Nikon Z6 II
full-frame · 2020
Nikon Z8 · Body only
full-frame · 2023
Nikon Z8 · Body only takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, Nikon Z6 II lands at 87 and Nikon Z8 · Body only at 94. That puts Nikon Z8 · Body only ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick Nikon Z6 II if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Pick Nikon Z8 · Body only if…
- ✓Current-gen AF system
- ✓Proven lens ecosystem
- ✓Strong video + stills balance
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPhoto
Nikon Z8 · Body onlyCompared on the photo sub-score
Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on photo (94 vs 87).
Autofocus
Nikon Z8 · Body onlyCompared on the autofocus sub-score
Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on autofocus (92 vs 85).
Video
Nikon Z8 · Body onlyCompared on the video sub-score
Nikon Z8 · Body only leads on video (90 vs 83).
Value for money
Nikon Z6 IISpecdex score per dollar at MSRP
Nikon Z6 II more score per dollar ($1,999 vs $3,999).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | Nikon Z6 II | Nikon Z8 · Body only |
|---|---|---|
| Format | full-frame | full-frame |
| Release year | 2020 | 2023 |
Nikon Z6 II
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
Nikon Z8 · Body only
- +Current-gen AF system
- +Proven lens ecosystem
- +Strong video + stills balance
- −Body price excludes lens
- −Heavy for travel (flagship)
- −Learning curve on menus
FAQ: Nikon Z6 II vs Nikon Z8 · Body only
Which is better, Nikon Z6 II or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +
Nikon Z8 · Body only scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is Nikon Z6 II worth the price? +
At $1,999, Nikon Z6 II delivers a Specdex score of 87 — strongest in photo.
Is Nikon Z8 · Body only worth the price? +
At $3,999, Nikon Z8 · Body only delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in photo.
Does Nikon Z6 II or Nikon Z8 · Body only last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for photo, Nikon Z6 II or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +
Nikon Z8 · Body only — leads on photo (94 vs 87). Compared on the photo sub-score.
Which is better for autofocus, Nikon Z6 II or Nikon Z8 · Body only? +
Nikon Z8 · Body only — leads on autofocus (92 vs 85). Compared on the autofocus sub-score.