A live histogram that updates in real-time can be a really useful tool when shooting with a mirrorless camera. Electronic viewfinders and back screen monitors are improving, but they can still be too bright, too harsh, have a white balance that is too cool, or just not give an accurate representation of exposure.
In other words, they’re not always great for judging exposure. A histogram takes the subjectiveness out of it–you can see the exposure right there on the graph.
The Nikon Z8 does have a live view histogram that can display through the viewfinder or on the live view back screen. But turning it on isn’t as intuitive as it could be. You won’t find the word “histogram” anywhere in the menu screens.
The histogram isn’t enabled on the Z8 by default. It’s one of those settings, like turning on the framing grid, that is somewhat buried deep in the menu system, and even then isn’t all that clear.
Histogram for Shooting Photos
I’ll start with enabling the histogram when shooting photos. The display when shooting videos is handled separately (more info below).
The gist is that you need to enable the histogram in the display presets. And you do those individually for the viewfinder display and the back screen (or monitor) display.
You can find this setting under:
Custom Settings Menu > d Shooting/display > d18 Custom viewfinder shooting displayor
Custom Settings Menu > d Shooting/display > d17 Custom monitor shooting display
When you go into that, you’ll see a screen where you can select which display presets are active when you scroll them using the camera’s DISP button. Click on the OK button to check or uncheck each preset. Unchecked presets won’t be shown when you cycle through the displays on the back screen or viewfinder.
But what’s not immediately apparent is that you can edit each of these. Press the right button (the right side of the main control wheel on the back of the camera, just next to the OK button). Then you’ll see another panel that shows the individual display items that are active for that display preset.
You’ll notice that the grid is not selected by default. So go down to that and check the box. That will make it show up in the mockup.
Then hit the menu button to save and back out of that menu item.
This only enables it in that specific display preset. If you want it enabled in others, you’ll have to do it for each one.
Brightness Information Display for Shooting Video
When shooting video, there are actually two ways to represent brightness information. The first is a traditional histogram, which is the default option. But there’s also a wave-form monitor, and you can choose whether it displays small or larger.
It’s a two-step process to enable this.
Step 1: Select Brightness Information Display
The first step is to choose what kind of brightness information display you want to use. The options are a histogram (default) or a waveform monitor. The waveform monitor is available in two sizes, standard and large.
Whatever you have this set to is reflected when the enable the brightness information in the display presets below.
You can find that setting under:
Custom Settings Menu > g Video > g15 Brightness information display
Step 2: Enable the Brightness Information Display
The next step is to enable the grid display on the display preset you’re using. You can do it separately for the viewfinder and the back screen. I’m doing it for the viewfinder here, but the process is the same for the back display (or monitor, as it’s called in the menu system).
You can find this setting under:
Custom Settings Menu > g Video > g17 Custom viewfinder shooting displayor
Custom Settings Menu > g Video > g16 Custom monitor shooting display
When you go into that, you’ll see a screen where you can select which display presets are active when you scroll them using the camera’s DISP button. Click on the OK button to check or uncheck each preset. Unchecked presets won’t be shown when you cycle through the displays on the back screen or viewfinder.
But what’s not immediately apparent is that you can edit each of these. Press the right button (the right side of the main control wheel on the back of the camera, just next to the OK button). Then you’ll see another panel that shows the individual display items that are active for that display preset.
Nikon Z8 Manual & Firmware Updates
- You can find the Nikon Z8 manual here [PDF]. There’s also an online reference guide.
- You can find the latest Nikon Z8 firmware and related software updates here. Nikon released an updated version (C:Ver.1.01) on August 23, 2023.
Nikon Z8 Price & Availability
The Nikon Z8 was released in May 2023. For good reason, it has been highly sought after, so it might be worth getting on a waitlist sooner rather than later.
The Z8 It packs many of the features of the flagship Z9 into a smaller form factor and is touted by Nikon as the true successor to the Nikon D850 DSLR (and also as “the ultimate hybrid camera”).
It’s sold in various configurations, including:
- Body only (MSRP $3999)
- With 24-120mm ƒ/4 zoom lens (MSRP $5099)
Check the current availability and price at:
- 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
- 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
- Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
- Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
- 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
- with NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 S Zoom Lens
- 45.7MP FX-Format Stacked CMOS Sensor
- 8.3K 60p N-RAW, 4.1K 60p ProRes RAW
- Lightweight Design, 30% Smaller than Z9
- Up to 20 fps Raw, 30 fps JPEG Shooting
- 493-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
Essential Accessories for the Nikon Z8
Some accessories are optional, but these are pretty much essential. And they don’t come with the camera as standard.
FTZ II Lens Mount Adapter
If you’re upgrading from a Nikon DSLR and have F-mount lenses you want to use on the Z8, don’t forget to pick up an FTZ II lens mount adapter. This lets you use Nikon / NIKKOR F-mount lenses on Nikon Z mirrorless camera bodies while retaining autofocus, stabilization, and other features. And because there’s no glass, there’s no impact on image quality or light loss.
Memory Cards for the Nikon Z8
The Nikon Z8 has two memory card slots. One takes CFexpress Type B or XQD memory cards. The other takes SD cards. I’ve put together a more detailed post on Nikon Z8 memory card recommendations, but here are some quick recommendations.
Slot 1: CFexpress Type B
- ProGrade Digital Cobalt CFexpress Type B
- SanDisk Extreme Pro (SDCFE) CFexpress Type B
- Lexar Professional GOLD Series CFexpress Type B
- Nikon MC-CF660G CFexpress Type B
- Type: CFexpress Type B
- Write Speed: 1200 MB/s
- Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
- Type: CFexpress Type B
- Write Speed: 1500 MB/s
- Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
- Type: CFexpress Type B
- Write Speed: 1500 MB/s
- Read Speed: 1750 MB/s
- Type: CFexpress Type B
- Write Speed: 1500 MB/s
- Read Speed: 1700 MB/s
Slot 2: SDXC UHS-II V90
- ProGrade Digital V90 UHS-II SDXC
- SanDisk Extreme Pro V90 UHS-II SDXC
- Lexar Professional 2000x Gold V90 UHS-II SDXC
- Type: SDXC UHS-II V90
- Write Speed: Up to 250 MB/s
- Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
- Type: SDXC UHS-II V90
- Write Speed: Up to 260 MB/s
- Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
- Type: SDXC UHS-II V90
- Read Speed: Up to 300 MB/s
Related Posts
Images and product information from Amazon PA-API were last updated on 2023-09-27 at 13:44. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon Site at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
