New Video: My Z8 And Z9 Autofocus Setup Guide (For Wildlife Photography)

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Steve

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In this video, I'll take you step by step through my AF setup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9. First, we'll visit the Custom Setting menu Focus section and I'll show you how I set each and every one of the items - and why.

Next, I'll share my current button settings I use for AF operations and explain how I'm using those settings in the field to increase my keeper rate.

Don't miss out - it's a must-see for every Nikon Z8 and Z9 user!


Also, I just got a brand new B&H affiliate link. If you're gonna get one, using that link helps support this site and won't cost you any more to do it., Thanks for your help :)

 
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Steve, very generous of you to share your time and knowledge. Your ebooks are even more helpful. Anybody who does not already have them should buy with confidence and will not be disappointed.
 
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Steve said:
In this video, I'll take you step by step through my AF setup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9. First, we'll visit the Custom Setting menu Focus section and I'll show you how I set each and every one of the items - and why.

Next, I'll share my current button settings I use for AF operations and explain how I'm using those settings in the field to increase my keeper rate.

Don't miss out - it's a must-see for every Nikon Z8 and Z9 user!


Also, I just got a brand new B&H affiliate link and it looks like they have the Z8 in stock. If you're gonna get one, using that link helps support this site and won't cost you any more to do it., Thanks for your help :)

Click to expand...
title is bit over the top but I guess that is necessary to attract attention outside this forum
 
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Loved the video. I agree - great companion for the guide. Thank you for producing both. One question that I might have missed in the book, do you program a button to quick switch between FX and DX? I had set my FN3 for that and use it a lot.
 
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Amasaback said:
Loved the video. I agree - great companion for the guide. Thank you for producing both. One question that I might have missed in the book, do you program a button to quick switch between FX and DX? I had set my FN3 for that and use it a lot.
Click to expand...
I do mention that option in the book. I have been playing with a different configuration and will really put it to the test on my next trip and the DX switch is included. Most of the time I don't mess with it since it's the same as cropping on the computer, but there are times I know I'm going to crop the shot anyway so why take up the extra card space?
 
Member's gallery
Steve said:
In this video, I'll take you step by step through my AF setup for the Nikon Z8 and Z9. First, we'll visit the Custom Setting menu Focus section and I'll show you how I set each and every one of the items - and why.

Next, I'll share my current button settings I use for AF operations and explain how I'm using those settings in the field to increase my keeper rate.

Don't miss out - it's a must-see for every Nikon Z8 and Z9 user!


Also, I just got a brand new B&H affiliate link. If you're gonna get one, using that link helps support this site and won't cost you any more to do it., Thanks for your help :)

Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the video and your book, both will be invaluable to me as I learn the capabilities of my "as of yet not received" Z8. Mine was shipped from B&H today. I'll be learning from you all I can between now and the great day I recieve my new camera. ( My trusty old D610 will get some rest, at least until I decide if I'm going to keep it.)
 
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I watched the video and I have the Z9/Z8 Setup guide but I do not have nor do I intend to purchase either camera.

I have an Om Systems OM-1 and , not surprisingly, many of the settings are similar and Steve's explanations of what they do and how to set them up are equally applicable.

For example, set up a custom 1x1 AF area on the OM-1 and you'll find that this "simulated" SP AF works in AF-C. Further, if you turn off subject ID via a button as Steve suggests the AF area will not jump around when multiple points in the image are in focus. With Subject ID on, you can place the AF SP on the eye and the OM-1 will track it all over the frame just like the Z9/8.

There are, of course, many differences. The OM-1 does not have multiple AF modes such as 3D like the Z8/Z9 and the Z8/Z9 has many less computational features than the OM-1

Maybe I should fedex Steve my spare.

Tom
 
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Steve said:
I do mention that option in the book. I have been playing with a different configuration and will really put it to the test on my next trip and the DX switch is included. Most of the time I don't mess with it since it's the same as cropping on the computer, but there are times I know I'm going to crop the shot anyway so why take up the extra card space?
Click to expand...
I think you have discussed it prior, but I find that going ahead and switching to DX has a lot of advantages if the context warrants it. You can see your subject better and that also seems to help the AF system. Also - definitely smaller file sizes as you mention. At high frame rates that adds up to a lot off unwanted data not filling up the card and slowing down workflows.
 
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Steve said:
I do mention that option in the book. I have been playing with a different configuration and will really put it to the test on my next trip and the DX switch is included. Most of the time I don't mess with it since it's the same as cropping on the computer, but there are times I know I'm going to crop the shot anyway so why take up the extra card space?
Click to expand...
When I rented the Z9 last year I tried crop mode. For distant subjects it was amazing, like having much more reach with my 100-400 z lens. I was shocked to see the cropped view in the viewfinder, after disliking how my D610 handled crop mode.
 
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Dear Steve,
Thanks so much for this video. I have shot the Z9 for a year and a half, but this morning I saw your video and grabbed my Z9 and went through each setting, pausing your video and questioning each setting I had made in the past. This has had a great educational impact on me.

People are just receiving their Z8’s starting today…I picked mine up in early afternoon and I wasn’t alone…so I’ll bet demand will pick up for this video. I keep tweaking my settings, just as you do, as I understand the camera better, read about different approaches, my needs change and the firmware is upgraded.

Regarding click bait, I think it is a mixed bag. As a consumer, I am naturally drawn to it because that’s its purpose. 9/10 times I will feel cheated or worse. Some YTers I once admired have resorted to this and I feel their content has deteriorated and I have unsubscribed.
I sometimes wonder why 99/100 YT videos aren’t like yours—instead of the other way round—full of well considered advice, with a clear presentation of alternatives that also could be considered…This is the sign of true expert advice.

Thanks for being who you are, and doing what you do.

Best,
John
 
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Don L Turner said:
Thank you so much for the video and your book, both will be invaluable to me as I learn the capabilities of my "as of yet not received" Z8. Mine was shipped from B&H today. I'll be learning from you all I can between now and the great day I recieve my new camera. ( My trusty old D610 will get some rest, at least until I decide if I'm going to
Steve said:
I do mention that option in the book. I have been playing with a different configuration and will really put it to the test on my next trip and the DX switch is included. Most of the time I don't mess with it since it's the same as cropping on the computer, but there are times I know I'm going to crop the shot anyway so why take up the extra card space?
Click to expand...

@Steve Is it still the case that going into crop mode can help with some tricky AF situations as well. another benefit when you know you're going to crop?
Click to expand...
 
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Steve -- good job.

You must be asked: "but what is the best way....." and many don't like the answer there is not one way. I like the fact that you state very clearly that there are many different ways pro-level cameras can be set up and used and there is no right way or best way.

The way that works for each person in their environment and for what they are shooting is what determines how they may wish to use their professional level tool. I agree 100%.

Anyone new to a mirrorless; new to a pro-level mirrorless; and/or new to a Z8 or Z9 is in for a ride -- please be open to it.

These cameras work similarly to your previous one BUT very differently as well AND you will discover your shooting preferences and styles change when you adapt to how to use them best.

Some choices (Yes including BBAF) may stick with you for a while because you are more familiar with it or because you choose to - but BBAF is not a must do because you have to use it. I don't and am still able to take adequate shots.

These cameras are powerful and almost endlessly configurable. Keep it simple to start -- learn to walk before running a sprint or a marathon.

I am not as patient as most -- my answer to what is the best way to use a Z8 boils down to:
  • LEARN how to shoot (and this is not quick);
  • LEARN your subject and how to get the best out of them (with models it is one way, with lions and leopards it is another etc.);
  • LEARN your environment, the language you need to communicate effectively and how to behave in it (be this the field, up a mountain, in a studio on a set);
  • LEARN your gear and how to set it up, use it and maintain it;
  • and not last LEARN to learn, accept feedback and progress -- this requires both time but most importantly the right attitude.
As a rule of thumb it takes 10,000 hours of productive work to become barely competent at any skilled pursuit -- photography is no different.
Your books and vids help make the learning curve shorter but only if folk want to learn; adapt and adjust. My own journey with the Z9 began almost 15 months ago and I am still learning, adjusting to new types of shoot and environment and modifying how i set up and use it. Even though setting up the Z8 took 20-30 mins I expect the learning curve on the Z8 to be no quicker -- yes the same in so many ways, but lighter smaller and in a few ways a wee bit less capable -- so more and different choices to be made. How it behaves in the hand on my various lenses and supports are different; how I pan and track with a lighter body - different; and so on.

You 10 rules were spot on -- but some folk will drop $4k on a body and much more on lenses and "just because of that" expect the camera to do all the work. Well that is not a good value investment by them. Neither the camera store nor the manufacturer really care. It is on the user for over buying if they cannot take good shots with this tool.
 
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John Woodworth said:
Dear Steve,
Thanks so much for this video. I have shot the Z9 for a year and a half, but this morning I saw your video and grabbed my Z9 and went through each setting, pausing your video and questioning each setting I had made in the past. This has had a great educational impact on me.

People are just receiving their Z8’s starting today…I picked mine up in early afternoon and I wasn’t alone…so I’ll bet demand will pick up for this video. I keep tweaking my settings, just as you do, as I understand the camera better, read about different approaches, my needs change and the firmware is upgraded.

Regarding click bait, I think it is a mixed bag. As a consumer, I am naturally drawn to it because that’s its purpose. 9/10 times I will feel cheated or worse. Some YTers I once admired have resorted to this and I feel their content has deteriorated and I have unsubscribed.
I sometimes wonder why 99/100 YT videos aren’t like yours—instead of the other way round—full of well considered advice, with a clear presentation of alternatives that also could be considered…This is the sign of true expert advice.

Thanks for being who you are, and doing what you do.

Best,
John
Click to expand...
Thanks so much!

My wife and I were talking about the YT titles just yesterday (LOL, again), and when I said they were a little "click baity" she disagreed. She pointed out (as you have) that click bit is more about video that don't actually deliver what they promise. She feels that although I do try to use aggressive titles from time to time, they are still representative of what's in the video. So, hopefully others see it that way as well.

The bigger issue with the titles is the way YT boosts to the video. The thing is, I have a lot of people tell me that they would watch the video regardless of how I title it. And I appreciate that, of course. However the problem is if YouTube isn't seeing enough traffic on a video it doesn't get boosted as much, so it's entirely possible that although somebody would want to watch that video, and would watch it with a normal title, they will never see that it in their feed because there was not enough overall interest in it.

So, it's tricky finding a balance :)
 
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Andy Miller Photo UK said:
Steve -- good job.

You must be asked: "but what is the best way....." and many don't like the answer there is not one way. I like the fact that you state very clearly that there are many different ways pro-level cameras can be set up and used and there is no right way or best way.

The way that works for each person in their environment and for what they are shooting is what determines how they may wish to use their professional level tool. I agree 100%.

Anyone new to a mirrorless; new to a pro-level mirrorless; and/or new to a Z8 or Z9 is in for a ride -- please be open to it.

These cameras work similarly to your previous one BUT very differently as well AND you will discover your shooting preferences and styles change when you adapt to how to use them best.

Some choices (Yes including BBAF) may stick with you for a while because you are more familiar with it or because you choose to - but BBAF is not a must do because you have to use it. I don't and am still able to take adequate shots.

These cameras are powerful and almost endlessly configurable. Keep it simple to start -- learn to walk before running a sprint or a marathon.

I am not as patient as most -- my answer to what is the best way to use a Z8 boils down to:
  • LEARN how to shoot (and this is not quick);
  • LEARN your subject and how to get the best out of them (with models it is one way, with lions and leopards it is another etc.);
  • LEARN your environment, the language you need to communicate effectively and how to behave in it (be this the field, up a mountain, in a studio on a set);
  • LEARN your gear and how to set it up, use it and maintain it;
  • and not last LEARN to learn, accept feedback and progress -- this requires both time but most importantly the right attitude.
As a rule of thumb it takes 10,000 hours of productive work to become barely competent at any skilled pursuit -- photography is no different.
Your books and vids help make the learning curve shorter but only if folk want to learn; adapt and adjust. My own journey with the Z9 began almost 15 months ago and I am still learning, adjusting to new types of shoot and environment and modifying how i set up and use it. Even though setting up the Z8 took 20-30 mins I expect the learning curve on the Z8 to be no quicker -- yes the same in so many ways, but lighter smaller and in a few ways a wee bit less capable -- so more and different choices to be made. How it behaves in the hand on my various lenses and supports are different; how I pan and track with a lighter body - different; and so on.

You 10 rules were spot on -- but some folk will drop $4k on a body and much more on lenses and "just because of that" expect the camera to do all the work. Well that is not a good value investment by them. Neither the camera store nor the manufacturer really care. It is on the user for over buying if they cannot take good shots with this tool.
Click to expand...
Wow, very well said!!
 
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