maxlieberman Loc: 19027

I just purchased a new Nikon Z8 from the Nikon Store. The little book that came with it is useless, so I have some questions. I won't be using it for videos.

1. The camera takes CFexpress and XQD cards. What's the difference?

2. When I went on line to price cards, I saw there were CFexpress-A and CFexpress-B cards. What's the difference? Will both work in the camera?

3. About how many still RAW images will fit on a 128gig card?

4. Can you recommend a good 3rd party instruction manual? Amazon offers several.

Thanks for your help.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

1- cf express uses one extra lane for data throughput and is faster. If you already have xqd they will work, but if buying go cfb, better and cheaper.

2- they are totally different beasts. "A" will not work. Period. Buy the "B" s.

3- file sizes should be roughly the same as for my d850. About 1200 per 128G card using raw compression at 14 bit.

4 - the nikon version is online only. I am a big fan of Thom Hogan's guides. Extremely thorough. Go to bythom.com.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The relevant and free book for this camera is Nikon's Z8 Reference Guide, that you download in PDF format from your local Nikon.com website. The guide is 948 pages of complete documentation, addressing all your technical questions and not costing another penny.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Thanks. I wanted to avoid that.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

I disagree. I found that guide to be useless unless you want to spend a month in the minutia every time you need to find something . Same for most “free OEM guides”. If the free oem guides were good, why is there such a robust market for 3rd party guides? It’s often worth the money to purchase third party books that offer “how to” advise in real world situations and conversational language.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

A photographer and their money are easily parted.... And, only a fool would refuse to download the free documentation for their expensive camera equipment.

jkm757 Loc: San Diego, Ca.

I recommend the Nikon Z8/Z9 Wildlife Setup Guide by Steve Perry. Even if you don't do a lot of wildlife photography the guide contains lots of information on camera setup that is useful for more than just wildlife photography.

You can purchase his guide at https://backcountrygallery.com

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

I agree with you.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Thanks. I do lots of wildlife, and I was wondering about Steve Perry.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

Unless you are completely unfamiliar with cameras, particularly in the Nikon environment, I would suggest that the operation of the Z8 isn’t really all that different from the Nikon Dslr’s. I found it pretty easy to step up from my Nikon dslr’s to my Z8, except (a BIG except) for the incredible (and incredibly different) auto focus capabilities. To begin to understand what the Z8 can do AF wise, I found Steve Perry’s ebook devoted solely to the AF function work every penny.

https://bcgwebstore.com/product/secrets-to-the-nikon-autofocus-system-mirrorless-edition/

Can’t recommend it enough. If you are not familiar with general use of Nikon bodies, you may need a more general primer, but you may still want that AF book to understand the intricacies of the 8’s amazing capabilities. I am intimately aware of basic Nikon camera design, but found figuring out how to max out the numerous AF variations to be impossible without the help.

BTW - ignore the suggestion about the free Nikon guide. It’s as useless as tits on a bull.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Thanks, Rick. I will definitely check that out. I have been shooting Nikon for over 40 years, and digital for almost 20.

Rick from NY Loc: Sarasota FL

I just mentioned Steve Perry’s AF book on the Z8. His Z8 wildlife guide is valuable indeed, but if you’re an experienced action photographer, while the wildlife guide is excellent, I would begin with his AF guide. It’s the AF capability that is completely different from all of my previous Nikon bodies. It is NOT intuitive. You need someone to show you.

maxlieberman Loc: 19027

Thanks for the advice, Rick.

larryepage Loc: North Texas area

1. XQD cards are a "pre-standard" implementation of what became CFE Type B. Sort of a prototype, developed mostly by Sony and Nikon. The surviving market for them is in some non-Nikon cameras and some medical and scientific instrumentation. They will probably always be more expensive, even though less capable. Since you are not using video, the XQD cards would work fine, if you happen to find a great deal on them somewhere. Otherwise, I'd target CFE-B.
2. This was answered above. The two types of cards are physically different.
3. I do not compress my raw files (D850...haven't bought my Z8 yet), but find that 100 files/GB is a good way to make a safe, quick estimate.
4. Similarity of this camera to other Nikon cameras varies. I'm working to get one because it is fairly similar to my D850 and D500. It is less similar to the D750. If you really refuse to download and scan your way through the manual, I suggest sitting down and scrolling (actively) through the menus. Use the "?" button to learn about stuff. Paul and I disagree on a number of things, but he is absolutely correct about this one.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Agree. Steve Perry is always a good go to guy. His video style is also easy to watch on Youtube.