Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Df

This is a full comparison between the cameras Nikon Z8 and Nikon Df. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Nikon.

Nikon Z8 were released 2023 and Nikon Df was released 2013. That is a 10 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.

Camera Released
Nikon Z8 2023
Nikon Df 2013

Type of camera

Nikon Z8 is a Mirrorless camera while Nikon Df is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Nikon FX") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Since both cameras have a Full frame sensor there will be no crop factor.

Camera Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Nikon Z8 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier
Nikon Df 50 mm
Full-frame sensor
No crop factor/focal length multiplier

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)

Resolution

Nikon Z8 has a 46 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Df has 16 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera Megapixels
Nikon Z8 46 MP
45441024 pixels
8256 x 5504
Nikon Df 16 MP
16163840 pixels
4928 x 3280

Nikon Z8 has a 181 % larger resolution than Nikon Df. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Nikon Z8 has a larger ISO-range than Nikon Df. Nikon Z8 has an ISO range that stretches from 32 to 102400 while Nikon Df has 100 to 12800.

Camera ISO Range
Nikon Z8 32-102400
Nikon Df 100-12800

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z8
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Df

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Nikon Z8 can shoot up to 30 pictures per seconds and Nikon Df can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds.

Camera FPS (Frames per second)
Nikon Z8 30
Nikon Df 5,5

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Nikon Z8. Unfortunately Nikon Df does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Nikon Z8 weighs 910 gr (equal to 2.01 lb) which is 20% heavier than Nikon Df and its 760 gr (or 1.68 lb).

Camera Weight
Nikon Z8 910 gr
2.01 lb
Nikon Df 760 gr
1.68 lb

Nikon Z8 vs Nikon Df Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Nikon Z8 and Nikon Df, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Name Nikon Z8 Nikon Df
Manufacturer Nikon Nikon
Release Date and Price
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Release Year 2023 2013
Release Date 2023-05-10 2013-11-05
MSRP 3999 USD 2749 USD
Buy it today
Camera Type
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Camera Type Mirrorless DSLR
Sensor
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Sensor Size Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Full Frame (approx 36 x 23.9 mm)
Also known as "FX"
Sensor Type Stacked CMOS CMOS
Resolution 8256 x 5504 pixels 4928 x 3280 pixels
Megapixels 46 MP 16 MP
Image Processor EXPEED 3
Image
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
ISO Range 32 - 102400 100 - 12800
White Balance Presets 9 12
Custom White Balance Yes Yes
Image Stabilization Yes
(Sensor-shift (Synchro VR with select lenses))
No
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating 0 stops 0 stops
Uncompressed format RAW RAW + TIFF
Optics & Focus
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Autofocus Motor Yes Yes
Autofocus Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Touch
Face Detection
LiveView
Contract Detect (sensor)
Phase Detect
Multi Area
Center
Selective Single Point
Tracking
Single
Continuous
Face Detection
LiveView
Focus Points 493 39
Lens Mount Nikon Z

See Compatible Lenses
Nikon F

See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
FX (Full frame)
No multiplier
Example:
24 mm remains 24 mm
50 mm remains 50 mm
100 mm remains 100 mm
200 mm remains 200 mm
Screen & Viewfinder
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Articulated LCD Tilting Fixed
Screen size 3.2” 3,2”
Screen dots 2088960 921000
Touch screen Yes No
Screen type N/A TFT LCD
Live view Yes Yes
Viewfinder Type Electronic Optical (pentaprism)
Viewfinder Coverage 100% 100%
Viewfinder Magnification 0.8× 0.7×
Viewfinder Resolution 3686400 N/A
Photography features
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Frames per second 30 fps 5,5 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed 900 seconds 30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/32000 seconds 1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash No No
Built-in Flash Range N/A N/A
External Flash Yes Yes
Self-Timer Yes Yes
Time-lapse Yes No
Metering modes Multi
Center Weighted
Highlight Weighted
Spot
Multi
Center Weighted
Spot
Exposure Compensation +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) +/- 3 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Video recording Yes No
Video format H.264
H.265
N/A
Video resolution 1920 x 1080
3840 x 2160
7680 x 4320
N/A
Built-in Microphone Yes No
Built-in Speakers Yes No
Storage
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Memory Card SD/SDHC
Connectivity
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
HDMI Output No Yes
Microphone Port Yes No
Headphone Port Yes No
Wireless Yes
Built-In
Yes
Optional via WU-1a wireless mobile adapter
Remote Control Yes (via app) Yes (Cable release, wireless remote)
GPS No Yes
Optional with GP-1 or GP-1A
Body & Dimensions
Nikon Z8
Nikon Df
Enviromentally sealed Yes Yes
Battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery Details EN-EL15c
EN-EL14/EN-EL14a lithium-ion battery and charger
Battery Life (CIPA) 340 shots 1400 shots
Width 144 mm 144 mm
Height 119 mm 110 mm
Depth 83 mm 67 mm
Weight 910 gram 760 gram