Nikon claims that "the Z8 condenses the advanced functionality and performance of the flagship Nikon Z9 into a compact and lightweight body while also maintaining superior robustness and reliability." The Z8's body is 15% smaller than the well-liked D850 and about 30% smaller than the Z9's.

The Nikkor Z 17-28mm f/2.8, a wide-angle zoom lens for Z-mount mirrorless cameras, could be a very useful and promising lens for underwater photography/videography. Zooming occurs internally, not altering the total physical length of the lens regardless of the focal length chosen.

The Z 17-28mm f/2.8 is able to focus as close as 7.56in (19cm), which is a notable improvement over older models in this series. The aperture of f/2.8 stays the same in all focal lengths, making it a promising fast lens—just in case you need to prepare yourself for the next Sardine Run.