Nikon Z8 Custom Setup and Field Guide–My Approach

I’m planning a photo shoot tomorrow morning, so I’m reviewing how I set up my Nikon Z8s. The settings are largely the same on the Nikon Z9, but this post is not for users of other cameras. Sorry.

This guide will walk you through setting up your Nikon Z8 to maximize efficiency with back button focus, playback customization, AF modes on the record button, ISO on the lens control ring, subject detection toggle on the Fn2 button, and exposure delay mode on the playback button. I’ve also included a field guide for those using these settings. When away from the camera for some time, I forget what I’ve set, so I created this guide to ensure things are set correctly. After feeding it a list of functions I have been using on the camera, I've used ChatGPT to write this. I’ve added a downloadable quick reference as well as detailed information.

1. Set Back Button Focus on the AF-ON Button

Back Button Focus allows you to separate focusing from the shutter button, which is ideal for many photographers.

Steps:

1. Open the Menu → Navigate to Custom Settings Menu (Pencil Icon)

2. Go to a11: AF Activation

3. Select "AF-ON only"

   • This disables autofocus from the shutter button and assigns it to the AF-ON button instead.

Optional: Disable Shutter Release AF

• Go to a4: AF-ON + shutter and set it to Off to prevent the shutter button from triggering autofocus.

2. Set Playback to the Display Button

This setting moves playback to the DISP (Display) button, making image review quicker.

Steps:

1. Go to Menu → Custom Settings Menu

2. Navigate to f2: Custom controls (Playback)

3. Select DISP (Display) button

4. Choose "Playback"

5. Press OK to confirm.

3. Assign AF Modes to the Record Button

This lets you switch AF modes quickly by pressing the record button.

Steps:

1. Go to Menu → Custom Settings Menu

2. Navigate to f2: Custom controls (Shooting)

3. Scroll to Movie Record Button

4. Set it to "AF-area mode"

5. Press OK to save.

Now, pressing the Record button will bring up AF mode selection.

4. Assign ISO to the Lens Control Ring

This allows quick ISO adjustments without taking your hand off the lens.

Steps:

1. Go to Menu → Custom Settings Menu

2. Navigate to f9: Customize command dials

3. Select "Customize control ring"

4. Set it to "ISO sensitivity"

5. Press OK to confirm.

Now, rotating the lens control ring will adjust ISO.

5. Assign Subject Detect to Fn2 Using My Menu

This enables quick toggling of Subject Detection from the Fn2 button.

Steps:

1. Go to Menu → MY MENU

2. Select "Add items"

3. Go to Custom Settings Menu → a3: Auto-area AF face/eye detection

4. Add it to My Menu.

5. Now, Assign it to Fn2 Button:

   • Go to Custom Settings Menu

   • Navigate to f2: Custom controls (Shooting)

   • Select Fn2 button

   • Choose "MY MENU"

   • Press OK to save.

Now, pressing Fn2 brings up My Menu, allowing you to toggle Subject Detection quickly.

6. Assign Exposure Delay to the Playback Button

Exposure delay helps minimize camera shake by delaying the shutter after pressing.

Steps:

1. Go to Menu → Custom Settings Menu

2. Navigate to d4: Exposure delay mode

3. Set it to 1, 2, or 3 seconds as needed.

4. Assign it to the Playback Button:

   • Go to Custom Settings Menu → f2: Custom controls (Shooting)

   • Select Playback button

   • Set it to "Exposure delay mode"

   • Press OK to save.

Now, pressing the Playback button will enable/disable Exposure Delay Mode.

Final Check

• Test each customization to ensure it works as expected.

• Adjust settings based on your shooting preferences.

Now your Nikon Z8 is fully optimized for quick access to essential functions! 🚀 Let me know if you need further refinements.

Nikon Z8 Custom Setup – Field Guide

Optimized for Quick Access to Focus, Playback, AF Modes, ISO, and Subject Detection

1. Using Back Button Focus (AF-ON)

What it does:

• The shutter button only takes the picture (no autofocus).

• Autofocus is now triggered only by the AF-ON button.

How to use it:

1. Press and hold the AF-ON button to autofocus.

2. Release AF-ON to lock focus.

3. Press the shutter button to take the photo.

When to use it:
✅ Great for wildlife, sports, and portraits to prevent focus shifting between shots.
✅ Ideal for recomposing after locking focus.

2. Reviewing Images with the Display Button

What it does:

• The DISP (Display) button now opens image playback.

How to use it:

1. Press the DISP button to enter playback mode.

2. Use the sub-selector joystick to navigate images.

3. Press the DISP button again to exit playback.

When to use it:
✅ Quick access to review shots without moving your thumb off the grip.

3. Changing Autofocus Modes with the Record Button

What it does:

• Pressing the Record button lets you quickly change AF modes.

How to use it:

1. Press the Record button to bring up AF mode selection.

2. Use the front command dial to toggle between AF modes:

   • Single-point AF (precise focusing)

   • Wide-area AF (for tracking subjects)

   • Auto-area AF (full-frame subject detection)

3. Press OK to confirm the selection.

When to use it:
✅ Perfect for switching between different autofocus needs, such as static subjects (Single-Point AF) and moving subjects (Wide-Area AF or Auto-Area AF).

4. Adjusting ISO with the Lens Control Ring

What it does:

• The control ring on the lens now adjusts ISO.

How to use it:

1. Rotate the lens control ring📖 Nikon Z8 Quick Settings Reference Table

   This table provides a quick overview of the custom settings and their assigned controls for your Nikon Z8 setup. Keep this handy for easy reference in the field.

   FunctionButton/ControlHow to UseBest ForBack Button FocusAF-ON buttonPress AF-ON to focus, release to lock focusWildlife, sports, portraitsPlaybackDISP (Display) buttonPress DISP to review imagesQuick image reviewChange AF ModesRecord buttonPress Record → Use front dial to switch AF modeFast AF mode switchingAdjust ISOLens control ringRotate the lens ring to adjust ISOQuick exposure adjustmentsToggle Subject DetectionFn2 button (via My Menu)Press Fn2 → Select detection modeSwitching between people, animals, birds, vehiclesEnable Exposure DelayPlayback buttonPress Playback to toggle exposure delayTripod shooting, reducing shake

5. Toggling Subject Detection via the Fn2 Button (My Menu)

What it does:

• The Fn2 button opens My Menu, giving you fast access to Subject Detection settings.

How to use it:

1. Press Fn2 to open My Menu.

2. Select "Auto-area AF face/eye detection" and toggle it On/Off.

When to use it:
✅ Use when photographing people, animals, or vehicles.
✅ Turn Off for landscapes or when AF is struggling with the wrong subject.

6. Activating Exposure Delay with the Playback Button

What it does:

• The Playback button now toggles Exposure Delay Mode to reduce camera shake.

How to use it:

1. Press the Playback button to enable/disable Exposure Delay.

2. Choose a 1s, 2s, or 3s delay in the menu.

When to use it:
✅ Great for tripod shooting to avoid vibrations (macro, long exposures).
✅ Turn Off when shooting handheld.

Final Notes

• Test your setup in different shooting conditions to get comfortable.

• These settings optimize speed, control, and efficiency in the field.

• Practice switching AF modes, adjusting ISO, and using back button focus so they become second nature.

Enjoy shooting with your custom-tuned Nikon Z8! 🚀📷

4o

📖 Understanding and Using Subject Detection on the Nikon Z8

The Nikon Z8 features advanced subject detection modes, allowing the camera to automatically recognize and focus on specific subjects such as people, animals, birds, vehicles, and airplanes. Understanding when and how to use each mode will improve your autofocus accuracy in different shooting conditions.

🔹 How to Access and Change Subject Detection Modes

Since we’ve assigned subject detection to the Fn2 button using My Menu, you can quickly switch between modes:

1. Press the Fn2 button to bring up My Menu.

2. Select "Auto-area AF face/eye detection".

3. Choose the appropriate subject detection mode for your scene.

4. Press OK to apply.

📷 Subject Detection Modes Explained

Each mode is optimized for different types of photography. Here’s how to use them effectively:

👤 People Detection

• What it does: Detects human faces and eyes, prioritizing sharp focus on them.

• Best for: Portrait photography, events, street photography.

• How it works:

  • The camera automatically identifies faces.

  • If multiple people are detected, use the joystick to select the preferred subject.

  • Works in Auto-Area AF mode.

• Tip: If subject detection struggles in dim light, switch to Single-point AF for more precise control.

🐶 Animal Detection

• What it does: Detects dogs, cats, and other mammals, prioritizing their eyes for sharp focus.

• Best for: Pet photography, wildlife photography (excluding birds).

• How it works:

  • Works similarly to people detection but optimized for furry friends.

  • The camera identifies the face and eyes of the animal.

• Tip: If the animal is partially hidden or at a distance, switch to Wide-Area AF instead of Auto-Area AF for better accuracy.

🦜 Bird Detection

• What it does: Specifically designed to detect and focus on birds’ heads and eyes, even in flight.

• Best for: Bird photography, especially birds in motion.

• How it works:

  • Works best with Auto-Area AF or Wide-Area AF.

  • Can track birds in flight, ensuring sharp focus.

• Tip: Pair this with Dynamic-Area AF for more control when birds are moving through complex backgrounds.

🚗 Vehicle Detection

• What it does: Detects cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, prioritizing helmets or windshields for focus.

• Best for: Motorsports, street photography involving vehicles.

• How it works:

  • The camera locks onto the vehicle’s windshield or driver’s face.

• Tip: Works well in tracking mode (3D-tracking AF) to follow fast-moving vehicles.

✈️ Airplane Detection

• What it does: Recognizes airplanes and locks focus on their bodies or cockpits.

• Best for: Aviation photography, airshows.

• How it works:

  • Works best in Auto-Area AF or Wide-Area AF.

• Tip: Use Dynamic-Area AF if the background has multiple planes.

⚡ Best Practices for Subject Detection

✅ Use the right detection mode for your subject. If photographing birds, don’t leave the camera in “People Detection.”
✅ Combine Subject Detection with the right AF-Area Mode:

• Auto-Area AF: Best when the subject moves unpredictably.

• Wide-Area AF: Good for controlling which part of the frame the camera focuses on.

• Dynamic-Area AF: Helps when a subject moves in a busy scene.
  ✅ Be mindful of background clutter. Subject detection might struggle if the background is busy or if multiple subjects compete for attention.
  ✅ For small subjects, zoom in or use a longer focal length. Birds far away may not be detected easily.

🎯 Final Thoughts

By assigning Subject Detection to the Fn2 button, you can quickly switch between modes based on your subject. Mastering this feature will improve autofocus speed and accuracy, helping you get sharper images with minimal effort.

🚀 Now go out and test different subject detection modes in real-world shooting!