MT Shooter Loc: Montana

After more than a year I am still amazed. And each firmware upgrade adds new talents!

rcorne001 Loc: Cary, NC

I moved to one from a D5. Expect to put a bit of work in getting to know the camera. Several recommendations -

Hit YouTube overview videos to get a feel for the layout.

View/Read everything you can on the focus system. Your comfort level with the camera will be directly tied to how well understand the autofocus system. I cannot emphasize that enough. I believe that to be the key to success.

Also, you may be tempted by the large image size and frame rate. Give in to temptation for a couple of shoots. Then dial it in to what really works. I ended up dialing back to 15 fps and upon occasion 20. The 45 mp image is nice, but I found the the high efficiency modes work just as well for what I shoot (sports, aviation).

Don't be afraid to get into ISO ranges around 6400. If you have some good noise reduction software, you can go higher. I've maxed out shooting an after dark rodeo with horrible lighting at 12,000.

Don't feel as if you have to learn everything about the camera. Start out focusing upon what you need for what you shoot and then branch out from there.

Accept you keeper rate may actually take a hit until you get used to the camera. Don't get discouraged. You are taking on a significant project.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

I agree. be sure to get the latest firmware.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

To get the most out of your Z9, try to obtain some Z lenses when you get the chance.
There are many many utube videos out there on how to set this camera up.
Back Country Gallery has a web book on it, it is very good.

Dalek Loc: Detroit, Miami, Goffstown

Steve Perry is the best. Join his site.

keywest305 Loc: Baltimore Md.

I did just update to 3.01 thanks. I did just buy the 24-70 s f4 from this site. It is sharp and quick on Z9 for sure. I have the Tamron sp 15-30 2.8 G2 the sp 24-70 2.8 G2 and the sp 70-200 2.8 G2 which work fast and IQ is great on the Z9 as it was on D850. I also kept my Nikon 105 1.4e and the Tamron sp 35 1.4 and a Nikon 50 1.8 g as. Will I update these lens also I may but not right now until maybe the Z lens drops in price a little.

Ava'sPapa Loc: Cheshire, Ct.

GREAT shot John! What lens ?

ClarkJohnson Loc: Fort Myers, FL and Cohasset, MA

I’m a birder who just moved from a D500 to a Z9 a little over a month ago. I had been using Nikon mirrorless cameras for several years for non-birding shots, so mirrorless was not a learning curve. I love the fast frame rate, the resolution, and the silent shutter on the Z9. I have already taken over 20,000 shots. I do not like the weight, but that actually has been more manageable than expected. I use it with a 500 PF and an adapter.

One interesting downside is that the grip becomes a problem if you try to use the camera with a Wimberley Sidekick or ProMediaGear GT2. Because there is not enough clearance, you are limited in how far up you can tilt the lense. I don’t believe this would be a problem on a full-size gimbal.

I admit that I haven’t taken advantage of the advanced AF options yet, but that will come.

For wading through my multitude of images, I have started using Photo Mechanic to only import shots that are suitable for further review and processing. This is a new workflow for me, but it saves a huge amount of time and storage space.

Enjoy!

DaveyDitzer Loc: Western PA

kind of late to ask after ordering it?

photoman43

Yes, I have a Z9. Here are my tips:

1. Make sure the Z9 firmware is up to date. Do not assume it will arrive with the latest firmware. The latest firmware is 3.01.

To check for the latest version go to NikonUSA:

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/473.html

2. Get all of the free manuals from nikon. The camera comes with a printed User manual, but to understand all of the settings you might need you need to get the Reference Guide and download it:

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/589/Z_9.html

3. Buy a third party guide to the Z9 and maybe a guide to its AF settings. The more info you have the better.

4. If you will be shooting at fast shutter speeds and in bursts, make sure you get cards for the camera with fast Read and Write speeds. That means one or two CF Express Type B cards.

5. You might need some Z mount lenses too. If you do not need f2.8 the f4 S lenses are excellent. My everyday lens is the Z Nikon 24-120 f4 S lens.

6. Start thinking about how you will set it up for your type of shooting. Read articles like this one;

https://photographylife.com/recommended-nikon-z9-settings

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

Take a look at this post to see what I was able to get at an ISO of 25,600

https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-763077-1.html

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I do. Its fabulous. Its heavy. Love seeing tge real time light exposure in EVF. I found turning the lock on the vertical shooting controls keeps me from accidental triggers. Alot to learn beyond the D850. Almost makes the D850 seem easy, and it is by no means a slouch camera. Good luck and congratulations.

Jim

PS-Mine was one of the Z9s on the TSA (recall). Nikon Service turned it around in 2 days. Fantastic service here on west coast.

BebuLamar

I think B&H allows 30 days return right?

James May

I love mine go on you tube and follow Hudson Henry and he tell you how to setup the different banks in camera and explain why he selected the settings . It’s very good and save you a ton of time

smf85 Loc: Freeport, IL

Absolutely great camera. Make sure you update the firmware.