Nikon Z 8 User manual

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DIGITAL CAMERA
User’s Manual
En
• Read this document thoroughly before using the camera.
• To ensure proper use of the camera, be sure to read “For
Your Safety” (page 8).
• After reading this document, keep it readily accessible for
future reference.
Scan for detailed operating instructions.
nikon reference guide Z 8

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2The Z8 User’s Manual and Reference Guide
Before You Begin
The Z8 User’s Manual and Reference Guide
In addition to this User’s Manual, a Reference Guide is available for your
camera.
The User’s Manual (This Document)
The User’s Manual describes basic camera
operations.
Z8 Model Name: N2120
DUsing Lenses
For more information on using lenses, consult lens documentation
available from the Nikon Download Center.
The Reference Guide
Camera features and operations are detailed in
a Reference Guide, a supplement to the User’s
Manual. The Reference Guide can be viewed on
computers, smartphones, and tablets.
View the Reference Guide (Web Edition):
nikon reference guide Z 8
https://onlinemanual.nikonimglib.com/z8/en/
Download the Reference Guide (PDF Edition):
nikon download center Z 8

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3Downloading Documentation and Software
Downloading Documentation and Software
The Nikon Download Center
Documentation for digital cameras, NIKKOR lenses,
and flash units is available from the Nikon Download
Center, as are firmware updates and NX Studio and other
software.
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/
Downloading Nikon Software
•Computer Software
Nikon software is available from the Nikon Download Center.
NX Studio: View and edit photos and videos shot with Nikon digital
cameras.
•Smart Device Apps
Smart device apps are available from the Apple App Store® and on
Google Play™.
SnapBridge: Download photos and videos to your smart device via a
wireless connection.
Tip: Nikon User Support
Should you need technical support, we offer a number of options.
•For users in the U.S.A.: https://www.nikonusa.com/
•For users in Canada: https://www.nikon.ca/
•For users in Mexico: https://www.nikon.com.mx/
•For users in Latin America: https://www.nikonamericalatina.com/
•For users in Europe: https://www.europe-nikon.com/support
•For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa:
https://www.nikon-asia.com/

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4Package Contents
Package Contents
Be sure all items listed here were included with your camera.
•Camera body
•BS-1 accessory shoe cover
(comes attached to camera)
•DK-33 rubber eyecup (comes
attached to camera)
•BF-N1 body cap
•EN-EL15c rechargeable Li-ion
battery with terminal cover
•MH-25a battery charger (comes
with either an AC wall adapter
or power cable of a type and
shape that varies with the
country or region of sale)
•HDMI/USB cable clip
•AN-DC26 strap
•UC-E24 USB cable
•User’s Manual
•Warranty (printed on the back
cover of this manual)
•Memory cards are sold separately.

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5About This Document
About This Document
Symbols
This document employs the following symbols. Use them to help locate
the information you need.
DThis icon marks notes, information that should be read
before using this product.
Tip This icon marks tips, additional information you may find
helpful when using this product.
0This icon marks references to other sections in this
document.
Conventions
•This camera uses CFexpress (Type B), XQD, SD, SDHC, and SDXC
memory cards. Memory cards of all types are referred to throughout
this document as “memory cards”. Where it is necessary to distinguish
between the different types, the terms “CFexpress memory card”,
“XQD memory card”, and “SD memory card” may be used.
•Throughout this document, battery chargers are referred to as
“battery chargers” or “chargers”.
•Throughout this document, the display in camera monitor and
viewfinder during shooting is referred to as the“shooting display”. In
most cases, the illustrations show the monitor.
•Throughout this document, smartphones and tablets are referred to
as “smart devices”.
•Throughout this document,“FX format” and “FX” are used in
reference to an angle of view equivalent to that of a 35 mm format
(“full frame”) camera and “DX format” and “DX”to an angle of view
equivalent to that of an APS-C camera.
•Throughout this document, the term“default settings” is used to
refer to the settings in effect at shipment. The explanations in this
document assume that default settings are used.

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6Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Before You Begin 2
The Z8 User’s Manual and Reference Guide...................................................... 2
Downloading Documentation and Software .................................................3
The Nikon Download Center ...................................................3
Downloading Nikon Software.................................................3
Package Contents .....................................................................................................4
About This Document .............................................................................................5
Symbols ...........................................................................................5
Conventions...................................................................................5
For Your Safety............................................................................................................8
Notices ........................................................................................................................14
Parts of the Camera 18
Camera Body.............................................................................................................18
First Steps 23
Attaching the Strap................................................................................................23
Charging the Battery..............................................................................................24
The Battery Charger ..................................................................24
Optional Charging AC Adapters: Charging.......................26
Inserting the Battery..............................................................................................29
Removing the Battery ..............................................................29
Battery Level ................................................................................30
Inserting Memory Cards.......................................................................................31
Removing Memory Cards .......................................................33
Attaching a Lens......................................................................................................34
Detaching Lenses.......................................................................35
Camera Setup...........................................................................................................36

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7Table of Contents
Basic Photography and Playback 39
Taking Photographs...............................................................................................39
Recording Videos ....................................................................................................43
Playback......................................................................................................................46
Troubleshooting 47
Before Contacting Customer Support.............................................................47
Technical Notes 48
Caring for the Camera ...........................................................................................48
Long-Term Storage....................................................................48
Caring for the Camera and Battery: Cautions ...............................................49
Cautions: Using the Camera...................................................49
Cautions: Using Batteries ........................................................54
Cautions: Using the Charger..................................................57
Trademarks and Licenses .....................................................................................58
Notices ........................................................................................................................60
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi (Wireless LAN)..................................................................63
Warranty Terms - Nikon Europe Service Warranty.......................................71

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8For Your Safety
For Your Safety
To prevent damage to property or injury to yourself or to others, read
“For Your Safety” in its entirety before using this product.
After reading these safety instructions, keep them readily accessible for
future reference.
ADANGER: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this
icon carries a high risk of death or severe injury.
AWARNING: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this
icon could result in death or severe injury.
ACAUTION: Failure to observe the precautions marked with this
icon could result in injury or property damage.
AWARNING
Do not use while walking or operating a vehicle.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents or other
injury.
Do not disassemble or modify this product. Do not touch internal
parts that become exposed as the result of a fall or other accident.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in electric shock or
other injury.
Should you notice any abnormalities such as the product
producing smoke, heat, or unusual odors, immediately disconnect
the battery or power source.
Continued operation could result in fire, burns or other injury.

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9For Your Safety
AWARNING
Keep dry. Do not handle with wet hands. Do not handle the plug
with wet hands.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric
shock.
Do not let your skin remain in prolonged contact with this
product while it is on or plugged in.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in low-temperature
burns.
Do not use this product in the presence of flammable dust or gas
such as propane, gasoline or aerosols.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in explosion or fire.
Do not directly view the sun or other bright light source through
the lens.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in visual impairment.
Do not aim the flash or AF‑assist illuminator at the operator of a
motor vehicle.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.
Keep this product out of reach of children.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product
malfunction. In addition, note that small parts constitute a choking
hazard. Should a child swallow any part of this product, seek
immediate medical attention.
Do not entangle, wrap or twist the straps around your neck.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in accidents.

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10 For Your Safety
AWARNING
Do not use batteries, chargers, or AC adapters not specifically
designated for use with this product. When using batteries,
chargers, and AC adapters designated for use with this product,
do not:
•Damage, modify, forcibly tug or bend the cords or cables, place
them under heavy objects, or expose them to heat or flame.
•Use travel converters or adapters designed to convert from one
voltage to another or with DC‑to‑AC inverters.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in fire or electric
shock.
Do not handle the plug when charging the product or using the
AC adapter during thunderstorms.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in electric shock.
Dust on or near the metal parts of the plug should be removed
with a dry cloth.
Continued use could result in fire.
Do not handle with bare hands in locations exposed to extremely
high or low temperatures.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or frostbite.
ACAUTION
Do not leave the lens pointed at the sun or other strong light
sources.
Light focused by the lens could cause fire or damage to product’s
internal parts. When shooting backlit subjects, keep the sun well out
of the frame. Sunlight focused into the camera when the sun is close
to the frame could cause fire.

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11For Your Safety
ACAUTION
Turn this product off when its use is prohibited. Disable wireless
features when the use of wireless equipment is prohibited.
The radio-frequency emissions produced by this product could
interfere with equipment onboard aircraft or in hospitals or other
medical facilities.
Remove the battery and disconnect the AC adapter if this product
will not be used for an extended period.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product
malfunction.
Do not fire the flash in contact with or in close proximity to the
skin or objects.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in burns or fire.
Do not leave the product where it will be exposed to extremely
high temperatures, for an extended period such as in an enclosed
automobile or in direct sunlight.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product
malfunction.
Do not look directly at the AF‑assist illuminator.
Failure to observe this precaution could have adverse effects on vision.
Do not transport cameras or lenses with tripods or similar
accessories attached.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in injury or product
malfunction.
Do not touch the camera or memory cards when a
high‑temperature warning is displayed in the monitor
or viewfinder.
The camera and memory cards will be hot, potentially
causing burns or causing the cards or battery to be
dropped and damaged when removed.

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12 For Your Safety
ACAUTION
Keep the product at least 5 cm (2.0 in.) from pacemakers and
other medical devices.
Medical devices in close proximity could be affected by the magnet or
magnets in the product.
ADANGER (Batteries)
Do not mishandle batteries.
Failure to observe the following precautions could result in the
batteries leaking, overheating, rupturing, or catching fire:
•Use only rechargeable batteries approved for use in this product.
•Do not expose batteries to flame or excessive heat.
•Do not disassemble.
•Do not short-circuit the terminals by touching them to necklaces,
hairpins, or other metal objects.
•Do not expose batteries or the products in which they are inserted
to powerful physical shocks.
•Do not step on batteries, pierce them with nails, or strike them with
hammers.
Charge only as indicated.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in the batteries leaking,
overheating, rupturing, or catching fire.
If battery liquid comes into contact with the eyes, rinse with
plenty of clean water and seek immediate medical attention.
Delaying action could result in eye injuries.
Follow the instructions of airline personnel.
Batteries left unattended at high altitudes in an unpressurized
environment may leak, overheat, rupture, or catch fire.

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13For Your Safety
AWARNING (Batteries)
Keep batteries out of reach of children.
Should a child swallow a battery, seek immediate medical attention.
Keep batteries out of reach of household pets and other animals.
The batteries could leak, overheat, rupture, or catch fire if bitten,
chewed, or otherwise damaged by animals.
Do not immerse batteries in water or expose to rain.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in fire or product
malfunction. Immediately dry the product with a towel or similar
object should it become wet.
Discontinue use immediately should you notice any changes
in the batteries, such as discoloration or deformation. Cease
charging EN‑EL15c rechargeable batteries if they do not charge in
the specified period of time.
Failure to observe these precautions could result in the batteries
leaking, overheating, rupturing, or catching fire.
When batteries are no longer needed, insulate the terminals with
tape.
Overheating, rupture, or fire may result should metal objects come
into contact with the terminals.
If battery liquid comes into contact with a person's skin or
clothing, immediately rinse the affected area with plenty of clean
water.
Failure to observe this precaution could result in skin irritation.

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14 Notices
Notices
•No part of the documentation included with this product may be
reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system,
or translated into any language in any form, by any means, without
Nikon’s prior written permission.
•Nikon reserves the right to change the appearance and specifications
of the hardware and software described in this documentation at any
time and without prior notice.
•Nikon will not be held liable for any damages resulting from the use
of this product.
•While every effort has been made to ensure that the information in
this documentation is accurate and complete, we would appreciate
it were you to bring any errors or omissions to the attention of the
Nikon representative in your area (address provided separately).
•Notice Concerning Prohibition of Copying or Reproduction
Note that simply being in possession of material that has been digitally
copied or reproduced by means of a scanner, digital camera, or other
device may be punishable by law.
•Items prohibited by law from being copied or reproduced
Do not copy or reproduce paper money, coins, securities,
government bonds, or local government bonds, even if such copies
or reproductions are stamped“Sample”.
The copying or reproduction of paper money, coins, or securities
which are circulated in a foreign country is prohibited.
Unless the prior permission of the government has been obtained,
the copying or reproduction of unused postage stamps or post cards
issued by the government is prohibited.
The copying or reproduction of stamps issued by the government
and of certified documents stipulated by law is prohibited.

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15Notices
•Cautions on certain copies and reproductions
The government has issued cautions on copies or reproductions
of securities issued by private companies (shares, bills, checks, gift
certificates, etc.), commuter passes, or coupon tickets, except when a
minimum of necessary copies are to be provided for business use by
a company. Also, do not copy or reproduce passports issued by the
government, licenses issued by public agencies and private groups,
ID cards, and tickets, such as passes and meal coupons.
•Comply with copyright notices
Under copyright law, photographs or recordings of copyrighted
works made with the camera cannot be used without the permission
of the copyright holder. Exceptions apply to personal use, but note
that even personal use may be restricted in the case of photographs
or recordings of exhibits or live performances.
•Use Only Nikon Brand Electronic Accessories
Nikon cameras include complex electronic circuitry. Only Nikon
brand electronic accessories (including lenses, chargers, batteries, AC
adapters, and flash accessories) certified by Nikon specifically for use
with this Nikon digital camera are engineered and proven to operate
within the operational and safety requirements of this electronic
circuitry.
The use of non-Nikon electronic accessories could damage
the camera and may void your Nikon warranty. The use of
third-party rechargeable Li-ion batteries not bearing the
Nikon holographic seal shown at right could interfere with
normal operation of the camera or result in the batteries
overheating, igniting, rupturing, or leaking.
For more information about Nikon brand accessories, contact a local
authorized Nikon dealer.

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16 Notices
•Memory Cards
•Memory cards may be hot after use. Observe due caution when
removing memory cards from the camera.
•Do not perform the following operations during formatting or while
data are being recorded, deleted, or copied to a computer or other
device. Failure to observe these precautions could result in loss of
data or in damage to the camera or card.
- Do not remove or insert memory cards.
- Do not turn the camera off.
- Do not remove the battery.
- Do not disconnect AC adapters.
•Do not touch the card terminals with your fingers or metal objects.
•Do not use excessive force when handling memory cards. Failure to
observe this precaution could damage the card.
•Do not bend or drop memory cards or subject them to strong
physical shocks.
•Do not expose memory cards to water, heat, or direct sunlight.
•Do not format memory cards in a computer.

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17Notices
DBefore Taking Important Pictures
Before taking pictures on important occasions (such as at weddings
or before taking the camera on a trip), take a test shot to ensure that
the camera is functioning normally. Nikon will not be held liable for
damages or lost profits that may result from product malfunction.
DLife‑Long Learning
As part of Nikon’s “Life-Long Learning”commitment to ongoing
product support and education, continually-updated information is
available on-line at the following sites:
•For users in the U.S.A.: https://www.nikonusa.com/
•For users in Canada: https://www.nikon.ca/
•For users in Mexico: https://www.nikon.com.mx/
•For users in Latin America:
https://www.nikonamericalatina.com/
•For users in Europe: https://www.europe-nikon.com/support/
•For users in Asia, Oceania, the Middle East, and Africa:
https://www.nikon-asia.com/
Visit these sites to keep up-to-date with the latest product information,
tips, answers to frequently-asked questions (FAQs), and general advice
on digital imaging and photography. Additional information may be
available from the Nikon representative in your area. See the following
URL for contact information:
https://imaging.nikon.com/

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18 Camera Body
Parts of the Camera
Camera Body
7
6
12
9
9
8
10
11
1314
15
412 35
1 BKT button (D)
2 WB button (U)
3 Stereo microphone
4 Video-record button
5 Power switch
6 Shutter-release button
7 ISO sensitivity button (S)
FORMAT button (Q)
8 Exposure compensation
button (E)
9 Eyelet for camera strap
10 Speaker
11 Focal plane mark (E)
12 Control panel
13 Accessory shoe (for optional
flash unit)
14 MODE button (I)
15 Release mode button (c)

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19Camera Body
12
38
6
4
5
9
10
11
12
13
15
14
7
16
1 AF-assist illuminator
Red-eye reduction lamp
Self-timer lamp
2 Monitor mode button (M)
3 Ten-pin remote terminal cover
4 Cover for microphone,
headphone, and HDMI
connectors
5 USB connector cover
6 Focus-mode button
7 Lens mounting mark
8 Ten-pin remote terminal
9 Charge lamp
10 Connector for external
microphone
11 HDMI connector
12 Headphone connector
13 USB data connector
14 Threaded hole for HDMI/USB
cable clip
15 USB Power Delivery connector
16 Body cap

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20 Camera Body
7
1
6
3
5
4
2
1 Monitor
2 Eyepiece release
3 Delete button (O)
FORMAT button (Q)
4 Protect button (g)
Fn3 button (l)
5 Rubber eyecup
6 Viewfinder
7 Eye sensor