Hi Al, yes, you are totally correct and I love the Z9.
Tom, Al is totally correct. It takes time and practice and you are doing great. I suggest you get out and practice as much as you can. Learn your camera and it's settings and the relationship to each other. I have been at this since 2012 (or so). Al much longer. It was suggested to me to become a manual shooter and it is the faster way to learn your camera. Then practice, practice, practice. Join a local camera club if you have one nearby. I belong to the Orlando Camera Club and I am it's IT director. Photography is my retirement passive.
Pat