The Famous Nikon Z8: Powerful Autofocus Capabilities

The Nikon Z8 is a remarkable piece of technology, with revolutionary mirrorless innovations. The Nikon Z8 offers exceptional image quality, but the autofocus system sets it apart. Let’s find out why the autofocus is a game changer for photography.

The importance of autofocus in photography.

Autofocus technology determines how quick and accurate it is at locking on to a subject. It can make a huge difference between capturing a stunning photo or a blurry one.

For a long time, the AF systems were struggling with fast moving, or low contrast subjects. But this has improved, with the recent technology present in mirrorless cameras, like the Nikon Z8. These modern mirrorless cameras have features like eye detection, face, and subject recognition. This opens doors to possibilities that before were challenging.

Why does AF matter for different styles of photography?

Different types of photography demand different AF settings. And the Nikon Z8 can handle various styles. 

For action photographers, autofocus speed and accuracy are the most important. The continuous AF tracking is a game changer. The Z8’s tracking capabilities are impressive; it locks and follows the subject across the frame. This is a powerful feature that reduces the frustration of missed shots.

For wildlife photography as well, the autofocus is highly demanding. Many birds are active at dusk or dawn, so the light conditions make it harder to get the best shot. But the Nikon Z8 animal detection feature certainly helps in this regard. Which makes it easier to catch that critical look or posture.

What is inside the Nikon Z8 autofocus system?

The Nikon Z8 AF is built to be fast and accurate. It features 493 AF points, covering nearly the entire frame area. That superb tracking across a wide field helps you keep the fast moving subjects sharp. 

The Z8 gives you the flexibility to use different AF modes. Single point AF works great for precision focusing for portraits. Wide Area AF is fantastic for moving subjects in action photographs. And with Auto Area AF, your camera figures out which part of the scene to focus on.

Comparing the Nikon Z8 with the Z6 and Z9.

Nikon made considerable improvements with the Z8, comparing it with its predecessors. The Nikon Z6 was the first entry level full frame camera, it had a basic and reliable autofocus with 273 AF points. 

With the Z9, Nikon introduced advanced AF technology: 493 AF points and a refined subject detection system. Its tracking abilities, eye, and face detection were appreciated by professionals.

The Nikon Z8 has similar features to the bulkier Z9, but in a cheaper, lighter and more compact form. It features the same 493 AF points and the AI detection capabilities. This makes it an affordable choice for those seeking Z9 performance without the high price.

How does the Nikon Z8 compete with others?

In the mirrorless cameras market, the Z8 has serious competitors, like the Sony A7R V and Canon EOS R5. They have a strong reputation for advanced AI autofocus and subject tracking.

The Nikon Z8 shows the most accurate eye detection and subject tracking capabilities. Also, its high sensitivity autofocus is exceptional in low light conditions.

When to use AF-C and AF-S modes?

The Continuous AF and Single AF modes serve different purposes. Which one you should use depends on your subject. 

Use AF-C mode for moving subjects, like wildlife and sports. The autofocus locks onto the subject and follows it as it moves. This is helpful when you do not have a second chance to get the shot.

Use AF-S for static subjects, such as portraits and landscapes. When you press the button halfway, the focus locks on that specific point. This reduces the risk of refocusing.

Customising focus tracking sensitivity.

Focus tracking sensitivity influences how fast the camera switches focus from one subject to another.

Use higher sensitivity if you are shooting something fast paced, like sports or wildlife.

Use lower sensitivity for low action scenes and portraits. Dedicate some time to experiment with the settings to find the right balance that works for you.

Using the back focus button (AF-ON).

The back focus button gives you more control. When your subject is in focus, release the button, then press the shutter without worrying about refocusing.