I agree and have been shooting 1/5000 to 8000 and the Z8 does an excellent job of focusing and tracking. The major problem is the distance us usually too far and the subjects appear way too small in the photos because they are flying over a lake. They appear to be eating a bug hatch that occurs about the same time every day.
Ironically, as I was leaving the lake after a frustrating time of taking about 500 shots, I spotted a swallow taking off from a nearby bush. I started shooting before I ever got the camera completely to my eye. The Z8 did its job as advertised. It locked on, focused and tracked perfectly for the two seconds the bird was visible.
The resulting shots were very good but all I can take credit for is being wise enough to buy that model camera in the first place. And, as you suggested, I will keep on practicing.
