Nikon has turned updates into a competitive advantage. It’s the polar opposite of the horrid trend of forced subscriptions for feature acquisitions. I like it….yes I do want pre capture in raw as the number 1 feature by a mile…
Too bad they lef the z6ii/7ii behind. A big AF improvement was promised, it never came. I get that it would never be close to the z8/9, but the 6ii/7ii are far behind. Don't get me wrong the AF is absolutely passable and not actually terrible (don't believe the hype), but given the promise of improvement that I think got a lot of people to commit early (and whenr referencing the mki 6/7 understandably convinced), itnis rather disappointing.
There is still hope that they will bring updates to the Z6ii/Z7ii in the focus department. I have a Z6ii and love that body. Just needs a little help in the firmware department.
@@scriptosaurusrex They did, the Initial AF of series ii was only a little bit better than the original series and they improved it. Now the *rumors* promise more, but that is not of Nikon doing. Most people move to Sony because if the Hardware deficiencies, and Nikon can't do magic. I am sure they can improve, but with a less capable platform, you start to run into "fixing this" but "ruining that" it's just the nature of the models. IF you have enough resources to run two models it's easier. If you have enough resources you can run a fast model that selects the proper model for the task at hand.
Yes, but am the only one feeling that Nikon more and more released unfinished cameras knowing they can fix it later? They even had camera releases like the Z9, where they had * parts on their ads stating that feature X will come in a future firmware update from day #1.
Me too. I just took the plunge on my Z8 three weeks ago and have been shooting birds. This update is exciting for me although, like everyone else, I would like to see raw pre-release. I love the Z8.
fantastic update from Nikon which I have loaded onto my Z8. In terms of what else they could add I'd like the eye detect in manual focus mode that they implemented on the Zf, it would make using my Voightlander MF lenses much easier for portraits.
The new additions seem nice, but regarding the AF Mode cycle function you could still kind of achieve it (for 2 modes) by assigning a custom button to "recal shooting functions (hold)" and checking only the af mode. On top of that I believe the most elegant way to the bird fluke mentioned is to assign the display or any other customizable button to "af area mode + af-on" and choose to have single point af so it is like having 2 af-on buttons one with your primary focusing mode and another one right next to the main with single point af. Much faster without having to toggle af mode on and off and kind of more ergonomic since you only move your thumb.
Impressive! I updated to firmware 2.0 on my Z8, and as I watched your 4k video thru it, my camera would autolock on the bird eyes you filmed from scene to scene. It would lock onto the eyes of your spliced bird videos in about a second. Amazing tech! Fast!
Great to see some new improvements and features. The big miss for video was not adding shutter angle so you can lock your fps to a shutter angle. To many times I have quickly switched from 24 to 60 fps and for got to change the shutter from 48 to 120. Or to have the ability for go from a 180• angle to 270• or 135• to get a different effect without having to do math.
Hi Matt. Great video as usual. I do have what I feel is a better solution for the af problem. I just assign the shutter release to Auto Area AF, and the AF On button to single point. No need to toggle through the 2 points, just press the right button for the right situation. Hope you find this a good and viable alternative.
Two Lines of code which I want are braketing order + 0 - and setting the self timer interval berween brakets to zero seconds instead of 0.5. Both would make Seascapes way easier. But the shutter delay may just fix the second issue, we will see. Nikon really is bringing their a game latetly and I am there for it. Thanks for the great video!
i just changed my custom buttons the same way as Jan Wegener (youtuber) ... it's fast transition and target acquisition. DISP button is now dedicated to single focus point works great.
I paused the video at just over 3 minutes in because you hit on the one items I know I WANT IN THE Z8 that isn't there. Pre-Release Burst in RAW. I understand the memory it would take and I'd be happy if they even had it limited to 1/2 or 1/4 of a second max with half-press of the shutter limited to 10 seconds before you had to release and re-half-press. I don't subscribe to many because I don't want the clutter, but I amb better I"ll subscribe after watching the entire thing. Good start so far.
Hi Matt Great Videos . Die hard nikon fans who were feeling let down for a few years are well & truly thrilled with the Z8 & Z9 and all the new firmware updates . The bird detection mode is amazing ( i used it on Z9) . More importantly glass like the 400 2.8 , 600 PF etc have given Nikon a definite edge espy in wildlife photography. However there is one feature which i think could be added through a firmware update & will really help in landscape / candid / city scapes etc - feature required is as follows : Display the overblown highlights as zebra stripes in the viewfinder / lcd even as we adjust the exposure - this will be a killer feature .Sony has this & many pros swear by this feature . What is surprising is that this is available in Video mode in the Z8/9 , why can't this be enabled for stills? It will save a lot of time in terms of shooting pics with the right exposures . I have written this many times to nikon but to no avail. Can you with your nikon influencer status - help in getting this feature incorporated in the next update .
I have to say pixel shift and the new AF tracknig features make it totally worth it. I'm also glad they bought back the Exposure Delay Mode which is helpful (although probably less critical on a camera that doesn't have a mechanical shutter but it is a welcome addition nonetheless).
For single point, most people have just single point mapped to the AF-ON button or one of the buttons at the front, I think that's still the faster solution for situations like the one you simulated. Where I find the new one button solution helpful, is when switching between small/large areas and Auto Area mode.
Video much appreciated! Since you have talked, once or twice, about issues that can be rather easily addressed via firmware, I haven’t seen the following - *VERY* serious, as far as I am concerned - Nikon issue mentioned, by you or otherwise, as much as it should: Nikon does not offer an option to correct photo orientation in camera and if 3rd party [software] is thus employed weird things happen to the photo files [JPG’s and NEF’s], which prevent them to be fully recognizable/manageable/editable by the very same camera that took them. Many other manufacturers [Canon, Olympus/OM System, Panasonic, Sony - I don’t know about any others] offer this option in camera, why not Nikon - do they seriously believe their cameras to be immune to being fooled when they are turned directly up- or downwards?! Orientation errors do happen, both ways, all the time and it would be sensible to have such errors corrected in camera with a few clicks [or taps] AND have the option to further edit/process those photos in camera!
It's a common problem with all subject recognition af modes across all brands with some doing slightly better and some slightly worse. I should also say that it would be easier if Matt assigned a single point or custom mode area reduced to smaller size to the F1 button.
Matt, an easier way to accomplish the same thing rather than cycling is using a customized button for single point af and then hand it off to auto area mode.
I am always able to pickup great tips from your videos. I never thought of using a picture of a bird on my iphone/ipad to test out different shooting modes and scenarios. I will have to try this out. Might be interesting to try and adapt this technique for the case of going from static birds to flying ones by using 2 different screens.
The is amazing and thank you to Nikon for always taking care their customers. I’m going to wait for abit before I update my firmware. Because I still use some of the Sony lenses with adaptor right now it is working great I’m not sure what will happen after update . If anyone still shorting with Sony lenses please let us know Okie thank you so much . And as always Matt thank you you are amazing for everything you did for all of us . Keep it up sir 🎉❤
A great video Matt, very informative . Thank you definitely needed. I still love my 850, I use a z6 just for heck of it stuff. I am considering a z9. Thanks again.
Seems to me like the next firmware update for z8 should be to add the focus cycle to the shutter button to make the camera start with single point focus and then switch to whatever focus setting you want to use in the bird setting
Hi Matt. You said at about 8:45 minutes into this video about a frustrating aspect of Nikon autofocus-being not able to detect a subject in foreground blur. It is not about detecting, it is that Nikon z doesn’t know how to fall back to closest focusing distance, whether or not in any detecting or tracking modes. It simply cannot find a subject closer to the camera/ lens after you focused it a little farther and try to focus on something closer. I face this issue with my Nikon zf and z 105mm macro aaaalllll the time, to the extent that I am now contemplating a laowa 90mm macro😢😢.
Minor Quibble - The comparison between V1.00/1.01 and V 2.00 on Z8. The V 1 is in auto subject detection mode and the V2 is in bird mode. It would have been better to have the V1 in animal subject detection. Not quite an apples to apples comparison as auto mode will take longer on V1 or V2.
Quick question on the Cycle AF-area modes you showed. I understand single-point, and auto-area AF, two of my favorite modes. I also like 3D-Tracking. Why did you not include that on the modes to cycle through? Just want to learn the logic on it. Once I understand the logic I might feel that is the better way. Thanks again for the great video.
I expect that the “focus point border width” feature will be most handy when viewing the LCD screen in daylight. I find that the focus point is really hard to see on the LCD screen on my Z7II. Are you able to test that out, Matt?
Soo yet again the same question - what makes Z9 few thousands more expensive than just a battery and battery grip :V Better be having Pre-capture RAW and 4k240p in the new firmware to have actual logic being "flagship". Great update as usual Matt!
Keep in mind the things that cannot be changed in firmware. The z9 has gps, much better heat management & full speed cards. For some users (like me) that’s easily worth the premium.
I thought that with lenses that have custom buttons you can assign one to a focus distance. You could set that to minimum distance to bring the focus in then have the tracking go from there.
You mention that Z9 has pixel shift shooting. I don't think it does yet. Only Zf has it I think. I'm surprised it came for the 45Mp sensor since the smaller pixel sizes make it harder to shift pixels with IBIS.
Am I the only one to crave for this feature that was available on the D850 ? I'm talking about being able to choose the size of a RAW image. Often times, I want RAW quality but not necessarily full payload. And good old D850 allows you to shoot RAWs of either 46, 25 or 11 Mpx. I'd love to have that on my Z8. I've had it for about 6 months now and never needed pre capture. I don't do bird spotting either so I understand my needs are quite different from the ones of most people here. But still, I think many people could benefit from this variable RAW file size feature. No ?
I am the one who suggested the assignment of focus area modes to buttons, your style is still cumbersome and requires press of buttons. I suggest you just assign af area mode to that button not cycle through. It's a direct single button press.
Thanks for the video, great detail. As an Australian I'm also intrigued by the odd way your accent is with "Oh" sounds. Wonder if it's a Hong Kong thing.
Matt so what's your view of how Nikon is not really Dumbing down the Z 8 features compared to the flagship ? I recall when the z9 got its big updates you said they were trying to differentiate the 2 cameras . I guess thats not thew case any longer . I always thought there is a difference in price due to the body size , better construction , .longer battery life and dual card slots and a few other hardware features that justified the price difference. no need to cripple software in the Z8 as its basically the same internal architecture . cheers .
True! I thought that at the time as they didn’t confirm these updates would come to z8. I’m very happy with z9 and feel it’s well prices and offers loads behind the z8.
Thanks Matt for bringing this news to us in a clear and informative matter. If I may, I would like to ask a question. When you were at the Aviary and you had the camera attached with a cable. I would be interested in hearing what that setup was. I assume you were attached to a computer on the ground using some kind of interface to record your camera screen. Could you maybe say what the hardware you used for this. Or perhaps you have done a video about this setup and I am too lazy to go search.....Lol......Cheers Ron
You also don't need to have cycle autofocus mode. Just put 1 custom button on Af Area+AF-ON and select Single Point as the area. You don't need to cycle just press one button its back on Single Point AF and then use back button AF or shutter AF as you would. No need to cycle multiple AF areas.
@@mattgranger I didn't notice this new cycle autofocus custom button in Z8 2.0 update didn't need to turn dials like before. This is really useful and can free up atleast 1 more custom button set to AF Area+AF-ON
As a fashion photographer, I can't understand why Nikon has still not included a 5:4 image zone ratio (which is possible on the D850 and the zII). It is a must-have in my industry. It’s very frustrating because it is solely a software manner and I can't fathom why they've chosen to take this lead
It would be great if Nikon could at least add Bird AF to the Z6/7ii , I am not buying that processor cant handle it. Lets be real , even though they are mid range , they are the bread and butter of the line up.
Why not setting different af modes on different buttons. I have 4 buttons programmed for different af modes where the af-on is af-c single point and fn1 is with 3d, fn2 is wide c2 with animal detection an disp is c1 with animal detection. Then you can change or handover by using different fingers
That's basically what I do as well. I have one of the front fn buttons set to AF-ON + single point, which I'll use if I run into an issue with whatever mode I'm currently in
There is if you want one custom button to toggle between reduced options just for when shooting birds. And the the full suite at other times. That was his point. Speed when shooting birds.
I know zebras likely aren't on the roadmap for firmware updates, but they should at least create a mode where you get some kind of alert (i.e. a box around the viewfinder) when there are highlights or shadows that are clipping. That will make it a lot easier to get a perfect exposure.
Hi Matt, I’m shooting with Fujifilm gfx100s but it’s not good for all types of photography which I like (Portrait, Landscape, Still-life). It’s heavy and bulky with gf lenses to carry around, and slow for sports and wildlife if sometimes I like to experience it! But it seems Z8 is all in one camera. The only matter important to me is if I switch to Z8, with 14bit and 45mp, could I achieve the same high images quality (detailing, colour rendering, and deep dynamic range) by gfx100s with 16bit and 102mp? Thank you.
Yes there is extra processing power in the Expeed7. However adding a few menu items, such as focus shifting to only mention one, would make Z50 owners happy and give them additional reason to be loyal to the brand. That feature is available in the Z30, I doubt that it is a technical reason to not implement it in the Z50. After all that's the only body Nikon Z body which doesn't have it. Just my opinion of course@@mattgranger
Can the speed/sensitivity of MF be adjusted? Seems on your 400mm it's going super slow only for fine adjustments, is it possible to make it go from minimum to maximum in like a 200º turn?
Hi - great info as usual. thanks! When I use the auto recognition options (birds/animals/vehicles etc.) does it work as well as picking each option manually via the menu? Thanks
Probably a stupid question, but I just got the Nikon Z8 and curious to know since it doesn't have WIFI can you still use SnapBridge for updates on the Z8?
lol you cant be real. Nikon colours are and always been much better and pleasing than canon. although I mostly shoot nikon, I still own 3 canon bodies and no mate, nikon files and colours are superior to canon
I don't know what's the bigger flex, the fact that he had a Z9, a Z8 with a 400mm 2.8 TC, or when he moved the Z9 and pulled out another Z8 with a 400mm 2.8 TC. That's like $40k on that table.
Hello. Has anyone had problems with the Godox triggers since updating to 2.0? My XproII and X2T don't seem to work now. I have used the V1 as a transmitter and that works fine. All of them work with my Z9. Thanks for any insights or suggestions
@mattgranger did anyone else's menu option D14 change, like mine did apparently? this is the viewfinder image taken indicator feature, where you can have blackout, white lines flash on the right and left edges or white lines flash on all edges ... no matter what option I choose, A, B or C or none, I get blackout confirmation after each shot now. can someone else confirm this or tell me what I might be doing wrong? I contacted Nikon about this and haven't heard back yet!
Hi Matt, I was looking at your z nikon course. Do you keep it updated when all the firmware releases are released and would I have access to future releases if I subscribe to the course today?
@@mattgranger Nothing specific. Nikon will learn, that not everybody is got the money to buy every few years a new camera. I'll stay on my Z6 II as long as I'm satisfied with it.
@@mattgranger The point was: at 15:24 (that was your answer to my 1st comment) you say nothing specific, but you believe that the Z6 II & Z7 II got their big updates and Nikon is concentrating on the new products Z8 and Zf. This points out: if you want more software features, than buy a new product (Z8). 🤘
Any idea if a major fw update also comes to the Zf ? my girlfriend's iphone 15 has better automatic focussing than the Zf for taking a picture of a few people. Also, how can a camera like the Zf, in 2024, still not be able to calculate the smallest appropriate aperture to accomodate the right amount of DoF when taking a portrait of several people which aren't perfectly in the seme focus plain ? -_-
People generally buy this kind of camera, instead of using a phone, because they want to take control of some of the creative aspects of photography, instead of leaving it to the device to make those choices.
After recently purchasing the Z8, I learned that the raw file format it produces is not supported on Apple IOS devices. Since i edit my photos on my iPad, this makes the camera much less attractive to me. I will be attempting to return it for a refund.
@@mattgranger I use Lightroom and Apple Photo app on my iPad. I’ve had no problem editing my D500 raw photos on my iPad but I can’t open the Z8 raw photos. I’ve read that Apple IOS does support the Z9 and Z7 raw file formats but not z8. I don’t know about the Z9 or Z7 raw file formats but I definitely can’t open the z8 raw files on my 10th gen IPad with the latest IOS update, neither with the Apple Photo app nor with the Lightroom mobile app on my iPad. I was able to open Z8 raw files on my pc laptop in Lightroom, but I prefer to edit my photos on my iPad. I tried the 2.0 z8 update but it didn’t fix the problem.
Both Nikon and Sony are manufactured in Japan but Nikon are people's person and kind but Sony is friendly. Sony never give any firmware to customers, it seems to be cruel and inhuman. Don't know why Sony don't give new firmware. It is shame Sony CEO.
![HIWWHEE | OHM [Official MV]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/OJJLtTLqLag/mqdefault.jpg)
NIKON Setup Guide: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/zsetup
JOIN ME IN ICELAND! mattgranger.com/iceland
COURSE SALES! 10-50% OFF
Fuji GFX Setup Guide: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/GFX
Hasselblad Setup Guide: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/X2D100C
Natural Light Masterclass: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/natural
Wedding Photography 101: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/wedding
Dramatic Single Light Portraiture: learn.mattgranger.com/courses/drama
Nikon has turned updates into a competitive advantage. It’s the polar opposite of the horrid trend of forced subscriptions for feature acquisitions. I like it….yes I do want pre capture in raw as the number 1 feature by a mile…
Too bad they lef the z6ii/7ii behind. A big AF improvement was promised, it never came. I get that it would never be close to the z8/9, but the 6ii/7ii are far behind.
Don't get me wrong the AF is absolutely passable and not actually terrible (don't believe the hype), but given the promise of improvement that I think got a lot of people to commit early (and whenr referencing the mki 6/7 understandably convinced), itnis rather disappointing.
There is still hope that they will bring updates to the Z6ii/Z7ii in the focus department. I have a Z6ii and love that body. Just needs a little help in the firmware department.
@@scriptosaurusrex They did, the Initial AF of series ii was only a little bit better than the original series and they improved it. Now the *rumors* promise more, but that is not of Nikon doing. Most people move to Sony because if the Hardware deficiencies, and Nikon can't do magic. I am sure they can improve, but with a less capable platform, you start to run into "fixing this" but "ruining that" it's just the nature of the models. IF you have enough resources to run two models it's easier. If you have enough resources you can run a fast model that selects the proper model for the task at hand.
Yes, but am the only one feeling that Nikon more and more released unfinished cameras knowing they can fix it later? They even had camera releases like the Z9, where they had * parts on their ads stating that feature X will come in a future firmware update from day #1.
At least Nikon is fixing something rather than Sony which prefer to release brand "new" camera that could've been firmware ;D @@Lofote
I picked the right week to buy a Z8!
Congrats mate! Enjoy setting it up and customising it - its a beast!
Same. Week #2 with mine after 4 years with a Z6i
Nope. Right week will be with Mac OS z8 raw support😂
Me too. I just took the plunge on my Z8 three weeks ago and have been shooting birds. This update is exciting for me although, like everyone else, I would like to see raw pre-release.
I love the Z8.
I already have the Z9 and got my Z8 couple of hours ago. Good timing 😅.
Nikon, keep doing this! No more nerfing lower level cameras!
Impressive upgrade for the Z8 - my favourite camera !
fantastic update from Nikon which I have loaded onto my Z8. In terms of what else they could add I'd like the eye detect in manual focus mode that they implemented on the Zf, it would make using my Voightlander MF lenses much easier for portraits.
The new additions seem nice, but regarding the AF Mode cycle function you could still kind of achieve it (for 2 modes) by assigning a custom button to "recal shooting functions (hold)" and checking only the af mode. On top of that I believe the most elegant way to the bird fluke mentioned is to assign the display or any other customizable button to "af area mode + af-on" and choose to have single point af so it is like having 2 af-on buttons one with your primary focusing mode and another one right next to the main with single point af. Much faster without having to toggle af mode on and off and kind of more ergonomic since you only move your thumb.
Impressive! I updated to firmware 2.0 on my Z8, and as I watched your 4k video thru it, my camera would autolock on the bird eyes you filmed from scene to scene. It would lock onto the eyes of your spliced bird videos in about a second. Amazing tech! Fast!
Great to see some new improvements and features.
The big miss for video was not adding shutter angle so you can lock your fps to a shutter angle. To many times I have quickly switched from 24 to 60 fps and for got to change the shutter from 48 to 120.
Or to have the ability for go from a 180• angle to 270• or 135• to get a different effect without having to do math.
Thank you for such a detailed presentation!!
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome update to an already great camera. The addition of pixel shift is really surprising.
Thanks for the update, this changes the algorithm of what camera I'm going to buy next
You don’t change the algorithm. The algorithm changes you. LOL
Hi Matt. Great video as usual. I do have what I feel is a better solution for the af problem.
I just assign the shutter release to Auto Area AF, and the AF On button to single point. No need to toggle through the 2 points, just press the right button for the right situation.
Hope you find this a good and viable alternative.
Two Lines of code which I want are braketing order + 0 - and setting the self timer interval berween brakets to zero seconds instead of 0.5. Both would make Seascapes way easier. But the shutter delay may just fix the second issue, we will see. Nikon really is bringing their a game latetly and I am there for it. Thanks for the great video!
i just changed my custom buttons the same way as Jan Wegener (youtuber) ... it's fast transition and target acquisition. DISP button is now dedicated to single focus point works great.
Just updated my z8 can’t wait to try it out.
I was waiting for your video .. since I read the update is out !! So promt
Thanks mate! Yeah Nikon HK have been really great about getting me access to have content prepared early.
Neat comparo. Thanks.
Another workaround has always been to gain focus on something nearby and transfer to the bird.
I was optimistic about Nikon updating the Z8!
I just bought the Z8 a few weeks ago and was counting on Nikon to do the update. Glad we got it.
Updating my Z8 as I watch this. Was hoping for pre capture RAW but I'm quite happy with this update nonetheless.
You and many others!
I paused the video at just over 3 minutes in because you hit on the one items I know I WANT IN THE Z8 that isn't there. Pre-Release Burst in RAW. I understand the memory it would take and I'd be happy if they even had it limited to 1/2 or 1/4 of a second max with half-press of the shutter limited to 10 seconds before you had to release and re-half-press. I don't subscribe to many because I don't want the clutter, but I amb better I"ll subscribe after watching the entire thing. Good start so far.
Thanks for the great video, very helpful and easy to follow and with such style, 2x 400 f2.8 TCs! Excellent stuff.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi Matt Great Videos . Die hard nikon fans who were feeling let down for a few years are well & truly thrilled with the Z8 & Z9 and all the new firmware updates . The bird detection mode is amazing ( i used it on Z9) . More importantly glass like the 400 2.8 , 600 PF etc have given Nikon a definite edge espy in wildlife photography. However there is one feature which i think could be added through a firmware update & will really help in landscape / candid / city scapes etc - feature required is as follows : Display the overblown highlights as zebra stripes in the viewfinder / lcd even as we adjust the exposure - this will be a killer feature .Sony has this & many pros swear by this feature . What is surprising is that this is available in Video mode in the Z8/9 , why can't this be enabled for stills? It will save a lot of time in terms of shooting pics with the right exposures . I have written this many times to nikon but to no avail. Can you with your nikon influencer status - help in getting this feature incorporated in the next update .
Thanks for the video. I saw about the update via Nikon on Facebook. First thing I did was to visit your channel - and here it is!
Cool! Thanks and I’m glad to help.
Wow! The focus box has really easy to see now. I was wish that Nikon make it thicker
Can't you change the color and make custom sizes? 🙄
I have to say pixel shift and the new AF tracknig features make it totally worth it. I'm also glad they bought back the Exposure Delay Mode which is helpful (although probably less critical on a camera that doesn't have a mechanical shutter but it is a welcome addition nonetheless).
For single point, most people have just single point mapped to the AF-ON button or one of the buttons at the front, I think that's still the faster solution for situations like the one you simulated.
Where I find the new one button solution helpful, is when switching between small/large areas and Auto Area mode.
Video much appreciated!
Since you have talked, once or twice, about issues that can be rather easily addressed via firmware, I haven’t seen the following - *VERY* serious, as far as I am concerned - Nikon issue mentioned, by you or otherwise, as much as it should:
Nikon does not offer an option to correct photo orientation in camera and if 3rd party [software] is thus employed weird things happen to the photo files [JPG’s and NEF’s], which prevent them to be fully recognizable/manageable/editable by the very same camera that took them.
Many other manufacturers [Canon, Olympus/OM System, Panasonic, Sony - I don’t know about any others] offer this option in camera, why not Nikon - do they seriously believe their cameras to be immune to being fooled when they are turned directly up- or downwards?! Orientation errors do happen, both ways, all the time and it would be sensible to have such errors corrected in camera with a few clicks [or taps] AND have the option to further edit/process those photos in camera!
It's a common problem with all subject recognition af modes across all brands with some doing slightly better and some slightly worse. I should also say that it would be easier if Matt assigned a single point or custom mode area reduced to smaller size to the F1 button.
Exactly a custom wide area is what I usually use with area AF to avoid this problem.
Matt, an easier way to accomplish the same thing rather than cycling is using a customized button for single point af and then hand it off to auto area mode.
Subscribed! Thanks for the explanation on the cycle auto focus modes, that’s brilliant!
I am always able to pickup great tips from your videos. I never thought of using a picture of a bird on my iphone/ipad to test out different shooting modes and scenarios. I will have to try this out. Might be interesting to try and adapt this technique for the case of going from static birds to flying ones by using 2 different screens.
The is amazing and thank you to Nikon for always taking care their customers. I’m going to wait for abit before I update my firmware. Because I still use some of the Sony lenses with adaptor right now it is working great I’m not sure what will happen after update . If anyone still shorting with Sony lenses please let us know Okie thank you so much . And as always Matt thank you you are amazing for everything you did for all of us . Keep it up sir 🎉❤
My pleasure mate
Nikon 持續加油，幹得好，非常棒!
Add oil!
A great video Matt, very informative . Thank you definitely needed. I still love my 850, I use a z6 just for heck of it stuff. I am considering a z9. Thanks again.
Seeing two copies of that monster lens in one place is bonkers
Seems to me like the next firmware update for z8 should be to add the focus cycle to the shutter button to make the camera start with single point focus and then switch to whatever focus setting you want to use in the bird setting
Hi Matt. You said at about 8:45 minutes into this video about a frustrating aspect of Nikon autofocus-being not able to detect a subject in foreground blur. It is not about detecting, it is that Nikon z doesn’t know how to fall back to closest focusing distance, whether or not in any detecting or tracking modes. It simply cannot find a subject closer to the camera/ lens after you focused it a little farther and try to focus on something closer. I face this issue with my Nikon zf and z 105mm macro aaaalllll the time, to the extent that I am now contemplating a laowa 90mm macro😢😢.
Minor Quibble - The comparison between V1.00/1.01 and V 2.00 on Z8. The V 1 is in auto subject detection mode and the V2 is in bird mode. It would have been better to have the V1 in animal subject detection. Not quite an apples to apples comparison as auto mode will take longer on V1 or V2.
I trust your word ,Granger, regarding the Z9 update !!.
I got to get two Z8 bodies and two 400mm Lenses, it will help so much with my balance
Right! A single kit throw everything off kilter
Can we call Matt "That Nikon Guy" again? So glad Nikon is really upping their game. Watch out Sony and Canon!
Quick question on the Cycle AF-area modes you showed. I understand single-point, and auto-area AF, two of my favorite modes. I also like 3D-Tracking. Why did you not include that on the modes to cycle through? Just want to learn the logic on it. Once I understand the logic I might feel that is the better way. Thanks again for the great video.
Pre capture RAW and fps boost like the A9III for the next firmware Nikon please. Thanks for the video Matt.
I expect that the “focus point border width” feature will be most handy when viewing the LCD screen in daylight. I find that the focus point is really hard to see on the LCD screen on my Z7II. Are you able to test that out, Matt?
Nikon please, I would like on next firmware version 3.0, when I turn the top Control Panel display ON, to be a little brighter and with more contrast
Soo yet again the same question - what makes Z9 few thousands more expensive than just a battery and battery grip :V Better be having Pre-capture RAW and 4k240p in the new firmware to have actual logic being "flagship". Great update as usual Matt!
Keep in mind the things that cannot be changed in firmware.
The z9 has gps, much better heat management & full speed cards. For some users (like me) that’s easily worth the premium.
I thought that with lenses that have custom buttons you can assign one to a focus distance. You could set that to minimum distance to bring the focus in then have the tracking go from there.
You mention that Z9 has pixel shift shooting. I don't think it does yet. Only Zf has it I think. I'm surprised it came for the 45Mp sensor since the smaller pixel sizes make it harder to shift pixels with IBIS.
Yep, I misspoke
Great video, thanks Matt.
Am I the only one to crave for this feature that was available on the D850 ? I'm talking about being able to choose the size of a RAW image. Often times, I want RAW quality but not necessarily full payload. And good old D850 allows you to shoot RAWs of either 46, 25 or 11 Mpx. I'd love to have that on my Z8. I've had it for about 6 months now and never needed pre capture. I don't do bird spotting either so I understand my needs are quite different from the ones of most people here. But still, I think many people could benefit from this variable RAW file size feature. No ?
I am the one who suggested the assignment of focus area modes to buttons, your style is still cumbersome and requires press of buttons. I suggest you just assign af area mode to that button not cycle through. It's a direct single button press.
I think this way is more efficient. It’s not press then select. Just press
Thanks for the video, great detail. As an Australian I'm also intrigued by the odd way your accent is with "Oh" sounds. Wonder if it's a Hong Kong thing.
🤷
Might’ve picked it up somewhere on my travels
3:09 - Z9 has no pixel shift shooting afaik
Yep I misspoke
Matt so what's your view of how Nikon is not really Dumbing down the Z 8 features compared to the flagship ?
I recall when the z9 got its big updates you said they were trying to differentiate the 2 cameras . I guess thats not thew case any longer . I always thought there is a difference in price due to the body size , better construction , .longer battery life and dual card slots and a few other hardware features that justified the price difference. no need to cripple software in the Z8 as its basically the same internal architecture . cheers .
True! I thought that at the time as they didn’t confirm these updates would come to z8.
I’m very happy with z9 and feel it’s well prices and offers loads behind the z8.
Thanks Matt for bringing this news to us in a clear and informative matter. If I may, I would like to ask a question. When you were at the Aviary and you had the camera attached with a cable. I would be interested in hearing what that setup was. I assume you were attached to a computer on the ground using some kind of interface to record your camera screen. Could you maybe say what the hardware you used for this. Or perhaps you have done a video about this setup and I am too lazy to go search.....Lol......Cheers Ron
Recording via HDMI cable to Atomos
You also don't need to have cycle autofocus mode. Just put 1 custom button on Af Area+AF-ON and select Single Point as the area. You don't need to cycle just press one button its back on Single Point AF and then use back button AF or shutter AF as you would. No need to cycle multiple AF areas.
Sure. Depends what level of customization you’re after
@@mattgranger I didn't notice this new cycle autofocus custom button in Z8 2.0 update didn't need to turn dials like before. This is really useful and can free up atleast 1 more custom button set to AF Area+AF-ON
As a fashion photographer, I can't understand why Nikon has still not included a 5:4 image zone ratio (which is possible on the D850 and the zII). It is a must-have in my industry. It’s very frustrating because it is solely a software manner and I can't fathom why they've chosen to take this lead
I’d also love to see that!
It would be great if Nikon could at least add Bird AF to the Z6/7ii , I am not buying that processor cant handle it.
Lets be real , even though they are mid range , they are the bread and butter of the line up.
Things like the Canon R5 don’t even have it 🤷
Why not setting different af modes on different buttons. I have 4 buttons programmed for different af modes where the af-on is af-c single point and fn1 is with 3d, fn2 is wide c2 with animal detection an disp is c1 with animal detection. Then you can change or handover by using different fingers
That's basically what I do as well. I have one of the front fn buttons set to AF-ON + single point, which I'll use if I run into an issue with whatever mode I'm currently in
Firmware update not showing up in Snapbridge?
great demo! question - your focus mode in the final demo is with animal detect not bird ?
Please teach us how to do pixel shift shooting and processing.
the custom button for AF toggle is there on the lower right in the front. No real need to reprogram to another button.
There is if you want one custom button to toggle between reduced options just for when shooting birds. And the the full suite at other times. That was his point. Speed when shooting birds.
Question: The photos you shot on Z8 was color graded, enhanced or just straight from the Camera ? Max
Anything about face detect algorithms being better? My older R5 seems more reliable in that regard.
I know zebras likely aren't on the roadmap for firmware updates, but they should at least create a mode where you get some kind of alert (i.e. a box around the viewfinder) when there are highlights or shadows that are clipping. That will make it a lot easier to get a perfect exposure.
Histogram!
never understood that complaint. for video you have zebras and for stills the histogram literally does the job perfectly
Thank you for this
Waiting for a decent Z7ii update. Don't expect Z8/9 level but it would be nice to have better autofocus
Fingers crossed, but I doubt it
I doubt we’ll get any more significant updates to the Z7ii due to its processor limitations.
@doogieham I am pretty sure the processor could handle Bird AF.
Z9 does not have pixel shift...
Hi Matt, I’m shooting with Fujifilm gfx100s but it’s not good for all types of photography which I like (Portrait, Landscape, Still-life). It’s heavy and bulky with gf lenses to carry around, and slow for sports and wildlife if sometimes I like to experience it! But it seems Z8 is all in one camera. The only matter important to me is if I switch to Z8, with 14bit and 45mp, could I achieve the same high images quality (detailing, colour rendering, and deep dynamic range) by gfx100s with 16bit and 102mp? Thank you.
Great video, thank you. They keep neglecting the Z50. Is that a reflection of Nikon's strategy on APSC ?
No idea sorry.
Yes there is extra processing power in the Expeed7. However adding a few menu items, such as focus shifting to only mention one, would make Z50 owners happy and give them additional reason to be loyal to the brand. That feature is available in the Z30, I doubt that it is a technical reason to not implement it in the Z50. After all that's the only body Nikon Z body which doesn't have it. Just my opinion of course@@mattgranger
Maybe you can help with this your Nikon reach is long - Dji RS3 Gimbal sees the Nikon z8 but wont connect to allow dji to control recording from it.
Thank you for the update. OT.: as for Iceland: will you have a similar trip in spring 2026? I would probably be in - it is retirement time then.... 🙂
Sorry mate I don’t have 2026 planned out yet, but if we do have it, I’d love for you to join us.
@@mattgranger great, I'll keep my eyes open. ;-)
Is the option to program. Custom button to cycle through 3 different focus models available on the Z9?
Can the speed/sensitivity of MF be adjusted? Seems on your 400mm it's going super slow only for fine adjustments, is it possible to make it go from minimum to maximum in like a 200º turn?
If only I could hold $50k of engineering magnificence in my hands! :D
I think so many of us still want to see RAW pre-capture
Hi - great info as usual. thanks! When I use the auto recognition options (birds/animals/vehicles etc.) does it work as well as picking each option manually via the menu? Thanks
You’ll get the best result using the exact subject mode.
Probably a stupid question, but I just got the Nikon Z8 and curious to know since it doesn't have WIFI can you still use SnapBridge for updates on the Z8?
Hey Cody - the Z8 DOES have Wifi. And yes it can use snapbridge. Cheers
This is great news! Thanks for the rundown on it (and I'll be updating my z8 shortly)
My pleasure Aaron
everything seems fine, but what needed is colours, colours like canon, which is missing.. nikon must work on colours
lol you cant be real. Nikon colours are and always been much better and pleasing than canon. although I mostly shoot nikon, I still own 3 canon bodies and no mate, nikon files and colours are superior to canon
You can’t be serious.
Thanks for your video 👍
I don't know what's the bigger flex, the fact that he had a Z9, a Z8 with a 400mm 2.8 TC, or when he moved the Z9 and pulled out another Z8 with a 400mm 2.8 TC. That's like $40k on that table.
😂 well, 💪🏼, I don’t own it all myself.
Hello. Has anyone had problems with the Godox triggers since updating to 2.0? My XproII and X2T don't seem to work now. I have used the V1 as a transmitter and that works fine. All of them work with my Z9. Thanks for any insights or suggestions
@mattgranger did anyone else's menu option D14 change, like mine did apparently? this is the viewfinder image taken indicator feature, where you can have blackout, white lines flash on the right and left edges or white lines flash on all edges ... no matter what option I choose, A, B or C or none, I get blackout confirmation after each shot now. can someone else confirm this or tell me what I might be doing wrong? I contacted Nikon about this and haven't heard back yet!
Can pixel shifts be created in camera with the z8 or is software needed?
Software. Adobe or Nikons free software
If I am not mistaken the Z9 does not have pixel shift shooting
Correct. I misspoke.
Z f does though
Hi Matt, I was looking at your z nikon course. Do you keep it updated when all the firmware releases are released and would I have access to future releases if I subscribe to the course today?
Yes and yes. It won’t be free updates forever - but on current cameras and near releases, yep 👍🏼
Allright, now the Nikon firmware team can go on to the Z6 II!
15:24
@@mattgranger Nothing specific. Nikon will learn, that not everybody is got the money to buy every few years a new camera. I'll stay on my Z6 II as long as I'm satisfied with it.
I’m not sure the point you’re making mate. But I’m glad you’re satisfied with the z6ii
@@mattgranger The point was: at 15:24 (that was your answer to my 1st comment) you say nothing specific, but you believe that the Z6 II & Z7 II got their big updates and Nikon is concentrating on the new products Z8 and Zf. This points out: if you want more software features, than buy a new product (Z8). 🤘
Sure. But you’re also saying you want new features, but you’ll stay with the z6ii as you’re satisfied with it. So… no update needed.
Z9 does not have pixel shift
Yeah not yet.
Maybe he has an early access firmware which has it, why is was "normal" for him :P no shure just a usual oops error ;)@@1armbiker
Any idea if a major fw update also comes to the Zf ? my girlfriend's iphone 15 has better automatic focussing than the Zf for taking a picture of a few people. Also, how can a camera like the Zf, in 2024, still not be able to calculate the smallest appropriate aperture to accomodate the right amount of DoF when taking a portrait of several people which aren't perfectly in the seme focus plain ? -_-
People generally buy this kind of camera, instead of using a phone, because they want to take control of some of the creative aspects of photography, instead of leaving it to the device to make those choices.
Canon had that same problem a couple years back. Hopefully Nikon poaches an engineer and gets that fixed.
Interesting - there’s loads of comments here suggestion canon users still have this issue.
After recently purchasing the Z8, I learned that the raw file format it produces is not supported on Apple IOS devices. Since i edit my photos on my iPad, this makes the camera much less attractive to me. I will be attempting to return it for a refund.
That’s a shame. Not fair grounds for a refund though imo.
@@mattgranger I use Lightroom and Apple Photo app on my iPad. I’ve had no problem editing my D500 raw photos on my iPad but I can’t open the Z8 raw photos. I’ve read that Apple IOS does support the Z9 and Z7 raw file formats but not z8. I don’t know about the Z9 or Z7 raw file formats but I definitely can’t open the z8 raw files on my 10th gen IPad with the latest IOS update, neither with the Apple Photo app nor with the Lightroom mobile app on my iPad. I was able to open Z8 raw files on my pc laptop in Lightroom, but I prefer to edit my photos on my iPad. I tried the 2.0 z8 update but it didn’t fix the problem.
Is there any firmwear update for the D610?
Would have been faster to google that information yourself than write the comment?
Latest D610 firmware is v1.04: downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/317.html
You did not do the hardest test. when a bird is flying toward you....
[OM system has left the chat]
Both Nikon and Sony are manufactured in Japan but Nikon are people's person and kind but Sony is friendly. Sony never give any firmware to customers, it seems to be cruel and inhuman. Don't know why Sony don't give new firmware. It is shame Sony CEO.
Still waiting for Sony to do a firmware update for the SonyA7R3! Pathetic fail by Sony. I won’t be buying another Sony camera.
As an owner of the Nikon Z6ii and Z6ii I feel your pain. Sony is not unique to this.
Stop crying.
Isn't this what you b.... about the other day.😂
The issue I raised (or b.... about) is not solved. This is a slightly easier workaround