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Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd., Nikon’s official distributor in Malaysia, recently officially introduced The Nikon Z 8 at the official launch in Kuala Lumpur which MHB Digital’s principal photographer Andy Kho and I attended. The Nikon Z 8 is a full-frame mirrorless camera designed for serious photographers, videographers, imaging professionals, and forward-thinking innovators. The all-new Nikon Z 8 redefines the concept of adaptable agility, packing state-of-the-art capabilities from the flagship Nikon Z 9 into a lighter, more portable form factor that is Ready for Action without ever compromising the quality of creativity.
“The new Z 8 is designed to be versatile; it is approximately 30% smaller than the Nikon Z 9, allowing users to shoot anywhere, anytime without any hassle. It comes equipped with industry-leading technology and cutting-edge features, providing crystal clear and high-resolution images and video up to 8K 60p with impressive detail, sharpness, and precise colour. The Z 8 gives professionals the utmost confidence to capture without limitations while producing remarkable files and uncompromising Nikon qualities that can shorten the time needed for post-production or editing.”
Dato’ Billy Lai, Business Development Director, Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd.
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The new Z 8’s compact and lightweight video recording system, weighing only 910g, allows for adaptable filming for an extended period of time, even for a one-person operation. The camera’s compatibility with a number of videography equipment, such as the MC-N10 Remote Grip and wireless video transmitters, as well as v-mount batteries, significantly reduces the amount of gear needed during shoots and the amount of time spent setting up.
Even with a prime lens connected, the High-Res Zoom enables full-frame 4K UHD (30p/25p/24p) and Full HD video recording while allowing zooming up to an angle of view comparable to two times the focal length. The Z 8 was designed with videographers in mind, and it can record up to 125 minutes in 4K UHD/60p2 and up to 90 minutes in 8K UHD/30p3.
Users can enjoy various and nimble shooting angles with easy and flexible operation thanks to the camera’s 4-axis vertical/horizontal tilting monitor, which also supports vertical display orientation. When in shooting mode, tilting the monitor in either a vertical or horizontal direction displays the i menu in the appropriate orientation.
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Select from a wide range of video formats – from 12-bit N-RAW and ProRes RAW to 10-bit Apple ProRes 422 HQ and 8 bit-H265 SDR in-camera recording. Create high-definition videos in 4K UHD/60p, 50p2, and 30p oversampled from 8K, allowing you to shoot in high-definition footage that can be appreciated on a large screen. For those that need greater frame rates, there are 4K 120P, 8.3K/60P (in N-RAW only), and 8K UHD/30P options, as well as N-Log for colour grading.
Users can capture bustling city scenes or epic wildlife movements with time-lapse recordings in 8K HDR that can also be viewed on Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG)-compatible 8K monitors through an HDMI 2.1 connection.
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Decisive moments are easily caught on camera with the Pre-Release Capture3 function. When using High-Speed Frame Capture+, users can record up to 1 second before the shutter button is fully pressed, or up to 4 seconds after the button is fully pressed.
The camera’s autofocus identifies roughly 3% of the human face size in the frame automatically. Subject detection is also supported by 3D-tracking, autoarea autofocus (AF), and 20 other types of custom widearea AF (12 of which are seen in the movie). Capture night scenes with clarity thanks to the excellent AF detection range of -7 EV (-9 to 19 EV in starry vision mode), which allows for improved detection of targets in low-light circumstances.
Users may quickly and reliably lock focus because the AF recognises and tracks up to nine different types of subjects. The new Aeroplane mode in the AF subject detection menu helps users to quickly concentrate on the desired aircraft regardless of magnification (size) since it delivers a more steady detection, even in low-light settings or with a cluttered background.
The new HLG (HEIF) format support also allows for 10-bit still photos with richer tonal gradation.
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Users may take their portrait photography to the next level by using the skin softening tool, which identifies human faces and softens the skin while keeping the eyes and hair sharp. The effect can be applied to videos, live streaming, and still images.
The portrait impression balance effect reduces editing time by enhancing portraits in-camera by changing the hue and brightness. In addition to the photo or video shooting menu, the adjustment is available via direct settings and the i menu while confirming the subjects through live view image.
Enhanced auto white balance (AWB) performance, which helps to lessen colour cast, and an intuitive user interface for altering colour temperatures can help users create more stunning portrayals.
The Sereebo® P series, a new ecologically friendly polymer used on the main body components that can withstand knocks and temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius, adds to the camera’s toughness. Furthermore, the dust-and-drip resistant construction keeps dust and fluids out of the camera.
When the power is turned off, the VR lock prevents inadvertent harm to the image sensor. Reduce the chance of dust clinging to the image sensor by using a dual coating for the optical filter and image sensor, as well as a sensor shield for when attaching and removing the lens.
With no blackout, the Real-Live Viewfinder reveals subject motion in real time. Because there is no mechanical shutter, you can capture a large number of photos of golf swings and tennis serves without worrying about shutter wear or rolling shutter distortion.
Obtain stable images with a powerful Vibration Reduction (VR) that achieves an effect similar to a shutter speed of 6.0 stops with the in-camera VR and Synchro VR. For video recording, electronic VR is also accessible.
The MB-N12 Power Battery Pack offers about 1.8x more shots and recording time while maintaining the Z 8’s dust and leak resistance. It is available separately and is designed for cold weather operations, even at -10 degrees Celsius, with USB charging and power transmission.
The camera is also the first in the Z series to feature two USB terminals, one for power charging/supply and the other for data transfer, allowing for power delivery while communicating without encountering unexpected disconnections and hence a more dependable connection on both ends.
The all-new Nikon Z 8, distributed by Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd. in Malaysia, retails at MYR 18,338 for Z 8 BK SG (body only) and MYR 22,608 for Z 8 BK SG (24 – 120mm f4 kit).
For more information on the new Z 8 and other Nikon products, head over to https://www.futuromic.com/
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Photo credits: Futuromic Photo AV Sdn. Bhd. and the author’s own