The Complete Autofocus Guide! Nikon Z6 Nikon Z7 Nikon Z5 Nikon Z50. Best Autofocus Settings.

This video is designed to help you understand the Auto Focus system used in the Nikon Z7 Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z50 Could also be applied to the D780 in live view only.
It's a very long video so I have added time links below if you want to watch this video multiple times.
it is designed to show you the best autofocus settings when using a Nikon Z7 Z6 or Z50
This video will cover
00:00 introduction
The different focus modes 02:25
Single point
Dynamic Mode
Wide area - S
Wide area - L
Auto area and subject tracking
Why the Autofocus Box does not go green 19:22
Example images taken before FW 3.0 20:44
Why I use the Autofocus modes I do for some of my photography.
Example images taken after FW 3.0 38:40
Most shots taken with Autoarea AF and some examples why I would need to change away from Autoarea.
Talk through the Custom settings Autofocus Menu 46:20
Talk through every option in the menu that can affect autofocus performance and how those options affect the camera.
If you are interested in my Photography Follow me on instagram / nikonricci
I certainly hope you found this video useful !
Thank you so much for watching
#Nikon #NikonZ6 #Nikonautofocus

[@vasylgrebinnyk2285]

May be the best video on KZbin explaining how Nikon autofocus works. Even in 2024. Thank you!

[@nancygoldberg885]

Please never delete this video. I have referred to it multiple times already for one or another reasons. You explain the way I do to my little kids, so they would understand for sure. Thank you.

[@RicciTalks]

I don't plan on deleting it. Glad you find it useful. :)

[@FocusNoise-q8p]

This is by far the most complete and comprehensive video on the Nikon AF System. Every camera Nikon sells, should come with a link to this video. Thank you for the effort you have put into this. It finally let me fully grasp the potential and usecases of my Nikon AF.

[@dab7963]

FINALLY a great explanation of why the focus box does not turn green in AF-C

[@aussie8114]

I always knew that but would love to know it doesn’t turn green in AF-S on my D810 bodies 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@RicciTalks]

Hey everyone! I really hope you do find this video useful, I hope it helps some of you understand the Autofocus system inside the Nikon Z a little bit better, meaning you can get more out of the camera you have. any questions let me know !

[@JOHNCROCHE]

brilliant video Ricci thanks

[@Azabaxe80]

Thank you so much.This has been very, very helpful. I don't do subscriptions, but since you just saved me quite a bit of time if I wanted to figure all of this out for myself, or money if I paid someone to teach me how to do this, you just got my first and only subscription to a KZbin channel.

[@cliftonbyrd8681]

That was a great video and very, very helpful. Thank you very much, Ricci!

[@bobdecker8945]

Exactly what I was looking for. Thanks so much.

[@jhoang861]

omg i’m so glad i found you before my first new z5 arrives today!! Thank you so much!!

[@mihaiul]

Great video, Ricci! Years after it was made, it is still the most comprehensive I have found on KZbin. Congratulations!

[@thomasball6524]

Hey Ricci, the best detailed Video for the Autofocus configuration in the Z-Series, many thanks from Germany !

[@Ducky441]

This is one of the most useful videos I've watched this year, really well put together and you did a fantastic job explaining everything.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks so much glad u found it useful

[@peterjoseph3839]

I totally agree Thomas! One of my best spent hours for a long time :😊

[@peterjoseph3839]

@@RicciTalks Thanks for Your total commitment 🙏

[@ronaldpollard8990]

Amazing clarity Incredible Detail. Thank you for caring about the rest of us growing!!!

[@bitdancer1005]

First class explanation with examples! Well done!

[@bap1944]

BEST VIDEO period... Learned a lot... GREAT detail on how my camera focusing system works MORE MORE MORE

[@azaliselamat4650]

totally agree with you. wish there's one for d750 ..

[@TheNikonphotog]

FANTASTIC-OVERWHELMING amount of relevant “how to’s” THANKS for being my best teacher.

[@BijiTGeorge]

Thank you Ricci, for all the time you have put into creating this video. Since mirror less is new to Nikon, this helps a lot. Looking forward to your video on the exclusive 3.0 update.

[@MrFastforwardcoach]

What a GREAT video. Just got my Z6 about two weeks ago, and your video has explained so much. You've definitely got a new fan here.

[@billmoyer3254]

Well done!! The best description of AF capabilities I've found.

[@Mark-te7mc]

Thank you Ricci for being so generous with your expertise. I now finally understand all the auto focus options on my Z7.

[@kerstinwood4969]

Thank you so very much for this video! This was something I have wanted to learn ever since I bought my Z6 camera. You explained everything so well and in depth that I understand the settings so much better now. Hopefully my images will have a lot better focus from now on. Again thank you so much!

[@albyscott33]

Just a short note to say I really appreciated this tutorial it was set at the right pace for me. Thank you.

[@GEEKAEL87]

A great school for someone who recently purchased these cameras. Good job!

[@veloz7860]

Marvelous! I've watched auto-focus videos till my eyes bled and mostly just got confused. Yours was the best explanations, the best insight, and the best real-world examples of all of them. Hooray, and thank-you!!

[@BKMonf]

Thanks Ricci, you have become my favorite on youtube period!! You are the BEST teacher because you go slow and explain everything with visuals. Your technique tells me you understand what you're talking about. Thanks so much for all your content, greatly appreciated. You are making people better photographers.

[@georgecharpentier6043]

This is the third time I’ve watched this video. I think it is finally sinking in. Very good presentation, with so much content. Thank you. I’m sure I will be back when I need a refresher.

[@philmtx3fr]

Best video for autofocus for Z cameras ever. Exhaustive, clear and good examples. Thx for that.

[@peterdowling9406]

This is the most useful lesson on a most tricky subject, Ricci! Well done, you are an excellent tutor. The challenge is remembering it all!

[@CotugnophotoWoodinville]

Best breakdown of the AF system yet. Thanks!

[@smkunder1]

This was the best video on autofocus I have seen. Thanks for being clear and concise.

[@silviabrandmeier1993]

Many thanks for taking the time to create this in depths video. It helps me understand my camera settings and making informed decisions on a much better level than before watching.

[@smog57]

I think this is one of the most helpful Z videos I have watched - great to have you talk thro the logic of your mode decisions. Thank you.

[@MrJanKarel]

Can only confirm the positive reactions: great work, will help me a lot being more satisfied with the results I get. Thanks a lot!

[@martinlee1775]

Comprehensive, informative and enjoyable to watch and learn. Thank you. Good recap, re-enforce some basics, whilst providing some excellent teachings on the more advanced. No doubt this will help with my BIF pictures.

[@ConorCoen]

I just picked up the Z6 , this is very helpful and intuitive , thank you for taking the time to put this together, excellent and much appreciated 👍

[@petealcantara3111]

Absolutely the best video about Nikon Z autofocus. It would have taken me a long time figuring things out on my own. Thank you.

[@simonlaffoley6894]

Well written and presented! Much needed refresher course on the autofocus system. Thank you, your efforts are appreciated!

[@lizr9499]

Extremely useful video for a new Nikon Z7 owner. It answered all my questions about getting the best use out of the autofocus function and taking full advantage of my mirrorless camera. The examples were terrific!

[@htorres1stk]

By far the best explanation on the z6 autofocus system. Great job, lots of work. Thx

[@Digmen1]

Ricci, your knowledge and presentation is amazing.

[@matthewpainton7255]

Fantastic job! Thank you, I've been through a load of other videos and you explain this, with examples, in a way that finally makes sense.

[@yvantremblay4924]

The best video for autofocusing on my Z7, Z6 and Z50. I learn a lot. Thank you.

[@RobertoPerez-pk5re]

This was like a shot of Adrenalin thank you so much. Awesome video. I’ve been searching for this z7 autofocus video for a long time

[@BillAckerman]

This may be the most useful video I have ever viewed. Thank you!

[@RicciTalks]

Great to hear!

[@martinsepion]

You explain it better than anyone else on KZbin. For me the key point you make is that knowing how your camera works, it's strengths and weaknesses, what it is trying to do, is more important than which camera system you have. It is not the person or the technology it is the interface between the two that we should all be concentrating on.

[@BillGillespie1952]

Good day Ricci. Let me begin by saying that your videos are incredible, I truly enjoy your style and the way you present information. I, honestly, watched this video three times (cameras in hand) to drive home the lessons you are describing here. This video is absolutely amazing, I truly appreciate the effort you put into to making this video (as well as your other videos) and the information you share. I sincerely hope you keep making these videos as I have learned so much. Your videos inspire me to make better photos, and I thank you for that.

[@joemikolic]

Wow! Excellent, organized, thorough presentation. As a novice photographer, having been gifted a Z6 for retirement, I have much to learn. I’m sure I’ll be viewing this presentation multiple times and taking notes. Additionally, I’ll definitely be looking for other videos that you have so thoughtfully planned and executed. Thank you!

[@TheDeamonLo]

I just purchased a z5 and this video was very useful. Thanks!

[@joehealeyphotography8263]

Thanks Ricci, great video! I've had my new Z5 for just 24 hours and have been doing trial and error with the AF settings. I searched KZbin specifically for a tutorial and not a review. This video explains it all. You have saved me hours of trial and error. I now know exactly the settings I need to perform best in all situations. Great work!

[@Alan-tz7lj]

This is without a doubt, the best tutorial I've seen regarding autofocus and what you can expect from each mode, how and when to use it. Absolutely brilliant. You've taken a complex subject and made it very easy to understand. I have learned so much from your video and thank you for your great contribution in helping others to understand and comprehend this topic.

[@peterwilliams3246]

What a gem! Everything you need to know about auto focus but were too scared to ask

[@arisultanik]

This is one of the best photography videos I have ever seen. I have learned so much. Thank you very much.

[@druidsflame]

Wow... I mean, WOW! That was one of the best most informative AF videos I have ever watched! Never had I even though about using AF wide until now. Found your channel from an article that Nikon Rumors posted yesterday with your comparison of the 20mm 1.8S Z mount versus F mount, and you definitely have a new subscriber!

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks a lot !

[@paulburnett8866]

Just bought Z6ii and watched this - brilliant, so easy to follow.

[@steveh2268]

Incredible.... As someone who is transitioning from DSLR to mirrorless, I think this is a fabulous video. The explanations and sample images are the best available anywhere. I've watched it multiple times already and I'm sure I will watch it many more times as I try to get these auto-focus options ingrained in my memory.

[@RosalitaRox]

Me too. Setting up my Z9 and looking at your video to explain a lot of stuff I really didn't understand on my Z6 has made my life so much easier. Thank you.

[@khaledaldughayem5535]

Many thanks Ricci. Best video I've watched. I learned a lot from you. Please never delete it. we will refer to many times.

[@tonykennedy6030]

Thanks Ricci This video is the most useful video to watch for understanding the complicated Z series autofocus system and I've referred to it several times. I love the way you explain things in simple terms and now i'm putting the camera to better use.

[@ChrisWesselman]

Agree - best video on the subject that I've seen. I may finally understand Dynamic-Area, and why even Wide Area Small doesn't always work. Thanks!

[@joebroyles5680]

OUTSTANDING instructional video! You've explained autofocus in a way that is easy enough for beginners to grasp, yet with enough detail that advanced users will appreciate.

[@RicciTalks]

Glad you found it useful!

[@tdalton854]

Thanks so much for all of your effort here. It's July 2022 as I viewed this and write the comment. Ive had a Z6II for about 6 months and this finally makes sense to me. Really has helped me immensely. The way you talk through the various options and at the same time show why and your results was great. Now I have to put it to practice

[@ianbrown704]

Brilliant video, just had my z6 for a few weeks and although I am a seasoned photographer its really helped me look at the options available and allow me to make an informed choice. Excellent - thank you and stay safe.

[@googleme.]

It's a great video. You did all the z series user who needed help with focus settings a big favor. It's very detailed video. Thank you.

[@JesusAlleineRettet]

By far the most helpful Video I have seen on YT

[@J5388T]

An excellent video thanks Ricci! I was struggling to set up AF to my requirements after buying Z body and once I'd watched this everything suddenly became very clear.

[@lover9451]

Thank you so much for this video! I just got my z5 and was fighting with my AF a lot. This makes it a lot easier to understand all the functions

[@dhg1960]

Hi Ricci I have watched many of your lens comparison vids and find that you are very thorough and objective when doing them. This video is the same, it is a subject which is rarely dealt with and I must say, your handling of it is the best one out their. As a Z6 user, many thanks.

[@deejaybeephoto]

Brilliant. Thank you so much for this very clear and complete explanation. I’ve recently returned to the Nikon fold with a Z6 after selling most of my Fuji gear.

[@wazm]

I have always struggled with when to use what type of focus for each situation for my older DSLR. Just got the Z6ii and most of this still applies. Thanks for using real world examples and pros and cons of each. Great video.

[@dcspaniel]

I have watched this more than once and will refer back to it. You have one of the very best, easy to understand, clear explanation of the focus modes for Z Nikon. Thank you so much!

[@wanjunli7310]

The best autofocus guide I have ever watched. Learned a lot from you. Subscribed. Thank you very much Ricci!

[@FIXOVISION]

thanks for providing clarity on AF with Z7. Much appreciated

[@benwilliams9627]

This video was amazing Ricci. This is by far the best video on the Z focusing system. I know a lot of work went into doing this video especially with the examples for everything. Once again thank you and I really learned a lot.

[@szehenry]

Great video. By far the most clear ! Love the examples! ❤

[@amangrewal9526]

Had to watch this twice since moving from dslr to mirrorless- so detailed and a real deep dive into the autofocus modes again for a new system. Thanks Ricci. 🙏🏽

[@koneriswami01]

Excellent video and the most explicit way AF is explained.

[@timber10able]

I learned more in one hour watching this video that I have during the last year. Totally comprehensive and logical. I am very grateful for the real work you put into this. Joe

[@RicciTalks]

Great to hear Joe glad you found it useful !

[@grumbirky]

Great video thank you. You’re a grand teacher. I’ve been using two D700’s for many years with AF-C, AF-ON and 3D tracking, and it’s been great. I’ve had a Z6 for a couple of years but never used it for pro work. This vid has been a good refresher, and I feel more confident now to crack on. Cheers!

[@NICojUanes]

really glad I came across this. as a new photographer, the AF system is something I don't fully grasp yet

[@mikehirst3294]

Ricci, I can always depend on your videos to help me gain knowledge for my Z6 and lenses. Thanks a lot.

[@RicciTalks]

Thank you for watching them 🤗

[@williamhemelberg]

Incredible clear and easy to understand the way you explain everything thanks

[@adgillis825]

This video is a textbook-lecture for every photographer. Every single point of autofocus modes are explained in an understandable manner with clearly practical examples. Best tutorial I've seen !! My compliments. Thanks a lot.

[@matthiaswolf9379]

One of the most helpful clips I ever watched! Thanks a lot!

[@waltduddington3829]

Without a doubt, the best video on autofocus for Nikon mirrorless I have seen! Thanks!

[@Alpha6.31]

Just bought a Z5 and this video is very very helpful in finding my way through all the AF possibilities and making my own choices. Thank you so much!

[@lescouchi8604]

Excellent Lecture. Lots to consider--thanks.

[@sharoncappelletti775]

This was INCREDIBLY helpful! Thank you!!

[@stevekgold]

Hands down the best, most informative, most useful video I've seen. I am saving up for a z6 and have been preparing by watching KZbin videos. The focusing issue has been confusing in all of them until I watched yours. Now I understand! - great job x 1,000 !

[@nancygoldberg885]

Best explanation ever, thank you

[@salk007]

Amazing. This is the best video tutorial on Nikon auto focus.

[@janetstacey3078]

I've been struggling to understand the focus system for years and wondering why I couldn't nail it. I now get it. Can't wait to get out now and practice. Thanks. A great explanation.

[@don-giovanni]

Thanks for such a comprehensive guide!

[@kuruma10]

Wow, that is the best video regarding that topic I have ever seen. No questions left. Great work, thanks a lot!

[@RicciTalks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@1337likethat]

I think this might be the best Nikon Z Autofocus system explained video on youtube, period. Brilliant work.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks !

[@anamontana1594]

FANTASTIC video!!! Thank you 😊

[@tangent5132]

Mr. Ricci, This is the video I've been waiting on for many months. I've had more "Ah ha !" moments watching this video than I can count. It confirmed many of my own field work discoveries and corrected many misconceptions I had developed while putting it all in order with a reason why. No voodoo or act of faith required. Also your manner of instruction is down to earth and practical with the simplicity that only the truly brilliant can provide. This was a great service to the Z community ! Thank you !

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks so much ! Helping the Z community That’s all I really want to do. I’m so glad it’s helped you and so many others

[@KnightsandWeekends]

I know this is an older video, but it was great to re-visit and really listen to the detailed explanations. I have learned a few things I had wrong in my head - thank you for the time and effort! There isn't another Nikon-centric content creator out there that does better work!

[@opotopo1]

Absolutely brilliant. Thank you.

[@JacquesConradie]

Excellent - thanks!

[@iceandfirephoto2021]

Thanks very much for this detailed video on the autofocus modes Ricci! It’s helped me understand my Z6ii autofocus modes a lot better. All the best!

[@TheBottBoys]

Wow! THE most clear and comprehensive explanation of these settings. (Even better than Nikon’s own video tutorials.)The visual examples are spot on. Well done! Thank you Ricci. I look forward to exploring more of your videos.

[@RicciTalks]

Thanks so much ! Glad you got some good info out of this video!

[@RichardBabuMemoirs]

Clear and Crisp. Thanks for this detailed information ..

[@carolinagorodetsky8200]

Best video about AF. Thank you

[@FlyingWingZing]

I had no intention of watching this video for over an hour. But I did thanks to the simplistic explanations, examples and personal preferences. As a new owner of a z7, frustrated by the number of missed images, this video is ideal. Well done, Sir!