Nikon Z6 & Z7 Setup and Configuration
As I did for the Nikon D800 and D810 DSLR cameras, I’m posting the settings I’m using for the Nikon Z7 along with a file you can download to use as a starting point for your own settings. Doing this forces me to go through every setting available on the camera and to understand what it does. I’m using the official Nikon Z7 Reference Manual (English version, others available) to gain an understanding of the features. Some will be familiar if you are coming from other Nikon bodies, others are brand new found only in the Z7. Note that the majority of these settings apply to the Nikon Z6 as well.
Unlike the D800/D810 that used four memory banks that were selectable in the software, the Z7 has three user configurable settings (U1, U2, U3) not unlike a D750 or D7500. I find this option far superior, personally. Also, in the D800/D810 I devoted one of the memory banks to a “point & shoot” type setup where the camera did as much of the work as possible. This was useful for my wife, who doesn’t want to mess with settings. The Z7 has a fully automatic mode (Auto) selectable via the mode dial which is idea for this type of use.
I have set the three modes on my Z7 to preconfigure the camera into landscape, action, or portrait settings. Often, I make minor adjustments from the standard settings depending on what is required. If you want to use my custom settings in your camera, feel free to download my settings file here:
Firmware C: 1.00, LF: 1.00 : Download Nikon Z7 custom settings file 1.00
New firmware: I’ll get to it eventually, sorry :/
I suggest you back up your own settings first (SETUP MENU -> Save/load settings -> save settings, copy the settings file from the media card to your computer). To use my custom settings file, copy it to the root folder of your media card using your computer, insert the media card into your camera and navigate to SETUP MENU -> Save/load settings -> Load settings. This will copy the settings over to your camera. Once complete, update the copyright and image comment settings to your own. If you have questions, or a suggestion feel free to leave them in the comments at the bottom of the page, I’ll maintain a change log of any significant changes in my change log and post updated files as new firmware is released.
The settings are all shown below. Use the search feature at the top of the table if you are looking for a specific setting.
NIKON Z7 SETTINGS | P/S/A/M | U1 : Landscape | U2 : Action | U3 : Portrait | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EXTERNAL CONTROLS | ||||||||
Release mode Note 1 | As needed | Continuous L (3) | Continuous H (extended) | Continuous L (3) | ||||
Monitor Mode Button | Prioritize viewfinder | Prioritize viewfinder | Prioritize viewfinder | Prioritize viewfinder | ||||
Exposure Mode | As selected by mode dial | Aperture Priority | Shutter Priority | Aperture Priority | ||||
PLAYBACK MENU | ||||||||
Delete | Selected | Selected | Selected | Selected | ||||
Playback folder | All | All | All | All | ||||
Playback display options | "Highlights" and "Overview" | "Highlights" and "Overview" | "Highlights" and "Overview" | "Highlights" and "Overview" | ||||
Image review | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
After delete | Continue as before | Continue as before | Continue as before | Continue as before | ||||
After burst, show | Last image in burst | Last image in burst | Last image in burst | Last image in burst | ||||
Rotate tall | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Slide show | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
Rating | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
PHOTO SHOOTING MENU | ||||||||
Storage folder | Default | Default | Default | Default | ||||
File naming | I set to my initials: MKH | MKH | MKH | MKH | ||||
Choose image area | FX | FX | FX | FX | ||||
Image quality | RAW (occasionally I shoot RAW+JPEG) | RAW (occasionally I shoot RAW+JPEG) | RAW (occasionally I shoot RAW+JPEG) | RAW (occasionally I shoot RAW+JPEG) | ||||
Image size | Large | Large | Large | Large | ||||
NEF (RAW) recording | ||||||||
> NEF (RAW) compression | On - Lossless compressed | On - Lossless compressed | On - Lossless compressed | On - Lossless compressed | ||||
> NEF (RAW) bit depth | 14-bit | 14-bit | 14-bit | 14-bit | ||||
ISO sensitivity settings | Manually set depending on scene | Manually set depending on scene | Manually set depending on scene | Manually set depending on scene | ||||
> ISO sensitivity | 64 (or higher if necessary) | 64 (or higher if necessary) | 64 (or higher if necessary) | 64 (or higher if necessary) | ||||
> Auto ISO sensitivity control | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
>> Maximum sensitivity | 12,800 (higher than this and the files are unusable) | 12,800 | 12,800 | 12,800 | ||||
>> Maximum sensitivity with flash | 12,800 | 12,800 | 12,800 | 12,800 | ||||
>> Minimum shutter speed | Auto (use fastest, which is 1 / 2x focal length) | Auto (use fastest, which is 1 / 2x focal length) | Auto (use fastest, which is 1 / 2x focal length) | Auto (use fastest, which is 1 / 2x focal length) | ||||
White balance | Auto1 (irrelevant if shooting raw but useful to preview photos on the LCD) | Auto1 | Auto1 | Auto1 | ||||
Set Picture Control | Auto (Irrelevant if shooting RAW. The only time I ever change this is to set it to Monochrome to preview in-camera what a B&W image would look like) | Auto | Auto | Auto | ||||
Manage Picture Control | I don't use it | |||||||
Color Space | Adobe | Adobe | Adobe | Adobe | ||||
Active D-Lighting | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Long exposure NR | Off (turning it on doubles your exposure times as the camera takes a second dark frame exposure to subtract noise) | Off | Off | Off | ||||
High ISO NR | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Vignette control | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Diffraction compensation | On (I suspect this doesn?t apply to RAW files but until I can confirm I will leave it on) | On | On | On | ||||
Auto distortion control | On (can't turn off with Z-mount lens) | On | On | On | ||||
Flicker reduction shooting | Off | Off | Off | On | ||||
Metering | Matrix | Matrix | Center-weighted | Spot | ||||
Flash control | TTL | TTL | TTL | TTL | ||||
Flash mode | Fill flash | Fill flash | Fill flash | Fill flash | ||||
Flash compensation | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Focus mode Note 2 | AF-C | AF-C | AF-C | AF-C | ||||
AF-area mode Note3 | Wide-area AF (S) | Single-point AF - often manual focus override using 100% zoom on the LCD | Dynamic-area AF | Auto-area AF | ||||
Vibration reduction | On (Normal) | On (Normal). Off when on tripod. | SPT (Sport) | On (Normal) | ||||
Auto bracketing | Off | If needed (AE bracketing, 3-5 shots, increment 2) | Off | Off | ||||
Multiple exposure | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
HDR | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Interval timer shooting | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
Time-lapse movie | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
Focus shift shooting | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
Silent photography | As needed (note that turning this feature on disables some other features such as flicker reduction, EFC and changes frame rates | As needed | Off | As needed | ||||
MOVIE SHOOTING MENU | ||||||||
File naming Note5 | I set to my initials: MKH | MKH | MKH | MKH | ||||
Choose image area | FX | FX | FX | FX | ||||
Frame size/frame rate | 2160p30 (4K 30fps) | 2160p30 (4K 30fps) | 2160p30 (4K 30fps) | 2160p30 (4K 30fps) | ||||
Movie quality | High | High | High | High | ||||
Movie file type | MOV | MOV | MOV | MOV | ||||
ISO sensitivity settings | Default | Default | Default | Default | ||||
White balance | Auto1 | Auto1 | Auto1 | Auto1 | ||||
Set Picture Control | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto | ||||
Manage Picture Control | Unused | |||||||
Active D-Lighting | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | ||||
High ISO NR | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | ||||
Vignette control | Normal | Normal | Normal | Normal | ||||
Diffraction compensation | On | On | On | On | ||||
Auto distortion control | On | On | On | On | ||||
Flicker reduction | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto | ||||
Metering | Matrix | Matrix | Matrix | Matrix | ||||
Focus mode | Full-time AF | Full-time AF | Full-time AF | Full-time AF | ||||
AF-area mode | Auto-area AF | Auto-area AF | Auto-area AF | Auto-area AF | ||||
Vibration reduction | On | On | On | On | ||||
Electronic VR | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Microphone sensitivity | Auto | Auto | Auto | Auto | ||||
Attenuator | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Frequency response | Wide | Wide | Wide | Wide | ||||
Wind noise reduction | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
Headphone volume | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | ||||
Timecode | Default | Default | Default | Default | ||||
CUSTOM SETTING MENU | ||||||||
a Autofocus | ||||||||
a1 AF-C priority selection | Focus | Focus | Release | Focus | ||||
a2 AF-S priority selection | Focus | Focus | Focus | Focus | ||||
a3 Focus tracking with lock-on | 1 | 2 | 5 | 2 | ||||
a4 Auto-area AF face detection | On | On | On | On | ||||
a5 Focus points used | All | All | 1/2 Every other point | All | ||||
a6 Store points by orientation | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
a7 AF activation | AF-ON only (Out-of-focus release: Disable) | AF-ON only (Out-of-focus release: Disable) | AF-ON only (Out-of-focus release: Enable) | AF-ON only (Out-of-focus release: Disable) | ||||
a8 Limit AF-area mode selection | All checked | All checked | All checked | All checked | ||||
a9 Focus point wrap-around | Wrap | Wrap | Wrap | Wrap | ||||
a10 Focus point options | ||||||||
> Manual focus mode | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
> Dynamic-area AF assist | On | On | On | On | ||||
a11 Low-light AF | On | On | On | On | ||||
a12 Built-in AF-assist illuminator | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
b Metering/exposure | ||||||||
b1 EV steps for exposure cntrl | 1/3 step | 1/3 step | 1/3 step | 1/3 step | ||||
b2 Easy exposure compensation | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
b3 Center-weighted area | 12mm | 12mm | 12mm | 12mm | ||||
b4 Fine-tune optimal exposure | Default | Default | Default | Default | ||||
c1 Shutter-release button AE-L | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
c2 Self-timer | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
c3 Power off delay | ||||||||
> Playback | 10s | 10s | 10s | 10s | ||||
> Menus | 1m | 1m | 1m | 1m | ||||
> Image review | 10s | 10s | 10s | 10s | ||||
> Standby timer | 30s | 30s | 30s | 30s | ||||
d Shooting/display | ||||||||
d1 CL mode shooting speed | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||||
d2 Max. continuous release | 200 | 200 | 200 | 200 | ||||
d3 Sync. Release mode options | Sync | Sync | Sync | Sync | ||||
d4 Exposure delay mode | Off | 3s | Off | Off | ||||
d5 Shutter type | Auto | Electronic front-curtain shutter | Mechanical shutter | Auto | ||||
d6 Limit selectable image area | All checked | All checked | All checked | All checked | ||||
d7 File number sequence | On | On | On | On | ||||
d8 Apply settings to live view | As needed | As needed | As needed | As needed | ||||
d9 Framing grid display | Off | On | Off | Off | ||||
d10 Peaking highlights | As needed | On | Off | On | ||||
> Peaking level | As needed | 2 (standard) | Off | 3 (high sensitivity) | ||||
> Peaking highlight color | Red | Red | Red | Red | ||||
d11 View all in continuous mode | On | On | On | On | ||||
e Bracketing/flash | ||||||||
e1 Flash sync speed | 1/200s | 1/200s | 1/200s | 1/200s | ||||
e2 Flash shutter speed | 1/60s | 1/60s | 1/60s | 1/60s | ||||
e3 Exposure comp. for flash | Entire frame | Entire frame | Entire frame | Entire frame | ||||
e4 Auto flash ISO sensitivity control | Subject and background | Subject and background | Subject and background | Subject and background | ||||
e6 Auto bracketing (mode M) | Flash/speed | Flash/speed | Flash/speed | Flash/speed | ||||
e5 Modelling flash | On | On | On | On | ||||
e7 Bracketing order | Under > MTR > over | Under > MTR > over | Under > MTR > over | Under > MTR > over | ||||
f Controls | ||||||||
f1 Customize i menu | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | ||||
f2 Custom control assignment Note 4 | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | ||||
f3 OK button | ||||||||
> Shooting mode | Reset | Reset | Reset | Reset | ||||
> Playback mode | Zoom on/off | Zoom on/off | Zoom on/off | Zoom on/off | ||||
f4 Shutter spd & aperture lock | ||||||||
> Shutter speed lock | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
> Aperture lock | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
f5 Customize command dials | ||||||||
> Reverse rotation | Default | Default | Default | Default | ||||
> Change main/sub | Default | Default | Default | Default | ||||
> Menus and playback | On (image review excluded) | On (image review excluded) | On (image review excluded) | On (image review excluded) | ||||
> Sub-dial frame advance | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | ||||
f6 Release button to use dial | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
f7 Reverse indicators | - 0 + | - 0 + | - 0 + | - 0 + | ||||
g Movie | ||||||||
g1 Customize i menu | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | ||||
g2 Custom control assignment | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | Personal preference | ||||
g3 OK button | Reset | Reset | Reset | Reset | ||||
g4 AF speed | 2 (Always) | 2 (Always) | 2 (Always) | 2 (Always) | ||||
g5 AF tracking sensitivity | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | ||||
g6 Hightlight display | Off | Off | Off | Off | ||||
SETUP MENU *3 | ||||||||
Format memory card | As needed | |||||||
Save user settings | As needed | |||||||
Language | As needed | |||||||
Time zone and date | As needed | |||||||
Monitor brightness | 0 | |||||||
Monitor color balance | Default | |||||||
Viewfinder brightness | Auto | |||||||
Viewfinder color balance | Default | |||||||
Control panel brightness | Auto | |||||||
Limit monitor mode selection | All checked | |||||||
Information display | B (dark on light) | |||||||
AF fine-tune | As needed | |||||||
Non-CPU lens data | As needed | |||||||
Clean image sensor | Clean at shutdown | |||||||
Image Dust Off ref photo | As needed | |||||||
Image Comment | Off | |||||||
Copyright information | Set your name/site here | |||||||
Beep options | Off | |||||||
Touch controls | On (default) | |||||||
HDMI | Default | |||||||
Location data | Both on | |||||||
Wireless remote (WR) options | Default | |||||||
Assign remote (WR) Fn button | Off | |||||||
Airplane mode | As needed | |||||||
Connect to smart device | As needed | |||||||
Connect to PC | As needed | |||||||
Wireless transmitter (WT-7) | As needed | |||||||
Conformity marking | As needed | |||||||
Battery info | As needed | |||||||
Slot emptry release lock | Lock | |||||||
Save/load settings | As needed | |||||||
Reset all settings | As needed | |||||||
Firmware version | As needed | |||||||
RETOUCH MENU (I don't use it) | ||||||||
MY MENU | ||||||||
d4 Exposure delay mode | ||||||||
d5 Shutter type | ||||||||
Vibration reduction | ||||||||
Silent photography | ||||||||
Apply settings to live view | ||||||||
Format memory card |
The User Settings (U1/U2/U3) do not retain the release mode settings. If you switch user modes you need to remember to switch the release mode (single, continuous, etc.)
I use the ‘AF-ON’ or ‘back button autofocus’ technique (for lack of a better term) to focus my camera. You will see that in my settings, I primarily use AF-C as the default focus mode when I use the camera. With the AF-ON technique, you decouple the focusing of the camera from the shutter press. The nice thing is that you can have both continuous, static autofocus, and manual focus modes all at the same time. Focus and recompose is also easier as you don’t have to keep the shutter half-pressed, just release the AF-ON button and the camera stops focusing. It works very well, but takes a bit of getting used to. This technique works on both Nikon and Canon cameras (likely other brands as well but I haven’t checked into it).
This will be subject to change after more testing. I’m not yet sure how well the Z7 tracks faces in the Auto-area AF mode.
Note 4: Custom control assignment (f2)
- Fn1 button : Zoom on/off -> Low magnification (50%). Allows me to zoom in 50% to check for critical focus.
- Fn2 button : My Menu – quick access to my most commonly used settings (see above for what I keep in the menu).
- AF-On : AF-On
- Sub-selector : Focus point selection
- Sub-selector center : Spot metering (useful for a quick metering override if I’m in matrix and it’s not exposing the scene properly.
- Movie record button : Auto bracketing. Unlike the D800/D810 I’m used to, the Z7 does not have a dedicated bracket button so I reassigned the movie record button which is otherwise useless in photo mode.
- Lens Fn button : Spot metering. I sometimes shoot birds and a dark bird in a bright scene often gets exposed incorrectly. Spot metering lets me get exposure on the bird, not the scene.
- Lens control ring : Focus (M/A). Manual focus override, same as most lenses.
Note 5: Movie Shooting Menu/Settings
Despite having the option to shoot video with my cameras, I very rarely do. Please don’t consider my video settings optimal, I almost never need them.
Nikon Z7 Setup - Change Log
Date | Changes |
---|---|
2019-12-15 | Added c2 Self-timer to "My Menu" for quick access. |
2019-12-15 | Update d5 Shutter type to use the auto shutter type feature. |
2019-12-15 | Fix AF area mode in U1 - removed pinpoint as it only works with AF-S which I never use. |
2019-12-15 | Update lens Fn button. Now have a lens that has this button (Nikkor 500mm f/5.6PF) so using it for spot metering for tricky subjects. |
2019-12-15 | Change Fn1 buttom from DoF preview to zoom in to 50% magnification |
2018-10-10 | Initial publication |
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