Nikon Z6 II Autofocus Is Amazing If You Do This One Thing

The Nikon Z6 II Autofocus doesn't function well unless you know this one thing. See what we learned from talking with the Nikon Rep about the autofocus system of the Nikon Z6 II and see our test results in this Autofocus Review. And when you learn this you may just think it's amazing!
#NikonZ62 #Autofocus #Nikon
Autofocus is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.
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Jay P. Morgan has been working as a Commercial Photographer and Film Director in the Los Angeles area for more than 20 years developing an impressive list of clients from Paramount to McDonald's. Jay P.'s experience with elaborate set design and extensive lighting are key to the success of his illustrative work.

[@SonsOfDexter]

All comments here are asking you how to activate that box. Probably you can do another video by telling us how to access the box you mentioned. And maybe secondly try the animal tracking setting also also so we can see how good it is. Thank you loads for helping beginners understand better. 😊

[@TheSlantedLens]

We have it in the write-up. Here it is again: It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@unclejohns]

​@@TheSlantedLens I tried your suggestions. It works, but I find the subject needs to be quite close. If subject is around 20ish feet, camera will not even detect subject

[@mikelopez8564]

@@unclejohns20 feet with what focal length? 20 feet is pretty far away if you’re in ultra wide territory.

[@unclejohns]

@@mikelopez8564 I've been using z6ii for a few months now. Discovered that you don't need to get the yellow box locked to eye. Even when only the multiple red box, u still get very good focus.

[@unclejohns]

@@mikelopez8564 btw, focal length is between 24-70mm

[@willoughby5150]

Thanks for following up and renewing the review on gained information. A lot of reviewers wouldn’t do that.

[@TheSlantedLens]

No problem! Glad you appreciated it!

[@ronaldpollard8990]

I appreciate the honesty of coming back and updating this feature!! Remember too that it will also keep getting better in only its 2nd generation!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

True, true. Thanks for your comment!

[@ronaldpollard8990]

Kudos to y’all That is some rare integrity on KZbin this days!

[@lcador9]

Sorry Ronald but I don't buy this "only the 2nd generation bullshit. Nikon has access to the current state of the art AF technology and their engineers have had years to effectively implement such. The R5 is also a second generation camera and is class leading. It is the Nikon Fanboy Apologist that give shelter and help perpetuate Nikon's dismal performance. Build it and they will come. Don't build it and they will leave and we continue to do just that.

[@ronaldpollard8990]

@@lcador9 no apologies needed! I will say this is the typical problem! I don’t need one issue like A machine AF deciding for me what to focus on and that is what makes a camera good. That is wack BS!!! Look bro, I am a craftsman I have used them all and the Eye AF alone is not what makes this A game changer! The culture surrounding that Brand is indeed toxic. The Craft /Art of photography began long before there was EyeAF!! Either you got the skills or you don’t. Nikon has built fabulous gear that enable craftsmanship!! The DSLR’s and now the ISL is excellent!! Sorry Not Buying The EYE AF BS!!

[@christroy8047]

@@lcador9 What are you talking about? I have an R5 and Z6 II and the Z6 II is a fantastic camera with great autofocus. I've got no problems with it at all. BTW - one thing that's Nice is my Z6 doesn't overheat - ever. I'm a part time professional and do paid work and Nikon has hit it out of the park with the Z cameras - they are a tool to me, and as a tool they work fantastically well.

[@3BMEP]

Right on, guys. Thanks for following up with Nikon.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for your comment and thanks for watching!

[@tennisshh9936]

@@TheSlantedLens canon eos r vs nikon z6 II??

[@christroy8047]

So true - great work guys on this follow up - also Nikon just came out with a new firmware that's added even better tracking to the Z 6/7 II series. The autofocus on the new Z cameras is fantastic.

[@fatherdanmclaughlinosa3215]

Thank you for this very helpful explanation of the best way to use tracking and autofocus on a desired subject. I read the Z6 II manual twice but if does not explain when it is best to use its different AF modes or when to use the tracking box the way you describe. I am glad to subscribe to your video presentations.

[@TheSlantedLens]

You're very welcome! Thanks for the great feedback!

[@christroy8047]

Great stuff! Subscribed - you went the extra mile to review the Nikon's right - way to go, a lot of reviewers wouldn't do that ;) I have a Canon R5 and Nikon Z6 II and I really love the Z glass/professional lenses for my paid work. They are fantastic !

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for the sub! And sounds like you have a great set-up!

[@kathy2248]

We learn a lot from others comments, opinions and experiences with these very expensive cameras. I appreciate you sharing the video and all the comments. I think I'll hold off on my Nikon z6 11 purchase and do more research on the competition on this important subject. Thanks!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@ogonzilla]

Great job on the follow up!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you! Cheers! Keep on clickin!

[@mainmain5303]

I have been using this mode. The choice allowed by this, puts the photographer in control more.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good to hear. Thanks for sharing your experience!

[@BowlesImages]

Good report - and thanks for the follow up. The wide modes are excellent. They include nearest subject priority and misses that pick up the background are very rare. I use Wide Small and Wide Large if I'm not obstructed, and Dynamic if I am obstructed or partially obstructed.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for sharing your insight. I am glad you are having success with it because it is a great camera.

[@montazownianr1]

what is "dynamic"?

[@anubhavsharma147]

Thanks for this valuable info. Really appreciate it. But I am facing an issue with it. Whenever I am activating the wide area-L mode (with happy face), the red box is appearing but the subject tracking option deactivates. Can you please explain? Thanks in advance.

[@christopherheer4834]

Great video, appreciate the follow-up and explanation - thumbs up👌🏻 also agree on Nikon needs to invest in better marketing and communication with customers. We live in 2021, as a company/product and service provider you just HAVE to make customer experience amazing if you wanna win in the long run...

[@TheSlantedLens]

Excellent point! Thanks for watching!

[@ValerieRosen-ix6rd]

This was a game changer for my session today! Thank you so much!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

You're so welcome! Hope the session went well!

[@johnhjic2]

Hello, Yes I to find the communication of information is so difficult, it is an art of its own. Its is so good to hear.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for your feedback and thanks for watching!

[@larrymosier2537]

This could be a game changer. Nikon needs a better marketing department. How does this feature work on Z7II? Would like a comparison between other manufacturers. The most challenging focusing on a dog or horse running straight into camera. Love to see your testing in this

[@TheSlantedLens]

That would be a good thing to test!

[@tennisshh9936]

@@TheSlantedLens canon eos r vs nikon z6 II??

[@don06281]

It works exactly the same way on my Z7ii.

[@therookiefisherman5234]

@@tennisshh9936 Canon 6 Mark II vs N6 II??

[@montazownianr1]

Most challenging situation I've seen is swimmer in pool. Even Z9 is struggling with this.

[@matheuslopes3566]

Finalmente um canal sensato. Parabéns pelo excelente conteúdo.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Obrigado! Thanks for watching!

[@630nitronutter]

Nice tech tip guys and good to see a channel say when they got it wrong or didn’t under stand and find a better way and out it out there 👊🏻👊🏻

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for your feedback Neil!

[@simoncullinan5369]

Thank you guys for a great review! Most all the reviews till now have put a damper on the Nikon mirrorless in comparison to a lot of other cameras. Does this ‘box’ tracking system also feature in the Z7II ?

[@TheSlantedLens]

We didn't shoot with the Z7 II. That is a good question for Nikon.

[@AtticusBleep]

Great video! Really happy to find this channel today.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad to hear it! Thanks for checking in!

[@alantuttphotography]

There's a similar mode on my old Panasonic DVX200, and while it does improve AF, and it works perfectly in some situations, I've found too many situations where limiting focus to a box is too limiting. If I have to keep moving the box to focus on a moving subject while composing for the scene (which also keeps changing as the subject moves), then why have tracking AF at all? Personally, in these situations, I've found manual focus to be easier.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good point. And I can see why you would choose manual focus.

[@GeertDelmulle]

Kudos for this follow-up vid! It takes some courage to do this - earning some serious integrity points in the process. Respect! :-)

[@TheSlantedLens]

Much appreciated! Thanks for your feedback!

[@kaak4737]

Great video , thanks... Does it work on birds in flight ? ( not fot eyes etc, but keep the bird within the box in focus, ignoring the background?)

[@TheSlantedLens]

There is an animal detect selection as well. Go to the i button on the back of the camera and go to Auto Focus and then you would select the wide L with the animal face.

[@thatguyslush5779]

That’s super helpful!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@hopeforthefuturesg]

just picked up my z 6ii today. glad I saw this I had no idea

[@TheSlantedLens]

It always helps to read the manual!

[@cameronglenwright4809]

Hi does the z6 have this option or just the mark 2, as I have the z6 but I've never noticed eye af working when in wide af mode. I have it turned on in auto af area mode. I'm wondering if there is a setting i'm missing.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Not sure about that. I did not test the Z6 for that. Maybe someone with the Z6 can comment.

[@NVIK5]

Glad you are giving credit here, when everyone is bashing them.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a really great camera. Thanks for your comment!

[@40SomethingCoverArtist]

Guys thanks so much for this. I even managed to enable this box on my Nikon D780! Looking forward to seeing what I can accomplish at a wedding with this one.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great to hear! Hope your wedding shoots go well!

[@andreasciarra6812]

Hi, on my Nikon Z6II I cannot activate the infra red light AF on my SB-910 flash... if i Put the SB910 un my old Nikon D36 the infrared light on the SB910 works great... on my Z6 (in AFS mode obviously) DOesn't work... what am I doing wrong? :(

[@TheSlantedLens]

I have never tested that flash unit with the Z6. Good luck!

[@jerrym8140]

I love my z62 too and good tips

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@markshirley01]

Thanks guys - Taylor Jackson does highlight this mode in his Z6 II review.

[@youknowwho9247]

His video is sponsored by Nikon. It's an ad, not a review.

[@markshirley01]

@@youknowwho9247 he does a review as well - plus a comparison with the R6.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for watching. Appreciate your support!

[@markshirley01]

@@TheSlantedLens keep up the good work - 👍

[@youknowwho9247]

@@markshirley01 He is sponsored by Nikon. How long do you think would he be able to stay in Nikon's payroll if he concluded that the R6 is better than the Z6 II? None of his videos are reviews. They're all part of influencer marketing.

[@beccawilliams9437]

Thank you! This is my favorite video on Nikon Z AF!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great to hear. Glad you liked the video!

[@forkintherode8236]

I did see that focus box explained on “Nikons Digitutor” KZbin channel. Thanks guys for great content.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Our pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@dalan81]

Given that you talked to Nikon, any indication as to whether or not any additional auto-focus enhancements may be made to the original z6 via firmware? Or do we have to upgrade?

[@TheSlantedLens]

We didn't discuss any of that. Thanks for watching!

[@bjure8111]

@@TheSlantedLens Well call them up again ;)

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

Thank you for your reviews... I'm a nikon lover currently using D7500.. its an amazing cam.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good to hear. Thanks for watching!

[@kamalyadav3024]

low price .. good camera .. 7500 .. iso ..high

[@TCinSoCal]

Kudos to you guys for following up and making this video. Liked.

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are very welcome. We wanted to make sure we understood it better and it certainly performed well.

[@craigcarlson4022]

Agree with others, good of you to come back and correct/update your previous findings.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for the feedback and thanks for watching!

[@ashmehta9601]

Dear jay & Kenneth, Thank you for such an amazing trick for Auto focus. It works wonders on my Z6ii. How ever, one question for you guys, is there a way I can set the Auto focus (AF-C & Wise-L) as default on the auto mode? Would appreciate your expert advise.

[@TheSlantedLens]

We did not venture to try that with the Z6 II. Let us know if you figure that out. Thanks!

[@ashmehta9601]

@@TheSlantedLens Hi, Guys, I called Nikon support in the end, and very helpful. Their answer: You can't change the default setting in auto mode, but the settings that can be changed like AF-C wide area focus, etc, can be changed and then saved under U1, or U2 or U3. By using one of these buttons, you can get to your desired settings in auto mode.

[@stevegauldphotography]

Great Video - Thanks guys!! - What tripod head and swiss arca plate are you using??

[@TheSlantedLens]

We used the fotoproUSA X-Go Max: bhpho.to/32HHp3S

[@stevegauldphotography]

THANK YOU (y)

[@The-Tall-Photographer]

I must admit I was struggling in the studio with the eye tracking, I had to switch to single focus to get the thing to work. What you describe here looks good

[@TheSlantedLens]

Let us know how it works for you!

[@Khordmaster]

I was hoping to see how to set it up. Also o have a z6 mark 1 and wondering if this feature is available there as well

[@TheSlantedLens]

I believe it is not available on that model.

[@subasisdatta740]

to videograph flying birds which video setting should I use and with which lens?

[@TheSlantedLens]

You will need a longer lens like a 150-500mm and the video setting should be slow motion, 60 fps that you can speed up later. Should look really good.

[@amhtxc2960]

Great work as usual!! Is this mode avaliable in the Nikon Z6 or is it only for the Nikon Z6 II?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I believe it is just the Z6 II.

[@melissafaria5386]

Just purchased a z6 ii how do you turn on this feature? Still trying to figure out the settings

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@smalltalk.productions9977]

great that you found a mode on the nikon z6II that works as well as the canon/sony cameras. what about video? does this made work in video? because once again, in video mode, nikon lags behind the canon/sony cameras (R6.A7C). any insights into a video comparison would be helpful. thanks for the effort and the sharing. i am an appreciative subscriber. stay well. thumbs up.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yes it does work with video as you see in the tests. Thanks for your support!

[@Mixfou]

Thanks a'lot,but just a question, is there something we must do for the box to appear on the back screen?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@Mixfou]

@@TheSlantedLens Thanks a lot!!

[@victorcarvalhoph]

when will nikon release flashes that focus assist lamp for z line?

[@TheSlantedLens]

We don't have inside info on that. Hopefully soon.

[@WinterEC]

What is this mode called (where is it in the menu)? Is it available on the original Z6?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@ivansmiljkovic88]

I partly agree ( 3:10 ) that they MIGHT need to give us more directions, but in the end its more on every individual to find their own way with his camera. (no matter which brend)

[@TheSlantedLens]

It does help to read the manual!

[@ivansmiljkovic88]

@@TheSlantedLens who does that? Try it, make a mistake, learn from it.

[@krunoperas3487]

is it possible that nikon z6 ii can track face and eye in video mode? thanks!! I can only do it while I'm taking pictures... greatings from croatia :)

[@TheSlantedLens]

We did not test it. Perhaps check with Nikon.

[@migueltrujillo5932]

What's that little TV on top of the camera, does it come with it in the box?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is an Atomos recorder that records the signal coming from the camera so you get larger codecs. You can look at it here: bhpho.to/2C7KP4T

[@user-gs9gw7fl6c]

Hello. I am Guido from Belgium. I found the explanation of this video enlightening, but I am unable to apply this to my Nikon Z6II. I was wondering if it was possible to tell me the correct settings. I mean what and where should you set this? Because I don't see this red square appearing on my display. Thanks for a response.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@user-gs9gw7fl6c]

Thanks.@@TheSlantedLens

[@jacintdavid5333]

HELP PLEASE! Sorry for the all caps above, but I've been going nuts as a beginner wanting to buy his first camera mainly for creative purposes such as actor headshots, self-tape auditions, videography, streaming. I am hesitant in deciding which camera to go for when it comes to picking in-between the Sony A7C and the Nikon Z6 Mark II. The sony is supposed to have superior af tracking. When it comes to videography would that play a big part? Would the Nikon Z6 II lose af mid video shoot? Or is this only prevalent when it comes to stills? Would ideally grab the camera that can do higher fps when it comes to 4k (Nikon), but would it be worth it if it loses AF? Is there a video limit on the Nikon? Does it overheat if I were to stream using it as a webcam? Would it overheat if I were to film with it? Tough questions! I'd appreciate your input! Please do help me pick out my very first full frame camera to be able to get my creative career started. Thanks!

[@TheSlantedLens]

In a nutshell the Sony is going to be a better choice for you long term if you are planning on so much video. It is a good solution.

[@jacintdavid5333]

@@TheSlantedLens Thanks for the answer, but may I ask why? 🤔

[@subirdatta6922]

thanks Taylor Jackson, very interesting review, I love Nikon Z6!!

[@TheSlantedLens]

Not him, but thanks for watching!

[@carlotamorana74]

this box does not detect the eye as in your video. Is this a feature only for the z6II? I have the z5

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is correct. It is for the Z6 II.

[@charales2]

It would have been great if you showed how to reach that configuration on the menus.

[@TheSlantedLens]

There is a description in the writeup of the video.

[@StoryUnlocked]

How do you get the box in the settings?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@dafyddthomas7299]

Thanks for sharing your video - still reckon that AF & AF algorithms on Z6 II, Z7 II will be improved with future f/ware upgrades

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yes, I would think so. Thanks for your comment!

[@aminmotin]

I'm hoping for big improvements from firmware upgrades too. With the v1 models there was a big jump in performance by the time they got to firmware version 3+.

[@Hemlck]

Still not clear to me which af mode are you suggesting to get these results?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@yaronharel8463]

Can you please give us the exact way to define it in the camera. Because I fo not find it in the menu. Thank you

[@TheSlantedLens]

Autofocus is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@phplaw]

How do I turn that box on, I am using Z6 II, thanks for video :v p/s: I FOUND IT, In order to activate that box you need to switch AF mode to be Wide-aread AF (L-People).

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@aggiesparklebrooks]

Sonny Nguyen - THANK YOU for the p/s!!!!!!!!!! : )

[@AstridMeyerLudwigsburg]

Thanks, I was so frustrated due to that strange unexpected behaviour of autofocus.... will try your Tipp

[@TheSlantedLens]

Hope it works well for you!

[@prismadonnafotografie]

I wonder why this only works when you use the shutter button to both focus and shoot. Using back button focus I have to press the AF-on button before taking every single photo. I would like to be able to keep pressing the AF-on button and keep on focussing while releasing the shutter multiple times.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It does seem to be a bit frustrating!

[@film317]

I'd be curious how the autofocus works for action/wildlife? I'd heard mixed reviews.

[@TheSlantedLens]

I did not test it with action and wildlife so I can't answer that one.

[@glennburch1081]

As Paul Harvey used to say, "And now you know the rest of the story" Invaluable information here guys. I just purchased the Z6 ii, it's on the way. I have been more than a little concerned over all of the negative reviews out there on uTube concerning the Z6 ii autofocusing tracking problems. Reviewers have been trashing this camera for this aspect. I can't tell you how happy this review has made me.......after all, $2,000.00 is an expensive paperweight! Thank you, thank you, thank you! BTW, based on this review, I just subscribed to you. Again, thank you.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thanks for the sub! Let us know how you like the camera!

[@buidoi72]

Glenn Burch how do you like the camera now?

[@davidledbitter3098]

Hi guys, How about a test with motorsport? I found the auto-focus slow, the viewfinder takes forever to wake up. It isn't a patch on my D500s which is lightning fast and accurate.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Motorsport is a great idea. Next time!

[@nwmstudios]

The latest firmware for Z6II has made the AF fantastic, I was shocked with the video tracking especially coming from the horrible DSLR video AF.

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is great to hear that it is continuing to improve.

[@frankline.gonzalez-dwindt2355]

Thanks for the video, The new AF is indeed better but, in order to make it work right, the user has to press a couple of buttons and the chances of missing a shot are hight. The AF on the Canon R6/5 works more seamless and still superior IMHO. Btw, I’m a Nikon Z6 shooter

[@TheSlantedLens]

Great points. Thanks for your comment.

[@bitcoinethereum9702]

is yellow box in focus? or have to turn green?

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good question. I believe so, but it has been a while since I did this review.

[@pixelart4043]

Great information

[@TheSlantedLens]

Thank you. Glad you found it worthwhile!

[@mh-ey4wf]

Great info, thanx. Does this option work on Z7?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I don't believe it does.

[@mh-ey4wf]

@@TheSlantedLens thanx for the anwser. And" thanx" to Nikon. Z7 i was more expensive

[@user-er4rs2jb9r]

Hi. Can you explain how you fix those box? Thank you

[@TheSlantedLens]

Autofocus is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@user-er4rs2jb9r]

@@TheSlantedLens thank you.

[@cherylmarsters6707]

Does that apply to video recording too?

[@TheSlantedLens]

We did not test that with the video. We saw it as an option for stills. Not sure it works for video.

[@robertdavies601]

Does this mode work well in animal eye AF mode if a dog is running towards you?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I did not test that but I have seen other peoples tests that it works well with. Especially with those little bug-eyed pugs!

[@tjmacg]

Maybe I missed it (my apologies if I did), but how -- specifically, step-by-step -- is this "one thing" achieved and this mode and setting set? As you correctly state, camera manufacturers would do well to simplify and clarify things for their users; but this video also seemed to leave out the simple, step-by-step instructions to get to the mode and utilize the "box" that is referred to. Again, apologies if I missed it, but I watched 3 times and didn't see it.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@shyland20]

how do you choose the box? what is the specific mode?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@shyland20]

@@TheSlantedLens got you thanks !

[@creatrixalchemy]

Good info but it would be really helpful to have a tutorial of how to actually set up this autofocus mode.

[@olukokunadedeji6769]

Please what mode is this?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@chrisguli2865]

I like Auto Area AF with subject tracking a lot, BUT, it seems cumbersome to activate on the intended target. I did assign subject tracking to the FN1 button and that works great to turn on subject tracking, but it must also be aimed at the intended subject to track and THEN pressing OK button and that is the cumbersome part, especially for fast moving subjects. I also use BB AF (AF-ON) button so it would make sense that once the AF-ON is pressed subject tracking would be targeted on whatever the box is aimed at - there should be no need to press the OK button which is cumbersome. Am I missing something? If not, perhaps Nikon should make that change to the tracking feature, and perhaps enable it for all AF modes, in the next firmware updates.

[@TheSlantedLens]

That would be a nice update!

[@prashanthbhogaraju2944]

Would have been great to know how to get those settings with the box.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is in the description of the video. Here it is again: It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@prashanthbhogaraju2944]

Thank you@@TheSlantedLens

[@Bruno_W]

So you have to manually mark a subject with a box to get the focus to work? Seems like a very cumbersum and time consuming way to make it work. And what happens when the subject is out of the box? Do you loose the focus? Think of trying to follow a soccerplayer how well will work then?

[@TaipeiGeek]

Cumbersome? LOL! Godforbid one has to actually do something with the camera like moving your head around to follow the action.

[@youknowwho9247]

@@TaipeiGeek The point is that in the current Canons and Sonys, as well as Nikon's own top end DSLRs, you don't have to fuss with moving a box around. They just keep track of the subject, leaving the photographer free to focus fully on composition. The fact that the Z cameras can't do that puts them way behind the times. Why should I pay three grand for a camera that does less than my D850? Just no.

[@luvours]

I guess you would need a R6 for sports photography. But again, not everyone shoots sports.

[@TheSlantedLens]

It works for a lot of things but not everything. But there are multiple settings besides the box.

[@therookiefisherman5234]

Great find, I would love to see it in action like sports at night to see how well it tracks a football player or soccer.

[@TheSlantedLens]

That would be great to see. Thanks for watching!

[@hans-martinadorf3834]

What about continuous video focus? No pumping any more?

[@TheSlantedLens]

We didn't test the continuous autofocus.

[@roberthennessey128]

Thanks for sharing this👌👌👍

[@TheSlantedLens]

My pleasure 😊. Thanks for watching!

[@alex.Lukehart]

I can’t wait to upgrade.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Enjoy shooting with your Nikon!

[@phantaphil]

I don't understand, where to find that 'box' in the menu? How is that AF mode with the 'box' called there please? Edit: Found it in the comments

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@seanstours3913]

Would like more nikon z6ii video footage with the Atomos ninja 5 set up

[@TheSlantedLens]

There is only so much we can include. Thanks for watching!

[@0xluffy]

How do I enable this mode?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@CincyPhotography]

im afraid how slow it will work when using adapter with old f mount lenses

[@TheSlantedLens]

That is a good question for some avid Nikon users.

[@BenjiSamosir]

can you re do this test after updated firmware?

[@TheSlantedLens]

We will see what we can do. Thanks for watching!

[@BenjiSamosir]

thankyou for the reply. love your @@TheSlantedLens thankyou for the reply, your channel is very informative :)

[@TheRealCalijokes01]

Thx for fixing update

[@TheSlantedLens]

You are welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@torstenkenning]

Is this mode also available in the Z6?

[@TheSlantedLens]

I believe it is new with the Z6 II but there may have been an update with the Z6.

[@PaulQuinones]

Super useful

[@TheSlantedLens]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@PaulQuinones]

@@TheSlantedLens I use the z6ii and I have never used the area subject tracking. I'm used to using the full version. This could be game changing for me. Again... Thank you 😊

[@genericuser77]

You said that you would like Nikon to be more clear with identifying the AF mode that focuses on people. Do you have a suggestion for how they could better clarify this in their manual, when they say: "If Wide-area AF (L-people) is selected, the camera will detect and focus on the faces of eyes of human portrait subjects"?? Also, I searched the manual for the the autofocus "box" so that I could locate that feature that you repeatedly discuss, but I was not able to find that. Can you please direct me to the autofocusing "box" feature in the manual?

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@genericuser77]

It was a joke,@@TheSlantedLens. I was trying to indicate that if you use the proper terminology from Nikon or from the manual when explaining things, so that people can look them up and refer to them and all speak in a common language - instead of saying made-up terms like "box" and "happy face" - then you make everything much more clear and make everyone's life easier. ;)

[@marclabro]

nice tuto. I would be interested with an update with V1.4 firmware for eye detection, perhaps coupled with subject tracking ... in my case, with z6ii+Z24-70/F2.8, mode A, af-c, AF-ON, auto area AF people in street photography, I have difficulties to have these yellow boxes on eyes or faces ! No idea why. my iphone 12 pro max and a7iii focus directly. However it seems so easy to detetc a pink face in a grey street. I really wonder why Nikon engineers are missing with two expeed 7 on-board !

[@TheSlantedLens]

Did you try this? It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@marclabro]

thank you. yes, i tried and sometimes it helps but not enough. I made new tests with Z70-200 F/2.8 on people coming to me and it takes lot of time before eye/face detection displays a yellow box. I found that a short clic on af-on wakes up the detection when it becomes less sharp when people, bicycles,... come to me. problem is that i have only half body of people when yellow boxes are activated so always too late. af-c single point works at any distance, also dynamic focus; I tried subject tracking and it is very amazing but : no idea depth of filed on face for eye sharpeness and very often the yellow box jumped outside the guy or face i first selected. even three runners coming to me with subject tracking of mid face jumper above heads and all faces were blur !

[@philiplewis1600]

How did you set it up.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Here are the instructions to set the autofocus: It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@TheFraziers]

Panasonic cameras have the same "box" mode and it works great too.

[@TheSlantedLens]

Good to know. Thanks for sharing you knowledge!

[@ManettiAngelo]

Thank You! I almost went with Canon.

[@TheSlantedLens]

I am sure Nikon is very happy. Glad I could help!

[@mattrichardsonsclickbait]

Interesting - I just tested my Z6ii against an R6 as Ive been unhappy with its ability to track fast subjects, Ive used every option and want it to be good as I like it more than the Canon and its spot on for portraits and in general, but couldnt make it keep up with the R6 at speed. Back at work after the test I was shooting cornering shots of pre-war cars and half were focused so far behind the door handle was sharp. I dont want to change systems. Maybe half and half

[@TheSlantedLens]

That pretty much sums up the difference. Thanks for sharing!

[@schuylerkingsland7128]

It may have helped if you specifically mentioned the mode name (which I assumed was wide mode).

[@TheSlantedLens]

It is a setting on the camera. Click on the i button on the back of the camera. Then go to Auto Focus Area. Then select Wide L with the happy face for wide area auto focus with people.

[@manilamartin1001]

Nikon doesn't promote themselves well. Most youtubers dont promote nikon well but I still think its up to nikon to educate us

[@TheSlantedLens]

Yeah, maybe there is good info on their website.