New Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera Delivers with Remarkable Auto Focusing Abilities
After putting the camera through its paces on multiple shoots, I firmly believe Nikon has truly delivered with the Z9. As a professional sports photographer, I’m very demanding of my equipment and critical when it comes to adding or changing gear. Not only does my camera need to be accurate, fast, and durable, it has to have an ease of use that allows me to concentrate on capturing the moments unfolding before me.
Key Features of the Nikon Z9
The following table summarizes the technical specifications and key features of the Nikon Z9:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 45.7MP Stacked CMOS sensor |
| Processor | EXPEED 7 image processing |
| Video Recording | 8K/30p, 4K 120p slow motion, and 10-bit 4K/30p from oversampled 8K |
| Autofocus | Fast and powerful AF with 3D Tracking |
AF Accuracy and Tracking
I recently shot the camera in both sports and portrait scenarios and came away duly impressed; in fact, I was blown away. The autofocus tracking and “stickiness” is truly incredible. It can track a tennis player hitting a baseline shot, advancing to the net, hitting a half-volley followed by an overhead, and the autofocus never once wavered from the player’s face. The advances Nikon has made with 3D Tracking AF feel like a generational step.
I also challenged the camera’s autofocus by shooting to the side of the tennis player, so that the racquet would briefly cross her face while hitting a backhanded shot. In every case, the AF stuck to her eyes and was not distracted by the passing racket. I also tested the Nikon Z9 with multiple lenses, including the newly announced NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 lens. The combination works terrifically as a sports pairing. Even with me bouncing the camera and lens up and down, the AF stayed true to faces and eyes.
Speed and Buffer Performance
The Z9 is fast enough to capture anything I need, with FPS options of 20fps (RAW + JPEG), 30fps (full JPEG), and an incredible 120 fps (full-frame, 11mb JPEG). Add to that a buffer that never seems to fill, and I’m happy. At a football game, I could shoot RAW files from when a kick returner catches the ball in the end zone, zigs and zags across the field for a 100-yard touchdown, and I’d still have plenty of buffer for all of the celebration that would follow. The Z9 can handle it with ease.
Ease of Use and Professional Ergonomics
I love the ergonomics and thoughtfulness of how the menus read and where the particular buttons are located. When I’m in the middle of shooting a game, I don’t have time to think about navigating menus. I can program the camera to review images in the viewfinder by customizing a function button and change AF profiles without lifting my eye from the camera. With the Z9, familiar menus allow me to make changes quickly and without confusion.
The electronic shutter means I can make the camera completely silent for situations like golf, weddings, or behind-the-scenes photos where even the slightest shutter noise can be a distraction. In my testing, I found the option of shutter sounds provides valuable feedback as the EVF is virtually blackout-free. Also, the battery life is solid. One of the new EN-EL18d batteries went an entire day of intensive shooting and still had 2/3 power remaining. Additionally, the new shutter cover is such a great addition, especially for shooters like myself who are often changing lenses in the field.