Nikon turns the Z9 into a smart camera trap with the 4.00 update

The Nikon Z9 gains even more attractiveness

To date, the Nikon Z9 is the most advanced and above all the most expensive 24×36 hybrid camera from Nikon. It has very advanced functions and quickly established itself as one of the best cameras on the market. However, with the launch in May 2023 of the Z8, a more compact, less expensive little brother (4600 against 6000 €) and offering substantially the same performance, the Z9 lost some of its superb. However, in June 2023, Nikon is pulling a new card up its sleeve with the 4.00 update.

An impressive “auto capture” mode

In addition to improving 3D detection, adding funnier sounds for the electronic shutter or even more extensive customization options, the update gives the Z9 an automatic trigger mode. Simplifying to the extreme, one could say that this upgrade transforms the box into a very (very) sophisticated camera trap. You can then fully customize the trigger timing or conditions for any given situation. Configured this way, you can leave the device in a particular spot (ski slope corner, behind a football goal, etc.) knowing that the Z9 will only trigger when it detects the pre-programmed action.

Several configuration options

More concretely, this new mode offers three configuration options:

• Motion, where the device triggers when motion is detected. You can select the direction of movement (up, down, left, etc.)
• Distance, where the camera only triggers when a subject enters a user-set area
• Recognition, where the camera only triggers when a certain type of subject enters the frame (humans, animals or vehicles)

Moreover, these modes are not exclusive. You can very well configure the Z9 so that it only triggers when a bird passes in the field, at a distance between 3 and 12 m, and a flight from left to right.

A significant advantage

According to Nikon, any other subject that would fit into the frame and does not meet the above conditions cannot result in the shooting. Also, to always ensure a little more focus, it is possible to very precisely limit the autofocus area on the sensor. Via a simple touch on the screen, you can force the focus to a very specific area. In parallel with the three aforementioned configurations, this allows a priori to secure his shot every time.

For photographers who have to place their camera before a competition and in a very precise place, who know that a skier is going to emerge from a turn at a given distance or that a Formula 1 car can tumble, or that an owl will come out of its nest, this allows the realization of always very successful photos, especially associated with bursts at 20 fps or even 120 fps (only Jpeg of 11 Mpx).

The setting of the function goes through a dedicated menu which displays six rectangles at the bottom of the screen. One can then choose the aforementioned triggering modes. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the trigger according to the speed of the movement you want to detect. Similarly, the triggering can be optimized according to the amplitude of the movement and the size of the subject. Nikon offers here a very innovative function, able to make the Z9 essential for many sports photography practices.

Battery powered, conditional

This function, co-developed with AFP photographers, also allows the Z9’s battery to be powered by USB, while keeping the device powered up, whereas this was previously impossible, given the large EN-EL18d battery inherited from the reflex. Except that, with automatic triggering – the operating time of which can be determined – the box can go into a kind of standby, which allows power supply via the USB-C port. With an external battery of 26,800 mAh, Nikon announces up to 13 h 20 min of autonomy, against “only” 4 h 37 min with the battery alone.

Availablity

Nikon Z9 update 4.00 is available now on the camera page on Nikon’s website.