02Camera Control Screens

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Cades Cove in Springtime © Darrell Young

The Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II digital single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) cameras have some significant differences when compared to your Nikon DSLRs. Along with physical changes (e.g., fewer buttons), there are additional camera control screens. These control screens allow you a lot of flexibility in how you make setting changes. While the camera may feel a little different the first few times you use it, you will quickly come to enjoy the new mirrorless way of doing things.

The first time I took a Z camera out for a shoot, I had no serious problems figuring out how to use the camera, and I brought home great pictures. However, there was an initial learning curve as I figured out how to access and configure the various camera settings that were previously controlled by buttons on my Nikon DSLRs. Once I got used to the new camera control screens in the Nikon, I felt right at home with my new camera. As you read over this chapter—with your camera in hand, of course—your learning curve won’t be quite as steep, and you’ll become familiar with your camera much more quickly.

Mirrorless Is Different, Yet the Same

When you are using a mirrorless Nikon, you do not have an optical viewfinder (OVF), like you do in a DSLR camera. The Z camera is in Live view mode all the time, using either the electronic viewfinder (EVF) or the rear LCD monitor to display your subject, adjust the exposure, and capture the image or video. Your view of the subject is always based on what the sensor detects after the light has traveled through the lens. In other words, you are seeing a live electronic view directly off the camera’s sensor.

Interestingly, Nikon seems to be moving away from the term “Live view” in relation to the use of a mirrorless Nikon. What is the point of saying the camera is in Live view—compared to OVF view—when, by default, it’s always in Live view?

Therefore, unlike with your Nikon DSLR, you will see no references to Live view photography mode or Movie live view mode in the user’s manual. Instead, Nikon now uses the terms “Photo mode” and “Movie mode.” Again, both of those modes always give you a live view of what the sensor sees, so the camera is perpetually in what used to be called Live view mode.

You have likely been a DSLR user for many years. If you have not used a mirrorless camera before your new Nikon, there are some adjustments to make. In this chapter, we will consider the various control screens, special menus, and new touchscreen methods you may use to change camera settings, in both Photo mode and Movie mode.

All the old menus are there, just where you expect them to be, with few changes from your DSLR days. However, with the control screens in your camera, Nikon is attempting to make it easier for you to make changes in camera settings without burrowing down into menus as often. We will consider the camera’s main menu system in later chapters.

Technical TFT-LCD Monitor Information

As mentioned previously, your Nikon has a tilting, 3.2-inch (8 cm), 170-degree wide-viewing angle, TFT-LCD, touch-sensitive rear Monitor with enough resolution, size, and viewing angle to allow you to easily take pictures, make settings adjustments, and play back images and videos (figure 2.0A).

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Figure 2.0A: The Nikon Z tilting Monitor

The Monitor screen has excellent clarity for your image previewing needs, allowing you to zoom in to pixel-peeping levels. The Monitor also offers 11 levels of brightness.

Monitor Technical Geek Stuff

The Monitor is based on a 2.1-million dot, thin-film transistor (TFT), liquid-crystal display (LCD) panel. It has 2.1-million dots of resolution, not pixels. Technically, an individual pixel on your camera’s Monitor is a combination of three colored dots: red, green, and blue (RGB). The three dots are blended together to provide shades of color and are equal to one pixel. This means the Monitor is limited to one-third of 2,100,000 dots, or approximately 700,000 pixels of real image resolution. This is very close to the XGA standard (786,432 pixels) and is significantly higher than many of the Nikon Z predecessors’ 307,200-pixel VGA resolution monitors.

Technical EVF Information

The Nikon Z camera has an excellent electronic viewfinder (EVF), with more resolution than other cameras in its class (figure 2.0B). It is widely praised as one of the best EVFs available, using high-quality optical lenses for magnification, and with sufficient resolution to almost make you feel as though you are using an optical viewfinder.

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Figure 2.0B: The Nikon Z electronic viewfinder (EVF)

However, by using an EVF, you’re gaining a live view of your subject that will immediately reflect any changes in exposure, color saturation, and focus. This live image preview is a WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get) display. You are previewing the actual image that will be saved to the memory card when you press the Shutter-release button. Live image preview!

As the picture in figure 2.0B reflects, the QVGA panel is viewed though a superior optical system and uses powerful image-processing technology to give you a clear view of your subject and WYSIWYG preview of your upcoming picture.

EVF Technical Geek Stuff

The EVF uses a 0.5-inch (1.27 cm), approximately 3.69-million dot, Quad-VGA, OLED panel, with 100% frame coverage, 0.8x magnification, 37-degree diagonal viewing angle, and 11 levels of manual brightness adjustment.

The EVF has a 60Hz refresh rate, which means that the EVF screen refreshes itself 60 times per second, adding to the lifelike view in the Viewfinder, with no flicker.

Additionally, Nikon has applied a fluorine coating to the rear Eyepiece protection window glass. This coating repels dust while reducing flare, allowing you a comfortable, high-clarity view of your subject (similar to an OVF).

Next, let’s consider the first of the camera control screens we will discuss in this chapter, the i Menu.

The i Menu: A Shortcut to Critical Camera Functions

The Nikon Z camera—being a significantly smaller mirrorless style—works a little differently than a Nikon DSLR. The first thing you will notice is that there are fewer physical controls on the camera body. Some of the functions that are controlled by buttons on a Nikon DSLR are instead controlled by an easily accessible menu system called the i Menu. Additionally, several other Quick menu screens are available. Each of these screens is attached to various camera functions, which we will consider in this and later chapters.

This chapter is primarily concerned with showing you the location and functionality of the camera’s various control screens, and not so much with how each item on the control screens works. The individual functions on each control screen will be considered in detail as we proceed through the book, and often, page number references will be provided to make it a bit easier to find specific information on how a certain function works. Let’s start by examining the i Menu system.

Since there are fewer buttons on your Nikon (compared to a DSLR), the i Menu is designed to put the most critical camera functions in one place. This special menu is accessed by pressing the i button (figure 2.1, image 1) on the back of the camera.

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Figure 2.1: Press the i button (1) to open the i Menu (2)

The i Menu (figure 2.1, image 2) is programmable, which means you can select from a large number of camera control functions which ones you want to feature on it. Nikon has made good choices in assigning functionality to the i Menu. The default items are some of the most important camera controls you will use on a regular basis. However, if you don’t like a certain assignment and would like to substitute another, you can easily do so.

The i Menu can be displayed either on the camera’s rear Monitor or in the electronic viewfinder (EVF). The camera will switch between the Monitor and EVF according to whether your eye is positioned at the Viewfinder. The benefit of using the rear Monitor is that you can touch i Menu items with your fingertip to change and select settings. When you are using the i Menu from within the EVF, you will need to use external camera controls to change and select settings.

In this chapter, we’ll discuss the default features of the i Menu and how to use them. Later in the book we’ll discuss how to assign different items to the i Menu. First, let’s examine the two i Menu modes.

Two i Menu Modes

Your Nikon Z is a pro-level still-photography camera (Photo mode) and a powerful video camera (Movie mode). The camera provides you with an i Menu for each mode. Each i Menu is a shortcut menu system that substitutes for the same functions found in the camera’s main menu system (e.g., Photo and Movie Shooting Menus). The items found on the i Menu are mostly concerned with selecting a certain setting, not making deeper adjustments to those settings. To fully understand the functionality behind the i Menu items, it is best to consider the same functions in the camera’s main menu system. Therefore, page numbers to the appropriate material in this book are listed for each i Menu item.

Let’s examine how to select the individual settings on the two i Menu types and how the i Menu choices differ for each mode.

Note: In my presentation of the i Menu and its various settings, I captured screenshots with a lens cap on so that you can see each i Menu setting with no distractions. Normally, you will see your subject through the lens, overlaid with the i Menu.

Photo Mode i Menu

First, let’s examine the i Menu that is available when the camera is in Photo mode. The items on this version of the i Menu are specific to taking pictures only.

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Figure 2.1A: Accessing the Photo mode i Menu

To access the Photo mode, switch the Photo/movie selector lever to the top position (figure 2.1A, image 1, top red arrow). Then press the i button (figure 2.1A, image 1, bottom arrow) to open the i Menu on the rear Monitor, or in the EVF if your eye is at the Viewfinder opening.

The i Menu for Photo mode is shown in figure 2.1A, image 2 (with the lens cap on). Following is a list of each default item on the Photo mode’s i Menu screen and the page number that will give you more detailed information on each setting.

Top Row

  1. A.Set Picture Control (page 213)
  2. B.Image quality (page 188)
  3. C.Flash mode (page 267)
  4. D.Wi-Fi connection (page 557)
  5. E.Release mode (page 104)
  6. F.AF-area mode (page 93)

Bottom Row

  1. G.White balance (page 111)
  2. H.Image size (page 192)
  3. I.Metering (page 245)
  4. J.View memory card info (page 185)
  5. K.Vibration reduction (page 281)
  6. L.Focus Mode (page 273)

Movie Mode i Menu

Next, let’s examine the i Menu that is available when the camera is in Movie mode. The items on this version of the i Menu are specific to capturing video only.

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Figure 2.1B: Accessing the Movie mode i Menu

To access the Movie mode, switch the Photo/movie selector lever to the bottom position (figure 2.1B, image 1, top red arrow). Then press the i button (figure 2.1B, image 1, bottom arrow) to open the i Menu on the rear Monitor, or in the EVF if your eye is at the Viewfinder opening.

The i Menu for Movie mode is shown in figure 2.1B, image 2 (with the lens cap on). Following is a list of each default item on the Movie mode’s i Menu screen and the page number that will give you more detailed information on each setting.

Top Row

  1. A.Set Picture Control (page 341)
  2. B.Frame size and rate/Image quality (Movie quality) (pages 331 and 333)
  3. C.Choose image area (page 329)
  4. D.Wi-Fi connection (page 557)
  5. E.Electronic VR (pixel shifting) (page 363)
  6. F.AF-area mode (page 93)

Bottom Row

  1. G.White balance (page 339)
  2. H.Microphone sensitivity (page 364)
  3. I.Metering (page 357)
  4. J.Destination (page 329)
  5. K.Vibration reduction (page 361)
  6. L.Focus Mode (page 358)

Using the i Menu

There are two ways to use the i Menu. One is to highlight an item on it and rotate the camera’s command dials to change settings. The second way is to highlight an item and press the OK button or touch the item on the Monitor to open a secondary settings adjustment screen.

We won’t discuss how to select and change every item on the i Menu. That would be highly repetitive because they all work in basically the same two ways.

Each of the i Menu settings is covered in detail later in this book (see page numbers provided). Remember, the i Menu is merely a shortcut menu to a selection of the hundreds of settings available in the camera. Let’s examine both setting selection methods.

Changing i Menu Settings with the Command Dials

When you have the i Menu screen open on your camera’s Monitor or in the Viewfinder, you can select a certain setting and simply turn one or more of the camera’s command dials to change the setting.

First, let’s examine a function that requires the use of only one command dial, and then we will consider one that requires the use of both command dials.

Note: The touch screen becomes disabled when you have turned one of the command dials to change a setting on the i Menu. As soon as you finish changing the setting and press OK, the touch screen functionality will be restored.

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Figure 2.2A: Changing the Picture Control with a single command dial (sample)

Use the following steps to change a setting quickly by rotating either of the command dials:

  1. 1.Press the i button to open the i Menu and select a setting to change by scrolling to it with the Multi selector pad (figure 2.2A, image 1). For our sample, we will use the Set Picture Control function because it has no subsettings available on the i Menu, just the main setting choices (e.g., A, SD, NL).
  2. 2.Rotate the rear Main command dial and the choices for that setting (e.g., A, SD, NL) will appear above the i Menu (figure 2.2A, image 2, red arrow). If a single line of choices appears, as seen in image 2, then you can turn the rear Main command dial and scroll through each available setting within the selected function (actually, you can turn either dial when there is a single line of settings). When you have highlighted in yellow the selection you want to use (e.g., SD), then press the OK button to lock in the setting.

Now let’s consider a sample setting that requires the use of both command dials.

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Figure 2.2B: Changing the White balance with both command dials (sample)

Use the following steps to change a setting that requires the use of both command dials to select the setting and a subsetting:

  1. 1.Press the i button to open the i Menu and select a setting to change (e.g., White balance) (figure 2.2B, image 1). We will use the Auto White balance setting as our sample because it not only has several main settings (e.g., A1, Direct sunlight, Cloudy), but it also has subsettings for some of the main settings (i.e., Auto, Fluorescent, K, and PRE).
  2. 2.Rotate the rear Main command dial until the WB setting you want to use is highlighted in yellow (e.g., A1; figure 2.2B, image 2, lower red arrow). The sample Auto WB setting has three subsettings: 0, 1, and 2 (upper red arrow), which represent A0 Keep white (reduce warm colors), A1 Keep overall atmosphere, and A2 Keep warm lighting colors. To select a WB subsetting, rotate the front Sub-command dial until the subsetting you want to use is highlighted in yellow. Press OK to finish.

Now let’s see how to use the i Menu’s secondary screen method, which some photographers prefer because it can be easier to see and understand at first.

Changing i Menu Settings on a Secondary Screen

Using this method is a bit more like using the camera’s normal menu system found under the MENU button. When you press the i Button and open the i Menu, you will not use the command dials initially to change settings. Instead, you will use a secondary screen, with touch capability, to make changes. Often, this secondary screen will allow you to do more than the previously discussed command dial method. We will again use Set Picture Control and White balance as our examples. Let’s see how it works.

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Figure 2.2C: Changing the White balance on secondary screens (example)

Use the following steps to change a setting on the i Menu by using a secondary screen with touch controls:

  1. 1.Press the i button to open the i Menu, and then select the function you want to change (figure 2.2C, image 1). Press OK or tap the option to open the secondary screen. We will use White balance as our example. Just remember that other functions on the i Menu will work in a similar manner to White balance (WB), although most are not as complex. (Note: As we walk through the WB function, keep in mind that our primary concern in this chapter is not how to set White balance, but instead how to use the i Menu screens to set any of the functions.)
  2. 2.Figure 2.2C, image 2, shows the secondary screen for the White balance setting. You can choose the WB setting you want to use by tapping on the setting, or by scrolling to it and pressing or touching OK. In this example, we are adjusting the Auto WB setting because it has subsettings and additional screens. Many other functions on the i Menu will not have subsettings and additional screens. In image 2 you will notice that the A1 setting has a tiny down pointer (at the red arrow). This signifies that there is another screen available with subsettings. Scroll down with the Multi selector pad or tap on Details at the bottom of the screen in image 2. This will open the subsettings screen.
  3. 3.In figure 2.2C, image 3, you will see the primary subsettings screen, which has three settings: A0, A1, and A2 [A0 Keep white (reduce warm colors), A1 Keep overall atmosphere, and A2 Keep warm lighting colors]. You can choose the Auto WB setting you want to use (i.e., A0, A1, or A2) by tapping on the setting, or by scrolling to it and pressing or touching OK. However, before you select one of the WB settings, please note that once again, there is a tiny down pointer (at the red arrow) in screen 3. This means there is yet another screen containing subsettings of some type. In this case it is a White balance fine-tuning screen. If you want to fine-tune the White balance you have selected, press down on the Multi selector pad, or tap on Adjust at the bottom of the screen. (Note: Other functions besides WB may have additional screens but may not show the tiny down pointer [e.g., Set Picture Control]. It’s a good idea to check each setting for additional screens by scrolling down with the Multi selector pad. If you see a Details or Adjust touch control, even if you don’t see a tiny down pointer, there is another screen available—tap the Details or Adjust control to open it. You will better understand why these extra screens are there when you study the camera’s menu system in later chapters.)
  4. 4.Since we are merely considering how to use the secondary screens and subsettings on the i Menu, we will not examine how to fine-tune the White balance here, except to say that you can use the four touch controls on the screen shown in figure 2.2C, image 4. There are four axes that you can use to modify the WB (G green, A amber, M magenta, and B blue). Touch the labeled pointers to move the small black dot in the center of the color box toward or between axes—this will change the WB in a visual way. Press or touch OK to lock in the fine-tuned setting. WB fine-tuning is discussed in much greater detail in this book’s chapter on White balance (page 211).

Settings Recommendation: Most i Menu functions will not be as complex as the White balance function. Usually, a single secondary screen with subsettings will be as deep as the screens go. However, I chose to use the more complex WB function so that you can see the flow of the screens and the controls used to make changes to subsettings. Experiment with each of the settings on the i Menu, for both Photo mode and Movie mode. If you need more information on how a certain setting works, use the previously listed page numbers for each of the functions (page 23 for photos and 24 for movies).

Again, let me stress that the i Menu is merely a selection of the same functions found in the camera’s main menu system (accessed by pressing the MENU button). We will discuss each of these functions in detail later in the book.

Playback Quick Menus

The camera provides two Quick menus—one for displayed images and one for videos—with several functions when you have a picture or video displayed on the camera’s EVF or Monitor. These menus allow you to make adjustments to the displayed picture or video in various ways. They are not dependent on whether you have the camera set to Photo or Movie mode. Let’s examine the two Quick menus—first the one for displayed images.

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Figure 2.3A: Using the Quick menu for still images

Use the following steps to open the Quick menu for still images:

  1. 1.Display an image on the camera’s Monitor or in the EVF (figure 2.3A, image 1) and press the i button to open the photo Quick menu.
  2. 2.The photo Quick menu gives you access to seven different functions (figure 2.3A, image 2). Refer to the following page numbers for information about how each function works:

Let’s use the Protect function as our sample. Highlight Protect and press the OK button or tap the option to select it. The camera will now protect the image from accidental deletion and will mark it with a key symbol (figure 2.3A, image 3, red arrow), signifying that the image is protected.

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Figure 2.3B: Unprotect all on the photo Quick menu

  1. 3.To remove protection from that image, repeat steps 1 and 2. To remove protection from all images, select Unprotect all from the Quick menu (figure 2.3B, image 1). Touch Yes to the Remove protection from all images? message (figure 2.3B, image 2). The camera will show an hourglass and then display the message, Marking removed from all images. (Note: the protect marking seen in image 2 is gone in image 3 [red arrows], along with protection for all other images.)

This example should give you a good base for how to use the Quick menu. Refer to the page numbers beside the other menu items listed above for details on how those functions work. Now let’s examine the Quick menu for displayed videos.

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Figure 2.3C: Volume control on the video Quick menu

Use the following steps to open the Quick menu for videos:

  1. 1.Display a video on the camera’s Monitor or in the EVF (figure 2.3C, image 1) and press the i button to open the video Quick menu.
  2. 2.The video Quick menu can access six different functions (figure 2.3C, image 2). Refer to the following page numbers for information about how each function works:

Let’s use the Volume control function as our sample. Highlight Volume control and press OK or tap the option to select it.

  1. 3.The playback volume control for the displayed video is located in the bottom-left corner of the video screen (figure 2.3C, image 3, red arrow). Press the Zoom in button to raise the volume and the Zoom out button to lower the volume. You can also tap the controls to the left and right of the current volume level (30). The range is 0 (off) to 30 (full volume).

Flash Control Screen and Menu

When you have a Speedlight flash unit mounted in the camera’s Accessory shoe (hotshoe), the camera enables a special Flash control screen. This screen allows you to adjust how the flash works with various modes and compensation types.

To access the Flash control screen, place a flash unit in the camera’s Accessory shoe and turn it on. Now press the DISP button until the screen shown in figure 2.4, image 2, appears.

The availability of the Flash control menu items and some of their subsettings is governed by the type of flash unit you have mounted in the hotshoe. I am using a Nikon SB-5000 flash so all features will be available for use.

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Figure 2.4: Flash control screen

Use the following steps to control a Nikon Speedlight flash unit that is mounted in your camera’s hotshoe:

  1. 1.Set the Photo/movie selector lever to Photo mode (top position), then press the DISP button (figure 2.4, image 1) multiple times until the screen shown in figure 2.4, image 2, appears. (Note: The Flash control screen and menu are not available in Movie mode.)
  2. 2.This is the Flash control screen and it lets you see at a glance which mode, wireless options, and compensation types your camera is using (figure 2.4, image 2). Press the i button or tap the Set touch control to open the Flash control menu.
  3. 3.The Flash control menu has six functions on it (figure 2.4, image 3). Five of these functions correspond to menu items in the Photo Shooting Menu. Flash control is a deep subject that requires many pages to describe. Therefore, to understand each of these Flash control menu items, please refer to the following page numbers:
  • Flash mode (page 267)
  • Flash compensation (page 443)
  • Wireless flash options (page 256)
  • Flash control mode (page 250)
  • Flash compensation (TTL) (page 251)
  • Test flash is provided to allow you to test fire the flash from the camera without taking a picture. It is available on this Flash control menu only.

Settings Recommendation: This is a useful screen for accessing all the flash control functions in one place. However, understanding each of the Flash control menu items, especially the wireless features (optical and radio), will require a bit of study for a photographer unfamiliar with Nikon’s flash unit technology. Remember that this Flash control screen and menu are available. Once you have used the Photo Shooting Menu page references provided to read over a detailed discussion of how each item works, you will be prepared to use the Flash control menu. The Flash control screen and menu provide fast access without digging through multiple Photo Shooting Menus. If you are a regular flash user, learn to use this one well.

Photo Mode

Photo mode gives you six specific screens that you can use to accomplish various things. You can select from the following six screens by setting the Photo/movie selector lever to the top position (Photo mode) and then pressing the DISP button repeatedly (figure 2.5A).

Four of these screens allow you to see your subject and make live adjustments. Two of the screens are opaque and do not show the subject, providing only critical exposure information. Here is a list of the screens in the order the camera displays them when you press the DISP button in Photo mode:

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Figure 2.5A: Press the DISP button repeatedly to change Photo mode screens

  • Indicators on: A full-featured screen with a large number of symbols reflecting the current state of the camera’s settings (figure 2.5B). This screen shows your subject.
  • Simplified display: A less cluttered screen with the most important symbols (figure 2.5C). This screen also shows your subject.
  • Histogram: A live histogram screen that allows you to have exceptionally accurate exposures (figure 2.5D). The histogram is superimposed over your subject in the bottom-right area of the screen.
  • Virtual horizon: A screen to help you keep the camera level in two axes (roll and pitch) when needed (figure 2.5E). This screen shows your subject behind the virtual horizon indicator.
  • Information display: An opaque screen with the most important shooting information (figure 2.5F).
  • Flash info: An opaque screen with information on current flash settings (figure 2.5G).

Let’s examine each Photo mode screen in detail.

Photo Mode: Indicators On

This is the main screen for using Photo mode and it has many symbols. If you will take a few minutes to explore this screen and learn what each symbol represents, and where to go to adjust its function, you will have better control of your camera later.

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Figure 2.5B: Indicators on – primary Photo mode screen

  1. 1.Shooting mode: The available selections you will see on the Monitor are Programmed auto (P), Shutter-priority auto (S), Aperture-priority auto (A), and Manual (M). There are also additional modes, including Auto (camera takes full control, becoming a point-and-shoot) and U1, U2, U3 (programmable user modes, see page 176). Turn the Mode dial on top of the camera to select a shooting mode.
  2. 2.Release mode: Your Release mode choices are Single frame (S), Continuous L (L), Continuous H (H), Continuous H (extended) (H*), and Self-timer (2s to 20s). Access the Release mode settings by pressing the Release mode button (looks like a stack of images), just below the MENU button on the camera’s back (bottom-right corner). Select one of the modes by touch or with the Multi selector pad. For more information, see page 104.
  3. 3.Focus mode: The available Focus mode settings are Single AF (AF-S), Continuous AF (AF-C), and Manual focus (MF). Access the Focus modes on the i Menu (page 23), or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Focus mode function (page 273).
  4. 4.AF-area mode: Your AF-area mode choices are:
  • Pinpoint AF (PIN)
  • Single-point AF
  • Dynamic-area AF
  • Wide-area AF (S) (WIDE-S)
  • Wide-area AF (L) (WIDE-L)
  • Wide-area AF (L-people)
  • Wide-area AF (L-animals)
  • Auto-area AF
  • Auto-area AF (people)
  • Auto-area AF (animals)

You will access the AF-area modes on the i Menu (page 23), or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > AF-area mode function (page 276).

  1. 5.Active D-Lighting: The available Active D-Lighting settings are Off, Low (L), Normal (N), High (H), Extra High (H*), and Auto (A). You will choose an Active D-lighting mode by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Active D-Lighting function (page 236).
  2. 6.Picture Control: Your Picture Control choices are Auto (A), Standard (SD), Neutral (NL), Vivid (VI), Monochrome (MC), Portrait (PT), Landscape (LS), Flat (FL), and 20 creative Picture Controls (e.g., Dream, Morning, Pop). You may also create custom Picture Controls (page 225). You will find the Picture Controls on the i Menu (page 23), or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Set Picture Control function (page 213).
  3. 7.White balance: Select from 10 white balance settings, with several settings having sub-variations: Auto (A0, A1, A2), Natural light Auto, Direct sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent (7 sub-variations), Flash, Choose color temperature (K, 2500K to 10000K), and Preset manual (PRE, d–1 to d–6). The camera uses graphical symbols for most of the WB settings. Locate the White balance function on the i Menu (page 23), or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > White balance function (page 211).
  4. 8.Image area: The available in-camera image area crops include FX (36×24), DX (24×16), 1:1 (24×24), and 16:9 (35×20). The Z7 II also provides a 5:4 (30×24) setting (firmware C 1.01), while the Z6 II does not (firmware C 1.02). The EVF or Monitor will display an image cropped to the various selected sizes. You will choose an image area crop by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Choose image area function (page 186).
  5. 9.Image size: The Image size settings include Large (L), Medium (M), and Small (S) for JPEG images and Large (RAW L), Medium (RAW M), and Small (RAW S) for NEF (RAW) images. Locate the Image size setting on the i Menu (page 23), or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Image size function (page 192).
  6. 10.Image quality: The 13 Image quality settings include:
  • NEF (RAW) + JPEGimage (RAW+Fimage)
  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG
  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG normalimage
  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG normal
  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG basicimage
  • NEF (RAW) + JPEG basic
  • NEF (RAW)
  • JPEG fineimage
  • JPEG fine
  • JPEG normalimage
  • JPEG normal
  • JPEG basicimage
  • JPEG basic

Locate the Image quality setting on the i Menu (page 23), or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Image quality function (page 188).

  1. 11.i Menu access touch control: Touch this symbol to open the i Menu (page 23). Touching the symbol is equivalent to pressing the physical i button.
  2. 12.–/+ Exposure indicator: The exposure indicator appears when you are using Manual (M) mode on the Mode dial or whenever the exposure is not good when you are using automatic exposure modes. You can adjust the exposure and watch exposure values change on this –/+ indicator. Your goal is to zero out the indicator for a correct exposure. Use this indicator and the histogram (page 70) when using Manual exposure mode for best results.
  3. 13.Bluetooth active indicator: While using one of the camera’s forms of wireless capability, you will see either a Bluetooth (page 554) or Wi-Fi (page 557) symbol in this position. If you disable wireless by selecting Airplane mode (page 547), a small airplane symbol will appear here. When you see this symbol on the Monitor, it means that a Bluetooth connection (page 549) is active between the camera and SnapBridge on your smart device.
  4. 14.Frame count (images remaining): This value shows approximately how many more pictures can be taken and stored on the currently selected memory card. The camera often underestimates the actual image storage capacity because images with little detail take less space than more complex images. In other words, the camera will usually hold more images than this number indicates. Also, when you hold the Shutter-release button halfway down, an “r” number will appear in this location (e.g., r20). The “r” number is an estimate of the number of images that can be held by the camera’s image buffer during burst shooting before the frame rate will slow down (r20 = 20 images remaining).
  5. 15.ISO sensitivity: This location displays the current ISO sensitivity value (e.g., ISO 1600). The normal ISO range is as follows:
  • Nikon Z6 II: The normal ISO range is ISO 100 to ISO 51200. The extended range on the low ISO side, below normal ISO, is Lo 1.0 to Lo 0.3 (ISO 50 to ISO 80). The extended range on the high ISO side, above normal ISO, is Hi 0.3 to Hi 2.0 (ISO 64000 to ISO 204800).
  • Nikon Z7 II: The normal ISO range is ISO 64 to ISO 25600. The extended range on the low ISO side, below normal ISO, is Lo 1 to Lo 0.3 (ISO 32 to ISO 50). The extended range on the high ISO side, above normal ISO, is Hi 0.3 to Hi 2.0 (ISO 32000 to ISO 102400).

Best results—the maximum dynamic range and lowest noise—are obtained by using the normal ISO range. ISO sensitivity is controlled by holding down the ISO button (just behind the Shutter-release button) and turning the rear Main command dial, or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > ISO sensitivity function (page 200).

  1. 16.ISO mode: You have two ISO modes available: ISO (manual ISO sensitivity) and ISO AUTO (automatic, camera-controlled ISO sensitivity). You can change this setting by holding down the ISO button (just behind the Shutter-release button) and turning the front Sub-command dial, or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > Auto ISO sensitivity control function (page 203).
  2. 17.Exposure compensation: This symbol will appear only when +/− exposure compensation has been dialed into the camera. You can choose from −5.0 EV to +5.0 EV exposure compensation. Adjust this value by holding down the +/− Exposure compensation button (to the right of the Shutter-release button) and turning the rear Main command dial (the front Sub-command dial will also adjust the value).
  3. 18.Aperture: Set the aperture by turning the front Sub-command dial. Aperture minimum and maximums vary according to the mounted lens. Manual change is available only in Aperture-priority auto (A) and Manual (M) modes. The camera controls this value in Shutter-priority auto (S) and Programmed auto (P) modes.
  4. 19.Shutter speed: Set by turning the rear Main command dial. Shutter speeds range from 30 seconds to 1/8000 second (8000), plus X-Sync, Time, and Bulb. Manual change is available only in Shutter-priority auto (S) and Manual (M) modes. The camera controls this value in Aperture-priority auto (A) and Programmed auto (P) modes.
  5. 20.Metering mode: The metering mode choices are Matrix metering, Center-weighted metering, Spot metering, and Highlight-weighted metering. Adjust this mode by selecting Metering from the i Menu (page 23), or by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Metering function (page 245).
  6. 21.Battery charge level: This symbol shows the current battery charge. As the battery is depleted, notches will disappear from the symbol. If this symbol is red, the battery is nearly depleted; please change it before shooting many more shots.
  7. 22.AF point (focus): Can be moved around the screen with the Multi selector pad or Sub-selector joystick to select the subject for autofocus. This focus point will vary in size and color according to the AF-area mode selected (#4) and whether the subject is in focus.
  8. 23.Center of frame dot: This small dot appears when the AF point is directly in the middle of the frame. Unless the OK button has been reassigned to a different function, pressing it will immediately move the focus point to the center position.
  9. 24.In-body VR (aka, IBIS): This symbol means that In-body VR (Vibration Reduction) is active. Known as “in-body image stabilization” (IBIS) by the rest of the camera industry, this function allows you to handhold your camera at shutter speeds that would normally cause a blurry image from camera shake. You can enable or disable In-body VR, or change its type (i.e., Normal, Sport, or Off), by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Vibration reduction function (page 281).
  10. 25.Touch shooting symbol: Touch this symbol to enable or disable Touch shutter/AF, Touch AF, or Position focus point (page 50). Touch shutter/AF allows you to touch your subject on the camera’s Monitor to initiate and lock autofocus and to fire the shutter (take a picture). Touch AF lets you touch the Monitor to autofocus, but not to fire the shutter. Position focus point allows you to position the AF point by touching the Monitor, but not activate autofocus or fire the shutter.

Again, please remember that you will change Photo mode screens by pressing the DISP button. You can scroll through six variations of the Photo mode screens (five if no flash unit is mounted). We’ve considered the main screen; now let’s consider the other five.

Photo Mode: Simplified Display

The second Photo mode screen is called Simplified display by Nikon (figure 2.5C). The Simplified display screen is less cluttered, with an almost blank area at the top. It’s designed for users who prefer an uncluttered screen while shooting still pictures. It contains a number of the symbols shown on the Indicators on Photo mode screen, which we examined in the previous subsection. Refer to the symbol descriptions that accompany the Indicators on screen (figure 2.5B) to understand the symbols on the Simplified display screen.

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Figure 2.5C: Simplified display for Photo mode

If you examine this screen closely, it appears to be the same as the Indicators on screen in figure 2.5B, except the top line of symbols are missing.

Photo Mode: Histogram

The Histogram screen gives you a small live luminance histogram to help you judge exposure when taking pictures (figure 2.5D, red arrow). In Manual (M) mode, you can adjust the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO sensitivity to correct for under- or overexposure. In other Exposure modes, you can use the +/− Exposure compensation button to push the exposure toward the dark or light sides, making the exposure better.

If you want to control all aspects of the exposure, you will certainly enjoy having a live histogram to keep you informed when light levels change in a way that will damage image quality. This is a truly professional tool and one all serious photographers should use regularly, especially in Manual (M) mode!

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Figure 2.5D: Live histogram for Photo mode

For more information on using the live histogram for excellent exposure control, see the chapter Metering, Exposure Modes, and Histogram (page 55).

Photo Mode: Virtual Horizon

The Virtual horizon screen displays roll and pitch from the camera’s built-in tilt sensor (figure 2.5E). If the lines are green, it means the camera is level. The tilt sensor senses left and right tilts (roll) and forward and backward tilts (pitch).

When the camera is not level in one direction or the other, the line for that direction turns yellow and signifies the approximate degree of tilt. This is very useful when setting up a camera on a tripod. You can take your pictures with the knowledge that the camera is level both left to right and front to back.

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Figure 2.5E: Virtual horizon display for Photo mode

Photo Mode: Information Display

The Information display lets you see how the settings are currently configured on the i Menu. It also shows you to the current exposure mode (M), shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, exposure level, and how many more images you can write to the memory card.

If you touch the i (Set) control or press the i button, the camera will activate the i Menu at the bottom of the screen and will allow you to make changes to the settings. The Information display is for those who prefer not to use the rear Monitor for composing images. When this screen is active, the camera does not display your subject on the Monitor, but the EVF works normally. This display does not show in the EVF, only on the Monitor.

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Figure 2.5F: Information display for Photo mode

Photo Mode: Flash Info

We discussed the Flash control screen earlier in this chapter (page 30). This special screen is available only when you have a flash unit mounted and turned on in the camera’s Accessory shoe. It shows various information about the flash unit and camera settings (figure 2.5G).

Additionally, if you touch the i (Set) control or press the i button, the camera will activate the Flash control menu and allow you to make changes to the flash settings.

You can also control the settings on this menu by using the Photo Shooting Menu > Flash control function (page 247), Photo Shooting Menu > Flash mode function (page 267), and Photo Shooting Menu > Flash compensation function (page 272). This screen is much deeper than it appears at first glance.

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Figure 2.5G: Flash control screen for Photo mode

Movie Mode

Movie mode gives you four specific screens that you can use to accomplish various things. You can select from the following four screens by setting the Photo/movie selector lever to the bottom position (Movie mode) and then pressing the DISP button repeatedly (figure 2.6A).

Here is a list of the screens in the order the camera displays them when you press the DISP button in Movie mode:

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Figure 2.6A: Press the DISP button repeatedly to change Movie mode screens

  • Indicators on: A-full featured screen with a large number of symbols reflecting the current state of the camera’s video settings (figures 2.6B and 2.6C).
  • Simplified display: A less cluttered screen with the most important symbols (figure 2.6D).
  • Histogram: A live histogram screen that allows you to have exceptionally accurate video exposure (figure 2.6E). The histogram is superimposed over your subject in the bottom-right area of the screen, and it stays on the screen during in-camera video recording so that you can quickly make exposure adjustments.
  • Virtual horizon: A screen to help you keep the camera level in two axes (roll and pitch) when needed (figure 2.6F).

Let’s examine each Movie mode screen in detail.

Movie Mode: Indicators On

This is the main screen for using Movie mode and it has many symbols. If you will take a few minutes to explore this screen and learn what each symbol represents, and where to go to adjust its function, you will have better control of your camera later. Let’s consider each of the symbols and how to make settings adjustments for each one.

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Figure 2.6B: Indicators on—primary Movie mode screen

  1. 1.Shooting mode: The available selections you will see on the Monitor are Programmed auto (P), Shutter-priority auto (S), Aperture-priority auto (A), and Manual (M). There are also additional modes including Auto (camera takes full control) and U1, U2, U3 (programmable user modes, see page 176). Turn the Mode dial on top of the camera to select a shooting mode.
  2. 2.Focus mode: The available Focus mode settings are Single AF (AF-S), Continuous AF (AF-C), Full-time AF (AF-F), and Manual focus (MF). Access the Focus modes on the i Menu (page 24), or by using the Movie Shooting Menu > Focus mode function (page 358).
  3. 3.AF-area mode: The AF-area mode choices are Single-point AF, Wide-area AF (S) (WIDES), Wide-area AF (L) (WIDE-L), Wide-area AF (L-people), Wide-area AF (L-animals), Auto-area AF, Auto-area AF (people), and Auto-area AF (animals). You will access the AF-area modes on the i Menu (page 24), or by using the Movie Shooting Menu > AF-area mode function (page 360).
  4. 4.Active D-Lighting: The available Active D-Lighting settings are Off, Low (L), Normal (N), High (H), Extra High (H*), and Same as photo settings. You will find the Active D-lighting modes by using the Movie Shooting Menu > Active D-Lighting function (page 352).
  5. 5.Frame size/frame rate: This function is controlled with the Frame size and rate/Image quality setting on the i Menu (page 24), or with the Frame size/frame rate function on the Movie Shooting Menu (page 330). Your frame size and rate choices are:
  • 2160p (4K UHD) at 60, 30, 25, or 24 fps
  • 1080p (Full HD) at 120, 100, 60, 50, 30, 25, or 24 fps
  • 1080p at 30 fps x4 (slow-mo)
  • 1080p at 25 fps x4 (slow-mo)
  • 1080p at 24 fps x5 (slow-mo)
  1. 6.Picture Control: Your Picture Control choices are Same as photo settings, Auto (A), Standard (SD), Neutral (NL), Vivid (VI), Monochrome (MC), Portrait (PT), Landscape (LS), Flat (FL), and 20 creative Picture Controls (e.g., Dream, Morning, Pop). You may also create custom Picture Controls (page 345). You will find the Picture Controls on the i Menu (page 24), or by using the Movie Shooting Menu > Set Picture Control function (page 341).
  2. 7.White balance: Select from 10 white balance settings, with several settings having sub-variations: Same as photo settings, Auto (A0, A1, A2), Natural light Auto, Direct sunlight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Fluorescent (7 sub-variations), Choose color temperature (K, 2500K to 10000K), and Preset manual (PRE, d–1 to d–6). The camera uses graphical symbols for most of the WB settings. Locate the White balance function on the i Menu (page 24), or by using the Movie Shooting Menu > White balance function (page 339).
  3. 8.Choose image area: There are two in-camera image area sizes, FX and DX. The camera will record your video in the size you choose and will adjust the display so that it exactly matches the image area you have chosen. You will find the Choose image area function on the i Menu (page 24), or by using the Movie Shooting Menu > Choose image area function (page 329).
  4. 9.Time remaining: When you are recording a movie, this feature shows you how much time is left before the camera automatically stops recording. All Frame size/frame rate settings (#5) allow for 29 minutes and 59 seconds of recording time to per video clip, except for the slow-motion settings, which allow for 3 minutes of recording time. There are a couple of differences in recording, as follows:
  • If you are recording at 1080p at a frame rate of 24 fps to 120 fps, or 2160p at 24 fps to 30 fps, and are using a memory card smaller than 32 GB, the camera limits each segment of your video to 4 GB, with up to 8 segments. If the camera’s memory card is larger than 32 GB, the camera will continue recording up to the maximum recording time, without regard to file size.
  • If you are recording at 2160p at 50 fps or 60 fps and you are using a memory card that is 32 GB or larger, you can record up to the maximum recording time, regardless of file size. However, if the memory card is smaller than 32 GB, you can record only one 4 GB segment.

The moral of the story is to use memory cards larger than 32 GB if you want to record up to the maximum recording time of 29 minutes and 59 seconds without segmentation or interruption, or record to an external recorder via the HDMI port. (Note: There is a chart on pages 169170 of the downloadable official Nikon Z 6II/Z 7II Reference Manual that discusses other limitations when recording video.)

  1. 10.Timecode: The Timecode setting is available for capturing in-camera video in MOV format (page 370) only. It displays the hour, minute, second, and frame number for each frame of the video. Use this setting to synchronize the video with other cameras and devices, such as external audio recorders. You can configure the Timecode internal settings (e.g., Count-up method, Timecode origin, Drop frame) by using the Movie Shooting Menu > Timecode function (page 370).
  2. 11.i Menu access touch control: Touch this symbol to open the i Menu (page 24). Touching the symbol is equivalent to pressing the physical i button.
  3. 12.AF point (focus): This can be moved around the screen with the Multi selector pad or Sub-selector joystick to select a particular area on the subject for autofocus. This focus point will vary in size and color according to the AF-area mode selected (#3) and whether the subject is in focus.
  4. 13.Center of frame dot: This small dot appears when the AF point is directly in the middle of the frame. Unless it is reassigned to a different function, pressing the Multi selector center button will immediately move the focus point to the center position.
  5. 14.Release mode (save frame): Choose a Release mode (page 40) for taking a single picture while recording a video, or for still photos in 16:9 format when not recording a video. Your choices are Single frame and Continuous. Continuous mode works only when taking still pictures (not while recording a video) and will record an enormous number of images for a maximum of 3 seconds when you press and hold the Shutter-release button. When you’re recording a video, the camera will take only one still image per press of the Shutter-release button, regardless of this setting. You can select a Release mode (save frame) method by pressing the Release mode button (directly below the MENU button) and then turning the rear Main command dial (or the front Sub-command dial).
  6. 15.ISO sensitivity: This location displays the current ISO sensitivity value (e.g., ISO 1600). There are some minor differences between the Z6 II and Z7 II, as follows:
  • Nikon Z6 II: The entire ISO range runs from ISO Lo 1.0 (ISO 50) to Hi 2.0 (ISO 204800). The normal range is ISO 100 to ISO 51200.
  • Nikon Z7 II: The entire ISO range runs from ISO Lo 1.0 (ISO 32) to Hi 2.0 (ISO 102400). The normal range is ISO 64 to ISO 25600.

ISO sensitivity is controlled by holding down the ISO button (just behind the Shutter-release button) and turning the rear Main command dial, or by using the Movie Shooting Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > ISO sensitivity (mode M) setting (page 338).

  1. 16.ISO mode: Choose manual ISO sensitivity (ISO) or ISO Auto. These settings are enabled (On) or disabled (Off) by the Movie Shooting Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > Auto ISO control (mode M) function (page 338). To toggle between manual (ISO) or Auto ISO control, hold down the ISO button and turn the front Sub-command dial.
  2. 17.Exposure compensation: This symbol will appear only when +/− exposure compensation has been dialed into the camera. Adjust this value by holding down the +/− Exposure compensation button and turning the rear Main command dial. To see the amount of compensation currently dialed in, press and hold the +/− Exposure compensation button.
  3. 18.Aperture: Set the aperture by turning the front Sub-command dial. Aperture minimum and maximums vary according to the mounted lens. Manual change is available only in Aperture-priority auto (A) and Manual (M) modes. The camera controls this value in Shutter-priority auto (S) and Programmed auto (P) modes.
  4. 19.Shutter speed: Set the shutter speed with the rear Main command dial. Settings range from 1/30 second to 1/8000 second when using Manual (M) mode only. The camera controls this value in Aperture-priority auto (A), Shutter-priority auto (S), and Programmed auto (P) modes. Even in Shutter-priority auto (S) mode, the camera forces you to use the ISO Auto setting (#16). Only in Manual (M) mode do you have limited control over the shutter speed (1/30 to 1/8000 sec), and the lower number is affected by the Frame rate setting (you will be limited to only as low as 1/60 when using 1080/60p mode, 1/50 in 1080/50p mode, and 1/30 in 1080/30p mode). (Note: You can enable or disable ISO Auto in Manual (M) exposure mode by setting Auto ISO control (mode M) to On or Off with Movie Shooting Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > Auto ISO control (mode M) (page 338). That’s right, you can use ISO Auto in Manual (M) mode in case the light changes too quickly for you to manage it with manual controls. This is a powerful feature and safety factor for the Nikon Z cameras.)
  5. 20.Metering mode: Movie mode allows you to use three of the four metering modes the camera offers: Matrix metering, Center-weighted metering, and Highlight-weighted metering. To change the metering mode, you must select Metering from the i Menu (page 24), or use the Movie Shooting Menu > Metering function (page 357). You cannot change the metering mode while recording a video.
  6. 21.Battery charge level: This symbol shows the current battery charge. As the battery is depleted, notches will disappear from the symbol. If this symbol is red, the battery is nearly depleted; please insert a fresh battery before capturing more video.
  7. 22.Microphone sensitivity: This setting allows you to see the effects of the current Microphone sensitivity setting. The two lines of bars represent the left (L) and right (R) sound channels in action. White means the sound is normal, yellow means the sound is loud, and red means sound is too loud and may be distorted. Microphone sensitivity is controlled by the Movie Shooting Menu > Microphone sensitivity function (page 364), or the Microphone sensitivity function on the i Menu (page 24).
  8. 23.Microphone mode: This symbol is part of the Microphone sensitivity setting (#22). You will control which mode the microphone is using: Auto, Manual (in 20 steps), or Microphone off. Choose the mode by using the Movie Shooting Menu > Microphone sensitivity setting (page 364), or the i Menu’s Microphone sensitivity setting (page 24).
  9. 24.Frequency response: This symbol lets you know whether the microphone’s frequency response is set to Wide or Voice. Wide will capture a much broader range of sound and is best for when you want to record all sounds in a scene. The Voice setting limits the sound recording sensitivity to ranges encompassing human voice frequencies, making it best for recording human speech, such as during a public discourse or lecture. This setting is controlled by the Movie Shooting Menu > Frequency response function (page 367).
  10. 25.Electronic VR: This function attempts to reduce handheld camera shake during video recording by shifting the pixels used to record the video in time with slight camera movements. The image or video will be trimmed slightly at its edges as the Electronic VR adjusts the capture. Electronic VR can be used in conjunction with In-body VR (aka, IBIS, or in-body image stabilization, #26) to make rock solid videos while handholding. Be careful not to move the camera abruptly when using Electronic VR because some odd “jumpiness” can occur with rapid movements. This function is best used while not moving or while moving slowly. This setting is controlled by the Movie Shooting Menu > Electronic VR function (page 363), or the Electronic VR function on the i Menu (page 24).
  11. 26.In-Body VR (aka, IBIS): This function moves the camera’s physical imaging sensor internally to counteract small movements of the camera due to camera shake. It is different than Electronic VR (#25) because it uses mechanical countermotion of the sensor to cancel out handheld shakiness. It is capable of dealing with larger camera movements than the Electronic VR system. When In-body VR and Electronic VR are used together, it can feel as though you are using a gimble to stabilize the camera. Be careful not to move the camera abruptly because this may result in jumpy movements in your recording. This setting is controlled by the Movie Shooting Menu > Vibration reduction function (page 361), or the Vibration reduction function on the i Menu (page 24).
  12. 27.Touch shooting control: Turn Touch AF on or off to control whether or not you can touch your subject on the camera’s rear Monitor for autofocus during a video recording. You can also use Position focus point to move the AF point to a position on the screen without causing the camera to autofocus. See the Touch Screen: Shutter Release and Autofocus (Tap Shooting) subsection of this chapter for detailed information (page 49).
Indicators On (While Recording Video)

The Indicators on screen we discussed in the previous subsection changes when you start recording a video. When you press the Movie-record button, several of the controls in the overlay along the top of the screen disappear (figure 2.6C).

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Figure 2.6C: The Indicators on Movie mode screen while recording a video

You can also tell a video is being recorded because there is a REC symbol in the top-left corner, next to the red dot.

Movie Mode: Simplified Display

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Figure 2.6D: Simplified display Movie mode screens

The Simplified display Movie mode screen is a less complex screen for those times when you want little distraction while making a 16:9 format still image or recording a video (figure 2.6D). You can still see the most important controls at the bottom of the screen (e.g., aperture, shutter speed, and ISO sensitivity), but many other symbols are stripped out of the overlay.

Figure 2.6D, image 1, shows the Simplified display screen before a video recording is started, and image 2 shows the same screen while recording a video.

Movie Mode: Histogram

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Figure 2.6E: Histogram Movie mode screens

The Histogram screen gives you a live histogram to help you judge exposure during video recording (figure 2.6E), or when taking a 16:9 format still image. In Manual (M) mode, you can adjust the aperture, shutter speed, or ISO sensitivity to correct for under- or over-exposure. In other Exposure modes, you can use the +/− Exposure compensation button to push the exposure toward the dark or light sides, making the exposure better.

If you are a video perfectionist who wants to control all aspects of the video production, you will certainly enjoy having a live histogram to keep you informed when light levels change in a way that will damage your video’s quality. This is a truly professional tool and one all serious videographers should use regularly for in-camera video, especially in Manual (M) mode. While some cameras hide the live histogram screen while recording, your Nikon keeps the histogram available so that you can fine-tune the exposure on the fly, if needed.

Figure 2.6E, image 1, shows the Histogram screen before a video recording is started, and image 2 shows the same screen while recording a video.

Movie Mode: Virtual Horizon

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Figure 2.6F: Virtual horizon Movie mode screens

The Virtual horizon screen displays roll and pitch from the camera’s built-in tilt sensor (figure 2.6F, with lens cap on). If the lines are green, it means the camera is level. The tilt sensor senses left and right tilts (roll) and forward and backward tilts (pitch). When the camera is not level in one direction or the other, the line for that direction turns yellow and signifies the approximate degree of tilt.

This is very useful when setting up a camera on a tripod to shoot a video. You can start the video with the knowledge that the camera is level left to right and front to back. While you’re shooting a video handheld, this screen may be invaluable in helping you to avoid introducing tilt into an otherwise excellent video.

Figure 2.6F, image 1, shows the Virtual horizon screen before a video recording is started, and image 2 shows the same screen while recording a video.

Control Panel

The Control panel on the Nikon Z camera is much simpler than the Control panel on a Nikon DSLR. However, it does contain critical exposure information that you can see at a glance, and it allows you to quickly make adjustments without using any camera menus.

The Control panel has two separate displays—one for Photo mode and the other for Movie mode. Let’s consider each of the displays.

Control Panel: Photo Mode

First let’s examine the Control panel you will see when the Photo/movie selector lever is set to Photo mode (top position).

  1. 1.Shutter speed: The shutter speed is controlled by turning the rear Main command dial. Your choices are from 30 seconds (30) to 1/8000 second (8000), along with x200 (xSync speed), Time, and Bulb. If Custom Setting Menu > d Shooting/display > d6 Extended shutter speeds (M) is set to On (page 416), and you are using Manual mode (M) on the Mode dial, you can use shutter speeds as long as 900 seconds (15 minutes).

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Figure 2.7A: Control panel in Photo mode

  1. 2.Aperture: The aperture is controlled by turning the front Sub-command dial. Your choices are limited to the minimum and maximum aperture openings on the currently mounted lens. For example, the Nikkor Z 24–70mm F/4 S lens has a maximum aperture of f/4 (F4) and a minimum aperture of f/22 (F22).
  2. 3.Battery charge level: The battery charge level shows as a small symbol shaped like an AA battery. As the battery is depleted, notches will disappear from the interior of the symbol. When the battery symbol is down to its last notch, it’s time to install a fresh battery and recharge the depleted one.
  3. 4.Exposure compensation: The exposure compensation symbol is composed of a tiny +/– symbol followed by a number. Your compensation choices are −5.0 to +5.0 EV steps. Hold down the +/– Exposure compensation button and turn the rear Main command dial to choose an exposure compensation value. Set it back to +/– 0.0 when you are done.
  4. 5.ISO sensitivity: The ISO sensitivity (page 199) symbol is the acronym ISO or ISO-A followed by a number. Your choices are:
  • Nikon Z6 II: The entire ISO range runs from ISO Lo 1.0 (ISO 50) to Hi 2.0 (ISO 204800). The normal range is ISO 100 to ISO 51200.
  • Nikon Z7 II: The entire ISO range runs from ISO Lo 1.0 (ISO 32) to Hi 2.0 (ISO 102400). The normal range is ISO 64 to ISO 25600.

Any values above or below the normal range are considered extended ISO values. Best results come from using the normal ISO range. You control the ISO value by holding down the ISO button and turning the rear Main command dial. You can also toggle the camera between manual ISO (ISO) and ISO Auto (ISO-A) by turning the front Sub-command dial (see #8).

  1. 6.Number of frames remaining: This value is an approximate number of images that can be saved to the memory card(s). This value is often an underestimate because the camera cannot easily account for the compression level of each image stored. A complex image (e.g., an autumnal oak tree with many colorful leaves) will have a larger file size than an image with a simple subject (e.g., a red balloon against a blank white wall). You may often shoot as many as twice the number of images shown when shooting simple subjects. Additionally, if you hold down the Shutter-release button halfway, the camera will display an “r” number (e.g., r46) that represents the approximate number of images the camera’s buffer can contain during burst shooting. When that number is exceeded in one burst, the camera’s frame rate will slow down.
  2. 7.Release mode: Your Release mode (page 104) choices are Single frame (S), Continuous L (L), Continuous H (H), Continuous H (extended) (H*), and Self-timer (2s to 20s). You will change this setting by pressing the Release mode button (below the MENU button) once, and then selecting the value you want to use by touch or with the Multi selector pad.
  3. 8.ISO mode: The ISO mode (page 208) has two potential values: ISO (manual ISO sensitivity) and ISO-A (automatic ISO sensitivity). You control the ISO mode by holding down the ISO button and turning the front Sub-command dial. The ISO setting allows you to manually set an ISO sensitivity value by holding down the ISO button and turning the rear Main command dial; or, you can let the camera set the ISO value automatically by using ISO Auto (ISO-A).
  4. 9.Flash exposure compensation: The Flash exposure compensation symbol is a small lightning bolt followed by +/–. Your compensation choices are −3.0 to +1.0. You will set the flash compensation value in one of three ways:
  • Using the Photo Shooting Menu > Flash Compensation setting (page 272). The Flash Compensation setting allows you to set compensation for a flash unit mounted in the camera’s Accessory shoe (hotshoe).
  • Using the Photo Shooting Menu > Flash control > Flash Compensation (TTL) setting (page 251). The Flash compensation (TTL) setting is tied in with the wireless remote control of multiple flash units while using a WR-R10/R-11 Wireless Remote Controller attachment.
  • Using the Flash control menu (page 30) and selecting Flash compensation (page 272) or Flash compensation (TTL) (page 251).

Control Panel: Movie Mode

Next let’s examine the Control panel you will see when the Photo/movie selector lever is set to Movie mode (bottom position).

  1. 1.Shutter speed: The shutter speed is controlled by turning the rear Main command dial. Your choices are from 1/25 second (25) to 1/8000 second (8000). The camera’s shutter speed should be set to approximately double the frame rate of the video being recorded (e.g., 30 fps should have a shutter speed of 1/60 second). The minimum shutter speed is limited by the Frame rate selected in Movie Shooting Menu > Frame size/frame rate. If you select, for instance, 2160p at 24 fps, the camera will allow you to select as low as 1/25 second (25). On the other hand, if you select 1080p at 120 fps, the camera will limit you to a minimum shutter speed of 1/125 second (125).

image

Figure 2.7B: Control panel in Movie mode

  1. 2.Aperture: The aperture is controlled by turning the front Sub-command dial. Your choices are limited to the minimum and maximum aperture openings on the currently mounted lens. For example, the Nikkor Z 24–70mm F/2.8 S pro lens has a maximum aperture of f/2.8 (F2.8) and a minimum aperture of f/22 (F22).
  2. 3.Battery charge level: The battery charge level shows as a small symbol shaped like an AA battery. As the battery is depleted, the notches disappear from the interior of the symbol. When the battery symbol is down to its last notch, it’s time to install a fresh battery and recharge the depleted one.
  3. 4.ISO sensitivity: The ISO sensitivity (page 199) symbol is the acronym ISO or ISO-A followed by a number. This location displays the current ISO sensitivity value (e.g., ISO-A 1100). Here are the ISO ranges of the two cameras, when using the ISO sensitivity (mode M) setting (page 338):
  • Nikon Z6 II: The available ISO range of the Nikon Z6 II in Movie mode is from ISO 100 to Hi 2.0 (ISO 204800).
  • Nikon Z7 II: The available ISO range of the Nikon Z7 II in Movie mode is from ISO 64 to Hi 2.0 (ISO 102400)

ISO sensitivity is controlled by holding down the ISO button (just behind the Shutter-release button) and turning the rear Main command dial, or by using the Movie Shooting Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > ISO sensitivity (mode M) setting (page 338).

  1. 5.ISO mode: You control the ISO mode by holding down the ISO button and turning the front Sub-command dial. The ISO mode (page 208) has two potential values: ISO (manual ISO sensitivity) and ISO-A (automatic ISO sensitivity). The ISO setting allows you to manually set an ISO sensitivity value by holding down the ISO button and turning the rear Main command dial; or, you can let the camera set the ISO value automatically by using ISO Auto (ISO-A). Normally, you will want to use ISO-A when recording video so that the camera can make a quick adjustment if there is a large change in light values, such as when you are recording a video and walk out of a house into the bright sunlight outside.
  2. 6.No flash indicator: Since you cannot use a flash unit while recording a video, the camera displays a “no flash” symbol as a reminder.
  3. 7.Exposure compensation: The exposure compensation symbol is composed of a tiny +/– symbol followed by a number. Your compensation choices are −5.0 to +5.0 EV steps. Hold down the +/– Exposure compensation button and turn the rear Main command dial to choose an exposure compensation value. Set it back to +/– 0.0 when you are done.

Next, let’s consider the camera’s touch screen capability.

Touch Screen

The camera has a full-featured touch screen system that can be used to select items on menus, work with pictures displayed on the Monitor, and even focus and take pictures by touching only the Monitor (tap shooting).

As we proceed through the various chapters of this book, you will consistently be reminded of how to choose menu items and change settings by touching the Monitor. Therefore, we will leave those explanations for later chapters. For now, just be aware that virtually any menu item or setting you see on the Monitor can be selected and changed by touching items with your fingertip.

First, let’s consider how to use the touch screen to manipulate images and videos you have already taken.

Touch Screen: Playback

The touch screen on your Nikon is somewhat similar to the touch screen on your smart-phone. Many of the motions you already use will work in the same way on the camera’s Monitor.

Let’s examine each of the motions you can make while a picture is on the Monitor.

image

Figure 2.8A: Displaying an image or video

Press the Playback button (figure 2.8A, image 1) to display a sample picture on the screen (image 2). Let’s see what touch motions we can use to work with what’s displayed.

Swipe (Flick)

The swipe motion (Nikon calls it a “flick”) is very familiar to anyone who has scrolled through a bunch of pictures on a smartphone.

image

Figure 2.8B: Swipe (flick) to change images

When a picture is displayed on the Monitor (figure 2.8B), you can change to the previous picture by swiping to the right with your fingertip. You can change to the next picture by swiping to the left with your fingertip.

This method works well when you need to examine a few pictures that are near each other on the memory card. But what if you have hundreds of pictures on the card and you want to see different images that are very far apart? Nikon gives you a special Frame advance bar to help you move through a large number of images quickly.

Frame Advance Bar

The Frame advance bar does not show on the screen until you hold your finger on the bottom of the screen. When you touch and hold near the bottom, the Frame advance bar will appear under your fingertip (figure 2.8C).

image

Figure 2.8C: Slide finger on Frame advance bar to change images

If you slide your finger slowly left or right, the camera will move slowly through the many images stored on the memory card. If you slide your finger more quickly, the camera will jump quickly though the available images.

But what if you want to zoom in to see more image detail, and then zoom back out? The camera gives you two ways to accomplish this: stretch and pinch, and double-tap. Let’s examine stretch and pinch first, then double-tap.

Stretch and Pinch

This is a very familiar set of motions for smartphone users and will feel natural for zooming in and out of images on your Nikon (figure 2.8D).

image

Figure 2.8D: Stretch (spread) to zoom in, pinch to zoom back out

Just like on your smartphone, you can touch two fingertips to the camera Monitor and stretch them apart to zoom in. Pinch the screen, pulling your fingertips back together, to zoom back out.

These stretch-and-pinch gestures allow you to zoom in and out on an image by a variable amount. You can zoom in just a little or all the way to pixel-peeping levels. You can zoom back out by a small amount or all the way back out to normal view. Pull up an image on the Monitor and give it a try.

But what if you want to instantly jump to a 100 percent view to examine the image at the pixel-peeping level? The double-tap method does just that.

Double-Tap

If you regularly examine your images by zooming in to 100 percent on the Monitor, you will find the double-tap method quite convenient (figure 2.8E).

image

Figure 2.8E: Double-tap the screen to zoom in and again to zoom out

To use this method, display an image on the Monitor and double-tap the picture on the screen at the exact area you want to examine more closely. The camera will immediately jump to a 100 percent, pixel-peeping view of that area to let you validate things like overall sharpness and focus effectiveness. When you are done examining the image at 100 percent, simply double-tap the screen again and the camera will zoom back out to normal view.

The camera also allows you to use the touch screen to autofocus and take pictures, or simply select an area on the subject. Let’s examine how to choose and use these features.

Touch Screen: Shutter Release and Autofocus (Tap Shooting)

The Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II allow you to take pictures and autofocus by merely touching your subject on the Monitor. Plus, there are powerful subject-tracking features that become available when you are using one of the three Auto-area AF modes (page 278).

There will be another discussion of the camera’s subject-tracking capability in the chapter titled Focus, AF-Area, and Release Modes (page 101). Let’s examine how to use the touch system for both the Photo and Movie modes.

image

Figure 2.8F: Tap shooting (Touch shutter/AF and Touch AF)

Use the following steps to enable one or both of the Tap shooting methods:

  1. 1.Tap on the symbol at the point of the red arrow in figure 2.8F, image 1. Every time you tap this symbol the screen will change to a different Tap shooting configuration, including the four methods in the previous list. If you don’t see Off showing in the little rectangle touch symbol, then one of the other three methods is selected. Let’s assume Tap shooting is set to Off and proceed from there. As you tap on the symbol, the camera will cycle through the four settings over and over again.
  • How does Off work?: When you touch the Monitor, the camera does not autofocus, move the AF point, fire the shutter, or track your subject. You can still use touch to select items, move around in menus, and examine images.
  1. 2.Starting from the Off setting, tap on the symbol and the words Position focus point will appear on the screen (figure 2.8F, image 2). The symbol will change to a set of square brackets with a finger touching between them. The camera is now configured to allow you to touch the screen and set the position of the AF point, without autofocus or shutter firing. This may be handy to allow you to take meter readings from various parts of your subject on the Monitor.
  • How does Position focus point work?: When using a non-auto AF-area mode (page 94), such as Single-point AF or Wide-area AF, if you touch the Monitor, the camera simply moves the AF point to the position under your finger and does nothing else. When using an Auto AF-area mode (page 98), such as Auto-area AF, Auto-area AF (people), and Auto-area AF (animals), if you touch the screen, the camera displays the AF tracking frame. Whatever part of your subject you touch will now be tracked automatically. However, the camera will not autofocus on the subject during tracking in this mode.
  1. 3.Tap the symbol again and the screen will display the words Touch AF (figure 2.8F, image 3). Now only Touch AF is active and the symbol changes to include the initials AF for active autofocus. The touch shutter release is disabled and touching the screen will result in autofocus only. If you want to take pictures with the normal Shutter-release button and initiate autofocus by touching the Monitor, the camera is ready.
  • How does Touch AF work?: If you are using a non-auto AF-area mode (page 94), such as Single-point AF or Wide-area AF, and you touch the Monitor, the camera will lock autofocus on the subject but will not fire the shutter or track the subject. When using an Auto AF-area mode (page 98), such as Auto-area AF, Auto-area AF (people), and Auto-area AF (animals), if you touch the screen, the camera displays the AF tracking frame. At this point, if you are using Single AF Focus mode (page 86), whatever part of your subject you touch will now be tracked automatically. The camera will refocus only when you touch the Monitor again. If you are using Continuous AF Focus mode (page 87), you can hold half pressure on the Shutter-release button and track your subject, with autofocus being maintained. Touching a particular area of your subject is a great way to initiate subject tracking and initial autofocus, while continuously firing your camera in burst mode (CH or CL Release mode, pages 106, 107) by fully pressing down on the Shutter-release button (or AF-ON button).
  1. 4.Tap the symbol again. The screen will display the words Touch shutter/touch AF (figure 2.8F, image 4) and the symbol will change to a small screen with a finger touching it. At this point, both Touch shutter and Touch AF are active (Touch shutter/touch AF). If you want to use both touch shutter release and touch autofocus, use this setting. Note: Touch shutter/touch AF is not available in Movie mode; it’s available only in Photo mode.
  • How does Touch shutter/touch AF work?: If you are using a non-auto AF-area mode (page 94), such as Single-point AF or Wide-area AF, and you touch the Monitor, the camera will lock autofocus on the subject and will immediately fire the shutter, capturing a picture, but it will not track the subject. When using an Auto AF-area mode (page 98), such as Auto-area AF, Auto-area AF (people), and Auto-area AF (animals), if you touch the screen, the camera displays the AF tracking frame. If you are using Single AF Focus mode (AF-S, page 86), whatever part of your subject you touch will now be tracked automatically. The camera will refocus only when you touch the Monitor again. If you are using Continuous AF Focus mode (AF-C, page 87), you can hold pressure on the Shutter-release button (or AF-ON button) and track your subject, with autofocus being maintained. This works in a similar manner to Touch AF, except that it adds an immediate shutter release whenever you touch the Monitor while still tracking your subject. Although this could be used in burst mode, like Touch AF, maybe Touch shutter/touch AF is best used to take sporadic pictures of a tracked moving subject by touching the Monitor at the best times. You can even quickly change subjects (e.g., different faces) by simply touching the monitor and getting an initial picture.

Settings Recommendation: Keep this functionality in mind for when you want to fire the shutter with little vibration. Sometimes it will shake the camera less if you lightly touch the Monitor rather than press the Shutter-release or AF-ON button. Could Tap shooting help you when you have accidentally left your electronic shutter release cable at home? This may well be a very convenient function for your photography. With a virtually silent Nikkor S lens mounted, you can use Touch AF to autofocus on your subject at will, without making noise or causing vibrations from turning a focus ring. I find myself using Tap shooting quite often!

Touch AF is also a very powerful way to initiate and maintain well-focused subject tracking while capturing dozens of frames in burst mode. The camera is fully capable of using face and eye detection (pages 99 and 277) for even more accurate autofocus for humans and some animals (e.g., cats, dogs), when using the named auto AF-area modes (people and animal). Please experiment with these modes while paying close attention to how each Focus, AF-Area, and Release mode (page 104) affects how it works.

Author’s Conclusion

We’ve examined the major control screens for the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II cameras. While this chapter provides an overview of those screens and how to use them, please remember that the camera offers more than one way to do things. These control screens are convenient for quick access to critical functionality, but keep in mind that you can configure the functions found in these control screens in an even more detailed way by using the camera’s main menu system. We will discuss the menu system in several upcoming chapters.

Also, it is often possible to assign functions you use frequently to the camera’s programmable buttons (page 436) or add them to a special quick-access menu called My Menu (page 630). Later we will discuss how to do both of those things.

In our next chapter, we will discuss several important camera functions, including the light metering system, the camera’s exposure modes (P, S, A, and M), and how to use the live histogram and the post-capture histograms for the most accurate exposures you’ve ever made.

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