The launch of the Nikon Z 9 was a whirlwind, indeed. A much anticipated camera, everybody’s in on the action and excitement, especially the camera stores. No surprise there! It was fun collaborating with B&H, to shoot with Nikon, and sports photog Jen Pottheiser, in putting the Z 9 through some paces. I’ve only had the camera in hand for a few days, as we were shooting prototypes that had to be given back at the end of each day in the field. There is much more to explore with this machine.
But, perhaps I answered the durability and toughness of build questions, at least for myself, on this job, which included shooting motocross.
Big thanks to Marc Cutler for the BTS images below!
The B&H team put together a fun BTS video of Jen and I each sort of rolling around in the mud, in my case literally.
We tried 3D tracking on the AF system of the camera, and it was surreal how “sticky” the AF is. The camera finds the rider and sticks with him. It seeks eyes, and then failing eyes, picks up the head, and then the torso. It’s remarkably smart.
I participated in a B&H Live Panel Discussion, and it’s a good one. Lots and lots of tech info offered up by Mark Cruz and Mike Corrado of Nikon. Thankfully I took a shower before participating.
Shot rugby as well, ISO 400, focus tracking with the erratic movements of that sport.
So much more to explore with this camera. More tk….
Joe, I can’t tell you how much I love your updates. I have to know… did you clean that thing off with a hose?
I happily bequeathed it back to Nikon and it was dispatched to the magic of the repair technicians. :-))))
Joe, I noticed that in the video, you still had a mud-splattered Z9 at the rugby pitch (and you’d changed to the 100-400 with all that blech near the mount!) – but Jen’s appeared to be pristine. Did you just want to preserve the full experience, or did Jen just take the last clean Z9? 🙂
… and this is why I hesitate to purchase Nikon refurbs … 🙂
Thanks for all the insights on the Z9. And the the inspirational photos!
Now that camera (muddy) looks like a Nikon. At least mine at times .
I so want the Z9 and the more I read about it and watch video reviews the more it calls my name . The price is the catch….. the thing that catches your eye as a built like a d3 tank and a grand less .
I wondered if that was a demo/loaner… I’ve spent time with a toothbrush and dental picks trying to deal with the same sort of schmutz. There’s always something that I miss
Hey Joe, hope you are well.
The first image of you and the mostly brown Z9 cracked me up – an absolute classic! (reminded me of a day I had that didn’t go to plan dealing with small children) This new offering from Nikon looks to be an absolute beast of a camera in so many ways, and as a long time Nikon shooter it puts an extra big smile on my face. I have enjoyed catching up on all the news & views that have saturated the internet recently but I have especially enjoyed your take on it, and the images you have produced.
Take care, Simon
Same back, Simon…so good of you to tune into the blog…..would love to see you again one of these days….
My lens, Nikon’s camera. the Nikon repair folks did magic on it.
We had about 3-4 Z 9’s all belonging to Nikon, so I think Jen might have had one of the cleaner ones. 🙂
It is a solid camera. Flagship build.