After an OK 90 minutes or so at Zealandia, it occurred to me I should try getting the pin point autofocus point for shooting at wildlife through small gaps in the branches. On the Z 6 that can only be found in autofocus single. I figure this might not be the end of the world and am keen to try it next time.
I also found an article on Photography Life that resonated with my current experiences, “So, Your Autofocus Isn’t Good Enough for Wildlife Photography?” by Spencer Cox. I am using the Z 6 which has the same autofocus system as the Z 7 which is referenced in the post. I know it’s not the ideal camera for bird photography, but I also recognise it is not terrible either, and a lot of what I am trying to learn to do is improve technique.
Improved technique for me is as much about stuff not pertaining to the camera such as recognising when there is something nearby to photograph, learning patience to wait for a bird to move into view or better places to capture it (like a patch with better light), positioning, anticipation, etc.
In terms of what improved technique on the camera means for me is getting better at switching metering mode, autofocus mode, building the habit of watching shutter speed/aperture/ISO far more closely, and even how I hold the lens.
All of those things are slowly improving for me and that will give me more opportunities to get keepers. Even if I had funds, buying a Z 8 right now would potentially improve my keeper rate, but it would only highlight the underlying issues with technique.