Fujifilm GFX 100S vs Nikon Z8 - The Ultimate Pro Mirrorless Clash

Choosing your next pro-level camera can feel like wandering an electronics jungle with no machete - overwhelming specs, endless acronyms, and marketing puffery. I’ve spent the better part of two decades personally testing cameras in the foxholes of weddings, landscapes, wildlife safaris, fast-paced sports arenas, and beyond. Today I share a comprehensive, hands-on comparison of two heavy hitters in the pro mirrorless space: the Fujifilm GFX 100S medium format marvel versus the lightning-fast and versatile Nikon Z8 full-frame powerhouse.

If you want a deep dive rooted in actual use – balanced, honest, and practical – you’re in the right place. No cheapskate skimping on details here; just thorough insights to save you time, money, and headaches. Let’s dig in.

Size, Ergonomics, and Build: Handling the Giants with Grace

One of the first things you truly sense when you pick up a camera is its size and how it fits your grip. Both the GFX 100S and the Z8 are mirrorless bodies styled like SLRs - but they approach size very differently.

Fujifilm GFX 100S: Medium Format Bulk, Slimmer Than You Think

At 150 x 104 x 87 mm and about 900 grams, the GFX 100S bucks medium format tradition by being surprisingly compact and lightweight. That’s thanks to Fuji’s clever engineering that condenses a big 44x33 mm sensor into a smaller, more manageable body. The magnesium alloy shell feels robust and weather-sealed, ideal for outdoor shoots that demand durability, though don’t expect outright waterproofing or freeze-proofing.

Nikon Z8: Full-Frame Brute with Thoughtful Design

The Z8 measures 144 x 119 x 83 mm and tips the scales at ~910 grams - similar on paper to the Fujifilm but chunkier in hand due to its beefier grip and extra heft near the lens mount. It’s built like a tank, also weather-sealed, with illuminated buttons and a top display panel that’s a dream on bright days or studio gigs.

I found the GFX 100S easier for long shoots where hand fatigue can sneak up, while the Z8’s clubs-for-thumbs grip makes fast action and vertical shooting feel secure. Both bodies feel expensive and professional - though the Z8 edges the ergonomic usability crown for me, particularly if you’re used to Nikon’s control logic.

Body Control and Interface: Commanding Your Shoot

Top design, button layout, and screen tech play significant roles in how quickly you can execute shots - especially under pressure.

Both cameras boast tilting 3.2-inch touchscreens, but the GFX 100S’s higher 2.36M-dot resolution brings slightly crisper previews, which I appreciate on detailed focus checks. Nikon’s Z8 offers a similar size touchscreen but with a tad lower resolution at 2.09M dots. The Z8 compensates with illuminated buttons and a top info display that Fuji lacks.

In live shooting, the Z8’s interface feels more polished and intuitive, especially for beginners or hybrid shooters who toggle heavily between stills and video. The GFX interface is minimalist and purist, perhaps tailored for photographers prioritizing image fidelity over gadgetry. Fuji sticks to knobs and dials liberally for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation, which I adore for tactile feedback but can daunt newcomers.

Sensor Technology & Image Quality Battles: Medium Format vs Full Frame

Here lies the crux of the debate: the 44x33 mm medium format sensor on the GFX 100S versus Nikon’s stacked 35.9x23.9 mm full-frame sensor on the Z8.

• GFX 100S delivers an astonishing 102MP at 11648 x 8736 native resolution - a dream pixel count that unlocks giant print and extreme cropping possibilities.
• Z8 brings 46MP at 8256 x 5504, still massive but well below Fuji’s pixel count.

Image Quality & Dynamic Range

Thanks to its size, the GFX sensor dominates in dynamic range and color depth. In landscape and studio portraits, the GFX captured details and gradients that the Z8 sometimes struggled to replicate, particularly in shadows and highlights. Skin tones look luscious and natural, making it perfect for high-end portraiture, product photography, and fine art.

The Z8, however, is no slouch. Its stacked CMOS sensor offers impressive dynamic range (~14 stops measured in lab tests) and high color fidelity. It’s better suited for demanding photojournalism, wildlife, and sports where speed and ISO flexibility matter more than ultimate pixel count.

Low-Light & High-ISO Performance

The GFX tops out at ISO 12800 native, with expansion to 102400 - usable but with noise patterns that degrade detail quickly under ISO 6400. The larger sensor mitigates noise in general but requires slower shutter speeds or tripod support.

The Z8’s native ISO maxes at 25600 and boosts to 102400. Its backside illumination and stacking tech give amazing low-light performance, retaining detail in shadows and handling artificial light well. This makes the Z8 a better pick for event or sports photographers shooting in dim arenas.

Autofocus System: Precision and Speed in Action

Nothing kills a shot more than missed focus - so autofocus matters immensely.

• Fujifilm GFX 100S sports 425 focus points combining phase and contrast detection with face detection but no animal eye AF.
• Nikon Z8 ups the ante to 493 points, same hybrid AF system, plus superstar animal eye autofocus supporting birds, dogs, and cats.

The Z8’s focus tracking speed and accuracy blew me away on wildlife and sports shoots. Its eye detection locked instantly and held at high burst rates (30 fps!), something the GFX can’t match with only 5 fps continuous shooting.

For studio portraits, the GFX 100S life’s-eye autofocus is very good on humans but lags a bit in continuous mode relative to Nikon’s aggressive AI-powered system.

Burst Shooting and Buffer: Catching the Decisive Moment

The GFX’s 5 fps max burst is respectable for medium format but feels pokey against the Z8's blistering 30 fps (electronic shutter). Sports, wildlife, and street photographers will find the Z8’s buffer and speed a decisive advantage when action is the name of the game.

Lens Ecosystem: Glass That Makes the Difference

Lens availability and quality are the hallmark for any camera system.

• Fujifilm G Mount: 13 native lenses, mostly premium medium-format primes and zooms crafted to exploit the sensor size, known for gorgeous bokeh and tack-sharp edges.
• Nikon Z Mount: Over 46 native lenses plus compatibility with F-mount glass via adapter, covering everything from ultra-wide to super-telephoto to professional macros and everything in between.

Nikon’s massive lens inventory and speedy autofocus lenses offer versatility for photographers juggling multiple genres, including sports and wildlife. Fuji’s curated medium format lenses cater to definitive image quality seekers with less need for speed.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photography

If you’re dabbling in video or hybrid content creation:

• Fujifilm GFX 100S shoots UHD 4K (4096 x 2160) up to 30p in 10-bit 4:2:0 H.265 with external microphone & headphone jacks, but capped frame rates may disappoint action videographers.
• Nikon Z8 excels with 8K video at 30p in ProRes and H.265 plus 4K slow motion options up to 120p, with phantom power mic input and headphone monitoring - more suited for serious video work.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Shooting Day-Long Hassle-Free

Battery life is practical stuff:

• The GFX 100S’s 460 shots per charge beats the Z8’s 330, thanks to lower frame rates and sensor size.
• Both use dual card slots: Fujifilm with dual SD UHS-II and Nikon with a CFexpress Type B + UHS-II SD combo offering faster write speeds and more robust backup options.

If you’re traveling or shooting long assignments, the GFX’s extended battery life is welcome - though Nikon’s faster write speeds benefit quick workflows.

Connectivity and Environmental Sealing: Toughness and Workflow

Both cameras sport built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (no NFC), USB 3.2 Gen 1, and full weather sealing, mitigating dust and moisture exposure. Neither claims outright waterproofing, freezeproofing, or shockproof certifications.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Should Use Which?

Now for the nitty-gritty of choosing based on your shoot style:

Portrait and Studio Photography

• Winner: Fujifilm GFX 100S
  The medium-format sensor delivers outstanding image quality, exquisite color reproduction, and creamy bokeh. The slower burst is no big deal when working with controlled models. The exceptional resolution is perfect for billboard-sized prints.

Landscape and Fine Art

• Winner: Fujifilm GFX 100S
  Superb dynamic range and resolution push this further. Weather sealing lets you brave the elements, and the relatively compact body eases lugging on hikes.

Wildlife and Sports

• Winner: Nikon Z8
  The Z8’s animal eye AF, faster burst rate, and robust lens selection give it a clear edge. Its better ISO performance aids fast-moving subjects in variable light.

Street and Travel Photography

• Winner: Nikon Z8
  While both are bulky, the Z8’s burst speed and low-light capabilities edge out the GFX for candid street shots, plus faster autofocus for spontaneity. It’s more travel-friendly with a wider lens lineup.

Macro Photography

• Tie: Both capable but Nikon’s bigger lens selection and autofocus options may sway macro specialists needing fast focus stacking.

Night and Astro Photography

• Winner: Nikon Z8
  Higher max ISO and addressable exposure modes favor Nikon here, though the GFX’s sensor delivers clean files at lower ISOs for starfield landscapes.

Video and Hybrid Use

• Winner: Nikon Z8
  Superior resolutions (8K), frame rates (up to 120fps 4K), and connectivity make this the clear choice for serious video creators.

Fujifilm GFX 100S front Fujifilm GFX 100S screen back Nikon Z8 front Nikon Z8 screen back

The Final Scoreboard: Performance in Numbers

Here’s a quick summary of how these two stack up numerically:

Pros and Cons - Quick Reference

Fujifilm GFX 100S

Pros:

• Medium format sensor with 102 MP resolution
• Exceptional dynamic range and color depth
• Lightweight for medium format
• Sensor-based 5-axis stabilization
• Dual UHS-II SD cards
• Longer battery life

Cons:

• Slower autofocus and burst rate (5 fps max)
• No animal eye AF
• Limited video frame rate (max 30p 4K)
• Smaller lens ecosystem

Nikon Z8

Pros:

• Fast burst shooting at 30 fps
• Superior autofocus with animal eye tracking
• High-res 8K video with ProRes options
• Extensive lens lineup
• Dual slot (CFexpress + SD) for speed and reliability
• Slightly more ergonomic with illuminated controls

Cons:

• Lower resolution (46MP) than GFX 100S
• Shorter battery life (~330 shots)
• Larger size may challenge portability for some

What I’d Recommend: Match Your Camera to Your Vision

If you’re a studio or landscape professional who prizes ultimate image quality and splendid color rendition for portraits, fine art, or commercial stills - and you can deal with slower burst speeds and heftier glass - The Fujifilm GFX 100S is a remarkable imaging tool worthy of your investment.

On the other hand, if your workflow demands speed, razor-sharp autofocus, strong video capabilities, and a versatile lens ecosystem for fast-paced sports, wildlife, event, or hybrid shooting, plus portability is a concern, the Nikon Z8 neatly ticks those boxes at a significantly lower price point.

Closing Thoughts: Two Roads to Pro-Level Greatness

Between Fuji’s medium format clarity and Nikon’s speed-and-powerhouse combo, there’s no wrong choice - only different tools for different crafts. To my eyes (and shutter finger), the GFX 100S delivers image quality beyond most cameras in the field, but with tradeoffs in speed and versatility. The Nikon Z8 feels like a Swiss Army knife for pro shooters who need breadth and agility along with quality.

Hopefully, my detailed breakdown helps you steer confidently to the camera that will serve your creative journey best.

Happy shooting - may your next camera bring more smiles and less "What was I thinking?" moments!

For further details or personal test results from my fieldwork with these cameras, feel free to reach out or check my extended galleries.

Fujifilm GFX 100S front Fujifilm GFX 100S screen back Nikon Z8 front Nikon Z8 screen back