The Nikon Z8 has a number of options you can select from in choosing the photo output from the camera. You can choose the type of image file, the size, the crop, and the amount of compression.
These settings are likely among the first that you’ll want to set up on your new Z8. So here’s a rundown of the options, in plain English.
I’m focusing here on still images. But, of course, the Z8 also has very impressive video capabilities. I’ll cover video formats in a separate post.
Image File Formats & Quality Settings on the Nikon Z8
Image File Formats on the Nikon Z8
Two of these will be very familiar. The third might be new to you unless you’ve used a very recent generation of cameras.
RAW / .NEF
The Nikon Z8 saves 14-bit RAW files. They have the file extension .NEF, which has long been the standard for Nikon’s RAW files.
You can choose a level of compression, from lossless or two variations of high-efficiency compression. For High-efficiency compression, the version with the star uses less compression than the non-star version. So the file sizes are larger, but the image quality is closer to Lossless. Or, as Nikon puts it:
High efficiency produces pictures that compare favorably in quality to those produced by Lossless compression and are higher in quality than those produced by High efficiency.
You can find the option to change the RAW compression under:
Photo Shooting Menu (camera icon) > RAW recording
JPEG / .JPG
This format doesn’t need much introduction. It’s as ubiquitous as any image format has been.
You can choose levels of compression from Fine (approx. 1:4 compression ratio), normal (1:8), or basic (1:16). The higher the level of compression, the more the image quality suffers.
It uses the file extension .JPG.
HEIF / .HIF
If you’re upgrading from anything other than the most recent generation of cameras, this format might be new to you. But you might have come across an extremely close relative, HEIC, especially if you use an Apple device.
I have a more detailed post on HEIF images separately, but the gist is that this is designed as a modern replacement for JPG. It has a lot more features and is vastly more flexible than the old-in-the-tooth JPG format, although is not yet anywhere near as compatible.
But in the Nikon Z8’s implementation of HEIF is actually very specifically targeted to a particular feature—it’s not offered on this camera as a general-use alternative to JPG. (It’s always possible that its use might be expanded in a future firmware update.)
The HEIF compression on the Z8 is set to be roughly similar to the JPG compression amounts: fine (approx. 1:4 compression ratio), normal (approx. 1:8), or basic (approx. 1:16). The compression codec used with HEIF is significantly more efficient than that with JPG, so the balance, inevitably a compromise, on quality and compression typically results in smaller files with better or equivalent image quality (or, conversely, better quality at similar file sizes).
It uses the .HIF file extension.
The Nikon Z8 can shoot HEIF files, but it’s not as straightforward as just choosing to save that file type. In other words, you won’t see an option to choose between JPG or HEIF directly.
That’s because the Z8 only really uses a specific feature of HEIF files: HDR or, as the implementation on the Z8 is called, HLG. 1
HLG is one of the options in the Z8’s picture controls and, specifically, tone mode. Like more conventional HDR files, HLG files rely on a wider dynamic range than is possible with the JPG format. So if you have the tone mode set to HLG, the Z8 will save HEIF files. If you have the tone mode set to SDR, it will save JPG files.
You can find the Tone Mode (which determines whether JPEG or HEIF is used, under:
Photo Shooting Menu > Tone Mode
For JPG, use the standard SDR. For HEIF, use HLG.
Image Quality Options
As with most other digital cameras, the Nikon Z8 gives you a number of options in how to save image files. You can choose the image file format from the three outlined above. But you can also choose combination pairs. For example, a setting of RAW + JPEG fine will save both a RAW version and a JPG version of the same image, and the JPG version will have minimal compression applied in order to maximize image quality.
Having the option to save combinations can be useful in several ways:
- A duplicate version can be used as a backup.
- The JPG or HEIF version can be used for quick sharing, with the RAW version used as an archival master. This can be especially useful when you’re traveling, for example, when JPG versions are easier to work with on the road, but you want RAW versions available for more intensive processing when you get home.
- JPG (and to some extent HEIF) can be useful in situations where you need to submit an unadulterated image to assure the recipient (such as a news agency) that the image has not be edited or manipulated.
Using the RAW+JPEG or RAW+HEIF options also enables options to save the RAW version to one memory card and the JPG or HEIF version to the other (assuming you are using both memory card slots, of course).
These are the various available options in the Z8’s image quality settings.
NB: If you’re using the tone mode HLG, for in-camera high-dynamic range (HDR) images, they can only be saved in the HEIF format, so the JPEG options won’t be available in that case.
| Format | Quality Setting |
|---|---|
| RAW | Lossless |
| High efficiency * | |
| High efficiency | |
| JPEG / HEIF | Fine (approx. 1:4) |
| Normal (approx. 1:8) | |
| Basic (approx. 1:16) | |
| RAW + JPEG / HEIF | Fine (approx. 1:4) |
| Normal (approx. 1:8) | |
| Basic (approx. 1:16) |
You can find the image quality setting under:
Photo Shooting Menu > Image Quality
Image Area
There are several options available for the image area of the frame that’s used, ranging from the full frame (FX) to a few cropped-frame options.
It’s important to note that this setting only affects JPEG/HEIF options. RAW images are captured with the full frame, although a metadata switch affects how they’re displayed in image editors.
| Image area | Aspect Ratio | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| FX | 36 x 24 (3:2) | This is the full frame, equivalent to the full coverage of a frame of 35mm film. |
| DX | 24 x 16 (3:2) | This is equivalent to the coverage of Nikon’s APS-C sensors, and it has a crop factor of approximately 1.5. If you attach a DX lens to the Z8, you’ll be limited to this image area (i.e., the FX option won’t be available). |
| 1:1 | 24 x 24 (1:1) | This is a square aspect ratio using the full height of the sensor. |
| 16:9 | 36 x 20 (16:9) | This aspect ratio is conventionally used with HD video and TVs. It uses the full width of the sensor. |
You can find this option under:
Photo Shooting Menu > Image area
Image Sizes
In addition to image size (or crop) and quality, you can also select from some choices for image size.
Again, it’s important to note that this setting only affects JPEG / HEIF images. RAW images are always recorded at full size (i.e., Large).
| Format | Size | Pixel Dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| FX | Large | 8,256 x 5,504 |
| Medium | 6,192 x 4,128 | |
| Small | 4,128 x 2,752 | |
| DX | Large | 5,392 x 3,592 |
| Medium | 4,032 x 2,688 | |
| Small | 2,704 x 1,792 | |
| 1:1 | Large | 5,504 x 5,504 |
| Medium | 4,128 x 4,128 | |
| Small | 2,752 x 2,752 | |
| 16:9 | Large | 8,256 x 4,640 |
| Medium | 6,192 x 3,480 | |
| Small | 4,128 x 2,320 |
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
- HLG stands for Hybrid Log-Gamma, and it’s a specific type of image dynamic-range technology that was originally developed for television broadcasting and other high-definition video. The difference is that it allows for more detail in the highlights and upper ranges of the dynamic range. That can be used with some HDR devices, but it doesn’t display on non-compatible devices.[↩]
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