For me, the version 3 firmware has totally transformed the subjective experience of using the Z6. Until now I was tending to reach for my D7500 as a preference. Now the Z6 is a real joy to use. I bought it with the hope that Nikon would come good with the firmware upgrades and now, from my point of view, they have succeeded. Well done and thanks Nikon !
Try setting up your F1 button to AF/[+} in Control Assignment f2. By tipping the F1, You then can switch between AF-S & AF-C using the back dial... then use the front dial to switch between all the focus screens for both.... After that adjustment, tap the front are back AF button to resume normal dial operations. Tap F1 any time for on the fly changes.
I set up all of my normal settings in Manual mode, then programmed the F2 button to Subject Tracking and the focus mode to auto area. I saved all of this in U3, which is the dial setting next to M. Now when I photograph with single point focus in manual mode, and want tracking, all I do is turn the dial one click to U3. It retains manual control, changes the F2 button to subject tracking and enables auto area tracking autofocus. A turn of the dial back to M changes the camera back to those original settings. That allows me to have complete control and F2 programmed for two separate functions if needed all with one click.
Steve, thank you for taking the time to make these videos. You helped me learn how to set up my Z7 subject tracking! And the comments have been helpful - the thoughtful ones - those bringing out various options and ideas relating to the Nikon mirrorless line. This is an exciting new camera line that is incrementally getting better, but different enough from Nikon's DSLR's to mean it's going to take some time and experimentation to get the best out of it... (I've been with Nikon from their first full frame!) Thanks for being one of those who show the way forward!
Great video on a very interesting firmware update. It would seem to me, like another step in the right direction for Nikon. Really looking forward to your next update on the subject. Now, what I would really like to see from Nikon is a "Z500" a sort of "mirrorless D500". I wonder what are the chances of that happening anytime soon? Again thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the subject. Cheers
Totally agree with you that some of the button customization and UI options need to be updated! Hopefully sooner rather than later. Bought a z6 this week cause of 3.0 and am not entirely pleased with it. "Cumbersome" is the perfect word for some of the user experience with this camera.
Be a Photographer it just takes some playing around with the ideal setup for your use. Personally I find it close to perfect now. I wish the tracking box size could be changed, and that face tracking could be done in every mode. Otherwise I have no complaints.
Was looking for a way to activate subject tracking in any focus mode, and your video was the first that told me, it just isn't possible. Thanks (and Nikon should fix that!)
Hi Steve, love your channel. Definitely a move in the right direction by Nikon. But I'm with you - a separate tracking mode would be the ideal solution and I really don't understand why they didn't just do that. Does Nikon think that the way they have implemented it is more flexible? Well I've racked my brains and I can't think of any advantage in the way they have set it up - not even to the average user! It just doesn't make any sense? Thanks again for a awesome channel Steve.
I agree that subject tracking should be its own mode. It would make this feature more useful and intuitive. Hopefully Nikon will improve this in another update. Thank you for the video Steve!
Interesting stuff. I'm really looking forward to your findings once you try the camera with the new update in the field. I'm still on the fence about getting myself a Z as a second body for travelling but I really need decent tracking for BIF ... :-)
Hi Steve thanks for this video. Helps a lot. The only problem is I can't see the tracking box!! I'm I doing something wrong? Which area mode do I've to keep it in? I'm on Af-C single af mode. Thanks. Bit frustrated not to see the tracking box!
@@SteveMattheis Hi. Let's just say the AF with the update is much better and for that I'm impressed. Tracking, which I didn't really use before the update with the Z system is not worthy :) for bird in flight tracking. Did an okay job of fairly static birds on the ground. Will stick to DLSR for active wildlife, for now :)
I agree with your frustration at not being able to assign different focus modes to the Sub-selector and I fudge this by assigning Zoom on/off 200% to the Movie-record button, which allows me to punch into a distant subject, then focus with AF-ON. Also, you've assigned Subject tracking to Fn2 but isn't that already available from the OK button [and cancelled with the (?) button]? Those symbols displayed in the monitor at 9:49 indicate that's how to activate and deactivate the tracking function.
Can’t wait to see if there is a surprise or two in the D-6 and your subsequent review and setup.Sorry to get off track but mirrorless shmirrorless here
Nice video. Is there any way to quickly activate Subject Tracking when shooting video? What you've described only works when shooting still, and it seems like this is another miss by Nikon. Thanks for doing this video. Very helpful. But as you've implied, Nikon still needs to get its act together for shooting video.
Animal face and eye detection mode works well on humans too, so I keep my camera always in that mode instead of switching between "humans" and "animals"
Hi Steve. Have you tried your 200-500mm lens on your Z6 using subject tracking? I would be interested in your experiences because I’m thinking of getting that lens.
I don't agree that tracking should be in separate mode. I enable tracking when the camera can't detect the face in the frame, i.e. the switching from face or eye detection to tracking should be as short as possible.
very interesting Steve! Does this work in video as well for stills? would be a dream to track waterfowl and larger mammals with it, don’t expect it to track bof thou 🤔😊✌️
Yes, why is Subject Tracking not its own separate focusing mode?!?!?!? Why does the Fn option disappear when I am in Dynamic-area AF mode or one of the other AF modes? I'm using a Z6 II a year after this video with last week's update and it STILL does not work!!!
Ok no dumb questions right? Haha. I playing around with the subject tracking vs. eye detect. Eye detect is far superior with people. I'm trying to know when would I ever use subject tracking then? A moving non-person like a car? What's some real-world uses for subject tracking?
You could use it anytime you don't want to focus on a person's eyes. I rarely photograph people so subject tracking has good potential for photographers like me.
![BRASIL vs. URUGUAY [1-1] | RESUMEN | ELIMINATORIAS SUDAMERICANAS | FECHA 12](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/-hWBAuxF1eY/mqdefault.jpg)
For me, the version 3 firmware has totally transformed the subjective experience of using the Z6. Until now I was tending to reach for my D7500 as a preference. Now the Z6 is a real joy to use. I bought it with the hope that Nikon would come good with the firmware upgrades and now, from my point of view, they have succeeded. Well done and thanks Nikon !
Glad to hear it
AF-ON button is my new BFF now. Thank you, good Sir.
Try setting up your F1 button to AF/[+} in Control Assignment f2. By tipping the F1, You then can switch between AF-S & AF-C using the back dial... then use the front dial to switch between all the focus screens for both.... After that adjustment, tap the front are back AF button to resume normal dial operations. Tap F1 any time for on the fly changes.
Garner Boyd agree with you..that’s how I set up mine
Thanks for the video, i found it very useful, i just got a 200-500f4 for wildlife photography this will make my life easier.
I set up all of my normal settings in Manual mode, then programmed the F2 button to Subject Tracking and the focus mode to auto area. I saved all of this in U3, which is the dial setting next to M. Now when I photograph with single point focus in manual mode, and want tracking, all I do is turn the dial one click to U3. It retains manual control, changes the F2 button to subject tracking and enables auto area tracking autofocus. A turn of the dial back to M changes the camera back to those original settings. That allows me to have complete control and F2 programmed for two separate functions if needed all with one click.
genius setup! Thank you for sharing this. I'll be setting mine up the same way thanks to you Dennis!
Steve, thank you for taking the time to make these videos. You helped me learn how to set up my Z7 subject tracking! And the comments have been helpful - the thoughtful ones - those bringing out various options and ideas relating to the Nikon mirrorless line. This is an exciting new camera line that is incrementally getting better, but different enough from Nikon's DSLR's to mean it's going to take some time and experimentation to get the best out of it... (I've been with Nikon from their first full frame!) Thanks for being one of those who show the way forward!
Your dog is chill.🤗
No doubt👍
Really appreciate the video. Was able to get the AF all set up for back button and F2.
Great video on a very interesting firmware update. It would seem to me, like another step in the right direction for Nikon. Really looking forward to your next update on the subject.
Now, what I would really like to see from Nikon is a "Z500" a sort of "mirrorless D500". I wonder what are the chances of that happening anytime soon?
Again thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts on the subject.
Cheers
Love your Beagle. We have one as well.
Steve, thanks for your videos and reviews. I'm looking forward to your report about it "in the wild" with the new update.
Totally agree with you that some of the button customization and UI options need to be updated! Hopefully sooner rather than later. Bought a z6 this week cause of 3.0 and am not entirely pleased with it. "Cumbersome" is the perfect word for some of the user experience with this camera.
Be a Photographer it just takes some playing around with the ideal setup for your use. Personally I find it close to perfect now. I wish the tracking box size could be changed, and that face tracking could be done in every mode. Otherwise I have no complaints.
Was looking for a way to activate subject tracking in any focus mode, and your video was the first that told me, it just isn't possible. Thanks (and Nikon should fix that!)
When I got my Z50, that was my thought as well about it having its own mode.
Great notes and great work big fan Nikon please listen!!!!
Hi Steve, love your channel. Definitely a move in the right direction by Nikon. But I'm with you - a separate tracking mode would be the ideal solution and I really don't understand why they didn't just do that. Does Nikon think that the way they have implemented it is more flexible? Well I've racked my brains and I can't think of any advantage in the way they have set it up - not even to the average user! It just doesn't make any sense? Thanks again for a awesome channel Steve.
I agree that subject tracking should be its own mode. It would make this feature more useful and intuitive. Hopefully Nikon will improve this in another update. Thank you for the video Steve!
Interesting stuff. I'm really looking forward to your findings once you try the camera with the new update in the field. I'm still on the fence about getting myself a Z as a second body for travelling but I really need decent tracking for BIF ... :-)
What body do you use currently? Size is a double edged sword
@@BeaPhotographerlessons When travelling the D7500. As a second body I take my old D300. I shoot only FX glass.
I love the eye af on my cats. :)
Hi Steve thanks for this video. Helps a lot. The only problem is I can't see the tracking box!! I'm I doing something wrong? Which area mode do I've to keep it in? I'm on Af-C single af mode. Thanks. Bit frustrated not to see the tracking box!
Excellent. Thanks. Going to see how it tracks some magpies this morning :)
Good luck 😘
@@SteveMattheis Hi. Let's just say the AF with the update is much better and for that I'm impressed. Tracking, which I didn't really use before the update with the Z system is not worthy :) for bird in flight tracking. Did an okay job of fairly static birds on the ground. Will stick to DLSR for active wildlife, for now :)
I agree with your frustration at not being able to assign different focus modes to the Sub-selector and I fudge this by assigning Zoom on/off 200% to the Movie-record button, which allows me to punch into a distant subject, then focus with AF-ON. Also, you've assigned Subject tracking to Fn2 but isn't that already available from the OK button [and cancelled with the (?) button]? Those symbols displayed in the monitor at 9:49 indicate that's how to activate and deactivate the tracking function.
Yes you can use those other buttons if you prefer.
Can’t wait to see if there is a surprise or two in the D-6 and your subsequent review and setup.Sorry to get off track but mirrorless shmirrorless here
I'm going to skip the D6 so unless I borrow one there won't be much for me to say. I'm sure it will be fantastic for sports action and wildlife though
i love that dog looking outside 😍
Nice video. Is there any way to quickly activate Subject Tracking when shooting video? What you've described only works when shooting still, and it seems like this is another miss by Nikon. Thanks for doing this video. Very helpful. But as you've implied, Nikon still needs to get its act together for shooting video.
Hi. It does work in video mode as well.
Animal face and eye detection mode works well on humans too, so I keep my camera always in that mode instead of switching between "humans" and "animals"
TRACKING SUBJECT must be at it owns mode!!!i cant understadn why is option of autofocus!any rumor that we will have any firmware update?
Hi Steve. Have you tried your 200-500mm lens on your Z6 using subject tracking? I would be interested in your experiences because I’m thinking of getting that lens.
I don't agree that tracking should be in separate mode. I enable tracking when the camera can't detect the face in the frame, i.e. the switching from face or eye detection to tracking should be as short as possible.
It would be great to be able to set it up either way...
Have a look at The Monochrome man a couple of episodes back on how he uses fn1 and Fn2.
I watched it, it's quite similar but we use our cameras differently so it's great that we can set them up to suit our individual needs 👍
very interesting Steve! Does this work in video as well for stills? would be a dream to track waterfowl and larger mammals with it, don’t expect it to track bof thou 🤔😊✌️
Yes it works in video too 👍
@@SteveMattheis great!!
I agree. The Z6 or Z7 it sux with wild life or sport action but works good with people
lol - i hope morten hilmer will never read your comment
Yes, why is Subject Tracking not its own separate focusing mode?!?!?!?
Why does the Fn option disappear when I am in Dynamic-area AF mode or one of the other AF modes? I'm using a Z6 II a year after this video with last week's update and it STILL does not work!!!
Ok no dumb questions right? Haha. I playing around with the subject tracking vs. eye detect. Eye detect is far superior with people. I'm trying to know when would I ever use subject tracking then? A moving non-person like a car? What's some real-world uses for subject tracking?
You could use it anytime you don't want to focus on a person's eyes. I rarely photograph people so subject tracking has good potential for photographers like me.
Would be really cool to see how it perform on small birds
Hi
Which L bracket are you using for nikon Z7 ?
I know, pressing the F2 button is a lot of work 📷😂👍
What’s that metal-thing round your camera?
It is a plate like this one I have: www.reallyrightstuff.com/z7-plates?quantity=1&custcol50=1
5:39 👍
First🥳