Tips for Wildlife Photography

If a Stationary Subject Suddenly Starts to Move

We recommend assigning [AF-area mode] > [3D-tracking] to a Fn button using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)]. While the button is pressed, the camera activates [3D-tracking] and immediately tracks the subject as it moves unpredictably.

To Photograph Only within a Certain Area

We recommend using the memory recall function to quickly recall the saved focus position.

• To use the memory recall function, assign [Save focus position] and [Recall focus position] to the desired controls using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (Shooting)].

To Catch Moving Subjects at the Perfect Moment

We recommend setting the release mode to [Continuous H] or one of the high-speed frame capture + options ([C30], [C60], [C120]). High-speed burst photography allows you to capture fleeting moments, such as wild birds hunting.

• When shooting with high-speed frame capture +, use Custom Setting d4 [Pre-Release Capture options] (d3, for Z 8) to start the burst right before the shutter-release button is pressed all the way down.

To Record without Dropping Image Quality

You can select an upper ISO sensitivity limit for [Maximum sensitivity] in the photo shooting menu. This prevents the ISO sensitivity from being raised too high and reduces noise when the auto ISO sensitivity control is used.

To Capture a Subject Moving at High Speed

We recommend selecting [Auto] for [ISO sensitivity settings] > [Minimum shutter speed] in the photo shooting menu. When [Auto] is selected, the camera will choose the minimum shutter speed based on lens focal length and prevent motion blur and camera shake by maintaining fast shutter speeds while using a long lens.

To Take Clearer Images Outdoors

It is recommended to attach a lens hood. Attaching a lens hood prevents strong light from entering the camera and causing flare and ghosting, so that you can take pictures with high contrast.

To Create More Impressive Pictures

Changing the values on the A (amber)–B (blue) and G (green)–M (magenta) axis in [White balance] > [Choose color temperature], you can vary the hues on the pictures according to the scenes.

To Quickly Switch Settings to Suit Different Scenes

You can quickly switch shooting settings for different scenes if those settings are saved in each shooting menu bank ([A], [B], [C], or [D]) with the [Shooting menu bank] item. For example, you can quickly switch from one shooting menu bank to another when a tiger moves from a sunny meadow to a shaded area.

To Capture Lively and Dynamic Movements in Videos

You can use the slow-motion video feature of Z 9 and Z 8 to record the movements of wildlife in great detail. If [H.264 8-bit (MP4)] is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu you can record slow-motion videos. Select [1920×1080; 30p ×4 (slow-motion)] for [Frame size/frame rate] and set the shutter speed to ¹/₂₄₀ to ¹/₂₅₀ s, approximately twice the recording frame rate, to capture the lively and dynamic movements of the subject.

• Slow-motion videos are available in “C” firmware version 4.00 and later for Z 9 and 2.00 and later for Z 8.