BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY | NIKON Z9 on Svalbard - Ep.4
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ม.ค. 2025
- I'm on a 4-day solo trip to a remote inlet to photograph wildlife and landscapes.
This is the 4th episode from my 4 weeks photo travel to Svalbard.
For quite a while now I have been planning this 1 month trip to Svalbard, and now finally the time has come. I spent the first week together with my dad, and we had a wonderful time.
I have been on a 4-dy solo trip to a remote fiord to find and photograph wildlife.
This time I am on a remote location together with Robin Levin from Nikon Professional Services to hopefully find and photograph birds and wildlife.
We are facing a few challenges on our trip because we are not alone on the coast line of Svalbard!
One of the biggest challenges on a location like this is the fact that there are a lot of polar bears in the area and it takes some preparation to stay safe.
••• WHO I AM •••
My name is Morten Hilmer and I am a professional nature and wildlife photographer.
I am a Nikon Ambassador and I work as an ILCP photographer.
Nature conservation is very close to my heart.
I have served in the Danish military special unit, the Sirius Patrol, for two years and that has given me the skills and confidence to operate alone in the arctic regions. I have spent two further years in the northern parts of Greenland meeting the local people and working on photography projects. My driving force is a sense of adventure and my fascination for nature, and my curiosity and empathy for other cultures has led me to many remote regions.
Read more about my time in the Sirius Dogsled Patrol: www.bbc.com/ear...
Beside being featured in publications and in my books books my photographs have been awarded in the Wildlife photographer of the year and European Wildlife photographer of the year photo competitions.
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🔗 SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE
• Website & Shop: mortenhilmer.com/
• Instagram: / mortenhilmer
• My 24/7 Livestream: / @nature-live
📸 EQUIPMENT
An overview of the equipment used in my latest TH-cam video can be found on below link.
Here you will also see a selection of my favorit gear for various activities:
kit.co/MortenH...
🛒 AFFILIATE LINKS
Some of the links in my video descriptions are affiliate links, which means at no extra cost to you, I will make a small commission if you click them and make a qualifying purchase. If you have a different purchase in mind, you can also use these storewide links below.
Amazon: geni.us/MH_Amazon
B&H Photo: geni.us/MH_BH
Adorama: geni.us/MH_Ado...
Mr. Jan Gear: geni.us/MH_MrJ...
AllPowers: geni.us/MH_All...
I am a Nikon Europe Ambassador:
geni.us/MH_Nikon
☊ MUSIC
You can find most of the music I use here:
geni.us/MH_Epi...
Enjoy watching.
See you out there...
Other manufacturers send photographers to sport events in good weather. Nikon sends Morten to a trip near the North Pole. Very impressive. Amazing test of a flagship camera.
Nikon flag cameras are always tested on harsh enviroment .
If I were to test camera's I'd also prefer to go to these desolate places. Sports suck :D
Actually, Morten took Nikon to Svalbard. They merely provided the camera. :D
I'm not sure if Nikon sent Morten, or if that where Morten was going and Nikon followed along 😂 Either way, kudos Nikon for testing in these brutal conditions.
@@bradm7585 but some how it was the real world enviroment & I am very impressed by the camera when he try to take picture of the small bird 🐦 in low light situation . Z9 was still responding it was the bad weather that stop them not the camera .
This is the best "commercial" I've ever seen. Laying down with the camera in a mud, adjust ISO with wet and dirty finger; swipe water drops from info screen.... Damn this is the real in a field (or rather tundra?) test of professional equipment conducted by professional! Cheers Morten!
Couldn't agree more, I just sent this video to a friend exactly saying this, how great it is to see such confidence in this kind of equipment. 10/10 Marketing but from what I have seen this camera is also a pretty serious contender!
Absolutelly stunning! The music and drama at the end. Great to see Nikon acknowledge Morten’s talent and dedication to the wildlife photography. This could be 2h long movie and I would still ask for more. Z9 looks like a fantastic camera.
Great to see Nikon recognizing your outstanding wildlife photography by having you do some real world testing of the new Z9 (loved that it was covered in dirt by the end of the day)!
🤣Yeah it got a bit muddy
@@MortenHilmer is this something you would do with one of these if you paid for it yourself? I'm fairly new to the art and I'm not sure how much I should be trusting the weather sealing. (I hope this doesn't come off as judgy, I'm legitimately curious how someone as experienced as you are would treat their gear!) Fantastic video, this camera seems like it is amazing
Laying alone, in and covered in, coastal mud inside the Arctic circle, peril from giant Bears, capturing exquisite images of tiny birds, very inspirational. Nikon will not have a better intro to the Z9 on here.
Finally somebody who actually knows what is wildlife photography and not just talk about it in the studio, like Tony does.
You and Steve Perry are the only trustworthy source on youtube when it comes down to wildlife. Kudos to you guys!
Pretty much.
Totally agree, just watch Tony’s Z9 review, nope more like a trashing session, he didn’t even have the camera. Professional camera should be tested in real world not in TH-camr studio.
Steve Perry provides excellent content and he uses all the latest cameras thoroughly before posting a review.
@@ALWH1314 he's getting paid to trash Nikon
there is a difference between youtubers-tech junikes and photographers that show their work through youtube.
I am back to this video again and I have to say that the normality of the presentation is so so unreal. The raw elements of this do make me want a true camera again. and its the normality, civil presentation that takes me to the passion I used to have with my F3, D70, D 3 … no shiny steadycam like footage from megacities, street cooking …. this is a reminder of a passion, lust, thrill we used to have … but lost it somewhere with all the camera and phone models releases ..far many . Thank you for this video. Its a game changer for me, an awakening … I am coming back, this is what photography was all about and I am greatfull for people like Morten to remind us why we are here for. Thank you.
Thank you so much Mike for sharing your thoughts. This is so encouraging for me to hear. I wish you all the best luck. See you out there
This Z9 is just a epic beast of a camera...Nikon is really back in the game now! Yay! :)
What I like most about this is its "real"...Crap light, crap weather, plenty of mud, cold n wet and the dialogue is naturally delivered.
Looking forward to part two.
👍
Good to have Nikon supporting Morten by both hiring him as an ambassador and providing such amazing equipment. Well done as usual, and quite exciting time.
As a fellow wildlife/Nature photog, who is absolutely wanting the Z9, there's nobody better Nikon could've got to showcase the Z9's capabilities to me, bc one of the things I've always loved about Morten (besides his dedication to craft) is that he does NOT "baby" his gear...as we saw in this video 😂
The Z9 seems VERY rugged & I need that with the terrain/conditions I shoot in at times. I'm sold! & eagerly awaiting the next episode!
Yes amazing how he can make a new camera look like it’s 10 years old in just one day 😂😂
It's lovely to see a new Camera tested in real world conditions, not at the local Zoo. Thank you for the fantastic video.
I shoot raw bald 🦅 eagle local zoo.lolz
Now that's how you test a camera! I can just see the team at Nikon cringing at all the mud & water. The Purple Sandpipers were a real delight. Cheers Morten.
I was wondering what the birds were, thanks
These are the types of reviews we all like to see. yeah all new cameras have that "good" technical spec sheet. what we need are real world scenarios like these. great video as always.
@Photogopinion yeah exactly.. and the one who just read the spec sheet will never show us how the product will react to a extreme weather like in Svalbard. as i said before, this video is really good and i hope other companies do stuff like this instead of just inviting photographers to a controlled studio to check the new cameras out.
Those reindeer looked really well fed and healthy. Good to see. I never cease to be amazed at how arctic wildlife manages to not only eke out an existence in such harsh conditions but even thrive onit as with those reindeer.
That was my exact thoughts too! In my whole life I have never seen more well fed reindeers even though I see a lot of them up here in the north of Sweden! And it didn’t looked like it was just a thicker fur either. Most amazing considering the very meager environment!
@@freetibet1000 In the late summer and short fall, they eat constantly to build fat stores to insulate(hollow fur) and provide calories to carry then through the barren winter. Bears are fat in early fall and dangerously thin by the break of winter.
@@stanspb763 Thank you for you answer! Yes that’s the normal routine in the animal kingdom. I guess my comment was about never having seen that amount of well fed and overall healthy reindeers in late summer or fall here in Sweden though. But when I come to think of it maybe it’s because the winters must be even colder and longer at Svalbard than in Scandinavia. Therefor they need to “stock up” their depots ever more before the hard winter arrives? Is that reasonable theory maybe?
Wonderful, Peaceful, adventurous…! I simply love your videos and of course your pictures! Nikon is very lucky to have you showing the new Z9! And you are lucky to have a Z9!
Thank you so much 😊
You are the best Ambassador for Denmark and Nikon, TAK Morten !
Tusind mange tak Flemming, 🙏
Hey Morten, awesome to see you with the Z9. Lots of expensive gear and you are still using your well used coffee cup! I love it..... Greg
I’ve never been this excited by a camera since the Nikon D700. The Z9 is just incredible!
,that's is rugged camera,dirt,mud,and water plus freezing temperatures..well done Nikon📷👍
Я не понимаю не единого слова, но не пропускаю ни одного ролика Мортэна. Так душевно.
Last one minute was just at another level. Seeing a majestic polar bear in wild is a dream. I think that bear came to reward you for all the hard work.
@Morten Hilmer
I love how excited you get when you come upon a wildlife photo opportunity. You demonstrate and show a true respect for nature and all it holds with the childlike wonderment that I find within myself when I am out on adventure. The world and all it's beauty..... Breathtaking Beauty!!!! Thank you kindred spirit!
This is the only "review" I care about haha
Amazing.
Just to see the Z9 getting put through the ringer in the mud and wet! Absolutely amazing.
I absolutely love how you're just beating that camera, lay it in the dirt, clean a dirty display with a wet finger, mud everywhere... What an absolute workhorse!
So happy for you, that Nikon got you this camera to play!
Jesus christ, Morten. Your channel, your work, is the best thing I've found on the internet ever. So good to watch your videos, fells like a cozy place here. So anxious for the next episode.
Look at that, finally someone that takes actual pictures and doesn't go on and on how much compression there is on 20 fps.. well done!
Real-world review on TH-cam just got real.
Thank you Nikon & Morten.
Those bird photos are so beautiful. Grateful to you for all the joy you bring us at home.
Sony gets out a new camera: Hey, come to the sunny L.A. for a quick test
Nikon gets out a camera: Pack you bags, you're going to the north pole!!
Courses for horses, I guess!
@@freetibet1000 that's right! and a slighly cheaper camera. (z9 is $1000 less I believe?)
@@b0ddo Interesting to see that it’s actually possible to make an over-all better and more durable camera so much cheaper! Personally, I hope Nikon now turns their focus towards the development of a Z camera that is replacing the trusted D850. Something that will satisfy the needs of landscape/nature photographers in need of as high resolution and dynamic range as possible. All focus on IQ and sensor in that one. Heck, I don’t even mind if such camera only shoots in 5 frames/sec and lack video. Maybe it is even possible for Nikon to enlarge the sensor-size within the boundaries of the new z mount, 44x33 mm maybe? Is it possible?
@@freetibet1000 A lerger sensor would not be feasable, due to the lenses taht have limited image circle (due to their design); mount a slighly larger sensor (hypotetically) and the image corners would be atrocious. D850 replacement, with a grip taht usez Z9 battery would be great. An a crop sensor version of this Z9.
@@b0ddo Yea, a slightly larger sensor was just a silly thought of mine. For a minute I thought that there’s some extra room for a larger sensor. If the current line of lenses can handle that or not is of course another hurdle to consider as well. Which I have no insight into either? I was just daydreaming a little bit for a while, ha ha!
Couldnt have picked a better person for some hands on time with this amazing camera. I LOVE seeing Morten treat this like any of his other cameras... muddy, wet and banging on the rocks. Amazing footage and captures. Morten has a way of setting a modd to a video that is unmatched. Well done and so happy to see you in Svalbard again. Stay safe.
Mister Hilmer you are not only a true photographer and real artist, but also a very nice person, and a really good man. Thank you..
You were the best choice for putting the amazing Z9 to the test. I admire you and your work a lot!!
What a great Guy Morton is. Not the camera, but the opportunities to take pictures is the bonus.
every time I watch your videos I get an overwhelming urge to get down in the dirt as deep as possible to film or photograph wild animals... thanks for your films they are really inspiring to me... and hopefully for the others too
Nice to see you Morten...getting 'down & dirty' with the Z9. That's what a true pro camera is meant for...come rain, snow ❄️ or shine. 😉📸
Love this! Glad to see Nikon recognize a Real Professional :)
hardcore photography, I like it, no matter what camera brand or model, respect!!
A fantastic documentation of this land and it’s wildlife and weather. Great to see the z9 keep up in such harsh conditions and kudos to Nikon for getting eye AF spot on!
My favorite Z9 video at launch. Amazing.
That Bird Eye Focus was super snappy...Now i want a Z9
Absolutely Magical. On Monday morning I preordered my Z9 and the S-line 70 - 200 and 85mm. Today (Tuesday) I was having a moment of doubt after spending all that money and ended up finding this video on line. Seeing the camera and lenses being used out in the real elements, dirty, muddy, rainy, sandy... made me yearn for the days I started in photography, back when lived in Alaska on Adak Island. The images are superb and I loved just seeing the joy of Morten using the camera. Nice to see real dirt and water on the equipment not just a bunch of good weather shooting.
Thank you so much for your kind words. Alaska sound amazing. I want to go one day😊
This was absolutely beautiful footage, Morten, thanks so much for sharing, made me smile all the way! I cannot wait for the next episode with the polar bear, absolutely loved watching the reindeers, wow.
It was so exciting to see the Z9 in action, the animal eye AF looks rather impressive under those low light conditions, stickier and faster to acquire focus than our Z6s for sure: when the subject hides behind a stone or another animal, the system seems to predict where it is most likely to reappear and reacquires focus so fast... I was not convinced Nikon were going to pull this off and produce a flagship of that caliber, but this video proves me wrong. If confirmed by more users, this is a major moment for the brand: their pro lenses are so good they warranted a higher end body to shine. Clearly a very successful assignment for Nikon, ambassadors and customers are impressed! All the very best
all reviews and launch today, this is the most epic and put z9 really in very good use and what it is meant to be. thank you!
A very big and warm THANK to you, dear, Morten, for sharing this unique endeavor in the Svalbard wilderness! I am always so grateful for following you on your outings and the adventures of photographic trips around the artic area! Such wonderful YT videos you always show us here, your faithful followers on your TH-cam channel! Please stay blessed and safe and healthy during these perilous times we are living in now! Wishing you all the very best always! Warm greeting from Sweden!
PS. Your choice of music is adding so much beauty to harmonizes the majestic landscape and the moments of showing the wildlife and landscape! So nice video all in all!
Thanks for sharing with us Morten .Watching your video's, is not for your photos only but also your passion about nature .
Best of the lot so far on launch day. Those reindeer were just beautiful.
Nikon could not ask for a better ambassador. I'm so glad to have this camera pre-ordered. Can't wait.
Bravo. On est avec eux sur Svalbard sous la pluie, dans le froid et sous la tente. Magnifique reportage où tout est dit. Nikon reste fidèle à sa réputation avec ce Z9, soumis à des conditions météo difficiles.
I WAITED SOOOO LONG THAT ONE DAY NIKON WILL RECOGNIZE MORTEN ON A BIG LEVEL
Actual lovingly crafted photography instead of gear obsession...and on Svalbard...Joy!
Looks like a great camera. Nikon needed this.
Just WOW.. I mean the camera of course, but the landscape, wildlife, weather and the top predator... Just superb mix...
« I’m too close to the bird with the 800 for its minimum focus distance » I love this moment!
The moment is so peaceful. Thanks for this little trip you allow us to do from our sofa!!!
THE EXCITATION CREATED AT THE END IS GONNA MAKE YOU HIT THOUSANDS AND MILLIONS
Such isolation and beauty, so well captured. Morten you inspire me with your passion and the obvious joy you feel experiencing the land and it's inhabitants. I believe the Z9, is proving to be up to the task of preserving those experiences.
Congratulations Morten on your years of commitment to wildlife photography and your previous trips to Svalbard, you are an inspiration for all of us and give us hope that we too can succeed to this level. Looking forward to what is next, partnering with Nikon is hopefully the beginning of a new era of adventures for you.
Seeing mother earth and these majestic creatures made me so happy.
LOVE LOVE LOVE how this camera is in the dirt and grime and it's not being babied at all. It's not a review in some back yard that's for sure!
Stunning! Finally nikon sending cameras to the right people to test!
Iam so glad you were asked to try out the Z9. Of all the videos from Nikon today this was among the best. It was realistic down to the cup of coffee which is your trademark. Hope to soon have a Z9 join my D500 and 850. Great work you 2. Good job Nikon.
Un bonjour de France l'ami, il y a un bon moment que je regarde vos vidéos sur TH-cam, elles sont exceptionnelles, vous faites de très beaux reportages animalier, merci de nous faire rêver, vivement les prochaines.....
Excellent video. A commercial, non-commercial video :) I liked the part with the Purple Sandpipers at 17:07, great scene. Super!
Morten, so happy that Nikon recognizes your talent and passion for wildlife photography. They cannot have a better ambassador to show off what the Z9 can do . Your videos, images and story telling is simply amazing.
Nikon with Z9 is really back on the game line
thanks for this video mr Morten
Best therapy on TH-cam! Those birds, Wow! Adventure Plus!
Thank you Morten for taking us on an adventure with you.
Quality is right up there with BBC Wildlife Unit, Morton. Great job as always…
Those Purple Sandpipers were beautiful and so trusting too.
A very enjoyable series,looking forward to the next one,especially with the presence of the polar bear...thanks for sharing your adventures with us!
I so enjoy the pace of your videos, Morten. Just delightful. I feel like I'm there.
I really like these sort of reviews. Less about specs and more about using the camera as an... actual camera!
Nikon Z9 with Morten Hilmer, there is no better combo than this on earth! Breathtaking and inspirational video as always. 📸
Wonderful footage and story telling, Morten. It always put a smile on my face to see you out in the nature - and so well deserved that Nikon picked you to do a field test of the new Z9. Proud on your behalf. All the best, Nils
So exciting to see my favorite wildlife photographer with the Z9. They should let you keep it!
Those cute birds are purple sandpiper. Amazing photos 🤩
Morten is simply the GOAT!!
Inspiring photography. This new Nikon seems to carry the tradition of the Nikon F line of cameras to the mirrorless.
Almost incredible, how beautiful! Thank you Morten.
Notifications about Morten’s video is always delightful….And that suspense in the end leave us in splits…hope you upload the next episode very soon…can’t wait
Wow, Beautiful Landscape & Nature
That experience with the purple sandpipers most have been awesome. The pics surely are. Looking forward to the nest episode.
Superbe vidéo , superbes photos , pourtant c'est difficile quand il n'y a pas de soleil.Alors bravo Morten, mille fois bravo , si tu peux , fait nous venir le soleil ☀️☀️☀️.
i can watch your videos continuously without skipping even 1 sec...
hats off hilmer
What a landscape! I refuse to think about the camera, 'No Kerry, no!'
I'm impressed by the Z9 and by the lengths you go to Morten to get the beautiful images you do. I'm really glad Nikon gave you the Z9 to put it through it's paces and in such an unforgiving landscape.
Morten Hilmer new video post +Z9 = made my day🥰🥰
You are always creative in photography, as if we were watching the documentary program and the world of pubs. National Geographic is creative, and thank you.
A land of desire travelled with a gear of desire.
Morten pushing the limits again!
Possibly the best shot: Morten nibbling the water out of the pond :-)
Glad to see a camera used in the open dirt, water, scratches, on the rocks, etc etc
Had my smile up for 24 minutes straight!
Pure gold!
Love the video and music, specially reindeer and birds photographs... heavenly..
Ever since I discovered your channel Morten, I am ruined for more pedestrian camera channels. Nice work and life you have. Congratulations and thank you for this channel and content.
Morten, this is priceless! Thank you for giving us the great joy of seeing you suffering in “Heaven!“ - Stay safe and tell us more of this amazing trip. I feel sorry for the Z9 - give it my deepest sympathies!
Questo é un vero test per una professionale da oltre 6000€!!! Bravissimo Morten!!❤️
Beautiful reindeers and birds❤! Can't wait to see the next episode!
One word : Bravo for your work M. Hilmer
The understated tone of your dispatche is, always, truly enjoyable. Really love your passion of birds and wildlife. Thank you very much!
The story behind a Wildlife image, is often the best part of a photograph. The better the image the more meaningful the quest.