Nikon Z8: Full Menu Setup Guide For Bank A Standard Settings

(LINKS BELOW): Here’s my Z8 full menu and custom controls rundown. In it I explain how to use and backup the camera’s Shooting and Custom Settings Banks and show how I set up Bank A for standard shooting. This is the longer of two videos. In the next, I’ll walk through how I tweak those settings in banks B-D for Action, Landscape and Astro.
LINKED TABLE OF CONTENTS:
00:00 Intro to this setup guide
03:12 Menu settings you should change right away
04:24 How the Z8 Banks work and how to back them up
07:02 Banks are like bookmarks not fixed settings
08:45 Protecting your saved settings when formatting
10:10 Photo Shooting Menu setup
22:58 Interval timer shooting for time-lapse
24:15 Focus shift shooting for focus stacking
26:05 Video Recording Menu setup
31:24 Custom Settings Menu (Autofocus)
36:12 Custom Settings Menu (Metering/exposure)
38:02 Custom Settings Menu (Timers/AE lock)
38:52 Custom Settings Menu (Shooting/display)
45:38 Customize LCD and viewfinder displays
47:55 Custom Settings Menu (Bracketing/flash)
49:25 Custom controls: i-menu
50:51 Custom controls: shooting (recall shooting func)
57:22 Custom controls: playback
01:00:02 Custom Settings Menu (Video)
01:05:14 Playback Menu Setup
01:08:52 Setup Menu
01:16:52 Network Menu Setup
01:17:20 My Menu Setup
Nikon Z8 Review Video Pros and Cons: • Approaching The Scene ...
Nikon Z8 Action, Landscape & Astro Setup Video: • Nikon Z8: Banks B-D Ac...
Using the Z8/Z9 Shooting Banks: • Approaching the Scene ...
Z8 Body only: bhpho.to/3LVu8d3
Z8 + 24-120 Bundle: bhpho.to/3NWHuYY
MB-N12 Z8 accessory grip: bhpho.to/3O0np4c
Prograde's Fast Cobalt CF-Exp B card: bhpho.to/3EeYNwQ
Best CF-Exp B Reader): bhpho.to/3Mzd2Ao
PD Battery (charges & runs Z8): amzn.to/3NQqp2v
Vello Nikon 10-pin radio remote control: bhpho.to/3N6gvcA
Our selection of NYA-EVO packs & RCIs: bit.ly/HHP_NYA
My custom tripods & support parts: bit.ly/HHPTripds
Our selection of Kase filters: bit.ly/HHKase
Updated links to all the gear I use and recommend: bit.ly/HudsonsLinks
Using my links helps support this video series. Thank you!
I invite all of you to join Rick, Woody, David, Darren and me for our next free live Office Hours session. Submit a question when you sign up.
Office Hour signup site: bit.ly/2UgDaX4
Thanks to everyone for the great questions you are sending in. Keep them coming either in the comments below or by emailing me directly. I hope to see you in the next Office Hours session.
Stay safe and healthy.

[@marianaaurelio]

Seriously, Nikon should pay you for this video! SO GOOD and helpful. The best I've seen anyways. Thank you so much.

[@kevinoneill4850]

You have no intention of owning a Z8, yet you take your hard earned time to make a setup video(2 in fact) Thank you for all your input, very kind of you

[@peterwmdavis]

It’s so similar to the Z9

[@mariomeasor]

I can't stand reading manuals. This is possibly the most useful video I have ever watched on KZbin. I guarantee you saved me time and frustration.

[@JimboP-Outside]

Just got my Z8 this week. Your video was so incredibly helpful!! Very, very grateful. I updated my camera settings per your suggestions. I had to hit pause and rewind a few times to ensure I had it all correct. Watched your other video for the remaining 3 banks. I can’t thank you enough, you da man! 👏👍🙏

[@NoNik1984]

Same here :)

[@Ron_Boy]

This was Terrific, Hudson. Direct and to the point, with all the relevant info needed to understand each setting. And it was a huge time saver... Much quicker than reading Thom Hogan's 1300 page manual. You literally saved us hundreds of hours. Can't thank you enough.

[@tasercs]

Is there anyone else on earth who knows this camera better? Not just understanding each setting, but having an example of how and why it is used. This is such a valuable resource. I bet loads of people have followed through it with their own Z8, constantly pausing and winding back bits as they go . ...like I will be a little later today 😄

[@brucewilliamsstudio4932]

That's exactly what I did after buying my first mirrorless camera today, a Nikon Z8. The only thing missing was that it came with the older version of firmware, so I'm updating that now. I must say that Hudson has the most comprehensive review of the menu settings that I have ever seen. Excellent stuff!

[@tasercs]

@@brucewilliamsstudio4932 Enjoy it ... The Z8 I bought recently was my first mirrorless too! You will love it.

[@billsbenz9065]

I just received my Z8 and have watched a number of videos on setup. This one is the best. Thanks! It was extremely helpful.

[@BillM-jz1ye]

Hudson, thank you so much for these tutorials. They've been an extremely valuable resource for setting up the Z8 and learning about its capabilities. You've made my introduction to this camera fast and easy (I'm a former D500 user)!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Glad to help!

[@colmanoneill9598]

Been researching Z8 for weeks and came across your videos. I even read the reference guide "twice" before purchase. Yesterday I spent hours on your channel installing my Z8. I am a long time D850 and DSLR user. Your content is by far the best I have come across. You get the Sprezzatura award for most cool, most gorgeous, most helpful. Brilliant. Thank you Henry.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Ha! Well that makes my night. First name is Hudson, but no big deal at all. Enjoy that new machine.

[@foobar6194]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto But why did your parents do that? Is there a story?

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

What name me Hudson?? They wanted to I suppose.

[@foobar6194]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Nothing to do with the well-known name of "Henry Hudson"? I know someone else with the last name of Henry. She did not name her kid Hudson, though.

[@foobar6194]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto BTW, don't let my comment detract from my enormous appreciation of the z8 videos.

[@1chefbr]

Thank you Hudson for your time and expertise. I just purchased the Z8 and the Trinity of lenses for it. 14-24 2.8 24-70 2.8 70-200 2.8 2x tele Thank you so much for helping me set this camera up. I have been a Nikon user for almost 60 years. My last Nikon was a D 7500 so this is a huge jump for me but it is actually a semi retirement present for myself but being familiar with Nikon makes it a lot easier , thanks for making me more comfortable with it. I really appreciate it!!! You have an incredible amount of professional knowledge, and I appreciate your videos, immensely. Thanks again!

[@kengeorge6965]

You've got a great back to have used Nikons for 60 years. I started 51 years ago! I just can't handle all those 2.8 lenses!! LOL. Maybe with a back brace or a pack mule! I carry the 17-28 2.8 and 24-120 f/4. 85mm f/1.8 for portraits. Your 3 x 2.8's are just too heavy for me! My Nikon history: FTn, F2, FM, Coolpix, D50, D90, D7100, D850, and now all three: Z50, Z6ii, Z8. This was a great video. I've got it book marked. I'm on the 3rd time through the custom menu and buttons.

[@scottbarlow5044]

Hey Hudson, thank you so much for taking the time to go through this. I just got my z8 and it really accelerated my understanding - best one I have scene - extremely clear and helpful . Have subscribed / liked and look forward to your other videos. Thanks, Scott (Australia)

[@hollydavison923]

I thought I knew my way around a Nikon camera and then I bought the Z8. 🤯 Thanks for the incredibly thorough video. I found it immensely helpful. I appreciate how you explained the new technology on the Z8. Coming from a dslr, it gave me the information I needed to customize the settings to my shooting style. Cheers!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks for that feedback Holly!

[@Dispar1]

This is really great Hudson! thanks. I'm new to the Z8, migrating from the D750, happy to walk through all settings. Thanks, Arnoud (The Netherlands)

[@igorcampos]

Hey Hudson, thank you so much for putting the time and effort into those awesome videos for all of us. I hope I see you around Portland, if I do, I'll introduce myself. Please keep on putting great content for the community, we all appreciate it.

[@user-hv9ef8js5o]

Thanks a lot, Hudson, you're simply the best ! So generous on your part to do this full review of that fantastic camera !

[@paulflatt1518]

Fantastic video, thank you. Your description of the menu items was great. Looking forward to going through your other videos on setting up this phenomenal camera.

[@R.Hogarth]

My Z8 just came in and I am watching this video again to set up my new camera. Thank you so much for the work and thought that obviously went in to this video.

[@ThePinoyAggie]

Yay, set-up for the Z8. Just used your Z9 set-up on my Z8 a couple a days ago. Let's start again :) Thank you very much Hudson for these videos.

[@dalebennett9482]

Really, really helpful and well done. One of the best channels if you are a Nikon shooter.

[@VioletBicanic]

A year ago your Z fc setup guide made me mega next level my shooting skills [after a year of shooting automatic lol] and I applied the things I learnt thanks to you to my Z 8 on day 1. And I also had a look at your Z 9 guides … and now you posted this as well! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge!! 🥰

[@pamswitzer7762]

Thank you, thank you for this video. Your patience and explanation for each area you did really helped me understand functions of my camera! Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!

[@patrickmolloy6994]

This is great Hudson. Get mine next week and can't wait! These settings look terrific and not dissimilar from, would you believe, my Z6! I live how you talk through the settings. Very informative. Thank you!

[@kyslim111]

hank you so much, Hudson, for making these videos. The Z8 is my first mirrorless camera and finding a tutorial was impossible until I found your videos. I'm a huge new fan. Steve

[@susanlane99]

Incredibly helpful! Best video I’ve seen on how to set up your Z8. Can’t wait to see your other videos. Thank you.

[@1Penandme]

That's a lot of work you have put int to the video. It's much appreciated.

[@alfredvitanza2878]

Hi Hudson- I thought the setup video for the Z9 was awesome , but this one is super..I really appreciate the time, effort, and dedication you have for your trade as pro photographer and instructor.. The Z8 video is priceless and I find it so very informative and educational ..I'm sure it will stand as the gold standard for Z8 setup..I never tire to rewatch each video. Best Wishes from WPB,FL

[@bubbachua]

Absolutely helpful video, just bought a z8 and I’m watching/rewatching this to get my camera set up! Thank you Hudson!

[@salilchoksi3850]

The best camera set up guide I have watched so far - and I have seen many over the years for different models of cameras that I have owned. Its even better than some paid ones. You have explained each setting so painstakingly and lucidly - now I am extremely familiar with this new beast Nikon z8. I am going to avidly follow you hence . Thanks

[@jojones99]

I just picked up the Z8 and found your great video which I followed all over and presents a good walkthrough of the menus, with good quick explanations of each option and showcase in the same time. Thanks a lot! Looking forward for the others about astro etc. Keep it up!

[@NikonDave]

I found myself explaining to the screen why I wasn't going to use your setting. VERY helpful. Glad I saved it and waited to watch it with my camera in hand. Keep up the good work.

[@sonulukose]

Thank you very much for the effort you put in the video. I admire your dedication for making this video and helping many like me to understand the in detail settings. Cheers and have a great time.. 🎉🎉

[@barrieharwood5645]

Brilliant video Hudson.Really useful for someone moving back to Nikon and the Z8 in particular

[@Daddy4rime]

Awesome detailed explanation and setup.

[@richardwood6121]

Thanks Hudson. Got my Z8 delivered yesterday. This video has been essential.

[@robroyig-robroyphotography9225]

Thanks so much Hudson! Just got my Z8, and this is just a life saver! I look to you for all these type videos. So helpful, and I know it is allot of time and effort, so thanks again!

[@user-qi1yd6zq6t]

Thank you! You've provided a great detailed introduction to many of the Z8 capabilities. As one who has just migrated from the Nikon DSLR to the Z8......it is greatly appreciated!

[@tlillie-images]

I just purchased the Z8 and appreciate your video. Thank you.

[@peternickols2687]

This is beyond helpful Hudson, after watching all these setup videos not only do I have a great base to start from in all the banks but going through the menus really helped for MY memory bank. Just a word for people that follow your setup for the recall shooting for Fn1 to have your main focus mode set to Continuous, mine was for some reason was set to single AF and 3D tracking did not work when I pressed Fn1 until I changed the main focus mode ( I hope that make sense) 👍

[@SteveMayzak]

Z8 ready to go, thanks to you. So grateful man. Former Oregonian, hi from AZ!

[@kevlockwood8950]

Just unboxed my Z8. Thank you so much for your amazingly helpful video. It's greatly appreciated. Now for Banks B,C and D !

[@fotografsebastiangora2035]

Great tutorial! I just bought Z8 and your video is so useful for me. Greetings from Poland

[@markcatizone2011]

Hudson, thank you for this video. I am a long time Nikon shooter but just upgraded from a Z6 to the Z8. Although there are many things common, there are also many that are new. This video helped me immensely setting up and learning about the camera.

[@user-fv2ej5mo1m]

Truly awesome video, wonderful content. I just got the Z8 and I would've been lost without this video--I can't wait to get out and shoot some wildlife video! My DSLR was not video equipped.

[@jimwlouavl]

What a great service you've done with this. I will add some of these that fit my style of shooting, particularly the preset shooting mode with one button. FWIW, I save the .bin file to my computer every time I have a good saved settings scheme.

[@agpby]

Just like some others folks, got my z8 this week and stumbled across this great video. Watched it start to finish, and learnt a lot of new interesting things. Thank you so much! Moving over to the banks one now (and subscribed for the rest of your great content)!

[@janders18]

Thanks for this comprehensive - and exhaustive - ,arch through the settings. I watched it twice - the second time at +1.5 playback speed - to confirm settings and see what I missed (or misunderstood the first time through!

[@helmutsassenfeld8002]

I'm about to purchase a Z8 -thanks I will be prepared! I shoot a lot of macro; maybe a set up video on that would be appreciated. I always learn something new from your videos.

[@michaeltontoni1329]

Great! Just got a Z8 and watched the entire youtube. Thank you for helping me with set up.

[@nicholasmanzoli375]

Great job. So helpful to a new Z8 owner. Sincere thanks!

[@Pengranger]

Fantastic video. Many thanks for taking the time to pull this together 😊

[@markusjalkanen5328]

Thank you so much ! I have used D850 for years and always had a feeling not utilizing its functions fully. Now changed to Z8 and decided to learn the menus properly before shooting any pics. I have spent some hours with your videos now and learning a lot (still no pics !). Already now getting a better feeling of managing my camera. Let's see how to implement everything.

[@jurrydevries4006]

Thanks for an awesome video series (I watched all the others as well). I had just received my Z8 and honestly, in the beginning I was a bit lost with all the banks and menus, your videos were a tremendous help in sorting things out. And now that I have sorted it out I belief it😢 works superb just one disadvantage (or thing to improve) and that is that in my view it would be very nice to have the option of changing both banks simultaneously. Big thank you sir

[@neiljacobs762]

Thanks Hudson, very informative and helped me understand the camera much more. Well done.

[@joelimarzi4360]

Thank you Hudson for an excellent video. This is a very complex camera and you helped me start to make sense of it so I can take advantage of all its capabilities

[@SirIronJim]

Another GREAT Video!, can't thank you enough for sharing your wisdom and expertise Hudson, believe me when I tell you that your knowledge is very much appreciated.

[@sebastianmichalski5318]

I have Z8 for over a week, and I am blown away, as an owner of Z6 too. Microconstrast on Voigtlander Nokton 50 1.2 and Z8 is incredible. Now, watching your video :) As I need to code my banks too :)

[@andrewyeates7717]

Great video. Thank you for that. Just got the z8 a couple of days ago, so this will really help the daunting task of setting up and manual reading

[@markinwestsac]

Hudson, I'll add to the chorus of "thank you!" ... Your videos on the Z8 have really helped me so much with not just setting the camera up, but great descriptions of what all the settings mean. Well done! I love the idea of the Fn1 button being "Get me into bird mode now!" mode no matter whatever else I may be doing at the time.

[@stanybuyle4016]

Great explanation. Thanks. It helped me a lot in my return to Nikon after a 3-year adventure with Canon R5.

[@Steve-kg1fe]

Excellent intro to a complex camera which is worth understanding to get the best from.

[@anthonyfnorcio9267]

Fantastic video! Thanks so much for doing these videos.

[@willardkennedy6021]

Thank you so much for this and the other set up video. Even though the Z8 is my fifth Z camera, you have saves me hours of time and tons of frustration!

[@davidwilliamhay]

Your depth of knowlege and your clear presentation style were nothing short of astonishing. The most instructive photography video I have ever watched. Thanks!!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Awww, thanks so much for that feedback!

[@roycarter2797]

Excellent video. Concise and to the point. Very well done.

[@Trish12303]

Thank you so very much Hudson. This is the most detailed, and helpful video, that I have seen on setting up your camera. It was awesome the way you explained the settings and why you set them up the way you did. The time and effort that you put into this is so greatly appreciated!! Thank you for taking the time to share this with us!!

[@musiqueetmontagne]

Thanks so much for this and all your hard work, much appreciated. It gives me a great starting point for my new Z8. Cheers, Robert.😊

[@HaccasDave]

Thanks Hudson. Really helpful - both as a walkthrough of all the zillion menu options for my new Z8, but also for good suggestions for my starting point.

[@zahirjlg]

Very good video! I have seen it complete and at speed 0.75! Your comments are extremely valuable. Thank you very much (From Argentina)

[@JasonBadry]

I picked up a Z8 last week coming from a D750. Wow, these videos are so helpful in understanding some of what this new camera can do. Thank-you.

[@vzshadow1]

Hudson, Thanks. This video really helped me understand the menu systems and gave me some great ideas to test out.

[@baileyboyful]

Absolutely the best walkthrough of a very complex issue and came out on the other side with a much better understanding. You went slow enough with the right amount of detail. I have watched a lot of these types of tutorials and this was the best by far!

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

Thank you so much. The Z6iii was just released, so I bought the Z8.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

It's certainly the better wildlife machine. The Z6iii will be the lowlight and handheld beast. :)

[@AmadoWildlifeVideos]

@@HudsonHenryPhoto Yes, I was waiting for the bird specs before deciding.

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Yeah, the Z8 & 9 are pretty clearly the action oriented cameras. The Z6iii covers both midrange and lowlight and if a Z7iii arrives it will be fashion and landscape oriented.

[@tdalton854]

I first watched this last summer. A bunch went over my head and I never got past semi setting up an A bank. But with watching this now ( Feb 2024 ) along with ATS 190 again I have a very good understanding of the banks. How to use, how to save and why. Thanks so much. Note : I did set fn1 to your suggested Recall Shooting mode settings last summer and it has been great. thanks again

[@mattjpnw]

so thorough. picked up some super useful tips, thanks!!

[@cindyrroberts]

Thank you. Great video for showing settings and explaining them.

[@oliverhummell]

Awesome, man! Looking forward watching this. Got mine about a week ago. 🙂

[@davidgarrett6389]

Outstanding video! Thanks for the step-by-step approach and level of detail. Provided an excellent foundation for configuring my newly acquired Z8 -- much appreciated!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks so much.

[@jimt9816]

After watching this video for the 4th time - a big thank you!!! Best Regards... Jim

[@tomrockwell6630]

Took me a couple of days to watch it, but great information! Thanks for putting it together.

[@Jordiephotography]

You are my sensei 🙏 I have my Z8 just 3 days and I came from D500.. Zo I am bad k to school now with this with.. Thank you. 👍👍

[@richrings900]

Thank you very much for going through this. Extremely helpful!

[@GaryScharlach]

Thank you Hudson, this was fantastic! Sounds like I should always have a backup card with me just in case.

[@msenquiz]

THANKS a lot for this so helpful video! And thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@KevinGerhart1701]

My Z8 arrived today and your video was VERY helpful. I have a portrait shoot tomorrow and I feel like I am ready. Coming from a Z6 and then Z6II, so I'm not totally unfamiliar with the Z system menu. Still, this answered a lot of my questions. Thank you sir!

[@martinsarre]

Thanks Hudson, I learnt a lot from this video, very helpful indeed

[@MrMotoRidin]

Very thorough and helpful. Thanks!

[@level80888]

excellent tutorial video. Big thanks.

[@cheemy1000]

Thanks for that, great video by the way.

[@bernardjohnwright]

Thanks for the video it is brilliant and answered a few questions I have had. Time to subscribe.

[@kengeorge6965]

I loved the entrie walk-through! I must have paused it 50 times. I still have a few minutes left to watch. One thing I did, that might seem small, but super nice: I wanted an easy button to SWITCH EYES. I shoot a lot with my 85 f/1.8, almost never straight on. But sometimes I want the other eye... I used the movie record button. Really handy. I know you use it for Depth of Field Preview, but I'm old! I still have my 1973 vintage Nikon Ftn. Depth of field HAS TO BE FN1!!!! I've never had it anywhere else!!!! LOL Great job!!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Nice! Great idea. :)

[@anna82865]

Hi Hudson. The Z8 is my first mirrorless camera, coming from the D850. This video was extremely helpful. Thank you so much! I'll be watching many more of your videos!

[@HudsonHenryPhoto]

Thanks Anna! I think you're going to love the transition.

[@anna82865]

@Hudson Henry Photography I hope so. I'm going to Eastern Africa on a safari in October, so I have 3 months to practice. I switched to mirrorless to lighten my load. Strict baggage limits. Lol. I'm taking the z8, z 24-120, and the 100-400z with the 1.4tc. That's about all I can almost afford that'll give me the most flexibility.

[@MysticYears]

Thanks again for another outstanding video!

[@oldpaddler1158]

Excellent video! No nonsense, straightforward recommendations with clear explanations. Didn't agree with every suggestion, but I did need to stop and think about it before moving on . . . which would be the point of the exercise, right? Definitely worth the time to listen to what Hudson has to say.

[@J5388T]

Very helpful video thanks!

[@edphoto]

Absolutely fantastic video... Thankyou!

[@DjWarpedcore]

Just ordered this camera so this is great! saved for when it arrives

[@BinglybertSlaptyback]

This is superb. Thank you. Liked and subscribed.

[@maximilianotto-wolf5683]

Great help 👍 - thank you from Germany

[@robmoorman827]

Excellent! great info.

[@scottymillz]

Great information and thank you!