The 153 point Af system's dynamic operation is a bit different than what we had before and what we now have with the Z series. In the past, when dynamic AF would lose focus with the primary AF point, it would switch and stick with a new one in the group indefinitely. With the 153 point AF system, when it loses the primary lock, it will still switch, but only for a moment - then it will try to require focus with the primary point again - which can cause an issue if the subject still isn't under it. Nikon claims this is how it's designed and the reason the older cameras didn't work the same way was lack of processing power. Interesting that the Z series features the next generation of Expeed processor and uses the original priority system...

That said, I don't think that's what's causing the problems with the basketball shots, although it could be the focus tracking with lock on setting (I think the D3 has that in the custom setting menu, not sure - it's not one of the cameras I really cover in the book). If it has it, try faster or slower settings and see if that helps.

Will do for sure. I've already come across some quirks (like you actually still need to calibrate adapted lenses, Dynamic mode works like the old way, not the new way we have with the D5/D500/D850, etc).

However, the bottom line is that the AF just isn't as good as the DSLR yet. There is some new firmware coming out in the near future that was announced at CES that may change all that - fingers crossed!

Not yet. Due to the vast differences in the AF system, that will have to be a new book. I'm just about the launch my new 670 page book on exposure, so I'll need a breather from writing for awhile :) And of course, I need to really put the Zs through their AF paces!

Yes, Group AF is thoroughly covered - it's my one of my go-tos for action.

I'll can confirm Auto Area AF can be useful with birds against a blue sky Really helpful for the quicker more erratic birds.

LOL sounds good - I'll start looking towards the Caribbean!

I have a Z6 and while I like it, I agree it's not quite as trustworthy as the D850, at least with AF. Metering and such is fine, and I like using the entire frame for AF, but the truth is the AF system just isn't on par with Nikon's better cameras, at least not for any kind of action scenario. You can make it work, but the success rate is higher with the D850, etc.

I don't know. I don't have the problem. My guess is that it's probably the joystick rubbing on clothing when it's hanging around a neck or maybe the joystick gets moved when the camera is put into a bag or something. I don't use straps and don't have the issue, hence the guess. Still, I really don't know...

LOL!! That’s great! Typical Nikon.

That's the sub-command dial. Nikon likes to keep it confusing :)

Yes, sub-selector. Sorry - most people call it a joystick, but Nikon does call it the sub-selector.

The OP does. And it still moves :)

You're 100% sure you're not in 3D AF? That's exactly what happens in 3D mode. If you're in single point and it's moving around, it's probably because you're inadvertently moving the joystick or multi-touch pad. If it helps, you can set the joystick so when you press it the AF point re-centers.

To do so, head to the Custom Setting Menu, F2, and select the joystick in the left column - 3rd one down. Click that and choose "Select center focus point" from the resulting menu. Hit OK.

Now, when it wanders off, just press in on the joystick.

Stick with ".com" if you can. The content of the name isn't everything - just look at the traffic on this site, yet the domain doesn't give the slightest clue what it's about. However, when you tell people your website name, they will put ".com" on the back of it regardless of what you tell them.

Absolutely excellent explanation.