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David Busch's Nikon Z7 II/Z6 II Guide to Digital Photography is your all-in-one comprehensive resource and reference for Nikon’s next-generation Z7 II and Z6 II mirrorless cameras. The company has upgraded these compact cameras with the features most requested by enthusiasts, including two memory card slots, advanced autofocus features, and performance-enhancing dual EXPEED 6 processors. Serious photographers can select the high-resolution 45.7 megapixel Z7 II, or opt for the higher continuous shooting rates and stellar low-light versatility of the 24 megapixel Z6 II. Both cameras offer incredible image quality, especially when coupled with a burgeoning line of ultra-sharp S-series, Z-mount lenses. The affordable FTZ adapter allows you to use more than 300 different lenses in Nikon’s F-mount lineup, too. Five-axis in-body image stabilization provides up to five stops of anti-shake performance so you can hand-hold the camera at slower shutter speeds. An improved autofocus system with human and animal eye/face detection offers lightning fast focus for stills and both 4K and Full HD movie-shooting. With this book in hand, you’ll master all these impressive features, and fine tune your camera skills as develop your creativity taking great photographs with your new Z7 II or Z6 II. Filled with detailed how-to steps and full-color illustrations, David Busch's Nikon Z7 II/Z6 II Guide to Digital Photography covers the cameras’ capabilities in depth, from taking your first photos through advanced details of setup, exposure, lens selection, lighting, and more, and relates each feature to specific photographic techniques and situations. Also included is the handy visual guide to the Z7 II and Z6 II, with close-up photos and descriptions of the camera's essential features and controls. Learn when to use each option and, more importantly, when not to use them, by following the author’s recommended settings for every menu entry. With best-selling photographer and mentor David Busch as your guide, you'll quickly have full creative mastery of your camera’s capabilities, whether you're shooting on the job, as an advanced enthusiast, or are just out for fun. Start building your knowledge and confidence, while bringing your vision to light with the Nikon Z7 II or Z6 II today.

Table of Contents

  1. Cover
  2. Title
  3. Copyright
  4. Dedication
  5. Acknowledgments
  6. About the Author
  7. Contents
  8. Preface
  9. Introduction
  10. Chapter 1 Thinking Outside the Box
    1. First Things First
    2. In the Box
    3. Optional and Non-Optional Add-Ons
    4. Initial Setup
    5. Mastering the Multi Selector and Command Dials
    6. Setting the Clock
    7. Battery Included
    8. Final Steps
  11. Chapter 2 Your Quick Start Guide
    1. Choosing a Release Mode
    2. Selecting an Exposure Mode
    3. Choosing a Metering Mode
    4. Choosing a Focus Mode
    5. Choosing the Focus Area Mode
    6. Adjusting White Balance and ISO
    7. Reviewing the Images You’ve Taken
    8. Transferring Photos to Your Computer
    9. Attaching the MB-N11 Power Battery Pack
    10. Changing Default Settings
    11. Resetting the Camera
    12. Recommended Default Changes
    13. Shooting Tips
    14. Photo Shooting Menu Recommendations
    15. Custom Setting Menu Recommendations
  12. Chapter 3 Your Visual Roadmap
    1. Front View
    2. The Business End
    3. Playing Back Images
    4. Zooming the Playback Display
    5. Viewing Thumbnails
    6. Using the Photo Data Displays
    7. Going Topside
    8. Lens Components
    9. Underneath Your Camera
    10. The Viewfinder/Monitor Displays
    11. What’s the Fuss about BSI?
    12. About Low-Pass Filters
  13. Chapter 4 Nailing the Right Exposure
    1. Getting a Handle on Exposure
    2. Equivalent Exposure
    3. Calculating Exposure
    4. Correctly Exposed
    5. Overexposed
    6. Underexposed
    7. Metering Mid-Tones
    8. Choosing a Metering Method
    9. Matrix Metering
    10. Center-weighted Metering
    11. Spot Metering
    12. Highlight-weighted Metering
    13. Choosing an Exposure Method
    14. Aperture-Priority
    15. Shutter-Priority
    16. Program Mode
    17. Manual Exposure
    18. Adjusting Exposure with ISO Settings
    19. Dealing with Noise
    20. Bracketing
    21. White Balance Bracketing
    22. ADL Bracketing
    23. Working with HDR
    24. Auto HDR
    25. Bracketing and Merge to HDR
    26. Fixing Exposures with Histograms
    27. Tonal Range
    28. Histogram Basics
    29. Understanding Histograms
    30. Fine-Tuning Exposure
  14. Chapter 5 Mastering the Mysteries of Focus
    1. Autofocus or Manual Focus?
    2. How Focus Works
    3. Contrast Detection
    4. Phase Detection
    5. Adding Circles of Confusion
    6. Working with Autofocus
    7. Bringing the AF System into Focus
    8. Focus Mode and Priority
    9. Autofocus Mode
    10. Focus-Priority versus Release-Priority
    11. Choosing an Autofocus Area Mode
    12. Face/Eye Detection and Subject Tracking
    13. Face/Eye Detection
    14. Subject Tracking
    15. Store by Orientation
    16. Autofocus Activation . . . and More
    17. Manual Focus
    18. Using the Focus/Control Ring
    19. Trap (Auto) Focus
    20. Back-Button Focus
    21. Activating Back-Button Focus
    22. Fine-Tuning the Focus of Your Lenses
    23. Lens Tune-up Options
    24. Evaluating Current Focus
    25. Changing the Fine-Tuning Setting
    26. Split-Screen Display Zoom
  15. Chapter 6 Advanced Techniques
    1. Continuous Shooting
    2. A Tiny Slice of Time
    3. Working with Short Exposures
    4. Long Exposures
    5. Three Ways to Take Long Exposures
    6. Working with Long Exposures
    7. Delayed Exposures
    8. Self-Timer
    9. Interval/Time-Lapse Photography
    10. Using Interval Photography
    11. Time-Lapse Movies
    12. Star Trails
    13. Multiple Exposures
    14. Geotagging with the Nikon GP-1a
    15. Focus Shift Shooting
    16. Connecting to Your Smart Device or Computer
    17. Linking Your Camera to a Smart Device
    18. Using the SnapBridge App
    19. Camera Screen
    20. Other Connection Options
  16. Chapter 7 Focus on Lenses
    1. Sensor Sensibilities
    2. Choosing Native Z-mount Lenses
    3. Nikon Lens Overview
    4. Ingredients of Nikon’s Alphanumeric Soup
    5. Wide-to-Normal Zoom Lenses
    6. Nikkor Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
    7. Nikkor Z 14-30mm f/4 S
    8. Nikkor Z 14-24mm f/2.8 S
    9. Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S
    10. Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S
    11. Wide-Angle/Normal Prime Lenses
    12. Nikkor Z 20mm f/1.8 S
    13. Nikkor Z 24mm f/1.8 S
    14. Nikkor Z 35mm f/1.8 S
    15. Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.8 S
    16. Nikkor Z 50mm f/1.2 S
    17. Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct
    18. Telephoto Lenses
    19. Nikkor 85mm f/1.8 S
    20. Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 S VR
    21. Nikkor Z 24-200mm f4-6.3 VR
    22. Nikkor Z Teleconverter TC-1.4x/TC-2.0x
    23. DX Lenses
    24. Nikkor Z 16-50mm DX f/3.5-6.3 VR
    25. Nikkor Z 50-250mm DX f/4.5-6.3 VR
    26. Lenses to Come
    27. Universal VR
    28. How It Works
    29. Using the FTZ Adapter
    30. Other Adapters
    31. Categories of Lenses
    32. Using Wide-Angle and Wide-Zoom Lenses
    33. Avoiding Potential Wide-Angle Problems
    34. Using Telephoto and Tele-Zoom Lenses
    35. Avoiding Telephoto Lens Problems
    36. Telephotos and Bokeh
    37. Using F-Mount Lenses
    38. Macro Lenses
    39. The F-Mount Magic Three
    40. Wide Angles
    41. Wide-to-Medium/Long Zooms
    42. Telephoto and Normal Lenses
  17. Chapter 8 Mastering Light
    1. Light That’s Available
    2. Continuous Lighting Basics
    3. Living with Color Temperature
    4. Daylight
    5. Incandescent/Tungsten/Halogen Light
    6. Fluorescent Light/LEDs
    7. Other Lighting Accessories
  18. Chapter 9 Electronic Flash
    1. Electronic Flash Basics
    2. The Moment of Exposure
    3. A Tale of Two Exposures
    4. Measuring Exposure
    5. Guide Numbers
    6. Choosing a Flash Sync Mode
    7. Ghost Images
    8. High-Speed Sync
    9. Using External Flash
    10. Using Flash Exposure Compensation
    11. Specifying Flash Shutter Speed
    12. Previewing Your Flash Effect
    13. Flash Control
    14. Working with Nikon Flash External Units
    15. Nikon SB-300
    16. Nikon SB-400
    17. Nikon SB-500
    18. Nikon SB-700
    19. Nikon SB-R200
    20. Nikon SB-910
    21. Nikon SB-5000
    22. Light Modifiers
    23. Using Zoom Heads
    24. Flash Modes
    25. Repeating Flash
  19. Chapter 10 Wireless and Multiple Flash
    1. Elements of Wireless Flash
    2. Master Flash
    3. Channels
    4. Groups
    5. Lighting Ratios
    6. Setting Your Master Flash
    7. Setting Commander Mode for the SB-5000
    8. Setting Commander Modes for the SB-910 or SB-900
    9. Setting Commander Modes for the SB-700
    10. Setting Commander Modes for the SB-500
    11. Setting Remote Modes
    12. Radio Control
  20. Chapter 11 Playback, Photo Shooting, and Movie Shooting Menus
    1. Menu Anatomy
    2. Playback Menu Options
    3. Delete
    4. Playback Folder
    5. Playback Display Options
    6. Dual-Format Recording PB Slot
    7. Image Review
    8. After Delete
    9. After Burst, Show
    10. Rotate Tall
    11. Copy Image(s)
    12. Slide Show
    13. Rating
    14. Photo Shooting Menu Options
    15. Reset Photo Shooting Menu
    16. Storage Folder
    17. File Naming
    18. Primary Slot Selection
    19. Secondary Slot Function
    20. Choose Image Area
    21. Image Quality
    22. Image Size
    23. NEF (RAW) Recording
    24. ISO Sensitivity Settings
    25. White Balance
    26. Set Picture Control
    27. Manage Picture Control
    28. Color Space
    29. Active D-Lighting
    30. Long Exposure NR
    31. High ISO NR
    32. Vignette Control
    33. Diffraction Compensation
    34. Auto Distortion Control
    35. Flicker Reduction Shooting
    36. Metering
    37. Flash Control
    38. Flash Mode
    39. Flash Compensation
    40. Focus Mode
    41. AF-Area Mode
    42. Vibration Reduction
    43. Auto Bracketing
    44. Multiple Exposure
    45. HDR (High Dynamic Range)
    46. Interval Timer Shooting
    47. Time-Lapse Movie
    48. Focus Shift Shooting
    49. Silent Photography
    50. Movie Shooting Menu
    51. Reset Movie Shooting Menu
    52. File Naming
    53. Destination
    54. Choose Image Area
    55. Frame Size/Frame Rate
    56. Movie Quality
    57. Movie File Type
    58. ISO Sensitivity Settings
    59. White Balance
    60. Set Picture Control
    61. Manage Picture Control
    62. Active D-Lighting
    63. High ISO NR
    64. Vignette Control
    65. Diffraction Compensation
    66. Auto Distortion Control
    67. Flicker Reduction
    68. Metering
    69. Focus Mode
    70. AF-Area Mode
    71. Vibration Reduction
    72. Electronic VR
    73. Microphone Sensitivity
    74. Attenuator
    75. Frequency Response
    76. Wind Noise Reduction
    77. Headphone Volume
    78. Timecode
  21. Chapter 12 The Custom Settings Menu
    1. Custom Settings Menu Layout
    2. Reset Custom Settings
    3. a. Autofocus
    4. a1 AF-C Priority Selection
    5. a2 AF-S Priority Selection
    6. a3 Focus Tracking with Lock-on
    7. a4 Focus Points Used
    8. a5 Store Points by Orientation
    9. a6 AF Activation
    10. a7 Limit AF-Area Mode Selection
    11. a8 Focus Point Wrap-Around
    12. a9 Focus Point Options
    13. a10 Low-Light AF
    14. a11 Built-in AF-Assist Illuminator
    15. a12 Manual Focus Ring in AF Mode
    16. b. Metering/Exposure
    17. b1 EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl.
    18. b2 Easy Exposure Compensation
    19. b3 Center-Weighted Area
    20. b4 Fine-Tune Optimal Exposure
    21. c. Timers/AE Lock
    22. c1 Shutter-Release Button AE-L
    23. c2 Self-Timer
    24. c3 Power Off Delay
    25. d. Shooting/Display
    26. d1 CL Mode Shooting Speed
    27. d2 Max. Continuous Release
    28. d3 Sync. Release Mode Options
    29. d4 Exposure Delay Mode
    30. d5 Shutter Type
    31. d6 Extended Shutter Speeds (M)
    32. d7 Limit Selectable Image Area
    33. d8 File Number Sequence
    34. d9 Apply Settings to Live View
    35. d10 Framing Grid Display
    36. d11 Focus Peaking
    37. d12 View All in Continuous Mode
    38. e. Bracketing/Flash
    39. e1 Flash Sync Speed
    40. e2 Flash Shutter Speed
    41. e3 Exposure Compensation for Flash
    42. e4 Auto Flash ISO Sensitivity Control
    43. e5 Modeling Flash
    44. e6 Auto Bracketing (Mode M)
    45. e7 Bracketing Order
    46. f. Controls
    47. f1 Customize i Menu
    48. f2 Custom Controls
    49. f3 OK Button
    50. f4 Shutter Spd & Aperture Lock
    51. f5 Customize Command Dials
    52. f6 Release Button to Use Dial
    53. f7 Reverse Indicators
    54. f8 Reverse Ring for Focus
    55. f9 Assign MB-N11 Buttons
    56. g. Movie
    57. g1 Customize i Menu
    58. g2 Custom Controls
    59. g3 OK Button
    60. g4 AF Speed
    61. g5 AF Tracking Sensitivity
    62. g6 Highlight Display
    63. g7 Assign MB-N11 Buttons
  22. Chapter 13 The Setup Menu, Retouch Menu, and My Menu
    1. Setup Menu Options
    2. Format Memory Card
    3. Save User Settings
    4. Reset User Settings
    5. Language
    6. Time Zone and Date
    7. Monitor Brightness
    8. Monitor Color Balance
    9. Viewfinder Brightness
    10. Viewfinder Color Balance
    11. Control Panel Brightness
    12. Limit Monitor Mode Selection
    13. Information Display
    14. AF Fine-Tuning Options
    15. Non-CPU Lens Data
    16. Save Focus Position
    17. Clean Image Sensor
    18. Image Dust Off Ref Photo
    19. Pixel Mapping
    20. Image Comment
    21. Copyright Information
    22. Beep Options
    23. Touch Controls
    24. HDMI
    25. Location Data
    26. Wireless Remote (WR) Options
    27. Assign Remote (WR) Fn Button
    28. Airplane Mode
    29. Connect to Smart Device
    30. Connect to PC
    31. Wireless Transmitter (WT-7)
    32. Conformity Marking
    33. Battery Info
    34. USB Power Delivery
    35. Energy Saving (Photo Mode)
    36. Slot Empty Release Lock
    37. Save/Load Menu Settings
    38. Reset All Settings
    39. Firmware Version
    40. Retouch Menu
    41. NEF (RAW) Processing
    42. Trim
    43. Resize
    44. D-Lighting
    45. Red-Eye Correction
    46. Straighten
    47. Distortion Control
    48. Perspective Control
    49. Monochrome
    50. Image Overlay
    51. Trim Movie
    52. Side-by-Side Comparison
    53. Using My Menu
  23. Chapter 14 Capturing Video
    1. Quick Start Checklist
    2. Lean, Mean, Movie Machine
    3. Capturing Video
    4. Slow-Motion Movies
    5. Shooting Your Movie
    6. Using the i Button
    7. Stop That!
    8. Viewing Your Movies
    9. Trimming Your Movies
    10. Saving a Frame
  24. Chapter 15 Tips for Shooting Better Video
    1. Using an External Recorder
    2. Gamma, Gamma Ding Dong
    3. N-log
    4. HLG/HDR
    5. But Wait! There’s More: RAW Video
    6. Refocusing on Focus
    7. Lens Craft
    8. Depth-of-Field and Video
    9. Zooming and Video
    10. Keeping Things Stable and on the Level
    11. Shooting Script
    12. Storyboards
    13. Storytelling in Video
    14. Composition
    15. Lighting for Video
    16. Illumination
    17. Creative Lighting
    18. Lighting Styles
    19. Audio
    20. Tips for Better Audio
    21. External Microphones
    22. Special Features
  25. Chapter 16 Troubleshooting and Prevention
    1. Upgrading Your Firmware
    2. How It Works
    3. Why Multiple Firmware Modules?
    4. Updating from SnapBridge
    5. Updating from a Card Reader
    6. Starting the Update
    7. Updating Other Accessories
    8. Protecting Your LCD
    9. Troubleshooting Memory Cards
    10. All Your Eggs in One Basket?
    11. Preventive Measures
    12. What Can Go Wrong?
    13. What Can You Do?
    14. Cleaning Your Sensor
    15. Dust the FAQs, Ma’am
    16. Identifying and Dealing with Dust
    17. Avoiding Dust
    18. Sensor Cleaning