The Nikon Z9 camera, first test run on the Sambar deer 23/03/2024

This 3 minute video was taken recently using the new Nikon Z9 camera with the F mount, AF-S 500mm f/5.6 PF lens. It was a good test run to see the capabilities of the Z9 camera with auto tracking in video mode under difficult circumstances. Naturally the video footage was taken using the Neewer Carbon fiber tripod. CF Tripods are advantageous to minimise your carrying weight whilst trying to get into deer habitat. Naturally it's much better to film deer on a stable foundation, but when there's uncertainty with unevenness beneath, where the tripod is grounded. Try to relocate where your camera and lens doesn’t have a mishap. A tripod increases your footage to be at the best quality without unwanted vertigo and uncontrolled shake. I was pleasantly surprised with the performance with the 4K and 8K quality.
Motion blur wasn't an issue, because deer aren't activate, usually browsing or walking slowly, whilst birds in flight or animals that are constantly moving.
This Azure Kingfisher footage was taken at 4K 120 frames per second. There was some rolling shutter evident but l blame this for the slight movements in the tripod. It was a shame l didn't take my 1.4 teleconverter to give me an overall focal length of 700mm. NEXT TIME !The trade off will be losing one full stop of light, from f/5.6 to f/8, this may increase unwanted pixelisation (noise) within your footage.

[@highcountryrob5534]

How things have advanced in the world of camera and video technology.I can remember taking 10-15 photos of a deer and waiting 1-2days for the photos to be printed.I was hoping that one photo would come out nice.Fantastic footage and quality Reg.👍

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Rob, we didn't have this digital camera technology 30 years ago. But those close encounters memories are vividly still in my head😉

[@reggordon4982]

Hi Bill, sambar deer are unlike humans! Their body and facial features are very different, when you get close and personal 😂👍