jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

People on YouTube seem to love the recent firmware update for the Z9. I haven't watched these videos because the Z9 is not a member of my family. Any comments on that update?

LFingar Loc: Claverack, NY

I would say it is vastly overrated. It didn't do a thing for my R5.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

I installed it on my Z9 and have had it out birding. To me, the AF eye tracking, especially with grp AF mode, is a bit stickier and AF in general seemed a bit faster and more accurate. The AF system supposedly works better in lower light. I haven't tried it yet, but low light performance was amazing before the new firmware. I tried the 60fps DX mode. I love it, but will not be using it much as I do not want to go through that many pictures in post, but I can see where a pro sports photographer would use it. I really like Pre-Release capture (firmware 2) for birding. You don't have to anticipate an event. Just push the shutter button at your best reaction time and the event has already been captured, but it only works for jpg.

Nikon's support of the Z9 is impressive. Each firmware release has added significant new features and performance improvements. This is the first camera where Nikon has done that and I hope they keep at it. The firmware updates for my D850, D500, ... have mainly been bug fixes or to fulfill earlier promises (i.e., CF Express B).

hpucker99 Loc: Anchorage, Alaska

What lens are you using with the Z9?

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

For birding I was using the FTZ II adapter and Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6, but also use a 600mm f/4G and use quite a few other f-mount lenses as well. The Z glass I have are the 70-200mm f.2.8, 35mm f/1.8, 50mm f/1.8 and 85mm f/1.8. I am buying as money will allow.

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

When Nikon releases the z200-600, you will most likely go that route and abandon the 200-500.

Strodav Loc: Houston, Tx

chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA

...I've already sold my 200-500 and bought the 100-400Z (shooting crop gets me nice, fat, files and more stretch) which is stellar. I *will,* however, definitely get the 200-600 when it hits. Haven't had a chance to fully test the 3.0 update...

Sinewsworn Loc: Port Orchard, WA

This shot shows the stickiness of 3-D Tracking, Animal. Caught the eye as I swung the camera around for the shot as the bird was circling. Z9,v 3.0, 500pF, handheld overcast day.
Nike seems dedicated to improving this body through firmware updates. I could not be more impressed with the speed of the responses or pre-planned releases?

(Download)

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

That R5 was already a lost cause! 😜🤪

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Same here. The speed and sharpness of the 100-400 Z lens more than makes up for the loss of 100mm. I was planning on keeping the 200-500 until the 200-600 Z comes out but I’m gonna go ahead and sell it. Now if those 1.4x Z TC’s would start shipping again…

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

gwilliams6

If the Nikon 200-600mm is anything as good and versatile as the Sony 200-600mm it will be a super addition to any Nikon kit for sure.

Cheers and let's hope it comes soon for all you Nikon shooters and birders.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I’m guessing it will also be f/5.6-6.3 like the Sony but I’d love if the could do a constant f/5.6 like the 200-500 F mount.

gwilliams6