Nikon Z7 & Z6 Pro Secrets User Guide & Tutorial

Nikon Z7 & Z6 Pro Secrets, User Guide & Tutorial by Ken Rockwell
Written Z6 Guide www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mir...
Written Z7 Guide www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mir...
My Z6 Setup File www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mir...
My Z7 Setup File www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mir...
Z6 Review www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mir...
Z7 Review www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mir...
I got my Z6 at www.adorama.com/SearchSite/Def...
I got my Z7 at www.adorama.com/SearchSite/Def...
SB-400 Flash www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/sb4...
Eneloop Batteries www.kenrockwell.com/tech/sany...
FTZ Adapter www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mir...
Cheap Manual Lens Adapters rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53...
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[@gplayer01]

Great review and thanks for sharing your files and recommended settings!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU, Mark!

[@m4nc1n1]

Just ordered the Z6 with the 24-70

[@FaroukAbouRafeh]

​@KenRockwellTV You should have a book for us beginners! First video that really was useful! Thank you

[@petersymes8467]

I have been reading your reviews for years, so happy you are on KZbin. You don't over complicate everything. Thank you.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly, thanks for noticing. I keep it as simple as possible. Thanks!

[@jar6651]

I have been following you since 2008 from your website and now, I'm glad to see you on youtube. Thank you for all you do.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks for reading and watching!!!

[@fabshop6359]

Cracking to see you on KZbin, Ken. Been a fan of yours for years, and learnt so much from you, thanks, mate. Great tutorial. Cheers, from England.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!!!!!!

[@pkp5207]

I’ve been looking for your great reviews since I started the photography as an hobby. That’s seven years ago. Thank you for all your works and I wish my best to your youtube videos to become famous. Thanks Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@pietrocondolo8509]

Hi Ken, thank you for spending all this time to share your knowledge and help us. I have a Z6 and I really like the "i" menu. One tip: once you moved with the arrows on the item you want to change, use the two dials instead of pressing "ok" and moving into the options!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@CraigTravis]

Ken! I owe you so much! I've read your review of everything I've bought for 10 years... I'll feed you all if for some bizarre reason you bring your lovely family to Manchester UK some day.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Manchester! Yes! Thank you.

[@troyphillips1077]

Great job of going through these Z cameras! Thank you sir ! When I got my first Nikon dslr the d7000 you where first person I went to on “how to set it up” . I didn’t know you had a KZbin channel but researching the Nikon Zed camera’s I see you do . Awesomeness! I have used many of you reviews of older Nikkor/Nippon lenes to make purchases of them . Thanks a ton on that also . Peace my friend keep on keepin on .

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Troy!

[@danish8003]

Hi! I just bought Z6 yesterday. Love it! I always refer to your website for any camera review. Thanks.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!! Glad I could help; there’s much more at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z6-users-guide.htm

[@robertneill5511]

Thank you Ken... I always pick up a thing or two watching your videos.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks! I’m also always learning. You never know when you’ll pick up something new by keeping your eyes open.

[@SidJ8300]

Hi Ken, nice to see you having your KZbin channel. I have been your reader for a long time. Hope you are doing good .. :)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you! Having a blast playing on KZbin!

[@LSUfan]

I like your vivid colors. I am going to try your picture control changes.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Check it out, and be sure to look for colorful things. www.kenrockwell.com/tech/color.htm

[@russellschundler6559]

Thanks ... very long but always something new to learn. Ironically, much of the discussion seems to make the Z7 meet the needs of the iPhone user and the person that does not do post processing. More control, like using the Spot Metering, for landscape photography where you have time to decide exactly where you want to read the light, is one reason for buying a more professional camera.

[@KenRockwellTV]

I don’t use spot metering, only use when shooting my 4x5. Thanks!

[@krisnacater]

Good tutorial, thank you

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank YOU!!!

[@my9221]

I love your old lenses!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Happy New Year and thanks!

[@rjon9472]

Brillliant vid, thank you

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@lyfandeth]

Ken, the 99c USB cords use thinner gauge wire, do they charge SLOWER. And they're convenient but often flimsy.

[@KenRockwellTV]

The price is right at the 99¢ store and they’re more colorful. More expensive cords just use thicker plastic. Thanks!

[@stevelink21]

Another excellent video, Ken! Thank you! One question on the Z7...have you ever had to mess with AF-Fine Tune for any of your Nikkor S lenses? (I saw an article mentioning the need for this on some cameras, such as the Z7, but was always under the impression that AF-Fine Tuning was unnecessary on mirrorless, since AF is acquired directly off the sensor, unlike a DSLR....Am I mistaken on this?) Thank you.

[@KenRockwellTV]

NEVER! One of the great advantages of Mirrorless is that the need for that adjustment goes away, just as electronic car ignitions never needed to have their points adjusted and CD players don’t need a speed adjustment like record players did. Thanks!

[@miloradkaravidin8818]

Great tips!! There is always something new to learn.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you! Just trying to share so I can remember it all

[@virtualstudio_bg]

Ken is such a master!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Ah, you are so perceptive. Thank you!!!

[@bruck177]

Thanks for the guide Ken. Would most of your points be suitable for using the Z5? I’m picking one up tomorrow and hoping the majority of these points apply to the Z5. Thanks again!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes, all the Z cameras are similar unless the Z5 lacks a certain feature. See also www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z5.htm#usage

[@PMB15]

„Pro Secrets User Guide“ -> Basic/Beginner Tipps and shoots in auto....

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@mickjenks88]

Hello Ken, I have been a fan of yours for years, I still have my D700 set up as you did back in the day. I am now stuck deciding on my next purchase, D850 or Z6. I have 24 to 70 2.8, 50 1.8, 85 1.8, lenses. I like to get my shots correct in camera, and maybe just a crop in my pc prior to printing. I mainly shoot portrait and landscape, and might try to use video to capture a small amount of my sons sports. I would like to purchase just the camera ideally and use the lenses I already have. What's your thoughts. Thanks Ken.

[@KenRockwellTV]

D850 is a masterpiece. Z6 and Z7 kind of crappy; Nikons first go at this. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/fX7IgWaIiKmUf6s. I’d go D850, or D750, or Z50 long before the Z7

[@lyfandeth]

35mm native format of 24:36 mm is a 2:3 (4:6) format. 8x10 prints were always a mismatch at 4:5. So on my F2 with interchangeable ground glass in the finder, I always added two "crop" lines showing the slightly different aspect that prints were made at. Having a custom viewfinder crop? Perfectly sensible, unless you have 4:6 prints being made.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Happy New Year and thanks!

[@marcoantonioregiltv]

Loving your videos and reviews!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks Marco!

[@Magnetron692]

Hi Ken, Thanks a lot! I wish Nikon had an extra FTZ adapter with a customizable function ring (as Canon does with its R system) and the adapter should feature a small motor to drive the older AF lenses with screw drive AF like the Sony LA-EA4adapter does. Aside from that I'm very happy with my Nikon Z6. Best wishes, Ralf

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly. That’s one of many reasons Sony LA-EA4 (www.kenrockwell.com/sony/#adapters) and Canon (www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/lenses/ef-adapters.htm) are far superior systems.

[@bcBiz]

As always - thank you

[@KenRockwellTV]

And thank YOU!

[@2FLYYRELL]

Question so is the best way to take videos and pictures are through professional mode?

[@KenRockwellTV]

I use P mode unless I need to fix the aperture or shutter speed for some reason. Otherwise P mode sets the camera faster so I have more time to worry about what’s in my picture.

[@oo0RECON0oo]

Is there a way for the metering modes to show their zones in lines on the screen? I can’t tell where the zone limits are when composing a shot. And what if I use centre weighted and put my subject on the right third with centre weighted, will the subject be properly exposed?

[@KenRockwellTV]

Just use matrix, the default, and use exposure compensation it it’s too light or too dark. All the other modes are obsolete and left over from the 1960s to 1980s and simply left in because old people would freak out if Nikon took them away. To answer your question, I wouldn’t use the old modes, but if you do, you can’t get reticles anymore to show them; you just have to imagine them. Does this help?

[@oo0RECON0oo]

Ken Rockwell it’s crazy the would even put spot meter in without a reticle, that’s supposed to be a precise measurement.

[@mortenpedersen5625]

Hi Ken.......Would u be able to give us all your program "P" settings ? Thanks

[@KenRockwellTV]

Sure! It’s at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z7-users-guide.htm#setup for Z7 and at www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z6-users-guide.htm#setup for Z6, if this is what you mean (there aren’t any settings other than Program Shoft for Program). Thanks!

[@MrToonfish]

P for Professional Mode ! You made my day on this... That is as funny as it is stupid ! :-)

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@illyaswan]

Do you have any tips specific to adopting manual lenses, Ken? I've been having a hard time setting up my Z7 comfortobly, especially when it comes to auto zoom-in for focus checks or zooming in with a press of the joystick controller instead of OK button. Fujis seem to be better designed for manual lenses software wise, but I'm hoping there are Nikon tricks that I'm missing.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Yes: don’t bother unless you also prefer rotary-dial telephones. If you insist, see www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z7-ii-users-guide.htm#adapt

[@illyaswan]

Is there a different full frame camera you'd recommend for comfortable use with manual lenses? 😄

[@pixelpret712]

Very good

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!

[@lndigitalkorlam]

THANKU SIR

[@KenRockwellTV]

You are very welcome. Thank you!

[@ujjalchakraborty8036]

sir plz help me who is best photography a7iii ,z6 or d750

[@KenRockwellTV]

D750. I'd pass on Sony; I don't like the color rendition as much as I do Nikon and the Sony ergonomics and menus are AWFUL. I dislike how the Z6 handles; its a work in progress while the D750 is a mature product with no rough edges. I'd go D750, which is also probably the least expensive as well as best - so long as you don't need an electronic finder. Thanks!

[@zekirami]

Good vedio I like it. Can you copy your photos on this card to computer ?and if you put that card reader in your tv 📺 can you see your jepg photo on your tv I know tv can not show the RW 📺.? Thanks

[@KenRockwellTV]

I use a Sony USB XQD reader with my computer. Haven’t tried in a TV but should work if you shoot JPGs and the TV can read other JPGs via USB. THANKS!

[@michaelmartinez6899]

Hi. Can the SB 400 be used remotely with 2 other flashes?

[@KenRockwellTV]

You'd need dedicated cords and/or dedicated wireless slave receivers. I think therefore the answer is no; not really. Thanks!

[@michaelmartinez6899]

@@KenRockwellTV thanks

[@spirospat9476]

z7 settings is for all version? i have 202 thanks

[@KenRockwellTV]

both Z6 and Z7. I don’t know that newer firmware has changed anything. Thanks!

[@m4nc1n1]

Just getting into photography and have been watching a ton youtube videos. I must say you are the first i heard say use P mode and jpeg lol. I find P mode confusing and i use A mode with Auto ISO 90% of the time

[@KenRockwellTV]

All good. Before taking people’s advice, first look at their portfolio to amass if they can take good pictures rather than just talk about it. Mine are at KenRockwell.com and KenRockwell.com/gallery.htm and also see www.kenrockwell.com/tech/2-kinds-of-photographers.htm thanks!

[@skyrunr]

Will Crockett (Shoot Smarter) is also a JPG shooter and mostly a m4/3 shooter! There are many of us out there. We understand what we're "missing" as well as the benefits of JPG. We're certainly not going to go around bragging or putting it on a t-shirt (Fro jab)! LOL I'm just going mirrorless, tried the Z50, and am now buying a Z7 instead of the Z6 because I shoot JPG.

[@markshirley01]

Re-assign your record button to the shutter button in movie mode, it's much easier to use than the record button. Nice to see you have the 24S, I think that'll be my first Z lens.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@JohnMayfield-NS]

Down side of that set up is you can't take a still (jpg) while recording.

[@markshirley01]

@@JohnMayfield-NS I'd take that - Nikons switch from Video to Photo is fast - I find it's much easier duplicating button movements between video and photo. The record button is awkward.

[@JohnMayfield-NS]

@@markshirley01 Right, but then you interrupt your video recording to take the still. Default you can keep recording and get the picture (albeit in jpg)

[@markshirley01]

@@JohnMayfield-NS I don't work like that. I'm either concentrating on a video clip or concentrating on a photo - you start taking a shot mid clip you get sensor shake.

[@ramanna123]

Very useful class. Thank you.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thank you!!!

[@patrick.771]

Did you also notize your Z cameras making such a strange noise when clicking the d-pad? A "squishy" sound, like a piece of thin plastic or so crunched beneath the pad ... Not sure if that is normal, some other users reported that too. Doesn't feel very high quality to me :(

[@KenRockwellTV]

It’s not high quality; just good enough to last a few years till the next great thing. It’s not 1978 any more; these are not pro cameras that will last decades. Thanks!

[@patrick.771]

@TwentyEighthParallel thanks! good to know. Spoke with Nikon support and they said I can send them the camera and they will have a look at it - but now I wait a few weeks ...

[@patrick.771]

@TwentyEighthParallel yeah, when it won't get better I will send it in later this year when I can live a few weeks without it :) My on/off switch fortunately has enough resistance - very similar to my Fuji X-H1. It's a shame that such good products have small "issues" ...

[@panatela001]

Fn2 button is the focus mode button by default. Fn1 is WB

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@jfphotography69]

Will stick with my D500 and D850 for my wildlife photography.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly, much faster for motion. Mirrorless for landscapes. Thanks!

[@gosman949]

Whatever happened to learning the F stops and shutter speeds and shooting in manual?

[@frankthespank]

Jay G. - Computers do that for us now and a lot of other things, have you seen those bidet toilets from Japan where you push a button and it washes your butt? Some even have cameras and it can see if you’re clean and will keep washing to make sure it gets the job done. Computers literally wipe your ass now.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Went away starting in the 1960s when we had cameras do this under our control so we could focus on what’s in the picture rather than playing with Our cameras.

[@gosman949]

@@frankthespank What has the world come to?

[@knightsabre7]

@@frankthespank Japanese bidet toilet seats have been around for at least 20+ years. We're just behind here in the west. 😉

[@turftiger2008]

most pro photographers i know do use manual and i can use manual so fast it never slows me down and i sure dont miss a shot because im in manual mode; your either good or your not; manual and raw is the only way i shoot; gotta remember this is the internet world and not all can taken too seriously.

[@Interbeing_CDN]

I believe this video is misnamed, it should be labeled Nikon Z7 & Z6 Beginner Basics.

[@KenRockwellTV]

It's that too; just too much to put in one line.

[@sunking9050]

Thx Ken. You skipped over video....one of the most popular applications of the Z6. In fact I use mine for hybrid nature shooting. I wouldn’t go back to a DSLR

[@KenRockwellTV]

I talk about what I know from Experiance. I don’t use it for video, so I won’t make it up. I prefer my iPhone for video: looks great and had better stabilization and autofocus.

[@cynic252]

cant agree about shooting in P, you have no control over iso,aperture and speed...so you could choose completely the wrong thing.

[@KenRockwellTV]

You have complete control over shutter and aperture in P mode: just turn the rear dial. This takes fewer steps than changing modes and then turning a dial; that’s why I use it. Thanks!

[@edcoronel9671]

Hi Ken, this is a really great post, and like your website, your video is always a pleasurable learning experience. I'm torn between buying a D850 or a Z7. Both are great cameras which is also worth a fortune. ---- I am more of a stills photographer and I thought that having a D850 is my best option but the Z7 seems to also deliver great stills photos & videos at the same time. I am very much concerned about getting that almost as close to "medium format" detailed clarity & resolution. If you are to chose one, may I ask your opinion, which one will you buy first? Thanks and may you have more great posts like this!!!

[@TylerGajewski]

Ed Coronel I’m curious what Ken will say. I’d say the Z7 is where the future is, but there will be growing pains with it being a first generation camera and also the limited lenses currently available. Of course the FTZ adapter is great for the transition and you’ll be able to use your f mount lenses. I’d recommend going to a store to see both camera side-by-side and feeling the weight and size difference between the two. Both are great cameras though. I have a Z6 and love it and I also use it with old nikkor manual lenses. I bought it primarily for video, but find myself doing most of my stills on it now.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Easy! 850. It’s the product of over 60 years of leadership. The Z7 is just a first draft with many flaws that piss me off. I prefer the Z50 over the Z7. www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/mirrorless/z50.htm and my Canon 5DS/R when I want lots of pixels - world’s only DSLR over 50 MP: www.kenrockwell.com/canon/5ds.htm

[@edcoronel9671]

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks a lot Ken. Your feedback confirmed a lot and to better leverage ( I'm a DX user) on my Nikon investment.

[@knightsabre7]

It depends on your needs. Both D850 and Z7 have their pros and cons. Z7 Pros: Smaller form factor (could be pro or con), excellent video AF, Eye AF, full AF point coverage, better focus accuracy in AF-S mode, focus peaking, IBIS stabilizes all your lenses, 9fps, no need to AF fine tune, EVF and all the features that come with it (could be pro or con), silent shooting in all modes, EFCS in all modes, can use Z lenses which are much better for video and outperform F mount versions, compatible with most current F mount lenses via FTZ adapter, third party adapters now exist for most other mounts including Sony, more future proof. Z7 Cons: Smaller form factor (could be pro or con), no vertical grip or second card slot, can't AF with older screw drive F mount lenses, no aperture feeler for old manual focus lenses, auto tracking mode is cumbersome to use, harder to track fast action in the viewfinder, AF system isn't quite a robust as D850 (but still fine for most uses), not compatible with the AF assist beam on flashes, 1/200 flash sync, fewer physical controls, lenses are pricier (but better performing) vs the F mount versions. D850 Pros: Larger form factor (could be pro or con), full compatibility with all F mount lenses, grip and second card slot, OVF (could be pro or con), top of the line AF system, easier to track fast action, 1/250 flash sync, more physical controls. D850 Cons: Larger form factor (could be pro or con), OVF (could be pro or con), need to buy expensive grip + D5 battery + charger (extra $1,000 if Nikon brand) to get max fps, AF points limited to middle of frame, need to AF fine tune, poor video AF, no IBIS, silent shooting and focus peaking are only available in Live View, use of EFCS is limited. Personally, I wanted a smaller/lighter camera with good video AF and I hated AF fine tune, so I went with Z7. Different people have different needs/wants though.

[@edcoronel9671]

​@@knightsabre7 Thanks for this detailed discussion of the comparison between the D850 & Z7. I dont think any of these cameras are less capable to meet the needs -- it is really how it would fit into my workflow. This is a great help!

[@JohnWilsonMedia]

A good review of the camera features by Ken. The big problem with the Nikon z7 and z6 for pro photogs is the lack of a secondary memory card slot. No backup shots if the card fails, and they do occasionally fail. This omission puts these cameras back in the realm of film camera days or early digital cameras where, as pro photogs, we had to shoot additional images with another camera just in case something happened to the main roll of film or card. This is a big mistake by Nikon or maybe these cameras are aimed solely at the amateur market use and future models may have secondary card slots. I like some of the features in the Z cameras but the Nikon D850 with its scintillatingly sharp and large image files is a better choice in this price range I feel, but just my opinion from a 30+ year pro. Good on you Ken for taking the time put these reviews together!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

That’s another reason I prefer Canon. Look at the new R5 and R6. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm

[@frankthespank]

$100 for a sb400 flash?!? I got a sb-600 for $80 in new condition on eBay and it’s a great flash! I read your review on it 😀

[@KenRockwellTV]

Good job, great flash. Sb400 sells for More as it’s more popular for Mirrorless and has no current new replacement.

[@skyrunr]

It sure didn't help that the SB-600 doesn't work on a D500! Had to sell mine and go third party/radio/sb400.

[@camilo8cheryl]

On my experience, charging ON camera you need at least 2.5amps or higher.. if i use the regular 1amp phone charger, it wont work..and ON camera charging takes forever to charge compared to the nikon battery wall charger.just came back from a vacation forgot my wall charger,,lucky i have the iphone 11 pro Big 3amp charger.. the small charger will lit up the amber charging light and after a minute goes off..have To fiddle with diff Amp charger just to find out It needs higher than 2.5amps

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@camilo8cheryl]

@@KenRockwellTV i have been a follower since the days of my D700/D90 lots of info i learned from you sir..

[@siosphotography5927]

Good video until i heard using the camera in auto mode and auto iso. Why would you ?

[@KenRockwellTV]

I use it in P mode and then auto everything else - but immediately take anything off Auto that's not doing what I want ti to. I set the camera to follow my wishes in Auto exposure, AF, ISO, WB, etc, and that way it gets me closer to the settings I need faster. I then can make any manual adjustments, if needed, and get my shot much faster than making every setting manually. I used to use all manual 50 years ago before I learned that the camera gets me where I need to be faster than by hand for everything.

[@rustinroy9911]

The movie recording button is the bracketing button

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@chrispickett6069]

Professional mode - good one ha ha

[@KenRockwellTV]

But true! Thanks!

[@Mr_DOHC]

Using adapted lenses is for hobbyists? Yeah, sure! I use my Z7-II either with Canon EF or Leica M lenses, I get paid for my work and it's a great experience.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Glad you enjoy it. Thanks!

[@fish3010]

Customization wise the z6 feels like a downgrade even compared to D7100 or D610. Don't tell me they couldn't squeeze some extra small buttons there on either of the sides.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Agreed. Z6 and Z7 are nikons first tried at this. Z50 much better.

[@janosnemeth917]

You were not talking about one real secret, is that Z cameras doesn't create combined raw in multiple exposure mode, only jpeg. The raws stored separately. :-( That's a huge disadvantage.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@bubbabill1326]

Based and Ken pilled.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Man rise.

[@racketmeister3773]

Charging via the mains is faster than by USB.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@rmmst49]

Ken, I take all your photography advice, pretty much. I feel like you’ve helped me a ton. Let me return the favor, “No one should take your advice to buy a cheap usb-c cord.”

[@KenRockwellTV]

I know, the camera comes with a good one so I don’t have to buy any.

[@GRIANMEDIA]

Yups, if the camera gets stolen the chances of seeing it again are ultra slim.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@antoninkriz7132]

The annoying issue with no option to manualy choose time longer then 30s and with no counttime or stopwatch aswell is making me crazy.. Such a fracking simple thing, poor bastards they have not implemented yes!

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thats one of many reasons I prefer Canon EOS-RP

[@ronaldmoravec2692]

If it had a round eyepiece, consider maybe. Tired of losing these

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@Studio-FAB]

I have been shooting Nikon for 30 years, and bought the Z7 last year... BIG MISTAKE! The focus problems of this camera have made me miss WAY more shots than I ever did with my Nikon DSLRs! The Z7 is HORRIBLE in low light, has almost unusable eye detection in a real-life event shooting, and is way too slow in manual focus point selection, plus no focal point lock button!!! The D800 series has it, why on earth did they remove it??? Nikon, PLEASE fix these issues ASAP or we all may be jumping ship. Sony seems to be doing something right, why can't you??? I'd like to stay faithful to you, but you're making it REALLY hard!!!

[@KenRockwellTV]

I agree!!! That’s why I prefer DSLR and prefer canon. Thanks!

[@benboman5325]

So you’re the kind of guy who buys 99 cents usb cable for a $3000 body?

[@KenRockwellTV]

YES!!! I never use the ones that come included.

[@thomasgunn4146]

Man you're brave. Me not so much lol. It scares me with USB-C cables because you gotta be careful on some devices using them (mainly with high watt chargers, not the case here probably) or even potentially using an aftermarket charger that could potentially damage the camera if the voltage or amps were too high. I know this is Nikon but on Sony they are very sensitive cameras to any fluctuations.

[@SwanSycorax]

Why are so many reviewers, Vloggers etc. fixated on mirrorless cameras and our need to move over to this technology? Yesterday I visited the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition in London featuring the best 100 images from around the world - some stunning photos. I noticed that only 6 of the images on display were taken on mirrorless cameras of which five were Sony and there was only one micro-four thirds example. Predominantly the photos were taken on a variety of Nikon and Canon DSLRs. I didn’t count but felt that, certainly as far as the Nikon users were concerned, 60% at least were taken on full-frame cameras, the rest being crop-frame format and a few medium format. I am not familiar with the Canon range to know which are full-frame and which are crop-factor. Would any of these winning or highly commended photographers have got any better results if they had been using mirrorless technology? I suspect not.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Mirrorless is only for things that hold still. Once you get action, stick with dslrs.

[@SwanSycorax]

@@KenRockwellTV Thanks. Sounds good advice. I am a Nikon man with a D500 and a D850, both great cameras but, so many all around me seem to be hooked on switching to new technology.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Brian Dandridge new isn’t always better. Don’t be a sucker like the herd; D500 and D850 are the best Nikons yet.

[@SwanSycorax]

@@KenRockwellTV Absolutely. I tried a Z7 a few days ago, out of curiosity. It worked via the FTZ with all my lenses (Nikon and Tamron) but I didn't see any significant gains which would make me switch. I just love the 850 - such a versatile, all round camera giving such great quality images.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Brian Dandridge and of you have AF-D and manual focus lenses as I do, they don’t even work properly at all on the FTZ. D500 and D850 are superior. Z7 is just a first try.

[@CCBPhotography1]

Interesting video. Some useful information but, as a professional photographer myself, some of the opinions and information I found completely crazy. P is program mode. It always has been and it has never been Professional Mode. Who shoots at F32 in a studio? And if you are a professional photographer in a studio, you should know what you are going to get from your lighting because you have used your skill and experience and flash meter to set it up. Or is that something we used in the 70’s? Buy a small flash because we don’t need the power of a larger flash these days. What? Spot metering is something we used in the 70’s. Are you serious? To be honest, as soon as you mentioned you always shoot in program mode, all remnants of credibility as a professional photographer went out of the window. The fundamentals of being a professional photographer is knowing what your equipment is doing so you know what you are going to get before you take the picture and you can create that again and again. You can not do this if the camera is making all of your decisions for you. Great little informative video but keep to the facts, don’t misguide people with miss information and ill informed options. Your way of ‘professional’ photography may work for you, and thats great, but you are doing the other professional photographers, and the industry in general, a great disservice. Just the opinion of a member of the same profession.

[@KenRockwellTV]

Exactly; this is art and we all do it differently. Thanks!

[@CCBPhotography1]

Ken Rockwell Agreed. Generally speaking, people who practice photography for the art, call themselves artists. Those who practice photography for a profession, call themselves professionals. So, is this guide produced by an artist, or a professional photographer? Perhaps it should have been titled ‘Nikon Z7 & Z6 Artist’s Secrets User Guide & Tutorial’. Simply put, I take issue with anyone calling themselves a professional in any profession, who does not fully understand the tools or fundamental principles of his/her trade and miss guides those they wise to advise.

[@KenRockwellTV]

@@CCBPhotography1 Just trying to share what I've learned and headline everything in a way that makes what I'm talking about obvious in three words. Thanks!

[@CCBPhotography1]

Ken Rockwell Yes I know and thats cool. Take it easy, have fun and never stop learning.

[@thygreyone]

@@KenRockwellTV Hi, just do what you are doing and don’t stop. I am having a lot of use of the informations you are sharing in your books, videos and articles, been following it for years and honestly I couldn’t care less if it is called art or profession. The value is in the informations, and I have a lot of use and help with the informations you are sharing. Thanks for the nice video, very informative!

[@rohandigitalstudiosangvibk4346]

This camera is problem

[@KenRockwellTV]

Thanks!

[@howiedunbar61]

You had me until you said P is Professional mode and you use it.

[@KenRockwellTV]

And love it!! Thanks!

[@skyrunr]

@@KenRockwellTV As my close professional photographer friend famously said "The camera is smarter than you!"

[@Hirsutechin]

FTZ = Futz? Hahahahahaha! I like that!

[@KenRockwellTV]

You got it!

[@ddolde]

if I were buying a Nikon it would be the D850 not these

[@KenRockwellTV]

God bless and hoorah! I agree. Go Canon today for Mirrorless. www.kenrockwell.com/canon/eos-r/index.htm