Hire Nikon Z 9 Sports Photography Package

Due to a recent firmware update, the Nikon Z 9 now offers ‘Hi-Res Zoom’. The camera takes an 8K image and records in 4K. This means you can zoom in up to 2.0× without losing any image quality and can be set to three different speeds. It will work with any Nikon lens and means that you can effectively turn a prime lens into a zoom/variable focal length lens.

New N-Log LUT Version 1.04 has been also introduced, providing a greater dynamic range and more true-to-life colours.

Firmware Version 3.01 to 3.10

• Added support for NIKKOR Z 85 mm f/1.2 S lenses.
• Improved focus accuracy for low-contrast subjects during burst photography with [Wide-area AF (S)], [Wide-area AF (L)], [Wide-area AF (C1)], [Wide-area AF (C2)], [3D-tracking], or [Auto-area AF] selected for [AF-area mode].
• Improved the frame advance rate during burst photography with optional flash units.

Firmware V.2.0:

• 8.3K/60p video in-camera: internally record RAW 8.3K video in ultra-smooth 60p. Shoot in N-RAW to record ultra-high-resolution 8.3K (8256×4644) video using the full width of the Z 9 sensor.
• 4K UHD oversampled from 8K: record incredibly sharp 4K/60p Ultra HD footage oversampled from 8K.
• 12-bit RAW in-camera: with ProRes RAW HQ (up to 4K/60p) or Nikon’s new N-RAW format (up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p).
• Waveform monitor: confirm tricky exposures at a glance whether shooting in N-Log or RAW.
• Custom i-menu: display the main video settings simultaneously on the monitor. Confirm resolution and frame rate via the camera’s top screen. 
• Red REC frame: a red REC frame appears on the monitor when the video record button is pressed.
• 8K still frames: extract consecutive high-resolution still frames from up to 10 seconds of 8K footage.
• Up to 20 selectable wide-area AF patterns: stay locked on the action and avoid fixed obstacles like tennis nets or hurdles.
• EVF—up to 120 fps refresh rate: for the camera’s bright (3000-nit) electronic viewfinder display. Ideal when shooting fast-moving subjects, such as race cars.
• Focus recall: assign focus positions to multiple camera buttons—each button can recall a separate focus position or the same focus position.
• Pre-release image capture: record images for up to a second before fully pressing the shutter-release button. Set a post-release burst to continue for up to 4 seconds.

Nikon Z 9, Nikon NIKKOR 100-400mm F4.5-5.6, Gitzo Monopod

It’s fair to say the Nikon Z 9 surprised a few when it arrived late in 2021. Nikon’s Z 6 II and Z 7 II were incremental upgrades to what came before, and couldn’t really compete with the flagship cameras Sony and Canon were releasing. Of course, we now know what Nikon was really up to – creating an absolute masterpiece.

The Z 9’s stats are eye-watering to say the least. A Full frame stacked 46 megapixel sensor provides incredible fidelity, coupled with unbelievably fast autofocus, tracking and AI learning makes this model an absolute beast for sports work. Capable of tracking people, animals birds and vehicles with its 493-point autofocus system, the Z 9 also features 120 fps burst and a 1000 single burst – truly magnificent performance. All this means the Z 9 is hard to beat, something critics agree with judging by the swathe of Camera Of The Year awards it received upon release.

Partnering the Z 9, the brand new Nikon NIKKOR Z 100-400mm F4.5-5.6 offers a fantastic focal range, multi-focusing system and whisper-quiet autofocus suitable for stills and video. Finally, the Gitzo Monopod provides professional levels of stability and control befitting such a high-end camera and lens combo. This package also includes 2 batteries and a memory card.