The Nikon Z8 is a compact, lightweight camera housing much of the technology from the Z9 but in a sleeker, more portable package.  FX-format 45.7MP BSI stacked CMOS sensor offers a useful combination of resolution, fast readout speeds, impressive clarity, and minimal noise. Complementing the sensor is the EXPEED 7 processing engine, which offers speeds approximately 10x faster than a Z7 II. This engine works in conjunction with the stacked sensor design to realize impressively fast AF speeds, burst shooting rates, a high buffer capacity, fluid video performance, and quick all-around handling. Top continuous shooting speeds of 20 fps when shooting in raw, 30 fps when shooting in JPEG, 60 fps when shooting 19MP JPEGs using a DX area, and an impressive 120 fps shooting rate when recording 11MP stills, with all rates supporting full AF/AE performance. Able to buffer over 1000 raw images in a burst, meaning raw image sequences can be recorded for approximately 50 seconds continuously. When this feature is activated, burst shooting will commence when the shutter is half-pressed, and the buffer will retain up to a second's worth of frames prior to fully pressing the shutter. Electronic shutter affords a top shutter speed of 1/32,000 sec for working in the brightest conditions with wider apertures. Despite the absence of a mechanical shutter, flash sync up to 1/200 sec. is still supported as well as high speed sync functions. 

By removing the mechanical shutter, the Z8 can also operate completely silently and there is no worry over mechanical shutter wear or breakdown. A shutter release sound can be added for awareness when a photo is being taken, and the volume can be adjusted to suit different working scenarios. Fine-tune hue and brightness while shooting for more precise control while shooting. Skin softening can be used on up to three subjects in a shot and slightly blurs the skin for a more pleasing texture while still retaining essential sharpness on eyes and hair. 

In addition, Internal 12-bit raw recording at up to 8.3K 60p in the N-RAW format is supported along with internal ProRES RAW HQ. N-RAW is Nikon's own raw recording format that offers impressively small file sizes compared to other raw formats as well as the ability to create MP4 proxies for more efficient previewing or transferring. N-RAW recording is available at up to 8.3K at 60p or 24p; 4.1K at up to 120p; 5.3K at up to 60p with a 1.5x crop; and 3.8K at 120p with a 2.3x crop. Internal recording is also supported with 10-bit color and 4:2:2 sampling in the ProRes 422 HQ and H.265 codecs, and H.264 and 4:2:0 color can be used depending on workflow needs.  Additionally, HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma) can be used for creating HDR-ready content straight from the camera.

 Aiding the impressive recording specs, the Z8 also incorporates a variety of useful recording tools and functions for use in productions. Red REC frame indicator on EVF and LCD during recording to easily recognize when recording is being captured. Dedicated video info display indicates settings visible on the camera's top control panel. Focus peaking and zebra stripes are visual aids to help achieve sharp focus and accurate exposure. It has Fine ISO control in Manual mode for adjusting exposure in 1/6-stop increments. Timecode linking is possible when working with an optional timecode generator. Slow shutter speed video is supported, slower than 1/frame rate, for working in extreme low-light conditions or for creating intentionally blurred effects. Complementing the video capabilities, the Z8 also supports 24-bit linear PCM sound recording and offers compatibility with external XLR microphones via the optional Tascam CA-XLR2d-AN digital adapter. 

The Z8 hits a sweet spot in terms of size and performance. It is 30% smaller than the Z9 and 15% smaller than the D850. As Compared to the Z9, with its built-in vertical grip, the Z8 takes on a more modular design, allowing you to keep it small for day-to-day shooting or pair it with the optional MB-N12 Power Battery Pack grip for improved ergonomics when shooting vertical and better battery life. Also, the smaller, lighter design makes the Z8 an ideal candidate for rigging or use on a gimbal for video use. Dual card slots—one CFexpress Type B slot and one UHS-II SD slot—allow for flexible file saving. the Z8 manages to be both durable and lightweight, weighing just 2 lb. The Z8 is also compatible with other EN-EL15-series batteries. In-body Vibration Reduction now supports Synchro VR to achieve up to 6 stops of camera shake compensation when used with select Z lenses. Like the Z9, the Z8 incorporates a unique 3.2" 2.1m-dot four-axis tilting touchscreen LCD that better supports working from high and low angles, regardless if shooting in the horizontal or vertical orientation. 3.5mm headphone and microphone ports for attaching an external microphone and for on-board audio monitoring. Two USB-C ports: one supports file transfers and tethering and the second is dedicated to power delivery and battery charging. USB-C communication terminal supports USB-LAN connectivity when paired with an optional USB-C to Ethernet adapter. This enables a 1000BASE-T wired LAN connection for transferring files over FTP. 10-pin port offers wide accessories and remote connectivity. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (2.4 and 5 GHz) permit wireless transferring of files, remote camera control via a mobile device.  Also, the smaller, lighter design makes the Z8 an ideal candidate for rigging or use on a gimbal for video use.