Nikon Z9. Bird Photography Autofocus. I finally see what I've been missing!

How well does the Z9 perform when focusing on birds. I don't really know what I was expecting but my expectations were....well, you'll have to watch and see.
Photographed with the 500pf and Nikon Z9.
#NikonZ9 #Nikon #birdphotography
Please remember to like and subscribe.
Here is a list of the equipment I use.
Nikon 500mm PF amzn.to/3GwTfys
Nikon z mount 105mm 2.8 MC amzn.to/3ye0M2b
F-Stop Backpack amzn.to/2Wykvuv
Drone DJI Air 2S amzn.to/3jnSwXJ
Nikon Z6II amzn.to/2SntkFK
Nikon Z6 amzn.to/3wy1IgC
K&F Concept Variable ND amzn.to/3gXMmf6
Wimberley gimbal amzn.to/3s2ABqE
Tripod Benro Mach 3 amzn.to/3uobYWE
Memory cards xqd amzn.to/3uygzG7
Rode video video Mic NTG. amzn.to/31R2bzm
Nikon 20mm 1.8. amzn.to/3h1bSjG
Zoom H4N amzn.to/3kX0TJh
Tape wrap for tripod amzn.to/2Vobzb8
Thanks for stopping by. Visit me on Instagram:
/ bayou_josh
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.
All Aerial Photography and video was captured by me. I am a Part 107 UAV Pilot. Feel free to email with inquiries.

[@CarmineTavernaPhotography]

Hello from MANHATTAN, I wanted to tell you I just finished watching The Vahagraphy KZbin video of Jan 2, 2022, where my buddy Vahagan praised you, your work and your channel..all I can say, he's correct..kudos to you Josh for great content..Carmine 👍

[@BayouJosh]

You are very kind Carmine. thank you so much. Vahagn is a good friend and a great ambassador in the Nikon community.

[@dellboy177]

For someone that wasn't sent a Z9 from Nikon, you've made the most useful video on the autofocus. Good job Josh

[@BayouJosh]

Still figuring it out. I'm sure I overlooked a few things. 🙂

[@bobarkow2997]

Hi Josh excellent video as usual. Auto focus is even faster if you just set the focus mode to just Animal, people or vehicle depending on what you are photographing. Also Hudson Henry just posted several videos on setting up the Z9 for Action, Standard, Landscape and Astro. Worth taking a look at. Leep shooting. Bob

[@BayouJosh]

thanks for the heads up on the focus mode. I'll definitely be switching that. Just winging it. It's the way I learn. dive in a screw things up a bit then work it out afterwards.

[@iTriguy1]

In those videos he talks about using a hybrid AF approach of wide area and 3d with looks very promising.

[@g8erhater1]

I'm so glad to see that you waited along with the rest of us for Nikon to catch up to the rest of the mirrorless market with Autofocus. I've been yelling loudly in your comments to all the naysayers out there that Nikon will without a doubt catch up and maybe even surpass the rest of the class on autofocus. They haven't passed anyone yet but I think thats coming within a year or two. I am not sure if I am going to get the Z9 or wait a year and grab a Z8 or Z7iii because if history has shown me anything with Nikon is that they always put their flagship autofocus system in their lower end bodies a year or so after they drop. I may sell my Z6ii and Z7 and grab the Z9 anyways but honestly I really like the smaller bodies of the Z6 & Z7 bodies over the Flagship bodies with the grip. I do own a grip for my Z6ii just in case I'm shooting portraits but thats almost NEVER, so I guess it will just come down to how much effort I feel like putting into selling my other bodies and if Nikon teases any newer lower end bodies soon. Super glad you got your Z9 and I'm glad that I was one of the guys telling you to not even put any thought into it and to just get it because it will advance your channel without a doubt. Remember..... 108k within a year and you've doubled your subs in the last 5 months, so I expect it go grow super fast now that you got a fire lit under you right now with that new bazooka Z9! Good Luck Josh!!!

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks brother. I am sure the tech will trickle down. It is exciting times for Nikon.

[@radicalrenegade8528]

Yeah, I just got mine a few weeks ago and it is crazy good. That’s coming from the D500 and D850. My F mount lenses seem to work better with the Z9. Thank you for letting us know what focus configurations you’re using. That is very helpful.

[@BayouJosh]

It really is! I think I may have been limiting myself by not having it exclusively set to animal eye tracking.

[@stevemurnan1702]

This mirrors my experience with the R5 and adapted EF lenses. They were quicker and more accurate on the RF mount with EF adapter than on my EF 1DXmk3 or 5Dmk4. That you are finding the same on the F mount adapted lenses isn't a real surprise. If you have good F mount glass why change it?

[@abdelsadinodio7841]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! I'm glad you finally pull the trigger on to Z9. I do believe that better equipment doesn't make you a better photographer but it will definitely makes your life easier and your experience much more smoother!

[@BayouJosh]

I totally agree!

[@sklett68]

Hey Josh - been a fan since the early days. Excited for you with the Z9 - I completely understand the buzz of a new camera. It doesn't happen often, and great fun to have that new, hottest toy in your hands. That said, please don't change this channel to a hardware focus. I've always enjoyed your narratives, and coming along on your adventures and seeing what you see. YT is bombarded with videos about the Z9 and how it the best thing ever and run out and buy it!!!! Well, as you know, all of us can't - at least right now. So it's great to have content that focuses on other things, too ;-) All I'm saying is don't forget where you came from with this channel - you are a MASTER story teller. That said, I am excited to see what you do with the Z9 as my wife also watches your vids with me and I can say "see, look at what I could do with THAT camera!" ;-) (Course I need to find some Great Greys as cooperative as those - wow!)

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you so much Steve. It will certainly not turn into a gear channel. Like you said, I am just excited and I do get a fair share of guys reaching out asking me to do these reviews. back to normal next week. working on it now. 🙂

[@sparkelius]

@@BayouJosh +1 to Steve Klett's request. - I can relate to you in so many ways. I upgraded my Nikon D70 after 18 years - gear Does(nt) matter just like you say. And I enjoy these videos. I got my Z9 in Mar 2022 and in my first shoot itself I had a 90% keeper rate. There are gremlins inside :) .

[@alyssasnaturesanctuary]

Finally, Nikon has a good sensor. I have never liked the colors of the D1, D2, D3, etc... not accurate at all--way off. And now I am SOOOOOO happy they are using a Sony sensor, it's wonderful, what a perfect combination, I love it. the Z9 is awesome because of the Sony sensor. the best of both worlds.

[@badongtagalog5737]

Sony color is bad and difficult to post process. Great colors in Nikon is not because it’s a Sony sensor but because it’s a Nikon calibrated sensor

[@coastalbay4k]

Nice, this is the video I've been waiting to see. Glad you finally got the camera. You have some great images on your instagram account buddy!!

[@BayouJosh]

thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[@BillyVerden]

I'm not a Nikon shooter and I'm not a subscriber.. but maybe I will be.. a subscriber I mean.. lol.. because I just watched one of the most honest not in your face camera reviews I think I've ever seen on KZbin.. Thanks for that! Enjoy your new camera! I hope you continue to show in your videos how much fun photography can be.. Great Video!

[@BayouJosh]

thanks so much Billy. It is a fun hobby!

[@BillyVerden]

@@BayouJoshYes.. It certainly is a fun hobby!

[@Stefan1968ful]

Yeah, missing the shot with the Z9. Because the Autofocus is inconsistent. It is jumping from time to time, from eye of the bird to something beside. What a crap, this is premature. Based on own experience with Z9 and my Nikkor 600mm 4.0 FL by the way. The Z9 is capable of a lot but it will take some firmware updates to unchain this beast.

[@JoeMustang99]

Excellent video, just excellent. And I am an Olympus shooter, never owned a Nikon.

[@rfssport]

I switched from Nikon to Sony (a1) because of better auto focus (mainly gif), lower weight and great color.

[@srikanakadurgaartscreation3724]

Excellent explanation Thankyou

[@thomaschamberlin2485]

Still waiting for my Z9. Hudson Henry is using an interesting strategy for focus on flying birds. He has set the shutter button focus for auto area which picks the birds up initially, but may lose them if they fly out of the focus square. He has the back button focus set for 3-D tracking. He acquires focus with the shutter button and then immediately hits the back button focus to follow the bird. For perching birds you can just use the back button for 3-D tracking.

[@david111davies]

Funny how very few people today with the latest high end gear can make BIF photography anywhere near as good as Pro`s were doing 20 years ago with crappy old dslr`s. I guess talent cannot be beat with gear.

[@colincromar2878]

Love the real world commentary but please be careful with your audio. When you are breathing in you are taking a sharp breath and its very distracting. You might want to move the mic away slightly. Keep up the good work

[@sveneezy2059]

S/O to the Gremlins. I've had the chance to use a Z9 over a weekend and I felt the same way. It's like black magic.

[@phphoto]

When shooting birds - Put in bird detection mode. Then the camera knows what you want 👍🏻 You had it in auto detection. I think that’s the reason

[@IAmR1ch]

I know my Canon R5 had several firmware updates with improvements to AF I am sure that the Z9 will get some updates as well as time goes on.

[@KobusGevelspar]

Oh.. and don’t apologize for shaky footage man :-) it gives that ‘live’ and real feeling to it.

[@forkintherode8236]

I've heard that before- the Z9 is like cheating. Congrats I can't wait for mine to come.

[@bertwilbrink2679]

Congrats with camera Josh. Man I want to visit you, what a magnificent birds.

[@tristanbane4873]

Great to see you out in the field with it Josh. And that it lives up to expectations. My main issue is having to damn many keepers to choose from, I've gone down to 15 fps to to reduce my post processing workload!

[@BayouJosh]

Right!!!! I can't believe how much time I would spend going back and forth between 10-20 perfect shots and trying to figure out which one is the most perfect 😆

[@cesarm8811]

So cool Josh, that your really happy with Z9 camera. Looking forward to your next video.

[@andrewyoder88]

Just now found this channel. Where have you been hiding during my hundreds of wildlife photography searches?? Let the binge watching commence

[@BayouJosh]

Oh Yay!!! you just made my day. KZbin and that dang search algorithm. they get it right sometimes. 😄

[@jasonpalmer2497]

congtrates on your z9 and to think im only now getting a used d850 as the prices here in uk have dropped

[@justingates1122]

Be net to be that close to one good job.

[@majedphotos]

thanks a lot for sharing this all the best for you and subscribed already

[@hautehussey]

Note that the z9 apparently doesn’t focus as well when you’re also outputting out to an atomos.

[@shaikhahmed7929]

My argument for using top of the line best gear you can afford is, you will know exactly for a fact that each of those bad photos were your fault, lack of skill or failing to account for the situation; not the tech limitation. This helps you ponder what you could have done to better those shots.

[@BayouJosh]

that is a wonderful observation. so true!

[@hans6304]

Great perspective.

[@Ritalie]

As a side note. I don't own one of these yet. But of course it's a great investment! Because I did some research, and the Z9 has already sold 400,000 pre-orders. That's about $2.2 billion worth of sales on just pre-orders alone! Hypothetically this camera should retain basically it's full retail value, and it might even go up in value over time, like some of the Sony A7 and Canon EOS series. Also, it could be a camera that could last the rest of your life. With all the features, including 4K and 8K video, it's entirely possible that a person might never need to buy another camera. Some professional video channels on KZbin are still using 1080p, and these are people who shoot cinema cameras for a living. Around 2014, the technology of sensors started to reach a plateau in their image quality. It's unlikely that our eye will be able to see any improvements moving forward, even if the sensors do get better. The technology is "mature." My point is, I could see the Z9 (and keep in mind it can accept new firmware) being relevant for at least 10 more years.

[@BayouJosh]

I agree. Same with all the new flagship mirrorless camera. they are all so good!

[@atropicali]

Aha.. you've got it finally.. hope you have a good times with it. Personally after a big search i found till this moment, that the z6 ii sensor is more cleaner and sharper in photo shots. I'll be happy to know how you customised the single focus point on the the Z6 ii as you were a user for it. Keep those videos coming josh.

[@BayouJosh]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Somedayilllearn]

Hey Bayou, I love your bird stills. Are you planning on covering the 120P video of birds at all. I'm very interested to see how that will play out while tracking a subject (i.e. a bird) from right to left or left to right. Great video too by the way - SomedayAdventure

[@BayouJosh]

thank you my friend. there will be a lot of lessons learned coming out over the next few months. Stay tuned. 😀

[@R2X2Z]

I stopped watching when you said you use back button AF and shutter button is still engaged for AF... Lol. I've been doing this since D7000 days. Just kidding, great video and insights! I am a Nikon shooter and almost switched to R5/R6. Got the Z6 to try out Nikon mirrorless coming from D810/D600 and was enough for me to stay with Nikon and roll the dice and wait until Nikon catches up. I'm so happy I waited so now instead of jumping to a different system I'm jumping to a flagship camera, Z9. I just hope I get mine soon as I pre-ordered a day after it was announced.

[@BayouJosh]

😃

[@phillloyd47]

OK I'm convinced, that looks amazing! Unfortunately there is no way I could stretch to a Z9 but I really hope nikon bring out a crop body with this autofocus system like they did with the D5/D500. Thanks for the vid.

[@BayouJosh]

Fingers crossed! I hope so too!

[@KevinFox58]

Yes it's a great camera, but a huge slap in the face to the other Z6ll and 7ll owners. Those bodies are not cheap at all. Almost every camera in the Sony and Canon lines out focuses the Z7 and 6s. It's a real shame Nikon doesn't do something about it. And a major slap in the face, if you want that stuff in a Nikon, you have to dump that kind of cash out.

[@BayouJosh]

That part really is a shame. It’s unfortunate that they did not get that right. Hopefully moving forward things will be better.

[@jackbrumby1892]

@@BayouJosh No problem if you've got the ready cash to order a Z9 on Day One .... and a 400mm 2.8 Day One .... and the future 800mm on Day One. Great for getting KZbin hits when you're allegedly "winging it".

[@jackbrumby1892]

Kevin - you are totally correct. My issue is with any KZbinr that has a knockabout approach & surreptitiously says "be like me... spend the cash you have or haven't got ..... buy a Z9 ++.... talk about how life is so wonderful since you've moved on from the Z6ii ..... and portray your photographic ethos as "but I'm just an average guy". A transparent plea for sycophancy. Seems to be a good business model on KZbin.

[@SwanSycorax]

Great stuff. So you now have your own Z9 - you lucky, lucky b.....d!!! Here in the UK I can still not get any indication as to when we might see deliveries. I was chasing only yesterday but nothing has changed since I previously asked a couple of weeks back. Patience, patience, patience - I wish!!!

[@BayouJosh]

Patience is tough when it’s something exciting like this. Hang in there Brian.

[@SwanSycorax]

@@BayouJosh I am, I am, but, boy is it frustrating!!!

[@blangd]

Love it Josh! Many paths to take and some, like us, tinker, poke and prod, stumble and get back up, to eventually getting there. That AF-hunting is not surprising on some of your images. Squint, or convert to black and white and squint. (heck, some are already b&w!) Close your eyes half way and you'll see the owl disappear.

[@BayouJosh]

😄 right?

[@stevep927]

To be fair Sony had this type of AF two years ago

[@BayouJosh]

Yep, which I eluded to at the end of the video. Nikon finally got on the same playing field.

[@normanwatson9056]

I can tell by your voice you're loving it - looking forward not backwards... i'm selling my DSLR gear... before it's worthless

[@BayouJosh]

You are going to love it.

[@paulrubens3048]

i concur, its about the best thing out there for birds in flight, which is a VERY DEMANDING test for AF lock on, and AF tracking ( 2 very different topic ).

[@BayouJosh]

true

[@magnegrimen3376]

Hi Josh, great video, and I like your channel! I'm still a beginner in photography, and an absolute beginner in bird photography. And even worse, I'm a Canon guy, a proud owner of an R5. Since this is a video on autofocus, I thought I'd share a tip that I found on another youtube video; double back-button focusing. I've sat it up on my R5, and I'm sure you can do it on Nikon and Sony as well. So I use two buttons for back-button focus. The first one (AF on) is a single spot continous focus. I use that when the bird is a bit hard to find, maybe partly hiding is some branches. In those cases the Eye focus won't always work, so the standard one point is safer. Than if the bird moves or turns so that the eye becomes clearly visible, I move my thumb to the other button (the star button) which is set up for eye detection focus, and I have eye focus. This works well for me, so maybe it is worth trying.

[@BayouJosh]

Great advice! I’ve learned over the years that you can put 10 photographers in a room and get 10 different preferences on camera set up. I love that we can customize these cameras so much these days.

[@atrbear]

Hi, would like your opinion on Ray Hennessy’s most recent Bird video experience with the Z9- your specific time shooting birds and his bird focusing with the Z9 would be relevant. Ted.

[@BayouJosh]

Ray is a good friend. I've always said that if you put 10 photographers in a room, you will get 10 different opinions and all of them will be right. So, not much to say other than he is very experienced and has his methods that work for him. My only big difference in how he used the single point is that I use the 3d box as a single point AF to reengage focus once lost.

[@davearchbell9921]

Do you think it will work just as well with the Sigma 60 to 600?

[@pavochon]

I want this camera so bad (upgrade from D750) but it isn't in stock anywhere. Love your content...

[@BayouJosh]

I know, it’s tough. I inquired about getting a second one and I was told it would be a year before they came out of backorder.

[@nikilk]

I wonder what’s stopping Nikon from pushing all the software algorithms for auto focus down to the Z6 II/ Z7 series… Those cameras do have enough processing power on them too. Maybe it’s just to keep Z9 sales up 😬

[@BayouJosh]

I think we are getting close to a firmware release. I hope so.

[@ryantang8146]

My Z9 just arrived yesterday. I paired it up with my 500mm f5.6 PF lens and run into some problems. I found the function buttons on the lens not working at all with the Z9 ? Is this normal or maybe you need a naive z mount lens for that ?

[@BayouJosh]

🤔 I never use the function buttons on the lens. I’ll check it out.

[@FlyinRyanProductions406]

Gosh I wish I could find me some owls. Lol. I just ordered my z9 along with 800mm f6.3. F it. 😂😂😅

[@BayouJosh]

Awesome, you will love it.

[@bh105401]

An Excellent review by non-KOL or non-professional photographer, that is really helpful for amateur users

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you. Glad it helped.

[@jimreimer6140]

To get rid of your addiction, try a new hobby. But first get rid of your Z9. I'm sure there is somebody out there who would like one. Anyway, I got mine about a week ago. Very exciting!

[@BayouJosh]

Congrats on getting yours in hand. fun times.

[@coffeestory9533]

Hi Josh. Great video like always but I cannot understand why do you need anymore the back button autofocus when now you have eye tracking and you can recompose without using bbf. Instead, you can set the shutter button to another type of focus. So now you have at your fingertips another button to set for af. I have 4 af scenarios setup: shutter button - large area back button autofocus - 3d joystick - autoarea fn1 - small area

[@BayouJosh]

Good question. I’ve never thought about it. Habit really.

[@marjangresl7436]

Excellent presentation of AF focus in practice what "gismo" :-) do you use in star of the video. It is on the place for flash. Tks, Marjan

[@BayouJosh]

thank you. that is a Atomos Ninja 5 external recorder.

[@sosomelodies659]

Please Nikon, put this AF bird tracking technology in the Z6 III. I need a crop body for birds in flight.

[@BayouJosh]

totally!!!! please Nikon.

[@jamesw5836]

Nice video with live shots. I'm the :gear hauler" in my marriage but occasionally I get to take some pictures.... lol I tell my wildlife photographer wife all the time she is cheating with her Sony A1. Once it gets locked on to a flying bird it will take focused images even as they fly through the trees. The technology change in cameras since she started many years ago is amazing.

[@BayouJosh]

so true

[@AA1PR]

are you the Nikonians forum? nice shots I too have spent way too much, but it keeps us out of trouble LOL Im glad you kept the video mode honest

[@BayouJosh]

feels like it sometimes. 😄

[@ryannarron4296]

Oh boy…..I was afraid you were going to give it high ratings….now I gotta get mine 🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@BayouJosh]

It’s fun. 😁

[@RobertKingofMaine]

Great video! There is so much I like about this video. Thanks. I subscribed. Did not hit the bell. Do not really know what it is. As long as I get your videos I will be happy.

[@BayouJosh]

You are too kind! Thanks Robert.

[@ReikiHealingMusic_com]

it would be awesome if you could stop apologizing... many commentators have no idea. your photography and gear are pro level. why not stand up.?

[@BayouJosh]

I just think there is a fine line between "standing up" and coming across as a disconnected pro that knows everything. I am seriously a guy with a full time management career that loves this hobby. think of me as a friend. Not a subject matter expert.

[@yogeshwaikul6823]

Amazing video as usual.. !! May I know background music you used @ 0.33

[@BayouJosh]

thank you, that is something I got off Music bed. I think it was actuality-lovelast

[@laposport7489]

So happy for you Josh. Great video! I really wish that I sometimes soon can convince myself to buy the Sony A1 😅

[@BayouJosh]

You should!

[@avnerbenzvi8757]

Enjoy your new Camera, I will wait to the Z 8 (or Z9 without the Grip) I'm looking a light and small solution

[@BayouJosh]

I'm hoping they come through with that soon.

[@EtzionHadassy]

Thanks, very informative. I must get me one of these. I would allso like to have your opinion abour noise performance in high iso.

[@BayouJosh]

So far so good.

[@congcong2219]

I'm just like you, have a full time job went out for birds photography whenever I have a free time or holiday , but I'm not a good photographer i enjoy it, don't have a good camera either

[@BayouJosh]

It’s a beautiful hobby 🙂

[@robertkoch3397]

Aw, you're a professional. Great video. Enjoy the camera, can't wait to see how you grow

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you so much!!

[@FotoHysteria]

When I got my A7IV last month i was like that, still am. I tell people, "I dont know what kinda Voodoo is in this camera, but I like it"..hahaahaa

[@BayouJosh]

Right!!!! it's spooky.

[@freetibet1000]

Man, this thing will fill up my hard drive with too many “keepers” in no-time! 🤣😩

[@BayouJosh]

Indeed

[@chrishilton6378]

Thanks Josh. Straight to the point with no nonsense. Big question is... 400mm 2.8?

[@BayouJosh]

Yeah. I pre-ordered.

[@lokatpic]

I am so glad your enjoying the new tool. Z7 is mine and I do get great results from it. So use it in good health. Did you sleep with the camera when you first got it? :>

[@BayouJosh]

😁 I didn’t go that far. 🤣

[@dannycarpenter4334]

im glad nikon finally came thru ..

[@kunal726]

Is there an option for Direct Manual Focus while in AF mode like in the Sony A1 ?

[@BayouJosh]

Absolutely. Direct override just by twisting the focus ring.

[@bryanquick2709]

Fluffy bird pants.

[@BayouJosh]

🙂

[@mladen5016]

I think that the el. shutter alone, makes this camera better than any Canon or Sony. This is a big leap into the future of digital photography technology!

[@BayouJosh]

It is pretty amazing.

[@cliftonwhittaker260]

Thank you, Josh. This is exactly the type of information I've been looking for. Morten Hilmer also did a video that was straight to the point user information. Now, if my health improves I might end up with a Z9.

[@frostybe3r]

Why are you only shooting at 20 fps? Nice review, love owls.

[@BayouJosh]

30fps is JPEG. I want raw image files.

[@frostybe3r]

@@BayouJosh JPEG :(

[@brucesterlowden140]

Good honest video Josh and I take no credit, but do feel a wee bit of pleasure in knowing I encouraged you to buy it!! 😊

[@BayouJosh]

😆

[@MannsWoodlandPerspective]

Awesome location for getting so many owls. Great AF video 😁

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you 😊

[@bidyutde56]

Wonderful video with honest review, a must view for all photographers.

[@BayouJosh]

Many thanks!

[@hankdinardo4308]

Josh you're not shooting people and cars set the AF to animal only. It will pick up the owl even faster after eliminating people and cars from the algorithm..

[@BayouJosh]

Great Point Hank. I definitely need to do that. no idea why i did not think of that.

[@hankdinardo4308]

​@@BayouJosh Awesome Owl shots Josh.

[@michaelsurratt9593]

Glad you like it. The 500 PF is great and excellent for handheld work. I can’t wait to see how you like the results when the 400 TC lands.

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you, I can't wait either. it is going to be fun.

[@stevelandphotography]

I had the same thoughts using mine. Going out tomorrow for a walk. Hopefully something worth shooting. It is a nice feeling to be able to focus on the moment, feeling and composition more now than the focus. As always, enjoy watching each video Josh.

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks Steve. definite game changer

[@johnhjic2]

I like what your saying, Please just keep on enjoying photography.

[@BayouJosh]

Thanks, will do!

[@scottscrufari]

I like the fact that you admit that you are not a professional photographer. Too many phonies out there who are primarily youtubers and not much else.

[@BayouJosh]

I am Neither. I am a construction project manager that really likes cameras and birds. 😀

[@ianbrown6393]

Brilliant , and honest assessment as always. Thank you. Ian (UK)

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you Ian.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

Forget the gear, the joy you andd yo wife bring to photography is wonderful. Thank you for sharing! (Also the Z9 is amazing. 😁) Edit: 10:15 Those "I was fumbling to get the shot" shots are jaw-dropping. The Z9 is no joke!

[@dac9404]

I received my Z9 Wednesday late afternoon. This week. Ya, Groundhog Day. I started charging the second battery and spent too much time going through the setup to catch anything. I have the sound turned way down. Many and the animals and birds I am interested in are very skittish. I hope this works for that. I really enjoy your work. Thanks for taking the time to share. And yes I am subscribed. I just don't post much. Take care.

[@BayouJosh]

Glad you received yours. Exciting times.

[@jeffreyneville9769]

Trying a set-up tomorrow that my friend is using and working well for him , under Custom menu -Focus set [A6] to [On]. Set your default AF Mode to 3D. In the Custom Menu Controls go to [f2] Custom controls (shooting) and program your AF-On button to AF-area mode + AF-On and set the Area mode to Wide-Area A/F (L). Now you would initiate the tracking of your subject with the AF-On Button (Back Button AF) and once you locked on release the AF-On button and depress your shutter release button half way to switch to 3D tracking seamlessly and take photo when ready. Obviously you can try other AF Modes to see what suits you the best. I set my subject detection to animals rather than Auto (at this time anyway). Happy shooting!

[@BayouJosh]

Well that’s interesting

[@hishamosman4341]

Dear Josh, you are a Pro bro! you're just being humble Sir! In truth, the Z9 is...to me, the best hybrid camera body in the world right now! Those who has fiddled with the D500,the D850 and even the D6 will attest to that for sure. What is scary is that this Z9 is already great with factory presets and in the years to come, Nikon will make it even better with future firmware updates. What this Z9 really does to shooters is that it forces you to learn the various AF modes to further improve and educate ourselves in order to execute our craft better and better. One can even do a full documentary movie on this thing! You really can. The Pro Res feature in video is like watching IMAXX on screen yo! Josh, now I look forward to more content of yours with your new Z9. Excellent work Bro.

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you so much my friend. there certainly is a lot to learn with this thing.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

Very well presented, I can't wait to get mine, until then I have been using a D500 for birds instead of my Z6ii or Z7 and have far more keepers.

[@dance2jam]

I'm sure you will get lots of comments and suggestions. I hesitate to give you any. After a week of testing (and yes, I'm still very much experimenting) the Z9 makes you think of doing things you might never previously want to do. Bob Arkow alludes to Hudson Henry's arrangement and I'll add one I'm experimenting with (that is not exactly from Hudson, but from my D850 morphed for the Z9). Currently, I've found 3D tracking to be insanely good (albeit, it sometimes randomly jumps off the subject for no reason). So Hudson calls this Hybrid shooting but I was looking for a way to combine three AF modes where I could easily get to them. This led to something I never do (and I'm still experimenting with it). Attach a focus mode to lock on to half press the shutter (i.e. Wide Area Large). Mainly for BIF to acquire focus quickly. Then BB AF to immediately switch to 3D to follow the bird anywhere. Alternatively, Fn1 for Single point (bird between branches in a tree), then BB AF to obtain 3D should it fly. I do have Fn3 dedicated to switching modes (so I can get out it when in portrait mode) and Fn2 is to quickly switch between Fx and Dx modes. This is a work in progress, but as you noted, I actually have to find a BIF shot that isn't sharp, rather than one that is. I never expected the leap from the D850/D500 to be this great. Now Nikon shooters know what Sony and Canon shooters have been up to the last year. It's about time to make the most of it. Happy Shooting My Friend: Yes, It's a beast.

[@BayouJosh]

that is an interesting take. I think it is all a matter of preference. I've learned 10 guys will have 10 slightly different methods and presets. I will likely experiment for another month or so before I settle on what I like.

[@dance2jam]

@@BayouJosh Agreed. Continued refinement, but oh what fun you are going to have in the process.

[@DonaldBrown007]

if you are using back button focus then you dont need to waste time switching between af-s and af-c. When the back button is pressed it is on continuous focus. focus and let go of the button and it is focussed like in af-s.

[@BayouJosh]

Interesting. I will have to test that.

[@jeffreyneville9769]

Agree with you Josh amazing camera, got mine a few days before you was lucky enough to get Barred Owl in flight tack sharp, luv it, not as many owls as you have encountered but I 'll take what I get. Found myself using AF Wide (Large ) & 3D tracking the most, did try AF-F as well. Just changed my Focus Tracking with lock on to 5 due to 3D tracking having a hard time when BIF is too close to a background it gets confused and switches to the background so it was recommended to set this to 5 by another wildlife photographer (Coolwildlife1), so I will try it out. Also when in AF wide (Large ) mode once you lock on within the rectangle I have had it continue to track the eyes of a bird even when the head is no longer in the rectangle. I feel a bit "Dirty" using this camera cause I don't have to work anywhere near as hard to get in-focus shots like with my D850, which like yourself has provided me with many a great shot. I'd say 95%+ of my shots are spot on. Enjoy the camera, I know I am and don't regret it although it hurt the wallet but I think it is really worth it.

[@BayouJosh]

Interesting. I’ll have look into this

[@congcong2219]

I almost watched all of your video and I enjoy it, keep it up.

[@BayouJosh]

Thank you so much 😊

[@roybixby6135]

The Z9 3D mode works really well compared to my D5 or D850 bodies. Unlike the older Z cameras - its great that Z9 AF converted lens speed is as good as DSLR cameras...

[@BayouJosh]

no fall off in speed at all. definite plus!!!

[@robertbeal1078]

I have about 35.000 shots on mine got it Christmas Eve day

[@BayouJosh]

It's easy to pile up shots with this monster.

[@varo1809]

thanks for tell us your exoerice! I hope you can give us more beutiful shots with this equipment

[@BayouJosh]

thanks for tagging along.

[@fgb3126]

Canon users need not apply. This is mainly about Nikon cameras used in the past that did this or that, and now with Nikon's new mirrorless wonder etc. and so on and so forth. I don't know a D3 from a D850. And all this stuff with the focus and the view finder's bells and whistles does not apply either. I use Canon. I am invested in Canon, literally. I know that "someday" I will retire my two 7D Mark 2s and thankfully say goodbye to that insanely LOUD shutter! But! I will still have my Canon lenses and/or the Sigma lenses that are compatible with Canon. And I can use them on the mirrorless Canons. So this whole video is useless to me. Not saying it's bad! For Nikonistas I'm sure it's very educational and useful. But bottom line: Canon users will feel a bit 'at sea'. But to my good friend from the Pelican State, I cannot say how much I am happy for you. A true milestone in your bird photography hobby!

[@BayouJosh]

It is a fun new toy. 🙂

[@fgb3126]

@@BayouJosh Amen brother!

[@Robert-R]

Josh - you mentioned using your FN1 button for changing focus modes. I thought the Z9 has a dedicated focus mode button at bottom left, which is what the pro and prosumer DSLRs have always had? Or are you finding the FN1 button more convenient for this? On my D850 I just use my left thumb to press that and I don't have to take my hands off the camera. Or am I misinterpreting what you meant?

[@BayouJosh]

Yeah, that button is there on the left side but I do all adjusting with the right hand. It is more convenient for me to have it on the other FN1 button.

[@Robert-R]

@@BayouJosh Thanks, Josh. I was assuming it was a convenience factor, which makes sense. Looking to get into bird photography more, so I'm enjoying the videos.

[@jasondain8713]

Great video. I'm glad you are enjoying the camera. I'm having a lot of fun with mine. I have my back button set to work with Wide area small with animal tracking. I set my FN1 button to use single point and engage AF, FN2 to Wide Area Large and engage AF and set FN3 to use 3d tracking and engage AF. This way I don't have to turn dials depending on my situation. This is how I had my Pv button set on my d850 with my back button on single point and my Pv set to group AF. This way, I don't need to stop shooting when I want to change AF modes. I am finding this setup works really well for me. I couldn't do this on my z6ii and it was a pain to hold the button and turn the dial. I have to try some of your video tips and do some more of that.

[@BayouJosh]

I'm learning that you can get 10 guys in a room and get 10 different ways to set up the cameras. I'll probably change my buttons around 4-5 times in the next month.

[@TubTechGuru]

As for me, these mirrorless camera take away the fun & the true learning skills of a traditional photography & videography…IMO! A great informative video, by the way…👍

[@BayouJosh]

But it sure it's fun to nail the shot over and over again.

[@TubTechGuru]

@@BayouJosh I’m an old school from 35mm to DSLR shooters for over 30 years and this will be a challenging habit to break. But, as for perfect shot every time? No argue there for sure!🤣👍