Setting Up My Nikon Z6 II With The Best Settings

Full setup of my new Nikon Z6 II. The best settings to use, and what I personally change as a wedding photographer, portrait photographer, and landscape photographer. This is kind of a user guide for the Z 6II - but a real life one.
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/ taylorjackson
#photography #nikon #nikonz6ii

[@sergiopaulino859]

I have D700 , when I saw you going through the Z6 II menu it´s so familiar , that´s what I like about Nikon you don´t need spend months until you get use to the menu has other brands has.

[@MD-qp8gj]

Ordered my z7ii but told my wife I was going g to sell a bunch of gear to offset the price, and she bought it👍.

[@tolik3149]

Let me know when you are in the dog house!! LOL I am planning to say the same thing!! LOL

[@trinkfix]

I sold my Sony stuff for my Z6II Haha

[@benbraybrooke5808]

@@trinkfix I wonder if many other Sony shooters will jump! I am fed up of people telling me to jump to Sony, I tried it but didnt like the ergonomics :(

[@trinkfix]

@@benbraybrooke5808 almost two years ago I wanted a mirrorless so bad. Coming from a D750 the Z6 would be perfect but not with just one card slot. My concern about to lose data or the card after a wedding was to big. So I decide to give the a7III a try. Don’t get me wrong it is excellent cam but it didn’t feel right on my hands. Now I have the z6II and it feels like home. Haha

[@benbraybrooke5808]

@@trinkfix that's great! I'm pretty much in the same boat, I'm a wedding shooter too. Didn't like the one slot on the z6 either. I was willing to give Nikon a chance to step up with a new release, looks like they've done that! Will be replacing one of my 750's with the z6 II in the new year 😋

[@flyawaywithme9920]

Got myself a z6ii after watching some of your other videos. This setup guide is just what I needed too. Thanks dude!

[@leonmullingscreative]

8:17 another awesome Nikon only feature is you can set the playback to only show images from the current (or specified) folder. This is such an underrated feature, when reviewing images on the back of the LCD we always never want to scroll into another folder from another shoot - it is always embarrassing to say the least. I wish ever other camera brand will adapt this file system.

[@bradgingerich6814]

Great video Taylor, as a wedding photographer this is so helpful! I just went to my local camera store to pick up a Z6 ii this evening...they were out of stock but have a shipment coming in next week!

[@Raevenswood]

Man great job with this channel concise and professional info always.

[@cameracameras]

Thanks for the help Taylor. My Z6ii arrived this morning. After using my beloved D700 I'm nervous to say the least but excited at the same time.

[@thankyouforhearingme]

BJ Photo Labs is THE BEST camera shop ever. I’ve shopped there exclusively for 8 years. I’m so glad they’re local to me. The most wonderful, family owned business. A Canadian treasure.

[@gigglebees]

AWESOME. Just got my new z6ii… this was SO.VERY.HELPFUL. Thank you for taking the time!

[@oliverlane4050]

Thank you, some really great tips, just starting doing weddings again so really useful!

[@seanstours3913]

Just received my nikon z6ii! And watching your video to set it up now!!

[@BarrieHarley]

We just bought a z6ii (waiting for delivery) and can't wait to start shooting on it. Thank you for this video, super helpful!

[@ivondavid]

thank you Taylor, for that Very Insightful information.

[@jimrainer8658]

Just treated myself to one of these. Can’t wait to get going with it. Excellent video. 👏🏻

[@colettelau9101]

just want I needed a FULL over view of this camera changing from D750. I feel better now :) learned A LOT it was a GREAT help

[@zoomboy_fwi]

Mine is coming very soon, very excited about it.

[@adrianvanleeuwen]

Active D Lighting set to high while in movie mode could open up the dark shadows with more detail and exposure in shadows, would be useful for video capture in bright sunny weather and maybe indoors in dim lighting. Kind of like Flat Picture file (although not as aggressive as that) and might save having to use that and N log setting. Thanks for a very useful tip.

[@user-oj8ss4zq3x]

I just followed this to set my camera up. Thank you so much. I’m coming from a d300 and my mind has been blown.

[@randybocksnick3750]

TAYLOR-- Great video as always! I will get my ZII tomorrow, I'm so excited! Randy B.(Montana)

[@AlanHoey86]

Perfect timing, just received mine an hour ago :)

[@Agora1981]

Enjoy. I envy You.

[@fran0602]

Just curious where did you order from and where are you located? I got a delay on my order through Best Buy in the U.S. (Texas).

[@tennismaster6640]

Nikon z6ii vs canon eos r vs canon eos rp for my first camera??

[@ducatilex]

Thanks a lot Taylor for your honest review and explanation on the Z6II. I was in the proces of swapping my Canon 6D for a full frame mirrorless. I was in doubt which camera to get (A7III, Canon R6 or the Z6II). But just pre-ordered the Z6II after seeing some of your video's. Seems a solid camera and I like the fact that I start with a brand new body instead of one that is on the market for two years already. Can't wait to play with it. Thinking of starting with the 85mm 1.8 (as that was one of my favorite lenses on my 6D too) and add the 35mm 1.8 and 50mm 1.8 later on.

[@JayDyontale]

Much love from The Bahamas. Those blue waters cant hide.

[@RichThul]

Hey Taylor, just wanted to say a quick thank you, this was a great video. I now have my Z6ii setup and ready for my first shoot. Great video.

[@maddawgzzzz]

nice how did the first shoot go bro

[@brittanyforgette4524]

Hey! Loved this video but in case any wedding photographers see this- do not put your silent shutter on. If the venue has LED lights it will cause clipping of the lighting in your photos!

[@DayumMarq]

a fun setting to have is F5.. you can change your back command dial to scroll through the menus or photos in playback.. its kind of the Nikon version of the canon or Sony wheel. it helps a lot with usability.

[@bryanbuff]

I’m coming from Canon, and it’ll take me awhile to get used to the back wheel not being a zoom wheel in playback. :)

[@valioso78]

Thank you for this vid, very helpful

[@vincenttilman]

Thanks so much, this video helped out a lot!

[@jimrocks73]

Thanks for the video, a great help

[@Richard-ck5zk]

After being a Nikon user for years, I dabbled into the Fujifilm world and just couldn't get used to it and lost my enjoyment of photography. So just picked up a Z6ii and keen to get back into it!

[@zoroteekanne7470]

Really helpful! My Z6 II arrives in a few days :)

[@tabishshaikh6402]

Thanks for the great video

[@EdwardKilner]

2nd viewing, been setting mine up and appreciated you saying “why” you did things. I can recommend Thom Hogan’s Guide to Z6 + Z7, hope he will update it, but really, not all that different. Again, he goes into why things need to be set. You might enjoy his sections on flash, which is a lot more complex than most folks might think.

[@janocolcerniani8147]

Excelente explicación. Gracias.

[@borocotochacha]

When changing lenses in such environment, to avoid sensor getting dirty, I remove battery with camera on. There the shutters comes down. Have been doing this with a Z6 when necessary. Actually at 200000 + actuations with no issues (neither no XQD/CFexpress fail). Thank you Taylor!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Whoa that actually works. That is really confusing haha

[@borocotochacha]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto It´s should be just a firmware update to get that shutter down haha. Salute from Uruguay!!

[@tibo328]

Awesome advice thanks, I thought it only work with canon, good to know that for z6 also

[@timk8258]

That is a very bad idea and could damage your camera based on the experience of others that I’ve come across.

[@vinhsanity]

I can't remember what forum I read this on, but that's what I do too. Great info to pass onto users.

[@robertanderson7969]

Thank you, thank you for all the info for setting up my shooting menu. Saves me purchasing a 2" thick book that gives pages and pages of unnecessary info.

[@baljindersinghsidhu3959]

I bought pre-used Z6ii with 528 clicks.. it's awesome cam..❤loved it.. i have to sell bunch of F mount to get Z lenses.. thanks for the video❤

[@StanleyVB_20]

I went up the Pansasonic route with the S5 and these videos easily allow you to compare user interface and functionality across different cameras. Great cameras all round but no buyer's remorse here thankfully. I share most of the settings preferences and will use the image size (crop) more often as you suggest. Thank you.

[@mvpfi]

I'm just starting to move from S5 -> Z6ii. From the moment I started to learn Z6ii I felt like home. S5 is a great one, but what it comes to stills, not too handy. One thing I found in S5 that seems to be missing with Z6ii is that with Z6ii I wouldn't like to leave image preview on in EVF. It has a nasty delay, which makes it about useless. S5 had an instant feedback in EVF. I enjoyed setting it showing image preview in EVF for just a second. It was great in studio work where you could see the expression (like eyes open) or other errors (reflection on glasses) immediately and without leaving the EVF. Even better, if you were shooting faster than 1 pic per second, the preview got faster, too. Other than that I'm really looking forward my journey with Nikon. It feels so good to have a camera again that is actually made for shooting stills.

[@D_L_J_83]

Wow that straight out of camera footage from that wedding looks great. Is it possible to adjust the shadow and highlight rolloff like the Fuji cameras?

[@caroldavis5921]

Thanks for this! And I can't believe there's someone out there with more Patagonia jackets than me.

[@cindyfields6076]

Thanks very helpful

[@nabilreza74]

No haven't purchased a z6ii never will be able to. But wish to purchase some day ! Just watching your video coz i love to watch them.

[@Reaganwright24]

So helpful!!

[@s2pouls]

Love the content! We’re having issues with Adobe not supporting NEF 14 bit compressed, so we are not able to open or edit any of our photos. Have you had issues here? Do we actually just wait on the Adobe DNG converter or Lightroom to be compatible?

[@TheEddiecooldude]

I’ve been using my friends camera to shoot weddings. I’m hoping now I can get a z6 so I can do more!

[@stuartcrawford114]

Thanks for the videos, they made up my mind to buy the z6ii over the canon R6

[@rolandrick]

Thanks for the setting hints 🙏5:30, that closed shutter blades are kinda urban legend they will protect your sensor. The shutter blades are the most fragile part of the camera, you may destroy them even by the touch of a feather and that may end in an expensive repair. Sony offers it as an option (!!!) to the 9M2, so you can decide yourself if you want the blades closed or open when powered off. My Leica M10 has it by default closed, you may not change it like on the 9M2 and guess what: it has more dust on the sensor like my Z6 and 9M2. I make a guess: it’s more important how the camera (brand) handles static electricity on the sensor. If that is avoided you are (almost) dust free also in dusty environment (common sense: of course this will not be like so in a desert sand storm, camera fully exposed to it and then changing the lens), if not, there is always dust on the sensor.

[@mountainfrost7095]

Thanks for advice, Just got my Z6ii after lot of thinking. Coming from D700 i wanted to stick to Nikon. Atleast focusing will be lot stressless and looks more user friendly than older models.

[@coreycarter9752]

Thank you for the informative video. I'm on the fence between the Z5 and slightly used z6ii. I am a hobbyist with a nikon dslr and some decent glass, tamron 2.8 24-70 ; 70-200. Which body would you recommend? Thank you for your insight!

[@bjsullivan1]

Thanks! Did not know about the ISO button and front dial trick! Question. At 22:54, your exposure meter (and settings) are on the right of the viewfinder? Not seeing this on my Z6ii. Something I’m missing. Thnx.

[@Emma-mp3gw]

Thank you!!

[@KartikeyTanna]

Hey thanks for great video. Question: How did you record the menu? The camera does not send any output through my video capture card when I press the camera menu button.

[@stefaniokamoto3386]

SO incredibly helpful! Question that I didn't see you cover - is there a way to extend or turn off the auto-shut off time for the camera? I shoot lacrosse games (not professionally), and when shooting one player - sometimes there's a lag in between when I shoot, and the camera turns off. Pressing the button turns it back on, but there's a bit of a delay, and I'm missing shots because of it. Also - What ISO speed should I have my camera set at for sports/lacrosse (continuous) photos? I have it set at 800 now. Thanks!

[@laurencegrant2882]

Nice one :) Really straight forwards as an old Nikon user. My one question ..... Can I change from SD to Cf card with a button? or do I have to use menu. (Its just I have Fuji XT cameras and can quickly swop to my backup card by pressing and holding Play button)

[@lovettd]

Awesome presentation.. do you have any video showing the setup with 10bit video and how your set your exposure when using Atomos ninga v

[@looksnicebrah]

Thanks. Super helpful :)

[@sabarish6366]

Got mine few hours ago❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@jfscott100]

Hi, thanks for making the video, I shoot stills with a D700, D4 and D4s. Most of my video is captured using a Sony FDR-AX1. Just waiting for the Z6II Movie Kit to arrive and will have to get a variable ND filter to allow the 180° rule for video, What ND filter do you use for video?

[@danielvilliers612]

I think most people question about this camera is the autofocus in low light. there is somone from china who tested the Canon R6 vs Z6ii and Z6. The z6ii at least held its own if not even better in some case, but it was daylight etc. I think this is more or less the less with perhaps backlight subject that people would certainly like to see. I think you would get a lot of views for that.

[@ericvdl]

Bonjour Taylor, I ve got lso a Z6II and thank you for this video. I ve got a quick question, do you also find the switch on/of to be hard to go to position on compare to off ? thank you

[@darkreigncometh]

“I tell my wife I’m going to pick up a box, usually has a camera in it.” Love it!

[@dusty_burkhalter]

Man you have really got me thinking hard about the Z6II especially since I can pick up the Z mount 70-200 and 24-70 to go with it financially right now. My only concern is I primarily shoot sports, both photo and video. Do you think it can hold up for sports? The only other option I am considering is the R6 but the overheat warning has me leery of it. I currently shoot Sony, but I'm tired of the colors and now that I am ready to invest is a native 70-200 and 24-70, with rumors that Sony is updating those lenses, I don't want to buy the old ones, so seems like a good time to move to a new system.

[@carpediem6326]

With el15c I shoot almost 2000 shots. Thx for setting.

[@sauravchakraborty]

Can I assign one of the function buttons to switch directly to Single Point AF Area mode from Wide Area AF WITHOUT ROTATING any command dials? This can allow me to use Single Point AF to select my focus point manually in case auto face detection fails.

[@magdamoiola6465]

Which flash do you use with your Nikon Z6 II and which trigger system? Thanks!

[@cojventures7911]

Thanks mate great video I purchased new Z611 with 24-70 f4 kit lens I have only taken 100 shots in 12 months I tend to go to old D3 as I find it a little easier. My question if I may is that I enjoy using my GoPro 7 to make holiday videos as I find watching utube movies regarding video on Z611 quite confusing and involved do you recommend anything i can watch to help please. Kind regards Colin

[@jdhab19]

Ordered it earlier this week after waiting for reviews to make sure it was worth it and now it's backordered :( the anxiety of wait!!

[@LadyHawleyNuggets]

Thanks for the video! I do have a question - coming from the D7100, I find it frustrating that I don't instantly get the preview on the monitor automatically. Is there a way to do this?

[@randybocksnick3750]

TAYLOR-- Do you use UV filters on your nikon S lenses? Randy B.(Montana)

[@FightForSolidarity]

This was really helpful, my first time in mirrorless and I was OVERWELMED.

[@tennismaster6640]

Nikon z6ii vs canon eos r vs canon eos rp for my first camera??

[@tolik3149]

Great stuff! Love your KZbin videos! I have a question. Since you used Nikon D850 why would you not wait for the Z7ii? Just curious. I have D850 and D4s. I want to trade in my D4s for the Z7ii. Your thoughts? Thank you Anatole

[@dasabradshaw2960]

I just got my z6 ii. This video helped me. Question when do you know when to update the firmware?

[@gigglebees]

I’d love to know, too.

[@stevengoldberg44]

How do you set up u1, u2 and u3?

[@allenbuyck7957]

so when I choose image review as monitor only, it only shows up on the monitor if I took the photo using the back LCD. If I take shot with my eye up to the EVF and then pull away to see the picture, it does not show up on the monitor like a DSLR. What am I doing wrong?

[@bryanbuff]

How do I get the exposure meter to show in video mode? I like to manually adjust my ISO, but it helps to have the exposure meter and I can’t figure out how to display it? It shows in Photo mode.

[@hugay1]

I want to know the picture profile for video to get grate color from straight out of camera

[@lesterbean07]

Thank you for this video. It was a little fast, but luckily we can pause the video. Do you plan to make a video on using the different focusing options? Like when/where to use them? I used to use back button focus w/single point focus. Is that still necessary? Obvi single point doesn’t work with the face/eye detection. Maybe I’m overthinking it but coming from a dslr, it’s a bit confusing deciding how to set it up and which focus setting to use for subjects like family portraits, kids running, etc. Thanks again! Your videos are great and super helpful.

[@matsudakodo]

Ricci Talks has a great video covering the focus modes.

[@lesterbean07]

@@matsudakodo thanks!!!

[@gigglebees]

I know this is a very late reply, but I set my playback speed at .75 on KZbin and it made the tempo of his lesson PERFECT.

[@ahmedimaadh9414]

Do you have any videos for Nikon Z5 for Best camera setting ?

[@hotelphotography]

Hi, how can you add the Full Frame to DX on the i Menu?

[@hippopictures]

Hi, might you know the base iso for the z6 ii?

[@bofhberlin]

since years i use ggs like brand 9H screen Glas protector. (y).

[@Floriancharp]

Came from D810 with a 24-70 2.8 G and got the Z6II with the new 24-70 2.8 S great ! much lighter, I'm little disappointed by the auto focus in low light situation I will say. Anyone have already got the NEF codec for abode ? Can't open the raw file anywhere yet ..

[@mychinaleggings]

Can you adjust kelvin directly on the view finder or lcd? Or to adjust the kelvin into the menu and go to the view finder or lcd to see the adjust?

[@ThePhantomPhotographer]

If you customise your i menu to include white balance then you can adjust directly on the screen. Hope this helps

[@samcarmel6975]

Got mine, gonna set mine up similarly. I had a question on composition. Say I want someone in the top right of my screen in focus. When I hit the shutter button, it wants to refocus in the center. How do I fix this to allow the composition?

[@migpixmedia]

If you use wide with the large box you can choose where the camera focus is . Hope it helps !

[@PEGGYLEX]

hi. Got my Z6 II and love it... however the only thing which is upsetting me is I can't edit the RAW files in PS and LR as they don't support them yet.... totally painful....I'm wondering how long it will take Adobe to fix that.

[@IvaPunisher]

Does anyone know if this is fixed as of May 2021?

[@gearkar]

Hi Would you recommend me moving from d850 to z6 2 for events and portrait shoots. I was wondering if z6 2s eyeAF will be good benifit over d850. Or should I continue with d850. Many times I feel some expressions are missed due to not so perfect focusing.

[@amandalunt4325]

I enjoy my Z6iis for wedding much more than the D850 for the reasons you specify here. Just so much easier to get expressions.

[@radhamohan8320]

Is it possible to shot 4K movies with active d lighting turned on?

[@chefkashifhameed4464]

Sir can you please guide how to set z6ii on selective color

[@VisualMann]

dude can use n log 8bit to memory card ?

[@aaaa15891]

Looks awesome... But feeling and owning it will just remain an unfulfilled dream... Will just enjoy the review.. ✌️😄

[@abbyjoystudio]

Wait, so the video footage isn’t backed up to the CF?

[@ryanfallon943]

Now I just have to wait another month before the z7 ii comes out. Being patient is not easy...lol

[@matthewjackson4962]

Hi Taylor, I was wondering if might have some wisdom/tips on an issue I am running into with the Z6ii. I just did a family shoot and my exposure was good and dialed in from what the camera was telling me and "showing me" from the image review. I went to upload the image to my computer and the images looked perfect like in the camera then dramatically changed and went underexposed. I am not even in lightroom yet. So now I am a little panicked as I have to edit 100 under exposed photos that look nothing like what I was seeing out in the field. Have you experienced this and if so, what are the steps to fix this? Greatly appreciate anytime you can spare for this question. Thank you!

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

If you have d lighting on it might be underexposing the raw files but making the jpgs look good on lcd

[@PearceWeddingPhotography]

fire

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

🍕🍕🍕

[@FormlessPhotography]

Hey Taylor, I noticed there's no option to assign Release to a function button under custom controls. Unless im missing something? Any help?

[@matsudakodo]

Release mode has a button on the camera so no need

[@anthonygodines2661]

Maybe I'm missing something but why is everyone programming Fn1 as subject tracking? Subject tracking only works in wide area AF and when in this mode the OK button is defaulted to subject tracking. Not sure if people know this or if I am missing something but it seems like you could be putting Fn1 to better use? Unless Fn1 is easier to use than the ok button? Someone please correct me if I am wrong

[@coltoncyr2283]

What is the ⭐️ next to raw and JPEG mean? Why?

[@NCSTalkid]

As me for on demand i prefer aperture priority but for casual non on demand i prefer M

[@mpactdesignmedia]

Thank you for this! You skipped your video picture settings. I noticed it was on standard, is that your typical mode for video shooting?

[@TaylorJacksonPhoto]

Yep. Some of my cameras I modify standard to be a point or two less sharpness but overall I’m happy on standard

[@mpactdesignmedia]

@@TaylorJacksonPhoto Thank you!

[@nissaarwz4645]

i dont own one , but still watching .. Wish i could afford one +

[@rolandgomes88]

Does it shoot raw double exposure? Does the picture profile remain the same when switching between photo and video mode? I would like it to remain different as set in each mode

[@matsudakodo]

1) no 2) that is customizable