon dslrs. Things are harder to implement, settings easy to bump and change and hard to figure out fast how to get back where you were . The Sony a7siii is so simple and fast . I haven’t worked with the Canon RF cameras yet . Even though the new Canon Powershot with a apsc sensor looks appealing.
Nikon had to add raw capture to these cameras or no one would even try them that didn’t already have some strange affinity left over from the stills world 15 years ago. I’ve shot on everything under the sun but have really been looking forward to something small that can shoot pro-res raw which can be converted to cinema dng and thus graded in resolve. Canon raw and raw light suck. They either don’t capture the same giant color space and gamma that Arri raw, braw, or prores raw do or they haven’t made it easy to extract if that makes sense. Now that Reds dumb-ass patent is void we are going to see as many camera companies that can add compressed raw to their models. Nikon knew it had to get out in front of that and fought red, and won, and while other companies are still releasing new cameras, (I’m looking at you Sony with a9iii with no raw capture) or some funky homemade compressed raw I think Nikon and Next Panasonic are going aiming at folks like me that can not shoot with a solid raw codec anymore and giving us what we want. I’m buying a z8 and Nikon will get their chance at my future business while these other idiots drag their ass deciding which features to leave off which models