Nikon Z6ii And Z7ii Menu Setup (Wildlife Photography)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 มิ.ย. 2024
- In this video, I'll show you my menu setup for the Nikon Z6ii and Z7ii mirrorless cameras. Includes by step instructions with lots of tips and tricks along the way.
As mentioned in this video, I have a number of related videos that dive deeper into some of these setups.
Autofocus:
• Nikon Mirrorless AF Mo...
(Note that video is for the gen 1 mirrorless, but it all still applies with the exception of Apply Settings To Live View since I usually leave that on all the time now.)
Button Customizations:
• Nikon Mirrorless: Butt...
Performance Tips:
• Nikon Mirrorless: Tips...
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As I followed along with my Z5 in hand, for the most part, the settings were as described. Thank you for your time and effort. You are one of the most informative and no BS TH-camrs going.
Before you ask, yes, I'm working on a review video for the Z6/7ii cameras. And yes, there is a new intro - let me know if you like it better than the old one or if I should switch back.
Prefer the old music
I prefer short intros, I like getting to the subject of the video. Just my opinion....
Love the new intro. Great video. Looking forward to the review(s). Would love to see a thorough evaluation of the performance with adapted F-mount glass (maybe including Tamron/Sigma if you have) and a comparison to the D850/D6.
Prefer the old music. New Intro is just fine. (If picking a new one would use something with a bit more energy - just my thought). Not going to watch this video yet because I am holding off for a possible Z9 as my budget will only allow one of these in the near future. Question is, after using these in the field for a while: Would you wait (I know you are going to get the Z9 as well) if you can not effort to be trading in bodies all the time or is one of the new Z models good enough for wildlife? Feel free to direct me to a future video. LOL Stay well Steve. Thanks as always.
Old music with new intro :)
Thank you, Steve! You're always such a great instructor! Just set up my new Z7ii and can't wait to go and shoot. Love your new music, also. Not as jolting as your old intro was. I have all your ebooks and refer to them all the time.Thanks again.
Steve , your videos are the best Nikon based content i know. you explain everything very calmly and clearly. I have to thank you for these content. It helps me really much. Greets from Germany
Great video! You’re an excellent instructor. I’m not particularly tech savvy, but I can usually follow along. I’m getting the Z6ii as soon as it becomes available at B and H, and this video (as well as several others you have posted) will be extremely helpful. Thanks!
Steve, Just got my Z6ii and have been mulling over the set up options. This guide of yours is THE most helpful one i’ve come across. Thanks much! Craig
I am so glad I came back and watched this again - I some how missed setting the exposure compensation quick access to the aperture ring!! What an awesome quick access hack! Thanks Steve.
Although I have the Z6, not the z6ii, what I found was that your explaining why you set or reset items, really insightful. Thanks Steve, for another great video!
Hi Steve, just got my Z6 II and I enjoyed your video as it helps me to get started real quick. It’s beyond me why you got four dislikes, it’s pretty straight forward and helpful. Thanks a lot and keep up the good work!
Thank you, Steve! I've watched all your previous videos and purchased a couple of your excellent e-books, and now that I'm into the Z system, find videos like this especially useful. (Still on the waiting list for the Z6 II, but this will be helpful to know the new features, especially.)
FANTASTIC walkthrough. Thanks for the learning curve speed boost!
Steve, please, please don't take this video down. I've had to send in my Z7II for warranty repair three times. On the third time they sent me a new one to replace it. I've had to watch this to set up everything. Yes, I could do it myself but going through this saves me some time and helps me remember things I may overlook. I'm hoping this replacement doesn't have any problems. Thanks again. I'm working my way through your book on the Z mirrorless autofocus system. Even though I don't typically shoot wildlife this has been a tremendous help. You are tremendous help. Thank you!!!
Steve, very well done. What an awesome presentation. I bought my D850 and set it up with your video presentation. Now I bought a Z6ii and set it up with your video. Your explanation is magical and logical as it appeals the mind. I'm conveyed these compliments from Pakistan 🇵🇰 and watch every video that you upload
Great video Steve, like always!
And this new intro it's far better 👌
Thanks.
Hi Steve,
As usual very informative video. I got the new Z6ii body only last week and am waiting for the FTZ adapter (out of stock).
As I don't have any S series lenses, this video has given me enough fuel to setup the menu so that it's ready as soon as I get the FTZ.
The new music has a lesser tempo compared to the usual one and hence it is very soothing to the ears. That being said your previous intro was in pace with the genre of photography you are a master in.
Thanks for this excellent compilation.
Cheers 🙏
Wow Steve, great video!! Very useful, my very first Nikon Z6ii camera setting has been done step by step following your video. Thank you!
Excellent run down of the options. This was very helpful!
Congrats for the new intro Steve ! Music and images are so much better.
This is perfect, Steve! Today I just picked up my z7 ii after 3 months of pre order. Looks like I will finally be able to come somewhat close to replacing my d850 I sold a couple years ago.
Hi Steve, just gone mirrorless today with the Z6ii, and retired my old D610. Thanks for your setting especially the exposure compensation using the focus ring. that's the one that's new to me. The D500 is the main one I use for wildlife, and still are very happy with it.
Excellent vid. Just got a Z7ii. Great way to get to know the camera. Thank you.
Very clear and helpful . Thank you Steve.
Easy on the ear and you are an excellent tutor!
Awesome video - many useful suggestions in there. Thanks for sharing Steve
Thanks Steve! This is extremely helpful!!!! Love my Z6ii
Fantastic as usual. Always appreciate your suggestions!
Thanks for the great info. Liking the new intro also.
Steve, while many offer 'How To" advice, your videos continue to step up with understandable and usable help in a friendly and educational way that just works. I've shot for over 40 years and still continue to learn new products and techniques by watching and sharing... in other words, I don't read the manuals. ;-) So, if you need an assist with threading an 8mm film projector or getting that pile of audio tape wound back into an eight track cartridge ...
Keep the new intro! Thanks for sharing your valuable knowledge!
Steve, I just wanted to say thanks for doing this bit. I'm supposed to get my Z7ii in the next week. I cant wait to start going full bore on wildlife videography. The D500 just couldnt cut it with that.
Many thanks for sharing your setting
Thank you, great video.
Great video, very useful tips, thank you.
Thank you, just got my z6ii.
Very helpful and educated. Thank you.
Brilliant as usual
9:21 😊 hilarious! Thanks for another great vid with awesome content, Steve!
Been waiting for this.
Steve what a great detailed Video Well done I have saved it for future Reference when and IF I upgrade to Z7II from my Z7 (Maybe wait for Z7 III ??
Thanks Steve. I'm still waiting for my Z7ii. All sold out in Ireland but I'm top of the waitig list.
Great tutorial
Good job I keep up well I had to go back a few times
I like the new music.
Thanks.
Great video 👍 I wonder what setting you use with a dark bird and dark background and flies sometimes against a bright sky Should you use spormetering with AE-lock (Fn1 + Fn2 button)?
Thanks a lot ..
Hello Steve great video,
one question: can the ISO automatic on-off switch be set to a function button for the Z6 II? Best regards from Germany
Hi Steve, I´m going through this video slowly but surely. Tons of good information, thanks.
Let me ask you, what would be the recommended maximum sensitivity for a NIkon Z5 for ISO sensitivity settings ?
Oh man you are so lucky. Those Deer law suits are nasty. Lol 😎
Thanks for the video. Love my z6ii.
Hello Steve I bought your Wildlife Photography guide, and it has been very usefull, it has so much good information! Are thinking on do some Guides for tue new canons R5/6?
Best Regards
Right now, probably not since I don't' own the cameras. However, I was thinking of renting them to see what they can do - so you never know!
I appreciate all your input on settings. I've had back button focus set on my D850 for years but had some trouble figuring it out on the Z7ii. Your video helped a lot. Unfortunately, I think I screwed something else up in changing all the settings. I always shoot on M with AutoISO enabled, but now it is not working properly - it is always choosing whatever I set as the maximum ISO, even if it means grossly overexposing the image. Any idea what I might have set incorrectly? I've gone through the settings repeatedly and can't find any error, but I'm probably just not seeing it.
FYI on Z7ii you can assign FN1 or 2 to AF/[+}. Great video. Thank you!!
Correct. However, the feature it lacks that everyone complains about is the ability to push a button and instantly be in a pre-assigned AF area mode. So, if you were in Wide (S), you'd press a button and be in Single Point without having to select it with the dial.
New intro is cool. But you should try some heavy metal, bass guitar stuff in your intro
Hey Steve, after going through all your reviews and videos, i bought the Z6 2. Thanks for your guidance. Today i did the setting following this particular video of yours. Got it nice but here the aperture & shutter get locked. So what should I do...i mainly shoot wildlife as hobby. Please guide
Could you explain a bit more on the HDR mode for my Z6-2?
Thanks for this helpful video. Would you have any idea why the "Choose image area" (in the "Photo Shooting Menu") on my brand new Z6ii would be grayed out? I've updated to the latest firmware, but can't figure out why this is. I don't yet have a CFexpress card, so there's just an SD card in ... would that be why? Any thoughts? Thanks!
Questions:
Can you help me understand why there is no blackout in high+ but there is blackout in high standard?
Also, do you think the Zii's have the potential to be updated to good no blackout trackers like the Sony and Canon cameras?
FYI Some older programs can't read the Lossless compressed RAW format so you'd need to use the Uncompressed format instead (so this is more of a compatibility thing (oddly, I found this to be the opposite on some newer programs; they can read the compressed/lossless compressed but not the full uncompressed format).
Hi Steve, in this video you downplay the video part of the Z7II camera and yet you shoot videos to display here? Are you using some other brand for these tutorials? Thanks
nice tuto. waiting for my z6II... I have all your ebooks but i really prefer video instead of reading 300 pages in english. I am a little confused with respect to other tutos i have seen on z6ii settings. many people use U1, U2, U3 menus with different Fn settings and they set subject tracking on Fn2 on U3 in case Z6II looses the AF. don't you use these ? I am very interested to better understand how, when AF is lost, we recover it with yellow and red box. I have read a trick saying that if we set focus tracking at middle, we just need to move camera to set center on subject and AF is recovering its trac-king...
I wish there was an option to access my menu with a shortcut like we had in D850. Also seem like all he button on the right side, but to review the image I have to use my left hand, I wish I can problem that to right side. Any thoughts ?
Hi Steve, need your valuable suggestion on one of my confusion. I own a D 850 , Nikon 24-120 mm f/4 VR , Nikon Micro Nikkor 105 mm f/2.8 VR, Nikon 200-500 mm f/5.6 VR, Nikon 50 mm f/1.8 D, Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 mm VR. Now I am thinking to buy Nikon 70-200 mm f/2.8 FL ED VR......I am not in a position to shift to Mirrorless sooner...may be a few years from now ( 2,3 or 4 years). SHALL I WAIT AND BUY A 70-200 f/2.8 Z Lens after I switch to Mirrorless? Or Shall I stop confusing and buy the F mount now? I am saying this as in some reviews I came across the views that Z Mount lenses are much better optically than F mount lenses. So, will it be wise to invest in F mount lens now or wait ? Please guide !
One custom control settings that apparently most Nikon shooters miss is f6. You can now press and release a function button and then make the selection by moving the primary or secondary wheel. You do not have to do the press and hold and rotate all simultaneously. I reset that with my D50 many years ago and I have continued so ever since.
I've tried that before and found that it sometimes messed me up when I accidentally brushed up against a button. Not often, but enough that I turned it back off.
Hi Steve, I have just recently purchased a Nikon Z7II. I don't understand as to why the camera changes the exposure compensation on its own even when I am shooting in manual mode? This is really annoying because the new setting sometimes makes my photos either over or under exposed. Is there anyway I can override this? I look forward to your reply. Many thanks! John
Do you experience any blackout during bursts? How many megapixels when in crop mode?
For birds in flight photography please show how to set up the Z7ii to get the maximum fps - jump
Thank you, Steve. Very helpful, as I just bought the Z6II and I'm spending this rainy day getting to know the controls. Question--at 35:52 you talk about resetting the focus ring on the lens for exposure control. Does this mean it doesn't allow you to manually focus? The other question I had was a few moments before that, where you reset the movie record button. Does resetting this function mean you can never record a movie?
"Never" is a strong word. You would have to change the button back to "Movie record" to start a recording in the future.
Have a question.
Is it possible to have (exposure meter bar) in Video mode on Z7ii??
Hope you can help me🙏
Thank you.
Hey thanks for great video. Question: How did you record the menu? The camera does not send any output through my video capture card when I press the camera menu button.
I use a video capture device is all - an El Gato Game Capture. I just plug it into the HDMI output of the camera, nothing beyond that.
Steve, I just purchased the Z7ii. I do a lot of HDR work and need to shoot with the CL or CH but can't find it anywhere. Did Nikon drop the option? HELP! What is the best way to get at least the CL option?
Hello, I have been using 2 CP1000 printers together with 2 Nikon D750 (direct connection) for a long time. Everything is perfect. But now I bought my Nikon Z6II and it no longer offers me the printing option like the D750 did. What to do ? Could someone help me with an advice?
I looked at your website at your books. I have the z6 II. Does your book on the z series cover everything about the auto focus on the z6 II or mostly the z6?
Thanks for your interest. It covers the entire AF system on every Z series camera, Z6 and Z6ii included :)
bcgwebstore.com/product/secrets-to-the-nikon-autofocus-system-mirrorless-edition/
I know it may be a while before you respond, but I thought I would ask. Why do I only have three options on my Z 6 II for the viewfinder options? The viewfinder only is not showing as an option. Maybe some one who reads this may know the answer. I have all four set in the menu.
Thanks for the video Steve. I guess i was most surprised
with the Silent shooting choice, The chance of rolling shutter
if action breaks out, Not really a problem ?
That's why I have the option to switch on the "I" menu. However, you'd be surprised how much action it can take to cause an issue. For "light" action (like a ver trotting by) it's fine. If I'm anticipating actual action, I have it on the mechanical shutter.
@@backcountrygallery Thank you so much for your reply.
Is it possible to sign anny other button for auto-area AF activation exept OK button because it is not user friendly at all (sport, wild life) Z6II???
This is excellent Steve and I set my Z7II like this;) But I think with the new firmware update you can now assign the fn1 button to focus mode/af-area mode now. Also for mechanical shutter and electronic shutter can we just set that to auto or is it better to choose which one you need?
The function I was referring to still isn't there. You could always assign a button and dial turn to changing AF area and mode, however, the function that everyone wants is the ability to press a button and have the camera switch to another AF area without spinning a dial. When you release the button, it goes back to the AF area you were suing before. As for the shutter, I leave mine on electronic / silent most of the time. You need mechanical for things like flash or fast action to avoid roiling shutter but for what I use it for most of the time, the electronic shutter works well. I have my "I" menu set to allow a quick change if I need it :)
@@backcountrygallery ok now I understand but using silent shutter do you think it works great when shooting at 1/3200sec?
@@HotGates Depends what you're shooting. The biggest problem is that if you're shooting 1/3200th you're probably doing action and the sluggish readout speed of the Z sensors means you'll likely see some rolling shutter.
@@backcountrygallery Ok one last question, So if your photographing BIF you would use mechanical? And at what shutter speeds can rolling shutter become a problem with silent shutter? Thanks
@@HotGates With a Z camera, yes. It's not shutter speed that's the problem, it's how fast you're panning, how fast wings are beating, etc. Shutter speed doesn't have anything to do with rolling shutter. It can show up at any speed if there's enough subject movement.
My live view (on the back screen Z7 II) reads my secondary slot (which is for overflow in jpg fine) and I always see "Fine" jpg when reviewing the image. But in reality, it is a RAW on the SD (primary slot). Why is the camera reading my secondary slot jpg's instead of the RAW files? Very strange...Any suggestions?
I so wanted this camera! after months of research I purchased it but sadly my z6 ii with kit lens front focuses really bad I know you can adjust it in camera but I shouldn't have to with a new camera.
I'd return it or get a repair. I agree, you shouldn't have that issue.
With the newer updates (2 yrs later)
have you found you have changed your menu setting for this camera?
Nope - although to be fair I don't use it a ton. However, keep in mind most (not all) of the updates are more performance and compatibility updates than functional ones.
Has anyone been able to use the 200-500 on the Z7 ii ? Would love to know your thoughts on it.
Where do I find the new updated video
Hello sir,
I'm a Nikon D750 user & also have many F mount lenses.
Now I am planning to buy Nikon Z7ii camera. But confused about 2 lenses, Nikon 28-75 f2.8 and 24-70 f4 ??
Which is suitable for me ??
I'm a wedding photographer & never shoot video..
Please suggest me 🙏🙏🙏🙏
Hi Steve - great video. Two comments - the Fn2 button can be programmed for AF Area modes using the front and rear control dials. I've programmed the Fn1 button to zoom - to 100% but you can choose the amount. I use Zoom both pre-shot to check focus or head position and post shot for image review.
Hi Eric -
Yeah, I wasn't as clear as I should have been in that part of the video. I'm talking about the one button press-and-hold to temporarily change AF areas like we can do on the D5/6/500/850. Most of the buttons on the Z cameras can do the AF area switch + dials function, the one I miss is the option to press a button and be in a new AF area without any command dial action. BTW - have you tried it on the Move Record button? I tell ya, it's a nice place for it :)
@@backcountrygallery I've got the Movie Record button set for Exposure Delay right now. It's one of my most used functions for landscapes, and I wanted it handy when I moved from a landscape to seeing an animal turn up unexpectedly. I can't tell you how many times I've used Exposure Delay for the first frame photographing wildlife - and never successfully. At least this is a quick fix for minor stupidity.
@@BowlesImages LOL, been there, done that! I'm just glad I'm not the only one!!
I'm able to use AF area mode with my function button #2
You can use it to get AF areas, but what I'm referring to in the video is being able to press the button and switch to a pre-programmed AF area without touching the front command dial. When I release the button, the camera goes back to whatever AF area I was in prior to the press.
Does this require 45 minutes? Or does the vid have a tldr?
How do you change the timer on the display like you did before you started the video ? It is very annoying for it to shut off whenever it feels like.
See 23.02 in the video.
@@backcountrygallery Thank you!!
In terms of write speed, is there not a difference between Uncompressed and Lossless Compressed? I have not tested this, but have heard others claim that overall, the write speed to the card is faster without any form of compression. Curious to know if you've looked into this. Thanks
It's the opposite. To double-check myself, I just tried it with my Z6ii and was able to get to 200 images with lossless compressed and only 116 with uncompressed.
@@backcountrygallery Of course, that’s to be expected due to file size. The question is, how fast to those 116 (i.e., is frame rate faster)? That’s what I’ve heard is the difference (but haven’t tested it myself). If there’s no algorithm running, shouldn’t those files write faster? It’s a trade-off between the rate of compression which creates a slight lag vs. writing a larger uncompressed file with no lag. Perhaps with the two processors, the mark IIs are so fast there’s no measurable difference. If so, your lossless wins out. Of course, there’s also the argument that one would rather have 200 shots vs. 116, but I’ve never shot for that long in real life...
@@carlmarch603 There's no speed benefit that I can find on Nikon's chart for frame rates. Things like 12 bit, single point AF, electronic / mechanical shutter are all covered, but there is no mention of compressed / uncompressed for frame rate. In addition, I couldn't tell any difference in testing either.
@@backcountrygallery Good to know - I always enjoy your straight forward approach and reviews. I’ve been shooting uncompressed but will switch to lossless. I still have my original Z’s and the Z6 II. B&H is shipping my Z7 II soon. Haven’t decided if I’m keeping my D850 for telephoto work in Costa Rica - depends on Z 600mm S release date which I doubt will be prior to this summer. All the best - thanks
Hi Steve. Just brought the Z6 II. But I have a issue with it, My nikon 500 5.6 PF lens VR is permanently on while the camera is on.
I thought it should only get activated when the shutter button is half pressed. this is such a drain on the battery.
Is there a setting in the camra to fix this.
The VR is on as long as the camera is. With a DSLR, it could go into standby and we could still look through the lens with it being active. With the Z cameras, we need the camera active to see though the viewfinder, so VR is always on. Totally normal.
@@backcountrygallery Thanks for the reply Steve.
Hi Steve, I will rely on your opinion in terms auto focus performance of your Z cameras compared to competition. There are all sorts of reviews out there so it is difficult to judge and many of the opinions very one sided and more focused on bashing other sustems. If Nikon is behind bu a big margin then that is what it is but understanding how much bad or good is important for many.
Thanks for tour great work as always.
AF is good - like D780 good, but not D5/6, D850, D500 good. It's not up to Sony for sure. Plus, there are other considerations. The cameras are exceptional for still and slower subjects. They OK but not the best for action. It's not that I wouldn't use them for action, but if I knew an action scenario was at hand and I had a Z camera and my a9ii in the bag, there's little doubt I'd grab that a9ii.
@@backcountrygallery thanks Steve
Hi Steve, I was watching your video and going along with your settings with my Z6ii but I noticed my Long Exposure Noise Reduction is off and greyed out and it does not let me change it. Do you know why this would be?
That's really weird - are in you the "green" automate on the top dial? I know that sometimes shuts off features.
@@backcountrygallery No, I am in the Manual mode (M). I searched online but didn't find anything relevant.
@@backcountrygallery Never mind. I figured it out. Apparently, when you are in the "Silent Photography" on, you can not change the long exposure noise reduction. I guess it makes sense.
@@edikici Yup, that makes sense - you can't do a dark frame without the shutter. Good to know and thanks!
Try putting it into manual mode!
TX
Is there a way to disable or lock the joy stick on the Z7 ?
Sadly, no.
Thank you. Then I don't have to look any further now. Should be possible with a firmware update, I think.
I've missed a photo more than once because I first had to move the focus point out of the corner.
@@MrArn0ldus It's something many people have requested. If Nikon does it or not is another thing :)
Nice new intro but the old one …. I am going to miss it. Any chance we can get it back from time to time ? :-)
LOL - I got constant complaints about it. Apparently it was too loud and fast.
@@backcountrygallery should not listen to them ! I loved it. The new one is good as well but for me Steve Perry = loud and fast, forever
@@backcountrygallery Really miss the old intro! Always used to pump me up. Especially since I’m always watching TH-cam videos at atleast 1.5x speed!!
The taa-dada-taa-dada-tadadum was so catchy 😛🤘
@@sh1904 It's funny, I thought everyone kind of hated it, but now I'm going to see what people say. I may go back.
@@backcountrygallery I like the old intro much better, please change it back.
Would you ever pick up a Z7 II over a D850 for wildlife shooting?
Please rent one and decide for yourself!
I heard that Nikon didn't want cameras to be called mark ii, but just Z6 ii and Z7 ii.
th-cam.com/video/36GxxqRuLOU/w-d-xo.html
I know, but it made the title on the video messy with all the numbers strung out together. And, honestly, does it really matter that much?
No, just a minor point. I really enjoy your videos and always learn sth new!
Funny, the reference to Mark ... makes me think of Canon. They use Mark in their camera distinctions. Remember we shoot on the dark side ... 😁
SİDE ... ANTALYA. NİKON Z7
I sure hope D850 owners aren’t trading down to mirrorless if they are shooting wildlife!
Have you tried both?
I’ve gone by recommendations by a professional wildlife photographer. Both the D850 and the D500 are well worth keeping!
Music a little loud compared to when you speak.
Did you know it is not possible to get good shots of Hummingbirds with the "Silent Photography" on? Ghosting
Yup. It's caused by rolling shutter.
Hi Steve! AF Area Mode is now selectable with our Z cameras on the front function buttons (feel free to give it a try!) Great video! Cheers /Chris.