Field Test: Enhanced Auto Focus Firmware for the Z9 | A Delight for Bird and Aviation Photographers

Welcome! We're showcasing the new 4.1 Auto Focus Firmware for Nikon's Z9 camera. The video has Chinese commentary and English subtitles for everyone to follow along.
In this video, we'll show you how this firmware upgrade is a big help for bird photographers. We'll highlight the improvements Nikon made, making your photography experience even better.
Plus, you'll enjoy some cute bird footage in the video, perfect for bird lovers. Don't miss out on seeing how the NEW Z9 camera is changing bird photography.

[@mustafakasapoglu]

Great Test. I am also looking forward to test mine with the same lens. Thank you for the presentation test of the new firmware.

[@SuBirdsNatureTours]

Thank you for your comment! Testing your Z9 with the same lens should be an exciting experience. It's great to see how the new firmware performs. Additionally, I agree that Nikon's 800/5.6 is a high-quality lens with exceptional optics. We're fortunate to have it in our camera gear. Happy shooting!

[@OkwyUgonweze]

Awesome ❤

[@SuBirdsNatureTours]

Thanks 🤗

[@thomastuorto9929]

Didn’t understand a word you said but no matter. Video looked good & in focus. Photos & video in focus when you get them on the computer? I watched a video yesterday & the focus box was on the eye, (Cedar Waxwing) & other birds that where out of focus when he showed the reviewed photos. I’m not sure the guy was that experienced. Maybe too much camera & needs more practice possibly.

[@SuBirdsNatureTours]

Thank you for your feedback. The video you watched yesterday was indeed one of mine, and I appreciate your understanding. I'm still learning and gaining experience with the WR-(C) focusing mode. There are two possibilities for the focus issue you mentioned: 1) The focus point displayed on the bird's eye might have actually been on its wing or body, causing the eye to be out of focus due to the shallow depth of field at 800mm @f/5.6, 2) It could be motion blur caused by a shutter speed that wasn't fast enough. In any case, I will continue to study and practice in my future shoots.

[@dance2jam]

Su Li, this is exactly what I found with firmware 4.10 update using the Z9 and 600mm f4 E FL ED VR. I am sure you are aware of this, but I have Custom WA 1 set up as a 1x1 square (i.e. single point) with subject detection. I use the Fn1 button to access this custom single point. If I want to turn subject detection off (either because the camera isn't recognizing my subject or there are several subjects, I've mapped "recall function shooting - subject detection off" to the DISP button next to AF-On. So it's a quick turn off or on if this situation happens. I look forward to hearing your next test.

[@SuBirdsNatureTours]

Hi dance2jam, I believe you are a more experienced photographer than I am, as your insights have pointed me towards a nearly perfect solution. Before Nikon introduced the bird detection upgrade, I rarely used animal detection for my photography, except for BIF. I solely relied on Single AF, trusting my experience with DSLR cameras. However, I'm now hesitating, and I plan to test your advice in a forest with small birds next week. I want to see if the camera's AI will be more of an asset or if it will create difficulties for me. Thank you once again for your valuable input.

[@dance2jam]

@@SuBirdsNatureTours I look forward to your tests. I have had to resort to Dynamic/single point in the past on the Z9 as well - but now use the 1x1 Custom Wide Area AF-Area Mode instead of Single point - as I previous mentioned - because I can turn off Subject Detection quickly if need be. The Nikon AF system is a challenging one for me. Without getting too detailed, I find 3D least reliable even with the updates - unless the bird is very close, and the only bird in the frame. It can work with birds in flight or on water (landing or taking off) but it seems to randomly leave the subject at times. Wide area is now working much better with bird subject detection - recognizing the bird and sticking to it (even better than 3D). That said, as you know, with environments that are closer than the subject, the AF may still jump to the background (much less now, but still happens). I would say Firmware 4.1 for me does show improvement - and takes the camera closer to the Canon R3, but not sure it really matches the A1 yet. The only problem with the Nikon AF-area modes is that compared to Canon and Sony, it requires the user to be versed in how those modes work and be experienced in them - unlike the Canon that just has Subject detection work in all modes without having to figure out all the time which mode is best. I don't shoot with the R3, but I have several friends that do. Good Luck!

[@SuBirdsNatureTours]

@@dance2jam I've adjusted my camera test based on your suggestions, and I'm looking forward to testing it on Thursday. Like you, I only have Nikon cameras, so I can't compare with other manufacturers, but it's reassuring that the Z9 keeps receiving updates and improvements. Thank you very much for your detailed comments!

[@dance2jam]

@@SuBirdsNatureTours Any time. Hope it helps. We can compare notes going forward (and 600mm PF announced today). Much luck on Thursday.

[@warrenwang7279]

你把DISP按钮设成单点或很小的小方块就可以实现几只鸟之间的切换了

[@SuBirdsNatureTours]

非常感谢！非常好的思路，我要去测试下看看

[@chipsrafferty8362]

I don’t understand French,English subtitles would help.

[@SuBirdsNatureTours]

I apologize for any confusion, but I double-checked my subtitles, and I provided the complete English version of the subtitles. I'm not sure why you saw French subtitles; one possibility is to check the automatic translation settings for the subtitles.