Nikon Auto-Focus Explained with Mark Cruz, Senior Manager, Product DCIL at Nikon USA

[@rivamist]

Thank you both so much for this video. I recently went from a Nikon DSLR to a Z8. I had no idea how to work out the new focus system until I saw this video, and it made everything so easy. All of a sudden everything is so easy, and it’s solely due to this video. ❤

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you so much for watching, Helen, and glad it helped.

[@SteveGong]

I just want to say this was immensely helpful. Autofocus settings can be so confusing and really has to be explained by someone articulate and succinct. Mark is the perfect person for this. When I first came across him in the Z8 introduction video, I actually wondered if he was a hired actor because his delivery was so controlled and eloquent. Pleasantly surprised that it all comes from the fundamentals.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank for watching, Steve. So glad you enjoyed it, and that it helped.

[@zamalek1235]

Anyone know where this Z8 video is please ? Does everything apply to the Z8?

[@BehindTheShot]

@zamalek1235, The Z8 is a newer body, so some settings and options may be new or different. Some may be slightly changed or renamed, and some may be moved. All that said, most of this applies to the Z8 as well. Not enough has been changed to warrant a whole new video when the example Z9 here still covers most of the Nikon settings.

[@scotimages]

Just switching to Nikon Z. I need to watch this video again and again camera in hand. Many thanks!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Steve, Thanks for watching, and glad it helped!

[@rachelg7371]

Excellent! Mark's explanations were broken down in such an easily understood manner.👏👏👏 This one is definitely saved in my favorites! Thanks so much!

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad you liked it, Rachel. Thanks for watching.

[@frankcruz8068]

Finally! Somebody who actually knows what they are talking about. Thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Frank! Appreciate you taking the time to watch, and for the kind comment.

[@rastogiatul]

One of the best videos on Autofocus on you tube. Very informative.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching. Glad it was helpful!

[@waynetuckson7909]

Both your questions and follow up comments and Mr Cruz’s insightful explanations were great. It’s good to see someone at Nikon who has such intimate knowledge of the system, yet can still explain such technical items with the joy of an enthusiast. This was very helpful and I look forward to watching future discussions on your channel.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Wayne! Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment. Mark is such a great guy, and yes, his ability to convert the technical into the basic language of a user was wonderful.

[@michael-4k4000]

Mark Cruz is the man! Mark has help change photography from a fundamental level!

[@marthayahoogillespie9567]

Just received my Z9 and found this video! Perfect timing! I have learned so much. Thank you

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Martha. So glad it helped.

[@9451shan]

By far the best AF explanation for any Nikon body. Thank you for your time and effort guys. 🙏🙏🙏😊

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@AnthonyN71]

I came across this video, obviously later than when it debuted, but I have to say this was THE BEST VIDEO I have seen explaining the autofocus features of the Nikon Z. I shoot with a Nikon Z7ii, so some of the menu options are different, but the concepts are the same. This was amazing and I will definitely have to look for more of these wonderful videos. Thank you so much for creating this wonderful segment.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and glad you enjoyed it!

[@jessicaeiss2541]

This was great, thank you. It's great to listen to someone who actually knows the product so well!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks, Jessica!

[@bulletcountry]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! This was an excellent explanation of the Nikon auto-focus system. I have looked at countless videos, and I still didn't have a clear understanding of all of these features. This was clear, concise, informative, and most importantly interesting. I know I will rewatch it again. I can not tell you how much this helped. Great interview Steve and great explanations Mark.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and I’m so glad it helped.

[@drrobertgoldman1806]

I have had the Z9 since Dec and have watched many videos on this camera. Yours is by far the best on the AF system video I have come across. Thank you tons.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you Dr. Goldman! Appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment.

[@marylabanics4568]

Thank you Steve and Mark Cruz! This is gold. So well presented and I will be referring back to it many times.

[@BehindTheShot]

Mary! How the heck have you been? Thank you, as always. Please tell Terry hi!

[@jamesmcclain2125]

Mark, thank you for explaining the Autofocus system settings. It was very helpful.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, James.

[@cheesman5]

This is brilliant. By far the most thorough explanation I have seen on the Nikon auto-focus system. I am currently using the Nikon Z7-2 and have a much better understanding of the menu options now than I did before watching the interview. The interactive demonstration of the menu displays was extremely helpful.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Michael! Hope you’ve been great! Thanks for watching, and glad it helped.

[@dance2jam]

Actually, Michael, I have to VERY STRONGLY disagree. Now I love the concept of the video and thank Mark and the host for putting this together and spending a lot of their time (for this and the podcast). That said, let's just start at the beginning with the Auto-focus Area discussion. The good: Thank you Mark for telling us that "Pinpoint" only uses the slower contrast detection AF method (wish you went down that rabbit hole, but I understand why you didn't). That was terrific. The subsequent discussion of Single point, dynamic (S, M, L), Wide Area, 3D, and Auto-Area AF (now also Wide Area C1, C2) would have benefited immensely from an Atomos through the viewfinder look at what those areas look like and then a quick demo (with bobble head) how they work (rather than just talking). The discussion was also far from complete. For example, it did not mention the several key features of the AF areas (i.e. 1. that in wide area it will follow the subject slightly outside the box, 2. the reason to go 3D vs. WA or Auto-Area is to control what the AF point stays on (since other people, objects entering the frame, and closer than the desired object, will end up as the focus point). I know this is a very long video, but I was hoping it would go more in depth and reveal the best situations to use each mode, and the failures of each mode. That was just a little too much to hope for from a Nikon Senior manager (even though I enjoy his commentary). This felt more like a Nikon Public relations event than serious discussion. Last Gripe (and sorry for this as I just really want to thank the host for putting this on). The Comment "Just go to mirrorless people". Listen, I'm already there with the Z9. I would never tell people that. Does it have advantages, for me lots (especially with the Z9). Mirrorless is still evolving. Nikon's EVF and size and weight will need improvements for some. Their Dynamic Range at ISOs below 500 but above 64 could improve (and clearly drop below the D850). The masked OSPADF only in the horizontal direction sometimes making close small objects without edges (birds) difficult to refocus on after the camera locks on the background. All this is to say, there are so many advantages of mirrorless, but the technology isn't completely there yet and some people just do not need the additional benefits which come at a huge price (i.e. old used f-mount lenses less expensive, Compact Flash, SD cards, XQD cards less expensive, try getting a replacement part for the Z9 right now should something break). Be a photographer because you love taking photos and stay within your means to do it.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey @dance2jam, Thanks for the feedback. All very valid, and I’m sorry if the video fell short for your needs. A few points, if I may…. This wasn’t a Nikon PR show at all. Both this, and the show I did with Canon, were my idea. In fact, these are not at all any like the normal show. I describe in the blog post why I wanted to do these, and a bit in the video. My goal was simply to give an explanation of the available menu options related to AF. As I stated at the start, this was not intended to a technical training or explore use cases too deeply. That I’m and of itself is a rabbit hole. Like you here, I’d have someone say I didn’t cover their scenario. Don’t misunderstand me, I love the feedback you give here, and you are right… for what you’d like. For Michael however this did fit his need and expectations. I thought about showing through the lens, and did at one point with just white paper in front of it, to show the AF box. The issue with the bobble head idea - which is a damn good idea - is part logistics, as I’d need a slightly different recording setup. The issue with getting into various situations is, as mentioned above, you can get lost in that, and you’ll always leave out the one person A wanted. We did touch on the AF working outside of the box in the listener questions, but yes, not exactly as you meant but at least we got that in there that it does it. Bottom line, great points you make, and I’ll keep them in mind. Let me add one thing… and this is by no means an excuse - again, love the criticisms you make here, - but as you point out this show is already long (the Canon show was 5 min longer). While on YT it’s not an issue, I release this as a two podcasts - audio only and video. My podcast hosting plan unfortunately has limited space, and I need to get multiple shows a month uploaded. While that’s not an issue any viewer cares about, and rightly so, it is something I have to be aware of when length greatly increases file sizes. Lastly, my guests always have a time limit. Here, I went well past Mark’s end of day, but he kindly stayed at work late to finish. So again, thank you. Your kind, fair critique was refreshing. ~ Steve

[@dance2jam]

@@BehindTheShot Thank you very much Steve for taking the time to produce the video and respond to my freaking comment. LOL Let me say first: I really do appreciate the effort you undertook and watching the video I just enjoyed listening to you (great voice for radio talk). After sleeping on it I had a specific thought about the AF modes (and now I understand your goal and constraints). Clearly, a complete review would have to have been broken up into parts and I get limited time to touch on it. If I were directing your video, had unlimited time/resources etc. I would have shot each AF mode in "live view" and put two bobble heads (or one animal, one person) in front of the lens at separate depths or same depth and revealed why you would choose the different AF modes and the limitations of each. The main reason for this is to show people both new and experience in the Nikon world how these modes work and the limitations of each. No one else on KZbin has done that to my knowledge. I know your video wasn't a promotional video. Didn't mean to make it sound like I did. I know you did not have that intent at all. Mark was clear, but also doesn't mention the limitations you might find using each mode (i.e. a negative). I get it. I understand why. Just sayin. I'll look forward to going through the other work you do. Just know your attempt was more appealing than my comment might have made it sound. You're follow-up comment just shows you're a quality guy with great intentions. I look forward to future podcasts.

[@BehindTheShot]

What’s funny is I thought about doing the live view idea, but my friend David Bergman has used mannequin heads (or maybe the ones they use for wigs) and I was stuck on wanting that and then the space to do exactly what you say, multiple at different depths. Damn that would be a great demo. And again, your time, both watching and commenting are very appreciated. Not everyone leaves constructive comments so politely. So this was awesome. This really is different than any normal show I do. The normal podcast is me, with one photographer and one of their photos. We dissect it to better understand why they may have made the choices they did. Basically, interviewing the photo. Anyway thanks again, and have a great week!

[@x4g1706]

A fantastic show on Nikon AF. Easy to follow, great info, in depth menu discussion, and action oriented.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Duane. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lucyadventures2023]

Thank you both esp Mark for explaining these AF features, my ZF didn’t come with a guide, good to save paper, but needed this extra explanation to remedy my new diagnosis, old man-itis with understanding new tech. Cheers Gentlemen.

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad it helped, and thanks for watching.

[@ReymondKurniawan]

Steve and Mark, what a brilliant and informative session. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Reymond.

[@larx4074]

Excellent!! Superb work there guys, this particular pod-cast will be a much returned-to resource, many thanks to you both.

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad that it helped, and thank you for watching.

[@guermeisterdoodlebug7980]

Excellent. You two are such good communicators that even I understood most of it. (Z8 owner)

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and for the kind comment. Have a great week.

[@kellornmap4457]

I'm new to photography and recently got a Z5. This was immensely helpful. Thanks.

[@BehindTheShot]

Welcome to the wonderful world of photography! You’ll love the Z5, I’m sure. So glad this helped, and thanks for watching.

[@robdel99]

Thanks for this video/training! It helped a lot in setting my Z6 III, most of it directly applied.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and glad it helped!

[@dougkrupa2372]

This is absolutely the best video for Z9 I've seen great job both of you Thank you .

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Doug!

[@gwbrunner]

Awesome video. Steve you are a great host with a lot of value added. Mark Cruz was wonderful. Very detailed discussions. He really new everything you asked him and explained it really clearly. Best video on the Z9 auto focus that I have seen. Thank you!!!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Gary, Thank you so much for taking the time to comment, and for the kind words. It means a lot. More importantly. thanks for watching, and I’m very happy you enjoyed it.

[@rncondie]

Thank you. What this tells me is my 7 year old Nikon D500 is an amazing camera. I have 95% of the features in the Z9 at 75% less the cost.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Russell, Yes, the D500 will have many of the same settings / options. The performance of most of those will be different however, just as the overall AF performance is different. My Canon 7D from years ago had auto focus, and many of the same options for customizing it existed back then as do for modern cameras, but it struggled to get and hold focus in situations my R5 would have no issues with. Not to mention my R5 would do it all faster. All that said, if the D500 still meets your needs today then yeah, it serves its purpose.

[@charlesw.959]

I just purchased a Nikon Z8 and I find your video very helpful.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Charles. Glad it was helpful.

[@iainmacdonald7034]

Hey Steve, first time seeing your channel and what a great introduction! The word “awesome” is so overused, but Mr Cruz’s expertise and clarity combined with your thoroughness in taking us through the menu system made this, for me, an awesome and enjoyable piece of instruction. Thank you so much 🙏

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Iain, Thanks so much for watching, and so glad you enjoyed it.

[@OG.Mikentosh]

Sometimes it pays to put in the time. Thank you for teaching us how to look at the menu settings and read them (all) so we can begin to learn to solve our own questions. (There is so much information on KZbin from people that want face time and have no gravitas.) Education is teaching us to form our own, better questions, so we can more-easily find the answers.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching!

[@hurleygreen927]

Glad I found you and your channel! I'm a Nikon D750 camera dude and this is really helpful...THANKS!

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@k.j.bencephotography8852]

I shoot Nikon for years and can't wait to watch this. I just watched the Canon Pro 1000 17 and it was excellent.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks, and hope you enjoy it.

[@aflatoon5072]

Very nice bhai. You have taught me very much. Kindly upload more of these videos. Not a single video like this on youtube

[@goldfinch2283]

Very useful session! Thanks for posting this!!

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@n.c.8135]

Galing kaayo ka Mark! Idol ka gyud !

[@FamilyofTech]

Well… I happen to catch this video as well because I happen to shoot with Nikon Z and canon. This video you did wonderful. There were basically zero interruptions when the presenter was speaking. Not sure which video was first , if the Canon one or this one , but you did Amazing here !! 10/10. I just had to say it.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hahaha. Thank you. And yes, the Canon one was 5 or 6 months earlier than this one and I had comments like yours in my mind - plus my hosting company had increased my storage just before this one, so I was less worried about file size. Thank you again for your time watching.

[@davidwilliamson1995]

Thanks so much for making this video. You've de-mystified all the focus settings of my new Z8.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, David. So glad it helped.

[@joshashdown4431]

This is a very useful walkthrough. Thank you for putting it together.

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad it helped, Josh, and thanks for watching!

[@krphotogsstreaming2675]

That was OUTSTANDING! Nikon just released my Z9 and I will probably listen again when I get it in my hands. Great job!

[@BehindTheShot]

Awesome! Thanks for watching.

[@peterwaiser6039]

Thanks!

[@peterwaiser6039]

This rocks big time, I am learning so much and I have had my Z9 since the day it was released and now I am growing into it

[@BehindTheShot]

Peter, Wow. Thank you so much for that. Very kind of you!

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad you enjoyed it, Peter. The Z9 is such an amazing camera. Borrowing my friend’s for this show almost made me want to switch from Canon. Thanks again!

[@growjunkieradio]

Just bought my first camera on 30 November 2022, my journey starts with the Nikon D200... GoodVibes

[@JPNHome]

Been Nikon all my life, did learn even more than ever… Thanks Steve and Mark

[@BehindTheShot]

Awesome. Glad to hear that Jean Pierre. Thanks, as always, for watching.

[@oseasverduzco4410]

All the knowledge clearly explained-finally!

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RaymondParkerPhoto]

Excellent! Perfect timing as I work my way though 2.0 and some of the initial customizable options. Thanks to both of you from 🇨🇦

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for taking the time to watch Raymond. I’m glad it helped.

[@keithj30]

Great content, I have just switched back to Nikon and I have been looking for a decent description of the af system,not a video from a photographer saying this is my settings and you should change to these as well but no reason why, this podcast/video describes what the settings are and lets you decide weather they are the settings you want. So excellent podcast 👍👍👍

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for watching, Keith! I really appreciate your example and description, exactly what I was trying for. Thank you.

[@deshanchathura]

Highly valuable information. Thanks so much

[@sono.photos]

Excellent description and very focused on Foucus

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching!

[@brads.3674]

This is so helpful! Thank you both!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Brad!

[@klick7362]

I just stumbled across this video, thank you! Great conversation and info! 👍 Greetings from Austria, Manfred

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.

[@bidochon2009]

the video I needed. thank you very much

[@KevinGoddard16]

Best Focus video ever. Just technical enough with great usage guidence for each option. This is a downloaded keeper. Thank you very much. New Subscriber.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Kevin, Thanks for taking the time to watch. So glad you found it helpful.

[@randyschwager2515]

Great information! I just got a Z8! This was extremely valuable!!!! Thanks for your work!

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad it was helpful, Randy! Thanks for watching.

[@robertsmith5745]

Just received my Z-9. Having difficulty setting up for bird photography. Found this discussion very interesting. Watched to the end. I am 83 and started photography 4 years ago. Have moved from D-7200, D-750, D-500 and tried a Z-7 which I didn’t care for. Having more success than I could have hoped for but the Z-9 is initially intimidating. Not able to get the eye detection function to be operational so far. Guess you just have to keep practicing. Thanks for your videos.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Robert, Thanks for watching. You’re not the only one having issues with eye detection for bird photography. If you scan the comments here you will find others. The latest firmware helped a little I’ve heard, but if there are branches etc in the way that can cause issues, and a different AF method might be more effective in those scenarios. Thanks again!

[@benoftroy]

Absolutely phenomenal resource, this. Thank you Steve and thank you Mark. I'll keep fingers crossed for a part 2 on other settings/techniques :)

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Benjamin! Appreciate you taking the time to watch.

[@HeatherMoran]

This was fantastic! I wish Nikon would do this on a regular basis for each camera release.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Heather! And, I’d love to do more shows with Nikon. Super nice people.

[@phichaklimprasutr8230]

This is really enlighten me, thank you for both of you.

[@BehindTheShot]

Phichak, Thank you for watching!

[@Digmen1]

Wow! This is an amazing video (pod cast) Modern cameras are just so customisable, so many settings. How that guy remembers them all I have no idea.

[@mikefoxworthysr.7183]

Phenomenal! Thank you Steve and Mark, was so helpful. Easy to follow in depth explanation of the focus modes. It would be great if you had additional series on remaining setting of the Z9.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Mike, Thank you very much for watching! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. I hadn’t actually considered going through all the menus, since I figured that auto focus settings were the biggest challenge for most people, but I like the idea. Let me reach out to Nikon and see if that something they’re interested in doing. Thank you again!

[@BHFWaterloo]

Great video and thanks for all your hard work in putting it together and for taking the time to help people like me to understand autofocus which has been somewhat frustrating for me because of my ignorance.

[@BehindTheShot]

AF is definitely frustrating. Don’t give up. There will be a moment where it “clicks” and makes sense. Seriously, you’re not alone.

[@skillcubator1]

Hi Steve, This is so so valuable. Big thanks to you and Mark Cruz, to create this content and help me understand my brand new Z9 AF System. Can't express the value this video has.

[@BehindTheShot]

So kind of you to say. Thanks for watching, and I’m glad it helped. Cheers!

[@michaelkramer4741]

Incredibly helpful!!! Many Thanks!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching!

[@dr.dilipdesarker8118]

Great authoritarian resource, simply magical ✨️

[@mynameisben123]

Authoritative?

[@BehindTheShot]

He may have meant that Mark is an authority on Nikon systems.

[@johnyoung1606]

WOW !!!!! THANKYOU BOTH !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching John.

[@MarcdeBest]

Wow, this was my first podcast/video from Behind the Shot, but I love it. Couple of minuites in I hit subscribe. You take your time, have a very pleasant voice and of course the topic was of great interest to me. Looking forward to the next one!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Marc!

[@allanrosenberg5691]

Don't understand why Nikon isn't using him all the time. Excellent spokes person with a commanding understanding of the subject.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Allen for watching. I agree. Mark was awesome. I had already done the Canon version of the show, and the guys at Nikon know the Canon guy I talked to - Rudy Winston. I asked them to get me the Nikon equivalent of Rudy, and they knew who they’d use instantly.

[@raysanders332]

Great video, most informative i have seen.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Ray.

[@caiolinnertel8777]

Focus point wrap around is something I’ve wanted for a long time!

[@BehindTheShot]

I can’t live without it. There are time I accidentally go to far, that’s a pain, but overall it’s a must have feature.

[@a.j.6018]

This was so informative! I just bought a Z7ii. This helped me so much. Thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad it helped. Thank you so much for watching.

[@nikolasaev]

This video deserves so much credit! Great content that is explained in such detail, thank you both of you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Nikola, Thanks so much for such a nice compliment. I very much appreciate you taking the time to watch, and I’ll pass this on to Mark as well.

[@twinspark82]

Great video, very informative! Thanks for sharing!

[@charlesfry7587]

Great content, super helpful. Thank you very much.

[@PUShAUNE]

Thank you so much for this video! It helps a lot to get along with the controls menu :)

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for watching.

[@mehmetyalhi]

Please Nikon read this as it is very important I think many people would want to have those features on Z6II: 1. When you save the modes on any of the users settings, it does not save the shooting mode (high speed, low speed, single mode etc.) and stays as it is. So if I want to switch from still object shooting mode let’s say stored in “U1” to fast moving subject mode stored in “U2” I want camera also switch immediately from “single shooting” mode to for ex. “continuous high shooting” mode as stored. 2. Again, user modes store file name information individually. So if I want to change the file name, I need to change it for all 3 user modes one by one which is totally unnecessary and a waste of time. However, file name setting should apply to all modes. Thank you :)

[@BehindTheShot]

I can’t promise Nikon will ever see this, but thanks for watching.

[@helmutnirag5242]

Thank you and Mr. Cruz for this informative video. I am looking forward for my Z9. But these hints will also help me for my D850 and Z 50.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you Juri. Glad it helped.

[@richardbaraniuk9557]

Amazing video. Great information! Thank You!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you for watching Richard!

[@lesladbrook4508]

What a brilliant video and explanation of feature. While I only have a Z6 and a Z7 it helps me understand better some of the features on my cameras and makes me want to explore them more. Just brilliant - thank you I will be watching this a second time. Who knows I may win lotto and get a Z9 with all the lenses I would like, or perhaps the Z8 when it arrives.

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Les, Thank you so much for the kind words and, most importantly, I’m glad that it helped. I’d love to enter that lottery too! After playing with the Z9 for just a couple of days, getting ready for this video, it is just an amazing camera. It’s a camera that could get people to switch brands.

[@avielbenya5634]

Really interesting and informative. thank you!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Aviel.

[@BOUNTYEATER]

Waiting for my pre-orded z6II, this is a great help..after a lot of negative reviews on Nikon Z cameras in terms of AF..

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and enjoy the new Z6II!

[@kabgraphics9435]

Massive enlightenment❤🎉😊

[@caiolinnertel8777]

Very helpful explanation of the differences of DSLR and Mirrorless. I just got my Z9 and so far, blown away1

[@BehindTheShot]

Hi Caiolinn, Yes, I’m so impressed with what Nikon pulled off, and for less than the Canon R3. It’s the camera right now.

[@caiolinnertel8777]

Back button focus is awesome!!! THANK YOU.

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad you liked it. I tried going back as an experiment… nope, never.

[@jerryhammond373]

Nicely done. Answered some key questions.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Jerry. Glad it helped.

[@thewoodster]

Absolutely amazing and informative video. I changed from my D750 to the Z6ii last week and now how so much more insight and confidence about how to make the focus system work for me. Many thanks.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching Richard. Glad it helped.

[@BHFWaterloo]

@BehindTheShot I’m sorry. You video is awesome and I’m deleting my terrible comments.

[@BudBetz]

Great show Steve! Picked up some good tips and techniques. 2.0 is a Beast!!!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Bud. Really appreciate you taking the time to watch, and for the nice words (needed those today, hahaha). I’m shocked with what they included in 2.0. It could be I’m shocked they left so much out to start too I guess, but man. It’s a lot of value add.

[@BudBetz]

@@BehindTheShot I think it was a delivery of what they originally planned to deliver at launch, but we’re unable to complete by the date. Z9 is a powerhouse as launched and just got better with 2.0’s completion.

[@BehindTheShot]

I agree 100%. The firmware 2.0, and of course for the right user, this is definitely one of the best cameras in the market today.

[@pixels1497]

Thanks guys. I use a d810 and this has also demystified some settings for me. Great to actually see the menus and that they are similar to older models too.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and glad it helped.

[@outfield1988]

Love Nikon and this video is really helpful.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, Roy. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@pierrenadal217]

Une excellent video. Un grand merci.

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching, Pierre.

[@mahlong2809]

Very informative. Thanks.

[@BehindTheShot]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for Watching!

[@gerhard963]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📽️ Nikon erklärt den Autofokus auf Nikon-Kameras. 00:32 📋 Der Fokus-Modus auf Nikon-Kameras: AF-S (Einzel-Autofokus) und AFC (kontinuierlicher Autofokus). 01:56 🎯 Mirrorless Kameras haben Vorteile bei der Fokussierung und Objekterkennung. 04:00 🔍 Die Rolle des Produktmanagers bei Nikon und Übersetzung von Ingenieur- zu Alltagssprache. 09:22 🚀 Fortschritte bei der Spiegellosen Kameratechnologie und ihre Auswirkungen auf die Fokussierung. 14:22 🎯 Fokusbereichsoptionen auf Nikon Kameras: Einzel-Autofokus, Dynamischer Bereich und Weitbereich. 21:21 🔀 3D-Tracking ermöglicht das Folgen eines sich bewegenden Motivs in Echtzeit für bessere Kompositionen. 21:36 📷 Autofokus-Verfolgung in Nikon-Kameras ermöglicht das Festhalten eines Fokuspunkts, selbst wenn Hindernisse vorübergehend die Sicht versperren. 22:45 🎯 Auto Area AF nutzt den gesamten Bildrahmen und erkennt automatisch Personen, Tiere und Fahrzeuge. Es kann jedoch auch auf spezifische Erkennungsoptionen eingestellt werden. 25:56 ⏳ Die Wahl zwischen verschiedenen AF-Einstellungen kann die Arbeitsweise und Geschwindigkeit der Kamera beeinflussen. Für schnelle Reaktionen kann die Einstellung "People" nützlich sein. 28:42 💡 Anpassung der AF-Einstellungen in der Kamera kann dazu beitragen, die Bildqualität und den Erfolg von Aufnahmen zu verbessern. Dies ist besonders relevant für fortgeschrittene Fotografen. 39:24 🔒 Rücktastenfokus (Back Button Focus) ermöglicht es, den Auslöser von der Autofokusfunktion zu trennen und so die Fokusebene beizubehalten, ohne erneut fokussieren zu müssen. Dies kann in bestimmten Situationen sehr nützlich sein. 44:12 🎯 Die Möglichkeit, den Fokuspunkt mit "Auto Area AF" zu finden und dann mit einem einzelnen Fokuspunkt präzise darauf zu fokussieren, ermöglicht präzises und schnelles Fokussieren. 46:30 🎮 Die Möglichkeit, AF-Bereichsauswahl auf die benötigten Optionen zu beschränken, spart Zeit und erleichtert die Bedienung. 49:30 🔄 Fokus-Punktwicklung ermöglicht es, bei Erreichen des Bildrahmens nahtlos auf die andere Seite des Rahmens zu gelangen. 50:24 🟩 Die Einstellung "Fokus-Punkte anzeigen" ermöglicht das Anzeigen eines Quadrats, um die Schärfe auch im manuellen Fokusmodus zu überprüfen. 51:33 🔦 Der "Eingebaute AF Assist Illuminator" hilft dem Autofokus, in dunklen Umgebungen zu funktionieren, und kann ein- oder ausgeschaltet werden. 52:45 🌈 "Fokus Peaking" ist eine nützliche Funktion für die manuelle Scharfeinstellung und kann in Bezug auf Empfindlichkeit und Farbe angepasst werden. 55:32 🚫 Deaktivieren des manuellen Fokus-Rings im AF-Modus, um unabsichtliche Eingriffe in den Autofokus zu verhindern. 01:04:14 ✨ Der "i-Button" kann verwendet werden, um schnell auf wichtige Einstellungen, einschließlich des Autofokus, zuzugreifen. 01:05:24 🎞️ Die Möglichkeit, die Funktionstaste für das Abrufen von Aufnahmefunktionen zu verwenden, ermöglicht das schnelle Wechseln zwischen verschiedenen Aufnahmemodi, je nach Bedarf. 01:06:05 🔀 Anpassung der Funktionstaste, um die bevorzugte AF-Bereichsauswahl aufzurufen und Zeit zu sparen. 01:07:43 📷 Auto Focus Customization: In Nikon Z9 firmware 2.0, you can customize your camera's settings for auto focus, and there's an option to recall shooting functions without holding down a button, enhancing your shooting experience. 01:09:22 🎯 Custom Wide Area Auto Focus: With Nikon Z9, you can create custom shapes and boxes for your focus area, allowing for precise focus selection in various orientations, such as vertical or horizontal, making it ideal for sports photography, for example. 01:11:02 📷 Face and Eye Detection: To address issues with Face and Eye Detection in wide area focus mode, you can narrow the focusbox to help maintain focus within your intended subject. 01:18:11 📽️ Video Focus Tips: In video mode, you can adjust the speed of focus pulling and use the "Auto Focus Full Time" (AFF) feature for continuous auto focus during video recording. 01:20:57 🏈 Sports Photography Tip: Consider setting a custom white balance for different arenas to maintain color accuracy, and 3D tracking can be useful in fast-paced sports like football. 01:21:38 🎶 Favorite Artist: Mark mentioned Tupac Shakur as his current favorite artist. 01:21:52 ☕ Favorite Drink: Mark's favorite drink is Tim Hortons' Ice Capp, being Canadian. 01:23:02 📷 Photographer Recommendation: Andrew Hancock, a sports photographer who excels in artistic in-camera multiple exposure work. 01:23:31 📱 Social Media: You can connect with Mark Cruz and Nikon USA on various socialmedia platforms, including Instagram (@summa_cruz_laude), Twitter, Facebook, and KZbin, all under the handle @NikonUSA. Made with HARPA AI

[@BehindTheShot]

Wow. Thanks. Note all of these chapters already exist, and more in English.

[@pally979]

It was excellent and very insightful.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Pally.

[@v-gc7257]

Well explained! Been looking for this explanation. Thanks

[@BehindTheShot]

So glad that you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching.

[@ylt5986]

Excellent Video. Very informative..!!

[@BehindTheShot]

Thank you! Appreciate you watching.

[@Bigtex124]

Very helpful and informative re: Z6. Thank you.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks Patrick!

[@MrFreakwent]

Fantastic, fully detailed.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching.

[@outfield1988]

I have a Z 50 and love it but I will always continue to use my old DSLRs.The D3 is the best camera ever made and will never stop using it.Wish I had the money to buy a Z 9 .

[@BehindTheShot]

Hey Roy, Oh yeah. The D3 is / was awesome! Still, if you ever get to use a Z9 I think you find it’s pretty insane.

[@kvfrank]

I went to the website you noted, and found this episode but no show notes. Am I doing something wrong? Great video, massive amount of information.

[@BehindTheShot]

Thanks for watching, and so glad you liked it. The link is below. To be clear, by show notes I mean a bit I wrote about my guest, and any relevant links. If you’re looking for a transcript, I unfortunately don’t have those on the site. behindtheshot.tv/2022/04/21/nikon-auto-focus-explained/

[@BehindTheShot]

Also, KZbin does have an auto-transcript if needed.

[@AMGOSUK]

Absolutely fascinating - watched with my Z9 and have changed some settings

[@BehindTheShot]

Awesome, thanks for your time Andy. Appreciate you watching, and glad it helped with some settings.

[@DavidKim-rs3fp]

Great content which I was looking for

[@alihamiad7849]

Well done guys

[@margot6041]

This is a great program!