Nikon
Z8
Z9 internals in a compact body — 45.7MP stacked sensor, 8K 60p, no blackout burst.
$3,999
Released May 2023
Nikon
ZR
Compact Nikon RED full-frame 6K cinema camera with R3D NE RAW, 32-bit float audio, 7.5-stop VR, and Z mount.
$2,199
Released Sep 2025
ZR is 2.3 years newer.
Wins
Z8
Wins
ZR
4 categories tied
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZR has higher ISO max (native) (51,200 vs 25,600)
- AZ8 has higher Resolution (45.7 MP vs 24.5 MP)
- AZ8 has lower ISO min (native) (64 vs 100)
- BZR has lower Weight (630 g vs 820 g)
- BZR has higher IBIS effectiveness (7.5 stops vs 6 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
Z8
144 × 119 × 83 mm
820 g (1.81 lb / 28.92 oz)
ZR
134 × 81 × 49 mm
630 g (1.39 lb / 22.22 oz)
Z8 is 10mm wider, 38mm taller, and 34mm thicker than ZR.
Z8 is 190 g heavier than ZR.
Depth (front-to-back): 83mm Z8 · 49mm ZR
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
Z8
144 × 119 mm
ZR
134 × 81 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
Z8
144 × 83 mm
ZR
134 × 49 mm
Sensor size, to scale
Z8
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
ZR
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Z8
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
ZR
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Z8
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 144, 118.5, 83
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, SD UHS-II
Resolution
45.7 MP vs 24.5 MP — higher is better
Codecs
Adds H.265/HEVC, H.264/AVC
ISO min (native)
64 vs 100 — lower is better
Reasons to choose
ZR
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 80.5, 49
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B, XQD, MicroSD UHS-I
AA filter
Only ZR supports it
ISO max (native)
51,200 vs 25,600 — higher is better
Codecs
Adds R3D NE, H.265, H.264
Weight
630 g vs 820 g — lower is better
IBIS effectiveness
7.5 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
- ✓Burst (electronic) — Both 120 fps
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 120 fps
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Z8
Pros
- ✓45.7MP stacked CMOS from Z9 — class-leading
- ✓8K 60p N-RAW internal
- ✓No mechanical shutter wear — fully electronic
- ✓20fps at full 45.7MP resolution
Cons
- –EN-EL15c battery life only 340 CIPA shots
- –No built-in grip (unlike Z9)
ZR
Pros
- ✓6K/60p R3D NE RAW
- ✓32-bit float audio
- ✓7.5-stop stabilization
- ✓Compact 535g cinema body
Cons
- –No built-in EVF
- –Cinema-first ergonomics
- –Single CFexpress plus MicroSD workflow
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, Z8 or ZR?
Z8 scores 9.0/10 versus 6.5/10 for ZR — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the Z8 and ZR?
Z8 is 45.7 MP and ZR is 24.5 MP, so the Z8 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Z8 and ZR have in-body image stabilization?
Z8 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while zR has 7.5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Z8 or the ZR?
Z8 reaches 120 fps electronic. ZR reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Z8 and ZR?
Z8 weighs 820 g and ZR weighs 630 g, so the ZR is 190 g lighter.
Do the Z8 and ZR record 4K video?
Z8: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p. ZR: 6K (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the Z8 and ZR weather sealed?
Z8: Yes. ZR: Yes.
How much does each cost?
Z8 launched at $3,999 and ZR at $2,199. The ZR is $1,800 less.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed May 2026.
Product images courtesy of Nikon press materials.