Nikon Z9: Features That Really Crank Up The Keeper Rate!

[@richardpaige6082]

Steve, great video, I am a professional photographer and I have had the Z9 since last Dec. I was pretty comfortable with my setup but decided to purchase your setup guide. I can honestly say its the best $28.97 I have ever spent. I have learned a lot of neat tricks that will help me capture more great images. Thanks again. You ROCK!!!

[@martharetallick204]

I can vouch for Steve's Z9 setup guide, and not just for wildlife work. I just used it to prepare for a wedding shoot.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!!

[@martharetallick204]

@@backcountrygallery I just finished processing the RAW files and I have to say that my first Z9 shoot really impressed me. Looking forward to showing them to the clients.

[@garytemor7566]

Steve what is your email please respond

[@garytemor7566]

😅

[@garytemor7566]

how did I download Z9 updated

[@mhadman427]

I am devouring the Setup guide! I have only shot the camera for 2 days, and your practical advice for wildlife photography on the Z9 is producing keepers that I am sure I wouldn't have gotten if I had ventured down the path of figuring out the Z9 systems, alone. It's no surprise, considering the amount of help you provided getting the most out of my D500. I should say, I cannot help but read the set up guide, in your voice. 😂 I bet I am not alone..😃

[@HampshireHog63]

I've had my Z9 for a few months now - just long enough to realise how many of the features I'm under using! I'm only a quarter of the way through your new ebook, but have already learned a few things. Although we could all, eventually, learn many of the subtleties of the Z9 and photography in general, it's great that people like you are willing to pass on your knowledge in such an enthusiastic and altruistic way. Thanks Steve.

[@scottwedell5072]

Perfect timing. Just received mine Sunday.

[@rcanter]

I am sure someone has already said something along these lines, but your video showcased some stunning wildlife images. Well done Steve.

[@GeoffCooper]

Great points Steve - the Z9 has been such a massive step forward in the Nikon Z world! Something I really appreciate is the playback button position allowing a quick check of the last images of n the EVF without moving my hands or burning a valuable front function button!

[@johnsmithers389]

I've set up my Z9 to use a wide area focus with a half press of the shutter and 3d tracking on the AF or back focus button once subject acquired , this works well for birds in flight. Thanks Steve for another great video .

[@coltharwood494]

The set-up guide is an invaluable accessory to have with the Z9. It is much better than the Z9 User Manual from Nikon.

[@spokesdog9958]

Been following you for years. You are a born teacher and I enjoy your style of teaching and professionalism. Thank you for sharing your passion.

[@antonoat]

Excellent video Steve. Spectacular image quality as always! 👏👍😀

[@mhadman427]

Just purchased the set up guide, and I am really looking forward to reading it, in conjunction with my manual. Thanks for the videos! Your videos for the D500 really helped my come up to speed quickly, when I switched from the D300.

[@on-linesafaritours]

Hey Steve, Once again thanks for great content. My Z9 arrived 2 days ago and I paniced when I saw how many new features there are and the size of the user manual. I have just downloaded my copy of your new book 'The Ultimate Z9 Setup and Shooting guide for wild lif photograph' and can't wait to geet into it. Thanks again, love ya work

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@mstorey83]

Great video Steve as always. I have really enjoyed the Nikon Z9 setup guide also. Thanks so much for all of your help.

[@rpdee7344]

1/28/23 Steve really showed Nikon Z9 features to the max, very impressive wildlife photography examples, looks like the menus system has a lot of custom setting which is good and bad depending on your needs. Because of the large size and cost of the Nikon system, my preference is the Olympus OM-D micro 4/3 due to its smaller size and weight, plus meets my needs for a mirrorless camera. I can carry a lot more gear in less space and weight, a second body, plus a waterproof body. For me, this meets my photo needs, but yes I am very impressed with your review of the Nikon Z9 and the quality of your photography.

[@HYPNOSRelaxation]

Thanks Steve! Love your work. I seriously appreciate your expertise and fun to watch videos. Thanks again. :)

[@street_biologist6727]

Wonderfully informative video as always Steve! By the way, I just downloaded the Z9 eBook and looking forward to go through it to get more out my Z9. Thank you!

[@robguyatt9602]

Finally I got the 800mm F6.3. So the days of 800mm F11 are done. 100-400 + 2x. Oh how great this 800 PF is. I got plenty good shots with the old kit but now, my birds in flight has gone a notch or three. My Z9 is now complete :) Enjoying the setup guide. Thanks for the great work.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much! Congrats on the 800!

[@MikeJamesMedia]

Agreed, with all you said, Steve. I've shot a little over 14,000 images with my Z9, and am enjoying it more each time I shoot. Nikon really hit it out of the park on this one, and I'm not worried about shooting any time, anywhere.

[@backcountrygallery]

Same :)

[@Rubi747HVY]

What a dream that camera must be. Still shooting with my D810. Thanks for the info

[@rustyprogrammer]

I'm still on the D800 and is still is very good (but obviously not as good as a Z9 ;-)

[@toddmichael3656]

Same here. I'm shooting with my D800 in an hour. Would love the Z9.

[@santoshmahalik]

Thank you for the verdict... Your opinion matters... Time to move on to the Nikon Z9

[@RadAlzyoud]

Excellent points. Thx. Since I own a Z9 I should buy your book.

[@tsptl152]

I just had to complement you on the Z9 images you featured in this video, Steve. Your work is absolutely stunning.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@sabelli33]

YES YES Nikon z9 with Sony mother sensor!!

[@tcwhite0104]

I've learned so much from Steve over the years and will be ordering his new book today!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks!!

[@dieseldavey]

Awesome as usual. Thank you 👍🏻

[@mmz0810]

Thank you so much for the great tips, and love those amazing photos!

[@ericsmith5772]

Great video, he makes it easy to follow along !!!!!

[@hans6304]

Thank you, Steve. Good benchmarks for the A1 mark ii, especially the display tilt mechanism for photographers.

[@eric00214]

I used 3D on my AF ON back button and Auto Area on my sub selector (Joystick) before FW 2.10, I have since switched and put Auto Area on AF on back button and use it for just about everything with animal detection. It's been FANTASTIC and MUCH stickier too for acquiring a bird and tracking in the sky or in front of trees/busy background where 3D will more often grab the background. I use 3D now for slower, closer moving animals and birds in brush with branches around the bird as it will just grab the eye. 3D is not the best overall option for acquiring and tracking faster/smaller subjects since FW 2.10

[@r.k.manandhar7271]

Thank you so much for sharing such a Excellent useful videos as always !!! Greetings from Nepal !!!👌👍

[@slodays1158]

Thank You for this video. It confirms some of my setup choices I've made and adds quite a bit more. Especially the combinations of features.

[@HeikoSieger]

Just to add the obvious: Your videos are great! One thing I noticed with my Z7 II is how great the Z lenses are. I will probably wait for a Z8 to be released as I need a smaller camera, and save up for the Z 800/f6.3 lens.

[@backcountrygallery]

The Z lenses are insanely good, I agree 100%.

[@stevenheipel9118]

As always, love your content! Thanks Steve!

[@Gooddog1]

Excellent delivery of you're video with bullet point delivery and examples of you're work. Just subbed here and your newsletter. I don't even own a prosumer camera anymore, but thinking about the Nikon Z8 when it comes out.

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@ericsmith9777]

Once again, well done. Makes learning so easy !!!!

[@TheMattconrads]

Great pics!!

[@daverosewell9991]

Thanks Steve, I enjoyed the points you highlighted. Happy shooting

[@brianlemke6017]

Well ….. gee whiz. Pretty much everything in this video perfectly equally applies to my brand new Z8. Thanks, Steve.

[@1GhostInc]

As always a superb video, you are a encyclopedia for Nikon shooters.

[@SohamDas1995]

Outstanding work.

[@samanthapushpakumara2716]

Those photos are awesome!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you so much!

[@vincentvdb3151]

And purchased your new ebook Steve. Thx, the one I was waiting for :-)

[@merkin22]

As always, great content. Thanks, Steve.

[@cliveingram9840]

Steve -my apologies. Access to both books now all good. Clive

[@Digmen1]

Annother great video Steve. I think I'll sell my Z6ii and just look at your photos! I can't wait to see which of those features Nikon trickles down first!

[@brianaikens7282]

Great video. I can see myself making some slight adjustments to my setup.....plus I think I will be getting the setup guide to see what other fine tuning I can do to get the best out of the camera. Thanks for your efforts, much appreciated.

[@neilarmitage6632]

Makes perfect sense

[@HR-wd6cw]

I have to agree that saying that the unwillingness to sort through images is a bit of lazyiness, and to be honest, I think this is one area that separates the "wannabe" wildlife photographers and the "pros". yes they may come home with many more images than those who shot slower frame rates because the ydidn't want to cull a lot later, but you have more options, as you mentioned, and I think that's key especially with some subject matter like BIFs and other fast-moving subjects. It just gives you options. For the same reason that they always teach you to work the subject (in general) in composition classes. yes you end up with more images, but you also have more options for later. Basically I look at it as yes it's tedious to cull through hundreds or thousands of images, but it's easier to delete ones you don't need than to have ones that you're not entirely satisfied with or that are "just OK". That's the beauty of digital. This doesn't mean be sloppy and lazy, but be "thoughtful" of what you're doing.

[@danielng5903]

Good morning Steve . Thanks for sharing . 💯💪💪💪💪💪

[@wirawijoga7006]

As always thanks a lot for a very informative video, Steve !

[@stevenwaldstein2249]

Thank you for the video. Bought my new guide also when it came out. Now I just need to make some time to dig in to it.

[@brucegraner5901]

I don't own or use any of the cameras you review but I always look forward to your videos and photographs just the same.

[@gamingnuur6092]

U ARE A GOOD PHOTOGRAPHER

[@Blittzkrieg]

I watched this video even when I do not have and not planning to buy a Z9. I would love if you consider to make an a9/a9ii book I would be the first buying it! Great work! Love your books Steve!

[@randyschwager2515]

Great info Steve! I’m still saving for a Z9 and hoping Nikon comes out with something with great focusing, but more affordable!

[@richcower]

This is a great video Steve. I don’t have a Z camera, but this was really interesting. Thanks!

[@Virindi77]

Great video. I compared all 3 RAW formats at 64 ISO, I could not see any difference with +5 EV correction and +100 shadows... there is certainly a difference because lossless is lossless and the other just aren't, and this could be measured with tools I am sure, but visually it's insignificant.

[@backcountrygallery]

Awesome - thanks for letting me know. That's kind of what I figured (or, at least was hoping). So far, I just haven't had any issues with it.

[@csc-photo]

Always excited when your vids drop! Thanks! 🙂📸 EDIT: Adding to my earlier comment, OUTSTANDING images (as always). And please tell me you say "Shields..." in your best Michael Keaton Batman voice, every time you turn off the Z9 😆🤓

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks! Oh, and now I have a new way to annoy my wife with the Z9 thanks to that batman idea :)

[@MrTmiket0007]

Thanks for sharing another wonderful video like always, I really enjoy watching your videos and learned a lot from you 👍👌

[@ropeyarn]

Great photos!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thank you!

[@tomsullivan2907]

Steve, Nice Video. I'm on the fence as a Canon guy for about 50 years. I'm waiting to see what the R1 brings. I'm hoping that it matches the Z9 with 45mp but rumors are saying less. I have the R5 and know the R5mk2 is coming, but it will never be the R1. I prefer the big battery like 1DXmk2 and Z9 have. Although pricey I like the 600 f4 with 1.4 TC build in that Nikon did. I hate to take the loss and sell off my Canon gear to move to Nikon, but maybe that is what I should consider. I seem to remember way back you were shooting Canon I think? Is Nikon your favorite camera and any real shortcoming of the Z9 if I end up going that way? Oh, If I go that way I see Z9 setup guide in my future. Thanks Tom

[@shrikantsharma379]

Thanks, dear Perry

[@kbruff2010]

Thank you kindly for sharing this information

[@jamiegray3245]

Really useful tips as always, your experience in the field really counts. I notice you use Lightroom to edit, and wonder how everybody else is finding it cranks up noise from the stacked sensor? Even iso 800 files are looking really untidy and loads of colour speckles in shadows, or even normal skin tones. You need to play around with the detail panel in Lightroom, Adobe haven't quite set the software to handle Z9 yet. However, I have heard Capture One handles RAW Z9 files perfectly.

[@BruceCampbell65]

I agree the number of keepers just allows us to be pickier about our favorites

[@enricomarconi8358]

The Guide comes before you can even put your hands on this camera! Impossible to get one! Anyway, GREAT GREAT photos Steve, you're an amazing photographer and you know your stuff - no doubt!

[@backcountrygallery]

Not sure where you live, but the Z9s are becoming available in the US to just about anyone who wants one. So, hang tight! It looks like they are coming :)

[@bradcofo]

They are in stock on Amazon right now with a Nov delivery, in the US at least

[@enricomarconi8358]

@@bradcofo Thanks for the tip, not here In London I'm afraid...

[@enricomarconi8358]

@@backcountrygallery Thank you Steve, I'm in London. I must say, I've been Nr 2 on a list of one of the biggest camera stores here and I pre ordered the camera in March 2021. By the time the camera gets to me Nikon will have already released the Z10 and announced the Z11... As per 800mm or 400mm f/2.8 they're showing the film at the Science Fiction Film Festival at the South Bank Center here in London...

[@Hendrik_Berns]

Hi Steve, eventhough i wont be able to effort new gear for the next Years, i really enjoyed this video anyways, because youre just so good at explaing other more general stuff (e.g. why higher frame rates are so beneficial) along the way. I would really like to see a video in which you talk about camouflage or more general how you personaly manage to get close to wildlife. As i wachted almost all of your Videos i realized, that you didnt wear any form of Camouflage in your videos.

[@silvere36]

Great video! Really didn't think about turning off tracking between shots. That's a great tip. What's your thought on the 800pf vs the 600mm f4E in terms of IQ?

[@pierrederumine1295]

Hi, Thanks again, great Feature summary.

[@JohanSchmidt]

Love your enthusiasm when you talk. The hovering of the camera over the water for the hippo shot takes a lot of courage - perhaps some sort of strap screwed into the lens foot would be better for most others? But when the moment comes, one has to get the shot

[@backcountrygallery]

You absolutely, positively don't want a strap in that scenario. If a croc or hippo comes up from the bottom and tries to grab the "thing" it sees above water, you don't want it pulling you in with it. The water is not overly clear so you have to be very careful.

[@JohanSchmidt]

@@backcountrygallery Very good point - thanks for always responding to questions like these - I definitely learnt something!

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

If you can Steve, try FW 3.0 on birds over water. See if it keeps to the birds in 3D animal AF tracking and doesnt hunt to the weird colors of waves in the foreground or background. I was just out today with it and it seems to be a lot more sticky on the subject.

[@mikedavis1110]

Mike Davis 25 minutes ago Great video on an overview of the options you use! I bought your book and in the process of reading it. Great work and will check out the other z9 info!!

[@eric00214]

Hi Steve, I keep my Sensor Shield off until I need to use it when changing a lens. So I put the menu item for the shield in the My Menu for ease/speed to access it. I do this for 2 reasons. 1st is it's mechanical. It will have a finite lifespan so why constantly have it open and close when not needed? The other is with the Shield turned on, the Z9 starts up and is ready to shoot in about 1 second. Having the shield off, the Z9 starts up in about .5 seconds or about half the time. With the shield off, I find the Z9 starts up as fast as my D850 and D500 did.

[@RadAlzyoud]

I just ordered your Z9 book. Starting reading it....

[@Marco_Wildlife]

Fantastic mini review.

[@lynnbattista787]

Thanks for another great video.

[@fabiankeppler315]

compared to the D850, focusing feels to hunt more using F-glass when shooting landscapes. especially on low contrast subjects

[@Bikash_Jana]

Excellent video as usual 😊

[@forzer456]

Though i was waiting for your review on the Z9 ill take anything you put out, even if its a short vid.

[@Altitude2011]

Great video as always!

[@foto4u861]

Hi thanks for all your video's. Though my expierience with the startup-time is not so good. My D5/6 turn the on button & click, got it, I don't get that same result on the Z9 and cost me already many hits. With my Z9 I have to anticipate tooooo far in my opinion. That's really something I hate from the Z9.

[@Bazzasphotolife]

Great work, as per usual.

[@victorlim5077]

Thanks, Steve for the great video. Will there be a long term review of the 800mm F6.3 PF lens coming up?

[@backcountrygallery]

I'm still planning on it. I'm trying to get a 400 2.8 for comparison, but can't get a loaner...

[@victorlim5077]

@@backcountrygallery Thanks, Steve.

[@dvdgray]

Thanks!

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks David!!

[@Hrishi1970]

Wow! This is 💯 % legit! Thank you so much!

[@OkwyUgonweze]

Keep up the good work friend ❤

[@AlanFullmer]

10:18 nice pun!

[@djengsridisini]

i've had my d40 for long, and it's good as z9 :D

[@neerajr3134]

As always your shots are an absolute joy to look at. Thanks for all the tips. Did you notice any difference in subject detection or tracking when using f mount lenses compared to z mount ones? (Edited as i forgot to ask the question when i first posted the comment)

[@backcountrygallery]

Hmm - that's a good question. I'm gonna say I don't think so, but I never really paid attention to it. If there's a difference, it's minor.

[@neerajr3134]

@@backcountrygallery I asked this because in Tony Northrups vedios on z9 they were complaining about the autofocus performing poorly compared to sony and canon especially for bif. They were using adapted f mount lenses. Some comments said that unlike EF and RF mounts which are similar Fmount is vastly diff from Z mount thus communication between lens and camera is not as good as in case of Z mount lenses and this could be causing the issues. Thankyou for your reply!

[@backcountrygallery]

@@neerajr3134 Yeah, I don't know if I'd put much stock into their claims. I've done a LOT of BIF work with the Z9 and mostly with adapted glass and it doesn't seem like much of an issue :)

[@street_biologist6727]

@@neerajr3134 I have stopped watching the Northrups and the other guy since they have started undue lashing at Nikon products, especially, since the release of Z9. Although I do not have any Z long telephoto lenses yet, but I find that the 200-500mm works quite satisfactorily for the most of the time.

[@bisibela]

I am no way close to steve or the northrups as a wildlife photographer… but even as an amateur I bagged around 90-95 % hit rate on bigger BIF like cranes and about 70-80% on smaller birds like swallows in flight. most of the time, it was my fault for not being able to keep the bird in the view finder . So Northrups being better photographers than me, should have a higher hit rates unless they were doing something really wrong with their setup

[@rotvonrat]

Got the feeling you're implying the Sony is a bit better, right? Beautiful pictures by the way, thanks.

[@backcountrygallery]

It is IMO - but not by a large enough margin that I'd switch to Sony if I was a Nikon shooter or if I liked Nikon's lens catalog better. I can shoot with either camera in just about any situation and make it work.

[@neilarmitage6632]

Camera manufacturers should introduce the feature to save images to PDF 300dpI so you can send them to your laptop or phone and to print from there

[@MLJ7424]

Hi Steve , Great review, I'm on a D4 I'm planning on upgrading in two weeks I was considering a D6 , however I know you got rid of yours Do you have any regrets with Z9 ? Do you think using the adapter to use F mount lenses, you experience any loss ? Thanks

[@Forestfalcon1]

I'm about to buy a Z9.. One of the features I thought were great was no shutter.. So no limited lifespan because of the mechanical shutter.. However an issue I've heard about mirrorless cameras is they attract a great deal more dust on the sensor.. Would this need the clean the sensor more regularly contribute to wear and tear on the sensor and limit the lifespan of the camera? This is probably my last decent camera I buy before I retire so I would like it to last..

[@KnightsandWeekends]

I recently acquired my second Z9, and even though my older body is running fw2.1, I would swear the AF system is more improved on the newer body. Anyone else seeing this? I may re-apply the firmware to the older camera just to be sure, but it does seem odd. All my settings were transferred via Save/Load from the original body to the new one.

[@shyamalnandy9777]

Thanks

[@backcountrygallery]

Thanks so much!

[@paulmorrall5719]

Phenomenal thank you so much

[@brendajphotography]

I love your videos and have watched many. I just bought a Z9 and I am so excited. Lots to discover. Some day I would love to hook up with you on a workshop or something. My biggest problem is being a fairly small female, I cannot handle carrying around a 600mm lens. So I have to sacrifice. Any suggestions would help with that. I just can't carry that heavy equipment. I will continue to watch your videos. Going to look at the the Ultimate Z9 one you mentioned.

[@backcountrygallery]

The 800PF is much lighter than the 600 F/4 E, and the new 400 2.8 is pretty light as well, relatively speaking. So, things are getting better :)

[@brendajphotography]

@@backcountrygallery thank you Steve!

[@Azeemmerchant]

awesome video thanks ❤🙌

[@philipculbertson55]

I have one on order, hope to get it mid-November. I am currently using the D-850. Really looking forward to it!