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The Nikon Z8 tested on the microscope: the compact 45 MP mirrorless full-frame system camera delivers a strong performance

Released in 2023, the Nikon Z8 is a professional full-frame system camera with a 45 megapixel sensor. Featuring state-of-the-art camera technology, it packs much of the flagship Nikon Z9’s power into a smaller, more compact body. Its powerful sensor offers remarkable resolution, dynamic range and light performance.

Its powerful EXPEED-7 processor elevates the Z8 to professional standards. With extremely fast shutter speeds of up to 1/32,000 sec, top continuous shooting speeds, UltraHD (4K and 8K) video quality and a blackout-free real-live viewfinder, the Nikon Z8 is a top-tier choice for microscopy applications. With our LM microscope adapters, which feature an integrated optical element and can be individually configured, the camera can be attached to almost any microscope. We offer adapter solutions that work on phototubes as well as eyepiece tubes.

The Z8, when teamed up with high-quality microscope adapters, takes image quality to a whole new, significantly improved level compared to conventional microscope C-mount cameras – and it does so at an excellent price-performance ratio.

Key features of the Nikon Z8:

• 45.7 megapixel stacked BSI CMOS full-frame sensor
• Electronic shutter with speed ranging from 1/32,000 to 900 sec in photo mode, no mechanical shutter
• Continuous shooting at up to 20 fps at maximum resolution with a buffer depth of over 1,000 frames
• ISO range 64 to 25,600 (expandable to 32 to 102,400)
• Video recording in 8K 30p, continuous recording time up to 90 minutes
• 4K video with up to 120 fps for four- to five-time slow-motion recording
• USB-C 3.0 port for file transfers and charging, second USB-C port only for continuous power delivery
• Dual slots for SD cards (1 slot accepting CFexpress Type B cards, 1 slot supporting SD UHS II memory cards)
• Full-size HDMI port (clean HDMI) with 8K resolution (7680 x 4320, 30p)
• Touchscreen LCD monitor with 8.0 cm (3.2 inch) TFT colour LCD, 2.1 million pixels, vertical and horizontal tilting mechanism, tiltable 90 degrees 
• 5-axis in-body image stabilisation
• Passive cooling (no integrated fan and therefore no risk of vibration)
• Lens mount: Nikon Z-mount

Shown in the image: pulp of a fig; field of view (FOV) 31 mm x 20 mm; image taken with the Nikon Z8 and the LM macroscope

With its new Expeed 7 image processor, the Z8 is significantly better in video performance than other Nikon models, such as the Z7II. The Z8 is capable of recording 8K video at 60 frames per second, which makes it an excellent tool for capturing microscopic processes, such as cell development, etc., in exceptional quality. For microscopy applications, only the camera body is required, which currently (as of August 2025), retails at around EUR 3,500.

The Z8’s superior video quality also makes it a great asset for presentations, collaborative viewing of specimens, measuring structures and identifying specific features in an image. The Nikon Z8 features a full-size HDMI (Type A) port, which supports video output to an 8K external monitor. Particularly in microscopy, where the ability to capture images of the smallest microscopic structures is essential, this ultra-high pixel density (four times as many pixels as 4K) enables the reproduction of the most intricate details. However, it is important to remember that high-quality HDMI 2.1 cables are required to achieve 8K performance.

At the heart of the Z8 is its 45 megapixel backside-illuminated stacked CMOS sensor. The stacked sensor design delivers significant improvements in readout speed.

The camera does not have a mechanical shutter, sidestepping any vibrations that might lead to blurry shots. The stacked image sensor significantly reduces rolling shutter effects, and the electronic shutter enables incredibly fast shutter speeds of up to 1/32,000 second. Conversely, for extreme low-light applications such as fluorescence microscopy, the exposure time can be set to up to 900 seconds (15 minutes) in Bulb mode.

With our LM microscope adapters, which feature an integrated optical element, the camera can be attached to almost any microscope – using either the eyepiece tube or the phototube.

If the camera is connected to the computer with a USB cable, users can configure settings and release the shutter remotely from the PC, without touching the camera and causing vibrations. A unique feature of the Z8 is its dual USB ports – a highly convenient setup, as it allows one port to be used for power delivery via a USB charger and the other for communication with the computer.

The images captured can be saved directly to the PC. Alternatively, the camera offers two memory card slots, one of which accepts fast CFexpress Type B cards.

Professionals looking to enhance image quality and depth of field often use focus stacking to obtain the results they want. Using a motorised focusing rail (z-axis), large image stacks, frequently containing more than 100 images, are created. Camera and focusing rail are controlled by a focus stacking software tool. Currently, we recommend Helicon (Remote and Focus) for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The Nikon Z8 is on the software’s compatibility list, allowing for full functionality without limitations.

For microscopy applications, what are the relevant differences between the Z8 and Nikon’s Z9 flagship camera?

• Price of the camera body: Z8 around EUR 3,500 / Z9 around EUR 4,800 (as of August 2005)
• Longer 8K video recording times (Z9: up to 125 minutes continued recording – Z8: up to 90 minutes)

Compared to the Z8, the Z9 has:

• a larger, heavier body, which allows for more efficient thermal management (better heat dissipation),
• illuminated buttons that light up in dark environments,
• an optional ultra-bright Live View display, which is useful for all low-light applications, 
• a larger battery for longer runtime,
• built-in GPS,
• a built-in Ethernet (LAN) port,
• a display with more degrees of freedom,
• a built-in mechanical sensor shield protecting the sensor from dust. 

Conclusion: The Nikon Z8 is a fantastic hybrid camera that delivers an impressive performance on the microscope and stands out for its exceptional image and video quality. Many of the Z8’s powerful features are carried over from its big sister, Nikon’s top-tier Z9 flagship camera, making it a highly capable choice for a wide range of microscopy tasks. Its compact design and excellent price-performance ratio make it a compelling option, although it is worth noting that certain features remain exclusive to the Z9.