Welcome to my Nikon Z9 and Z8

On 28th Jan 2022 I received the Nikon Z9 I ordered from Grays of Westminster in October 2021. My 2nd followed shortly form Fixation. 

On 10 May 2023 Nikon launched the Z8 I ordered this immediately in person from Grays of Westminster and Fixation and now have both. I have prepared an initial blog post on the launch and the new body, which is basically identical to a Z9, but in a smaller body and as a result there are a few minor differences.

The gallery contains examples of a few of the first shots I have taken as I tries to learn the new tools. 

The Z9 and Z8 are BOTH very familiar to the previous Nikon PRO bodied DSLRs and very very different (much much better) !! As an example it has EYE Identification and Tracking Auto Focus across the whole sensor for a vast array of subject types; shoots full 45.7MP images up to 20 frames per second and 11 mp at 120 frames per second; in-camera stabilisation AND a vastly improved number of programmable Fn buttons. NPS used my Kingfisher shot at the Z9 launch event in 2022. 

Setting up the camera to work for me shooting a range of types of action and also stationary subjects should be easier than on any previous camera I have used. 

The first shots of the Stock Dove show how the AutoFocus has locked on to the Dove's eye - tracks and holds focus irrespective of the movement of the wings -- while Sony and Canon have had this capability for a while this is a BIG deal for Nikon Camera users. These shots were taken wide open (280mm f/4.0) which gives a very shallow depth of focus. The subsequent shots of the Jay, Jackdaw, Robin and Coal Tit were taken with my F-mount 600/4.0 using an FTZ II lens adapter and it is good. 

The shots of the Kingfisher diving, some hawk portraits, Swans, Geese, Gulls and Deer were all taken with a my F-mount 400/2.8 and the FTZ II (sometimes with a TC14 III). 

As is normal when located at the Pond on the Wimbledon Green the Swans are very curious and move very close to see what food one has for them so tend to get very close.  The photos of Red Deer were taken in Richmond Park -- the deer were in Rut and so one has to be a little cautious not getting to close. 

I took a pair of Z9 and a Z7 with me to Kenya and shot over 20,000 images. WONDERFUL tool.