Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience - The Still Photography Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Nikon Z7II and Z6II

By Douglas Klostermann

Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience is an e book user's guide that goes beyond the manual to help you learn the features, settings, and controls of these mirrorless cameras. Most importantly, it also explains how, when, and why to use the features, settings, and controls in your photography.

 

As with all Full Stop camera guides, this book is written in a clear, concise, and comprehensive manner in order to help you learn to use your Z7II or Z6II quickly and competently, and consistently make the types of images you desire. As one reader has said about Full Stop guides:

 

"I don't know how I could fully take advantage of all the features the camera has to offer without this publication! It's well-organized, easy to understand, and succinct enough to keep your attention while containing a wealth of information to get the most out of your camera."

 

Take control of your Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II and the photos you create!

 

This e-book is designed for intermediate and enthusiast photographers who wish to take fuller advantage of the capabilities of their camera and shoot competently in A, S, and M shooting modes; take full control of the sophisticated autofocus system; and learn how, when, and why to use the various controls, buttons, and features of the Z7II and Z6II.

 

For experienced photographers, this guide explains the new and advanced features in order to quickly have you taking advantage of these capabilities, including the AF System and its Focus Modes, AF-Area Modes, eye detection, subject detection / tracking, and Custom Settings. Attention is given to the new features including the customizable controls, Focus Shift Shooting, in-camera image stabilization, new menu items and options, 4K video, Time-Lapse and Interval Timer, plus using F-mount lenses with the FTZ II Adapter. And it covers using the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities with SnapBridge.

 

Sections include:

-Setting Up Your Z7II / Z6II: All of the Custom Settings and Playback, Shooting, Network, and Setup Menus, with explanations and suggested settings to set up and customize the advanced features to work best for the way you photograph.

-Autofocusing Modes and AF-Area Modes, Release Modes: Learn the Focus Modes, AF-Area Modes, Subject Detection, and AF Custom Settings, how they differ, how and when to take advantage of them to capture both still and moving subjects. Includes back-button focusing.

-Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (S), and Manual (M) Modes: How and when to use them to create dramatic depth of field, freeze or express motion, or take total control over exposure settings.

-Exposure Metering Modes: How they differ, how and when to use them for correct exposures in every situation.

-Histograms, Exposure Compensation, Bracketing, and White Balance: Understanding and using these features for adjusting to the proper exposure in challenging lighting situations.

-The Image Taking Process: Descriptive tutorials for using the settings and controls to take photos of both still and moving subjects.

-Intro to Video Settings: Explanations of the settings, features, and options.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Full Stop Media, LLC
• Release date: Feb 1, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224295319

Douglas Klostermann

Douglas Klostermann is a travel, culture, and humanitarian photographer, as well as the best-selling author of Full Stop photography guides including Nikon D850 Experience and Canon 5D Mark IV Experience. He has photographed for numerous organizations in the United States and Latin America, been recognized by the United Nations Development Programme for his humanitarian photography, and been published in magazines, books, and websites including Conde Nast Traveler, NationalGeographic.org, Sherman's Travel, South American Explorer, and Viva Travel Guides. Doug is a member of the North American Nature Photography Association (NANPA). Learn more about photography techniques and equipment on his blog Picturing Change at blog.dojoklo.com and view his photography at dojoklo.com.

Book preview

Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience

The Still Photography Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II

By: Douglas J. Klostermann

Full Stop. good writing for better photography

All rights reserved. This e-book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only and may not be re-sold, file-shared, distributed, sub-licensed, or given away. This book can be printed for your personal use (PDF version) and read on your personal devices. Otherwise no part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or in print, without expressed permission from the author. Every effort has been made to make this e-book as accurate as possible, but no warranty of fitness is implied. The information is provided on an as-is basis. The author shall have no liability or responsibility with respect to any loss or damages arising from the information provided in this e-book including but not limited to the use of any of the materials or methods described, the products, retailers, Internet web sites, or links provided. Please read and follow all instructions and use, safety and handling precautions expressed in the manuals provided with your equipment and software, and which take precedence over any content in this work.

All contents including cover design, text, and photographs, with the exception of products, brands, logos, and contents of menus and screenshots, are copyright by the author, except as noted. All products, brands, logos, and contents of menus and screenshots are property of the respective companies and websites. Terms which are trademarks or service marks in this e-book are used in an editorial and educational manner, and should not be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark. Nikon, Z 7II, and Z 6II are trademarks of Nikon Inc. Adobe, Photoshop, and Lightroom are trademarks of Adobe Systems Inc. The author and the contents of this book are not affiliated with or endorsed by Nikon.

Special thanks to Newtonville Camera of Waltham, Mass.

https://newtonville.camera

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Douglas Klostermann is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. (Links are provided to products and accessories mentioned in this guide.)

Copyright 2022 Douglas J. Klostermann / Full Stop Media, LLC - all rights reserved.

Cover design and photograph by the author. All photographs by the author, with the exception of:

Select AI/ Non-AI lens photographs by Andrew Martin of www.smallcirclestudio.com

Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience

The Still Photography Guide to Operation and Image Creation with the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II

by: Douglas J. Klostermann

EPUB Version 1.0 - updated for firmware 1.31

April 2022

Author’s website: www.dojoklo.com

Author’s blog: http://blog.dojoklo.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/nikonz7z6z5

Published by Full Stop Media. good writing for better photography

Arlington, Massachusetts, USA

www.fullstopbooks.com

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION to the Z 7II and Z 6II

1.1 Take Control of Your Camera

1.2 Using This Guide

1.3 Getting Started

1.4 New Features and Hidden Features of the Z 7II and Z 6II

2. CAMERA CONTROLS

3. MENUS and CUSTOM SETTINGS

3.1 Setting Up the Z 7II and Z 6II

3.2 Setup Guide Spreadsheet

3.3 Playback Menu

3.4 Photo Shooting Menu

3.5 Movie Shooting Menu - Intro

3.6 Custom Setting Menu

a - Autofocus

b - Metering/Exposure

c - Timers/AE Lock

d - Shooting/Display

e - Bracketing/Flash

f - Controls

g - Movie

3.7 Setup Menu

3.8 Retouch Menu

3.9 My Menu

4. PLAYBACK, INFORMATION DISPLAY, and IMAGE FILE FORMATS

4.1 Using the Monitor and Electronic Viewfinder

4.2 Image Playback

4.3 Information Display and i Menus

4.4 JPEG and NEF (RAW)

4.5 File Sizes and Maximum Continuous Burst

5. AUTOFOCUSING

5.1 Using Autofocus

5.2 Focus Modes

5.3 Manual Focus

5.4 Autofocus AF-Area Modes

5.5 Locking Focus

5.6 Back-Button Focusing

5.7 Trap Focus

6. RELEASE MODES

7. EXPOSURE Part 1

7.1 Aperture, Shutter Speed and ISO

7.2 Aperture-Priority Auto Mode and Shutter-Priority Auto Mode

7.3 Full Stops

7.4 Manual Exposure Mode, Bulb, and Time

7.5 Auto and Programmed Auto Exposure Modes

7.6 Live View and Viewfinder Exposure Display

8. METERING MODES

8.1 Matrix Metering

8.2 Center-Weighted Metering

8.3 Spot Metering

8.4 Highlight-Weighted Metering

8.5 Manual Metering

8.6 Metering Modes and Exposure

9. EXPOSURE Part 2

9.1 Exposure Lock

9.2 Histograms

9.3 Exposure Compensation

9.4 Auto Bracketing

9.5 HDR (High Dynamic Range)

9.6 Active D-Lighting

9.7 Multiple Exposures

10. ADDITIONAL CAMERA FUNCTIONS

10.1 White Balance

10.2 Picture Controls

10.3 Creative Picture Controls

10.4 Interval Timer Shooting

10.5 Sensor Cleaning

10.6 Putting It All Into Practice

11. FLASH

11.1 Flash Control Modes

11.2 Flash Modes

11.3 Flash Custom Settings Options

11.4 Wireless Flash

12. THE IMAGE TAKING PROCESS

12.1 Still Subjects

12.2 Moving Subjects

13. VIDEO - MOVIE SHOOTING

13.1 Introduction to Video - Movie Shooting

13.2 Movie Shooting Menu Options

13.3 Additional Movie Shooting Features

13.4 Movie Exposure Settings

13.5 Movie Playback and Editing

13.6 Time-Lapse Movie

14. BLUETOOTH, Wi-Fi, and SNAPBRIDGE

15. COMPOSITION

16. LENSES

16.1 Lens Compatibility of the Z 7II and Z 6II

16.2 Using AF and AI Lenses With the Z 7II and Z 6II

16.3 Nikon (NIKKOR) Lens Notations

17. PHOTOGRAPHY ACCESSORIES

17.1 Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II Accessories

17.2 Digital Photography Accessories

17.3 Digital Photography Books

18. CONCLUSION

Future Updates to the Text

About the Author

1. INTRODUCTION to the Z 7II and Z 6II

Following the success of their first full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 7 and the Nikon Z 6, Nikon has updated and improved these models and released the Nikon Z 7II and the Nikon Z 6II. While both make use of a backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, the Z 7II is a higher-resolution model boasting 45.7 megapixels, and the Z 6II is a 24.5 megapixel model. Both cameras now include dual processors, two memory card slots, and new face and eye detection autofocus modes. The two cameras share most of the same controls, features, and menu options, though there are some important differences in addition to the sensor resolution including the ISO range, continuous frame rates, and image buffer size. And while they both have hybrid autofocus systems, which make use of phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF, the autofocus system of the Z 7II has 493 AF points, while the Z 6II has 273 AF points. With the AF points spread widely across nearly the entire frame, both cameras will allow you to focus on and track subjects, faces, and eyes throughout most of the scene, including animal detection of cats and dogs.

Figure 1.1 - Detail of the Nikon Z 7II full-frame mirrorless camera, with the 24-70mm f/4 S lens.

Both models offer great image quality at high ISO settings for low-light shooting, with the native ISO range of the Z 7II at 64 - 25,600, and the native ISO range of the Z 6II at 100 - 51,200. Both are expandable to slightly lower, and much higher ISO settings, up to 102,400 (Z 7II) and 204,800 (Z 6II). Both models offer in-camera 5-axis image stabilization for Z-mount lenses, which can be enabled for both stills and video shooting, plus 3-axis image stabilization is available with F-mount lenses attached via the FTZ or FTZ II Adapter. And they both make use of dual Expeed 6 processors, which enable improved features including significantly increased image buffers, faster continuous shooting, improved low light focusing down to -3EV, and reduced viewfinder blackout. The fast processors also enable features introduced in the original Z 7 and Z 6 including the mid-range sharpening adjustment for Picture Controls, diffraction compensation ideal for use with small apertures in landscape shooting, Creative Picture Controls, and in-camera batch RAW processing.

The Z 7II and the Z 6II both offer fast continuous shooting for capturing bursts of images in action situations. The Z 7II is capable of up to 10 frames per second (fps), while the Z 6II boasts a faster 14 frames per second. However, in order to achieve this rate with focus and exposure updated for each image in the burst, you must be using either manual focus, AF-S, or AF-C with Single-Point AF-Area Mode. Otherwise the maximum frame rate will be 9 fps (Z 7II) or 12 fps (Z 6II) when capturing JPEG or 12-bit RAW, or else 8 fps (Z 7II) or 9 fps (Z 6II) when capturing 14-bit RAW. Depending on the RAW bit-rate and compression settings, the bursts can be maintained for up to 82 images for the Z 7II, and 200 images for the Z 6II. And a Silent Photography mode will allow you to shoot in sensitive situations, with no shutter sounds and no wear on the mechanical shutter. A new Focus Shift Shooting mode allows you to automatically shoot up to 300 images of a scene at varying focus distances, which can be combined into a focus-stacked image, using optional software.

The cameras include dual card slots, one slot for either CFexpress or XQD memory cards, and one for UHS-II SD cards. The two card slots allow for various card slot configurations such as overflow to the other card when one fills, or simultaneously saving all images to both cards for backup, and well as a Copy function to copy saved images from one card to the other. The Z 7II and Z 6II use the new EN-EL15c battery, though they are compatible with previous versions of the EN-EL15. The cameras can now be charged or powered over their USB-C port, and they accept the optional MB-N11 battery grip, which holds two batteries as well as offers duplicated controls for vertical shooting.

Most of the camera controls and the touch screens of these mirrorless models are similar to what you may be used to with a Nikon dSLR, and are the same as the original Z 7 and Z 6. The Sub-Selector joystick is used to quickly select the desired autofocus point while shooting, and can be used as a focus lock and exposure lock button when pressed straight in. It can even be customized to perform functions such as temporarily switching to a different Metering Mode during shooting. The touch screen can be used for menu selection, image playback, as well as for adjusting exposure settings, autofocusing, and shutter release. And the 3.2" high-resolution (2.1M dot) rear monitor tilts to assist shooting from unique high and low vantage points. The inclusion of the i Button, now standard on current Nikon models, allows photographers to quickly access mode-specific settings, whether shooting through the viewfinder, working on the rear monitor, in movie mode, or during image playback.

Figure 1.2 - Vintage Bicycle - Concord, Mass. Nikon Z 7II with 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Shutter speed 1/00, Aperture f/4.0, ISO 100.

The electronic viewfinder of mirrorless cameras differs from the optical viewfinder of a dSLR. The high-resolution (3.69M dot) OLED viewfinder, with 100% coverage, will enable you to preview the exposure, white balance, Picture Control settings, and depth of field of the final image, as you shoot, as well as make use of a virtual horizon to keep your images level. You can also make use of the customizable i Menu in the viewfinder, so that you can change numerous camera settings without taking the camera from your eye. And you can utilize focus peaking and scene-magnification in the viewfinder, as well as the electronic Rangefinder function, to assist with manual focusing.

Filmmakers will be able to take advantage of the numerous video improvements, including 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) video in addition to Full HD frame rates and sizes, with the 4K UHD video making use of the entire width of the sensor at 30p, 25p, and 24p. The Z 7II can record 4K at 60p/50p with a small 1.08x crop. With firmware update 1.10, the Z 6II now offers 4K at 60p/50p with an APS-C crop. Both the Z 7II and the Z 6II offer 1920x1080 Full HD at 120p/100p, in order to create slow motion video in post-production. There is also a Full HD Slow-motion option that captures at 4x the frame rate for 30p and 25p, and 5x the frame rate for 24p. The Z 7II and Z 6II offer 10-bit N-Log or HDR (HLG) HDMI output, when recording to an optional external device, enabling you to capture a wide dynamic range, as well as View Assist, to help to preview the appearance of the final video. Nikon offers a paid service for the Z 7II and Z 6II to provide RAW video, and firmware update 1.10 enables 4K Raw to be recorded to an external recorder encoded as either ProRes Raw or Blackmagic Raw.

The Z 7II and Z 6II include focus peaking for manual focusing, 5-axis sensor-based Vibration Reduction with Z-mount lenses, plus Electronic Vibration Reduction for additional stabilization. Audio features include built-in stereo microphones with selectable frequency ranges and an attenuation option. The Flat Picture Style is designed to retain shadows and highlights for post-production, and Highlight Display zebra stripes can be enabled for displaying overexposed areas of the scene when viewed on the camera’s Monitor. The Power Aperture feature will allow cinematographers to smoothly change the aperture size while recording to either an external device or to the memory card. The Z 7II and Z 6II also offer 4K Time-Lapse Movie shooting. The Z 7II is capable of 8K time-lapse video by using the Interval Timer feature to capture still images that will be combined into an 8K time-lapse using optional software.

The Z 7 and Z 6 cameras introduced the Z-mount lens mount, which continues to be used on the Z 7II and the Z 6II. Several Z-mount lenses are now available, as well as an F to Z (FTZ II) mount adaptor which enables you to use many of your F-mount Nikkor lenses. The wider Z-mount design allows for lenses with extremely wide maximum apertures, such as the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct. In addition, the Z 7II and Z 6II include a ruggedly built, weather-sealed magnesium alloy body, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities through Nikon’s SnapBridge app, and numerous customization options.

The high-resolution image sensors of these cameras, along with their highly versatile and customizable autofocus systems, on-sensor exposure metering with scene recognition and face detection, and fast continuous frame rates will serve the needs of dedicated photographers of every level, from enthusiasts to professionals. The advanced features and customizable controls of the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II will enable photographers to consistently capture sharp, clean, and well-exposed images in a wide range of shooting situations.

But the Z 7II and Z 6II are merely tools. It is up to you to make use of their features and capabilities to create the images you envision. While the camera manuals can tell you about all the settings and controls, how to change them, and their intended functions, this guide will build upon that and explain when and why you may wish to use them. All of the buttons, dials, menu items, and Custom Settings of the Z 7II and Z 6II are there for a reason: to help you consistently capture the images you want. Some of them are more useful to different types of photographers and shooting situations, and you don’t necessarily need to learn and use them all immediately, but this guide will help to give you the knowledge to confidently use the features that turn your Nikon Z 7II or Z 6II into an image capturing tool that works best for you.

1.1 Take Control of Your Camera

Since the camera is a tool to take the images you want to take, you obviously can’t always allow the camera to make decisions for you. You have to take control of the camera to ensure that you capture exactly the images you intend - by autofocusing precisely where you intend, setting the aperture and shutter speed that you want, and obtaining the exposure you desire. While the Z 7II and Z 6II are intelligent cameras, they cannot read your mind and your intentions and do not know that you wish to focus on and properly expose the leaves in the foreground, while making the background appear out of focus, and the leaves to be caught still and not be blurred from the motion of the wind, on a bright, overcast day (see Figure 1.3).

Figure 1.3 - Leaves and Snow, Whipple Hill, Lexington, Mass. Focus Modes, exposure metering mode, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance all considered, even in creating this straightforward image. Nikon Z 7II with 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Shutter speed 1/1000, Aperture f/4.0, ISO 200.

You have to tell the camera to do all of this, through the various controls and settings, such as the Focus Mode and AF-Area Mode (lock focus on the desired leaves), the exposure metering mode (properly expose the leaves and the scene), the aperture setting (the out-of-focus background), the shutter speed (freezing the motion of the leaves from the wind), the ISO (bright day) and the white balance (overcast day). Taking control of all of these functions and settings will enable you to consistently create the dramatic and compelling images you envision.

Learning to use and get the most out of an advanced digital camera like the Z 7II or the Z 6II takes time, practice, patience, mistakes, and experimentation. If you are used to working with a dSLR, there will be some adjustments to using a mirrorless camera, including the electronic viewfinder and the autofocus system. However, you may find that these differences can help you to successfully capture scenes and situations that you may have been limited in consistently attaining before. The sophisticated and accurate autofocus systems of the two cameras, coupled with their fast continuous shooting speed, plus their exposure metering system and high ISO capabilities will help you get sharp images of subjects and moments that previously you may have missed.

Figure 1.4 - Colonial Inn - Concord, Mass. Nikon Z 7II with 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Shutter speed 1/1600, Aperture f/4, ISO 100.

If you are still in the process of learning all the controls of your camera and the exposure concepts of digital photography, you have perhaps jumped into the proverbial deep end of the pool by choosing the advanced Z 7II or Z 6II! But don’t worry, this book will help guide you through their features, controls, and capabilities. Be sure to take it slowly and patiently as you learn the features and concepts that I will explain. With practice and experience you will soon be shooting with confidence and can begin to take advantage of your camera’s more advanced functions. Even if you are an intermediate or experienced photographer, don’t expect to just pick up all the new information at once, in one reading of a single book. (In fact, you wouldn’t want to, as the never-ending journey of learning and mastering photography is a big part of what it’s all about!) Try not to become frustrated if you don’t quite understand something or aren’t always getting the results you desire. Instead learn the controls, functions, settings, and concepts bit by bit, try them out in real life shooting situations, and return to this guide, to the Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Reference Manual, and other photography books to address questions and problems you encounter. Continue to learn and to photograph often and it should all begin to come together, sometimes slowly and sometimes in rapid bursts of discovery and understanding.

1.2 Using This Guide

There are many different ways to use an advanced digital camera and its controls to capture images, and many diverse situations in which photographers work. I’m going to concentrate on the techniques that I believe are the most practical, useful, and effective for the majority of enthusiast and advanced photographers using the Z 7II or Z 6II, while also explaining how settings can apply to specialized uses. The settings and techniques I discuss can apply to various types of photography including general photography, action, wildlife, portrait, and travel photography. Once you have a firm grasp of the controls, settings, and basic techniques you will have the tools and knowledge to address different issues, specific situations, and challenging scenes. I encourage you to then experiment and continue to learn, and to find the techniques that work best and are most comfortable or intuitive for you.

The Z 7II and Z 6II are highly sophisticated tools that deserve to be used to their full potential, and that involves taking control of your camera and its numerous functions. While this may be challenging at first, these are the techniques that are necessary to take full advantage of the capabilities of any camera including the Z 7II or Z 6II, and will lead you to having more control and consistency over your image making. Hopefully this will inevitably lead to better images!

This guide is intended to be used with the camera in your hands. That is the best way to directly follow and understand the controls, functions, and settings as they are being explained. (All of the controls, menus, and functions are fully illustrated, to assist those readers still awaiting their Z 7II or Z 6II.) It is also intended to be used in conjunction with and in addition to the camera manuals, not to completely replace them, so every bit of information in the brief Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II User’s Manual and the more complete Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Reference Manual will not be repeated here. Among the often brief descriptions and sometimes frustratingly incomplete and disjointed explanations in the manuals, there is some very valuable information, as well as the basics for buttons, controls, menus, and how to access and change all the settings. And I will refer to the manuals for very specialized or rarely used functions that are well-explained there.

The Nikon Reference Manual has been updated with information on firmware version 1.30. In this text, the page number references that I give for the Reference Manual will be for that version of the manual (version 5). This can be obtained as a PDF file from the Nikon website, at the webpage below.

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/index.html

Figure 1.5 - Nikon Z 7II shown with the 24-70mm f/4 S lens.

As you can see, there is a lot to make sense of regarding terminology and controls, so I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the controls and displays of the camera body, as shown on pages 1-28 of the Z 7II / Z 6II Reference Manual and explained in the Camera Controls chapter of this book, as well as read through the manual at some point and attempt to understand or absorb as much as possible. Yes, much of it may be complicated or unclear at first, but this guide will explain and clarify the numerous buttons, controls, menus, and settings and explain when and why you will want to use them in your photography.

Various settings of the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II can be controlled in multiple ways including using the buttons and Command Dials on the camera body while reading the settings on the top Control Panel, in the Viewfinder, or on the rear Information Display. Or they can be changed through the menus accessed with the Menu Button and the Multi Selector thumb pad or touch screen and read on the rear Monitor. Plus the i Button and i Menu can be used to change numerous settings, while viewing them on the rear Monitor or in the Viewfinder. Explore the options (which will be explained throughout this guide) and find the ways that work most quickly and intuitively for you.

Any time I capitalize something in this text it is a proper term that can be looked up in the Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II User’s Manual or the Z 7II / Z 6II Reference Manual. I will capitalize the names of actual buttons, controls, camera parts, and menu items, such as Fn1 Button, Main Command Dial, Monitor, and White Balance. Words that are capitalized and bold refer to chapters and sections within this guide, such as Menus and Custom Settings. Access the contents navigation panel or the Table of Contents of your e-book reader if you wish to quickly navigate to these different sections.

Many of the functions and controls of a digital camera such as the Z 7II and Z 6II are closely inter-related, such as the exposure modes, exposure settings, and the metering modes. As a result of this I must sometimes indicate that a previous or upcoming section of the text has further explanation of a related function. However, there is no need to jump ahead or behind in the text - this is merely a heads-up that the feature will be fully explained in the appropriate section. It is best to read through the entire text, in the order it is organized. The Menus and Custom Settings chapter is particularly prone to referring to upcoming chapters, but this initial menu walkthrough is needed at the beginning of the guide in order to help set up your camera before use. Most all of the features and functions introduced in that chapter will be addressed in more detail in the applicable sections of the text.

After reading the text you may then wish to return to specific sections for further study. It may take multiple readings followed by experimentation and practice to fully understand both the individual functions and the relationships between functions. 

Example Images

In the captions to the example photos throughout the text I include the exposure settings that were used. With digital photography, while there is typically an ideal exposure and there are certainly incorrect settings, there are not necessarily best settings for any given situation. A digital camera gives you quick access to the basic and essential settings because they often need to be changed to adapt to the subject, the scene, the lighting, and perhaps most importantly your creative intentions. The choices you (or the camera) make depend on a number of variables and relationships as well as the photographer’s desires. Because the settings used for the example images are based on many variables including the lighting and time of day, the motion of the subject, the lens and focal length used, as well as the overall situation being photographed with a combination of moving subjects, still subjects, and changing lighting, these settings should not be viewed as proper or best settings. In truth, they often reflect the reality of photography and adjusting (or failing to adjust) to fluid situations.

Figure 1.6 - Temple Family Gravestones, Old Hill Burial Ground - Concord, Mass. The young women possibly died in the smallpox epidemic of the American Revolutionary War era. Nikon Z 7II with 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Shutter speed 1/1000, Aperture f/4, ISO 100.

Many of the example photographs throughout this guide were taken with the Z 7II, though please note that some example images were taken with various cameras. Due to the fact that I am usually working with a variety of different camera bodies in my shooting and research for writing, I wish to use images that best exemplify the topic or point I am describing, such as shutter speed, exposure metering, or bracketing. Example photos taken with the Z 7II are noted in the image captions. Larger versions of the example photographs from this text can also be viewed online (and in color for Kindle readers) here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/dojoklo/albums/72177720296609334

Updates to the Text:

Although I have carefully reviewed and edited this text, I may later find typos or wish to make corrections. And sometimes as I use the cameras more and answer user questions, I may discover changes I would like to make to the text to clarify an explanation or better describe a process, setting, or function. So I will keep a log of updates, corrections, and clarifications for Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience on my blog at:

http://blog.dojoklo.com/nikon-z-7ii-z-6ii-experience-updates-page/

You can also sign up to receive notices of any important updates and to be contacted about receiving free e-book copies of updated versions of Nikon Z 7II / Z 6II Experience (if any major updates are made to the text). For example, Nikon may release future firmware which could add features and menu items, and I will update the guide accordingly. Or I will update the guide if an important addition or correction is made to the text. Please sign up to be notified of these major updates, here:

http://blog.dojoklo.com/ebooks/sign-up-for-full-stop-e-book-updates/

1.3 Getting Started

Batteries: The first thing to do, if you haven’t done so already, is to fully charge the battery. You will probably want a second battery, the EN-EL15c, for extended shooting sessions, traveling, or for those times you forgot to charge the battery. Remember that mirrorless cameras do not have as long of a battery life as you may be used to with a dSLR, due in part to the electronic viewfinder and increased use of the rear Monitor of a mirrorless camera. The optional EH-7P AC Charging Adapter allows you to directly charge an EN-EL15c or EN-EL15b battery while in the camera, via a USB cable. It will also allow you to power the camera when the camera is in use. Note that the camera needs to be turned off in order for it to charge, and it will not charge older EN-EL15a or EN-EL15 batteries. The Z 7II and Z 6II are incompatible with many third-party batteries.

You will want to make sure that both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are disabled, so that they don’t drain the battery when these features are not in use. You can enable the Airplane Mode menu item in the Setup Menu, which will turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

Figure 1.7 - Nikon EN-EL15c battery with XQD memory cards and SD memory card.

At the end of this book I will provide Amazon.com product links to the accessories and items I mention throughout the text, as well as other Photography Accessories and books, if you wish to view or purchase them. There is also a full version of this list, with Amazon links, on my blog:

http://blog.dojoklo.com/2011/02/10/gear-accessories-and-books/

Memory Cards: You will want to have a couple high speed XQD or CFexpress memory cards. If you will be capturing images in the NEF (RAW) format, the files will be very large, and thus a 32 GB or larger card will be most practical. Nikon suggests using the Sony CEB-G128 CFexpress memory card to achieve the maximum buffer capacity of the Z 7II and of the Z 6II, listed on page 773-776 of the Z 7II / Z 6II Reference Manual. The Sony 64 GB QD-G64E XQD (or larger capacity) is also an option.

The Z 7II and Z 6II offer two memory card slots, with slot 1 accepting either CFexpress or XQD memory cards, and slot 2 accepting SD memory cards. The camera supports Type B Sony CFexpress memory cards, as well as ProGrade, Lexar, and SanDisk Type B CFexpress cards. XQD memory cards allow for high-speed transfers (read and write speeds) and large storage sizes, as well as a physically larger, stronger card than an SD memory card. They can enable the camera buffer to clear quicker, so that shooting does not lag during long continuous bursts, and is also important when recording 4K video. Faster transfer speeds can also enable you to more quickly transfer image files to a computer, if the card reader and computer allow the faster speeds. The inclusion of the XQD card slot also allows the Z 7II or the Z 6II to be a convenient second camera to the Nikon D850, Nikon D500, or Nikon D5 (XQD model), so that you can make use of the same card type.

CFexpress memory cards have the same physical size and pin compatibility as XQD cards, plus have the ability to offer much faster transfer speeds. In the future, cameras, card readers, and computers will be designed to make use of the faster CFexpress speeds (potentially up to 8GB/s in the future), while XQD cards can only reach 0.5GB/s. So CFexpress cards will likely be the preferred format in the near future, including for video use. The image buffer capacity figures used in the Nikon manual and in this book are based on the use of a Sony CEB-G128 CFexpress memory card.

Figure 1.8 - Detail of Tree Trunks and Ice-Covered Pond - Whipple Hill, Lexington, Mass. Nikon Z 7II with 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Shutter speed 1/400, Aperture f/4, ISO 200.

Be sure to always insert and remove a memory card only when the camera is turned off. When downloading the images from a card to a computer, use a card reader and simply copy or import the images, then remove the card once the card reader has been stopped and you are sure it is no longer being accessed by the computer. Do not add or delete photos or files to a card via the computer, unless required for Custom Picture Controls or other uses. Only erase or format a card in the camera itself. This will all help to prevent card errors or corruption. If a memory card has functioned properly after several uses, with proper care it is likely to continue to work properly for a long time.

1.4 New Features and Hidden Features of the Z 7II and Z 6II

For those coming to the Z 7II or Z 6II from a previous, advanced Nikon dSLR, and who are already familiar with the typical features, functions, and controls and wish to immediately learn about the new, different, and upgraded features and buttons, below is a summary of several aspects that have been added, changed, or improved with the Z 7II and the Z 6II compared to recent Nikon models such as the D850 and D750. And as mirrorless cameras rather than dSLR cameras, there will be some additional important differences, such as the electronic Viewfinder, the hybrid autofocus system, the in-camera Vibration Reduction, and some new menu options. Many of these new features were included in the original Z 7 and Z 6, and are carried over to the updated Z 7II and Z 6II.

I’ve described some of these features as hidden features, because they can only be accessed in very specific ways, sometimes outside of using the menus or Custom Settings, and may be challenging to find if you are not familiar with them. All of these new and hidden features and items will be discussed in more detail in the applicable chapters and sections of this guide.

Z7 VF-AF points-ALL-RedVette-95p

Figure 1.9 - Simulated view of the Z 7II Viewfinder, showing the location of all 493 AF Points. Note that only the active AF Point(s) or areas will be visible in the Viewfinder and on the Monitor, not all the AF Points.

New Features of the Z 7II and Z 6II

-Hybrid Autofocus System - The Z 7II and the Z 6II both have a hybrid autofocus system, which makes use of phase-detection AF for quick focusing, and contrast-detection AF for accurate adjustment of the focus. The Z 7II boasts 493 AF Points, and the Z 6II has 273 AF Points, with 90% coverage of the frame (see Figure 1.9). The large number of points, spread widely across nearly the entire frame, will allow you to more accurately track moving subjects when using AF-C Autofocus Mode. This will also allow you to locate the active AF Point exactly where you want it, most anywhere in the frame, when shooting in AF-S Autofocus Mode. This eliminates the need to lock focus and recompose.

However, the AF Area Modes and the procedure for tracking moving subjects will differ from what you may be used to with a Nikon dSLR. Pinpoint AF is an AF-Area Mode first included on the D850, Z 7, and Z 6. It is similar to Single-Point AF, except that it makes use of an even smaller focus point that is about half the size, so that you can focus on a more precise area or detail. When selecting Auto-Area AF or Wide-Area AF, you will be able to choose the people or animals options, which will locate and track subject faces and eyes throughout the active AF area (see Figure 1.10). The active AF area of Auto-Area AF includes most of the frame, and the active AF area of Wide-Area AF includes a large area of the frame, which can be positioned by the user. The people detection modes will even incorporate a subject's upper body, so that focus can be maintained on the subject even if the face momentarily turns away or is obscured. The cameras do not offer the 3D-Tracking AF-Area Mode, however you can use Auto-Area AF and enable a tracking area that can be placed on your subject and activated, in order to follow the subject about the frame. The cameras also offer a Low-Light AF option that can be enabled with Custom Setting a10, which will assist when focusing in low light situations by extending the detection range an additional 1 to 1.5 EV, but can cause a brief focusing delay and is best used with still subjects. (Chapter 5 - Autofocusing).

Figure 1.10 - Making use of face and eye detection for people (left) and animals (right).

-Electronic Viewfinder - As explained in the Introduction, the electronic Viewfinder of the Z 7II and the Z 6II mirrorless cameras differs from the optical viewfinder of a dSLR. As an OLED screen, the high-resolution Viewfinder will enable you to preview the exposure, white balance, Picture Control settings, and depth of field of the final image, as you shoot, as well as make use of a virtual horizon to keep your images level. You can also view playback images in the Viewfinder, and make use of the customizable i Menu in the Viewfinder, so that you can change camera settings without taking the camera from your eye. And you can utilize focus peaking in the Viewfinder, as well as the electronic Rangefinder function, plus zooming-in, to assist with manual focusing.

-Dual Memory Card Slots - The Z 7II and Z 6II improved upon the original models by including two memory card slots. The two card slots provide various options on how they can be configured. The Primary Slot Selection item of the Photo Shooting Menu allows you to choose if the CFexpress/XQD card slot or the SD card slot is the primary slot. The Secondary Slot Function menu item is used to choose the role of the second card slot, either Overflow, Backup, or RAW primary - JPEG secondary. Use of the Sony CEB-G128 CFexpress memory card will help to achieve the maximum buffer capacity of the Z 7II and of the Z 6II, including up to 77 (Z 7II) or 124 (Z 6II) consecutive images when capturing 12-bit lossless-compressed RAW L files (with specific settings, under ideal circumstances). The Destination item of the Movie Shooting Menu is used to select which slot movies will be recorded to, and the Playback Menu offers a Copy Images item, to copy image files from one card to the other. When an image is saved to both cards, you will be able to choose to delete one or both copies.

-Monitor Mode Button - In order to select if the Monitor or the Viewfinder will be in use, you will need to press the Monitor Mode Button, which is located on the side of the Viewfinder bump. Press it repeatedly until you see the Prioritize viewfinder option, as you look on the rear Monitor or in the Viewfinder. Set it for this option for now, so that you can make use of both the Viewfinder and the rear Monitor. The other options will be described in Chapter 2 - Camera Controls. If you are pressing the Playback Button or the Menu Button and not seeing anything appear on the rear Monitor, be sure to look in the Viewfinder and set the Monitor Mode to Prioritize viewfinder.

-Controls - The Z 7II and Z 6II include the Sub-Selector joystick control, which can be used to select AF Points as well as navigate menus. Pressing it straight in can be customized to your desired function, such as focus lock and/ or exposure lock, thus providing an AE-L/AF-L button, which these cameras do not have. The Z 7II and Z 6II also have two customizable Fn (Function) Buttons, and the Movie Record Button can be assigned to another function for photo shooting mode. Many of the buttons and controls can be customized in the Custom Setting f2 and g2 menus, so that you can quickly access various functions and settings during photo and movie shooting. The Z 7II and Z 6II do not have the AF-Mode Button and Focus-Mode Selector switch of the current dSLR cameras. Instead, you will be able to quickly change the Focus Modes and AF-Area Modes using the i Menu on the displays, or you can assign this function to one of the Fn Buttons. By default it is assigned to the Fn2 Button, and White Balance is assigned to the Fn1 Button. The Release Modes can be quickly changed with the Release Mode Button on the rear of the camera. (Chapter 2 - Camera Controls, and Section 3.6 Custom Settings).

Figure 1.11 - Left: Photo-Mode i Menu, accessed by pressing the i Button. After highlighting the desired setting, either press the OK Button or use the Command Dials to change the settings. Right: For the White Balance setting, the rear Main Command Dial will select the White Balance setting, and the front Sub-Command Dial will select any available sub-options.

-i Menus - The i Button enables quick access to the i Menus, to change various functions during shooting, movie mode, and playback. For example, during photo shooting you can quickly access and change the Picture Control, Image Quality, Metering Mode, and Focus Mode (see Figure 1.11 - left). You will even be able to access and change additional, related sub-options via the i Menu, without having to go into the menus. For example, when selecting a Picture Control, you can adjust its parameters as well. And when choosing a White Balance setting, you can select available sub-options, such as for the Auto and Fluorescent white balance settings (see Figure 1.11 - right). Using Custom Setting f1, you can replace the default i Menu options with other functions that you often use. The Movie-Mode i Menu offers similar options and customizations. During image playback, you can access an i Menu that will enable you to quickly access features such as Rating, Protect, and Retouch. You can even access the various i Menus while looking in the electronic Viewfinder, so that you can change settings without having to take your eye from the Viewfinder.

-Large 3.2" high-resolution (2,100K-dot), tilting, touch-screen LCD Monitor - The touch screen capability allows you to navigate menus and select options, view, zoom, and scroll through playback images, enter text with a touch screen keyboard, as well as select an autofocus area and release the shutter in Live View. When viewing an Information Display screen or a Live View screen on the rear Monitor, the exposure settings will be surrounded by a box. This indicates that you can use the touch screen to change those settings (see Figure 1.12). The Monitor can be color customized with the Monitor Color Balance item of the Setup Menu. There is also a new display option, so that you can view the scene on the screen without any of the shooting information. This allows you to focus on your composition without any distraction from the numbers and symbols. To make use of this, you need to assign one of the camera buttons to the