Please see kentjoosten's comment about another method of using the dial - rather than using it to set the minimum, use it to dynamically set your maximum. One other thing I forgot to mention - Auto ISO in Video mode! The Zf & Zfc will *always* use Auto ISO in video mode - you can't manually adjust it. UNLESS you go into the Video Recording Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > set Auto ISO control (mode M) OFF. This gives you manual ISO control in Manual exposure mode. Otherwise, it's Auto in all modes.
You are literally the ONLY one who explained the iso setting properly as a photographer really used this camera, instead of those being influencers who only play with cameras for views. Thank you!
Thank you for being the first person to explain the Auto ISO correctly and efficiently. It totally works the way you explain it and makes it very easy!
Another way to use auto ISO that I use all the time: Set maximum ISO in the menu all the way down to 200. This means the ISO knob will always set the MAXIMUM ISO that the camera can use. So, in your example, if you want to never exceed 6400 ISO, just set the knob to 6400 and the camera will use ISO between 100 and 6400. If you want to allow it to go higher, just move the knob to a higher number. You just have to remember that the knob is now telling you MAXIMUM ISO.
This is great. But John kept saying - and says in the text version over his video - that the dials sets the minimum ISO, implying that using it the way you do would make the camera just use 6400 in your example, and never go lower. I assume you are right and he was wrong. But can your confirm. And does your approach work in all modes?
@@ericsteig5296 I did just confirm that @kentjoosten8149 is correct; the manual has a footnote that when the dial is set higher than the menu MAXIMUM setting, it will use the dial setting rather than the menu setting for the maximum. Seems this method is probably more efficient, using the dial to adjust the maximum based on your current situation.
@@PeltierPhoto Thanks you SO much. And can you confirm this works work in all modes (except video)? I'm also curious whether the behavior @kentjoosten8149 pointed out does work the same way in video mode if you are also in M). A wierd thing is that the behavior we are talking about was rumored to work on the DF as well, but it definitely does not. I don't really understand how Nikon designers think (but I still want a ZF!).
@@ericsteig5296 so after playing around with this some more, it appears kent's method only works in modes with manual shutter speeds - M and S. In modes with auto shutter speeds (A and P), the behavior is what I mentioned in the video - if the dial is set higher than the menu maximum, the ISO will be fixed at the higher dial value. I'll experiment some more, but that's what it's doing. And it does work the same in Video M mode.
This is the most cleanest & straight forward explanation! Thank you! Need your advice pls. I am using Aperture mode. ISO auto is ON with maximum sensitivity at 12,800. And I set the minimum shutter speed at 1/200. However, when I try to test indoor, the iso auto is correct max at 12,800, however the minimum shutter speed is not at 1/200. Instead it is around 1/100.. pls advice.
Thanks for the feedback! My guess is it’s probably too dark indoors to both use ISO12,800 and a minimum shutter speed of 1/200. The camera will always try to give you the Exposure Compensation setting that you’re asking for. And if the light is really low, the camera will sacrifice your minimum shutter speed to give you that. Try pointing it at a bright computer screen or lamp, I bet it’ll jump back up to 1/200.
Excellent video! My Zed-f arrives today! I've already started drinking bourbon. I have a D3s and I mostly do "street" photography I almost always use M mode and set aperture and shutter speed to something that gives me a good result for shooting from the waist. My D3s doesn't have as many options for Auto ISO, but it's an old camera.
Have fun with it! I've configured one of my Zf's for "manual everything only" with a Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 for an upcoming trip. No automation at all, I love doing that every now and then :)
Thanks and you're welcome! You're talking about the one on the desk in the video? That's a Voigtlander on a Zfc; I have both a 23mm and 35mm lens. They're manual focus only but fun little lenses.
When I’m on video mode, my ISO is always set to 800 and it cannot go below that as the values are greyed out? Is there a way to choose values below 800 when shooting video? I’m on Manual and have the dial set to C
@@PeltierPhoto I’m recording N-Log. Ahh thanks! I was trying to find a way to lower the ISO for the longest time but I guess 800 is the minimum when shoot log
Why is everyone missing the easiest way to setup ISO on this camera? Just set auto iso ON and set maximum to 200. Now the ISO wheel is the MAX iso allowed. So set for example 6400 on the dial, 100-6400 auto iso and it will always use the lowest it can. Want 100-800? Set ISO dial to 800. Want lowest? Set iso wheel to 100. It’s really that easy and keeps the function of the ISO wheel. This seems to have been missed by almost everyone. It’s a much better way than Fuji. I own both.
It's not "missed" - this only works in M & S exposure modes. And if you want to go to a "true" Manual exposure mode, you still need to go into the menus and turn Auto ISO off to fix it at your desired value. In A & P exposure modes (I'm in A 95% of the time for documentary work), if you set the ISO dial to something higher than the programmed max, the ISO becomes fixed at the dial position - it won't use the lowest it can. I think Fujifilm had it right by putting "A" on the ISO dial - a simple flick of the dial lets you toggle between auto and manual values.
@@PeltierPhoto I much prefer the Nikon way myself, I also have a Fuji. Fuji is a lot worse if you want to adjust the auto ISO range. But I’m in M 99% of the time on the Zf so that’s probably why. I tried it in A and it’s basically manual ISO with it set this way as the limit is 200 and whatever is higher is basically the ISO setting. It’s like this camera has every way possible built into it to change ISO which is causing mass confusion. But I really like the way it works in M and S better. But I also don’t use A/S/P modes. I feel like nikon could easily add a “C” is AUTO option in the menu and make a lot of people happy. Then it would basically be a Fuji, maybe that coupled with a programmable key+rear command wheel to adjust the auto ISO range. That would be a simple setup.
@@PeltierPhoto You are correct. I missed the M/S only for that since I’m in M so much. Fuji has it right for A/P I agree. This would be a better world if Nikon just added another option in the menu for A/P to allow “c” to be an A selection and have it work like the Fuji way. I still prefer to use M and the auto on/ISO 200 max setup though for my needs, I don’t want that to be changed. This camera probably has the most combo’s of how to adjust ISO out there and it’s certainly confusing for a new user. Thanks for doing these videos and thanks for posting the M/S technique on the top pinned.
Using it like that in aperture priority it's like full manual ISO as it will stay at your set value and only decrease when shutterspeed and/or aperture are maxed out. You would loose the genius Auto-ISO capability with a max ISO set in the ISO menu AND a quickly changeable min ISO by turning the ISO-wheel.
Hi, my Auto ISO indicator is always flashing and it is distracting. I have tried many configurations but it almost always flashes. Why is this and is there a way to turn this off?
Unfortunately there's no way to disable that. It's the camera's way of telling you that it's choosing an ISO higher than your programmed minimum, just to make you aware it'll be higher. I've learned to ignore it :)
I followed along with my Zfc and set my auto ISO to the same settings you selected (auto, minimum 100, maximum 6400, auto shutter speed) but was wondering why the icon for ISO auto on the back monitor is always flashing for me? I was hoping you could explain what that means and and if there a way to make it stop flashing?
Yeah that's kind of annoying, it means that the calculated ISO to make the exposure will be higher than your programmed minimum ISO. Just a warning saying, "hey, we're going higher than your minimum." Unfortunately there's no way to disable it.
I'm not a big fan of that. It's just letting you know that it wants to use an ISO higher than your set (minimum) ISO. A little courtesy I could do without since it already displays the ISO it wants to use.
I want to buy this camera, but it’s a mess! I want to generally use auto ISO, but on occasion chose an exact ISO to override it, high or low. JUST LIKE FUJI. Why has this camera made it so complicated?
This design choice is baffling. Why’s there not an A on the dial? So many steps to change from auto to manual ISO is ridiculous when there’s a physical dial.
I put it as the first option in My Menu so it's the first thing that comes up when I press Menu, but yeah it's rather annoying there's no A on the dial like other manufacturers do.
...which is great if you're shooting in a stable lighting environment. Try that at a race track shooting vehicles moving at triple digit speeds through sunlit areas, areas in shade, or worse yet, areas that have both and Auto ISO rapidly becomes your best friend.
Please see kentjoosten's comment about another method of using the dial - rather than using it to set the minimum, use it to dynamically set your maximum.
One other thing I forgot to mention - Auto ISO in Video mode! The Zf & Zfc will *always* use Auto ISO in video mode - you can't manually adjust it. UNLESS you go into the Video Recording Menu > ISO sensitivity settings > set Auto ISO control (mode M) OFF. This gives you manual ISO control in Manual exposure mode. Otherwise, it's Auto in all modes.
You are literally the ONLY one who explained the iso setting properly as a photographer really used this camera, instead of those being influencers who only play with cameras for views.
Thank you!
Oh thank you, I appreciate it!
Thank you for being the first person to explain the Auto ISO correctly and efficiently. It totally works the way you explain it and makes it very easy!
Awesome to hear, thank you and you’re welcome!
This is a brilliant video, clear, concise, logical and practical. Great work, thank you for posting.
You're welcome!
Some of the best explanations and setup ive seen! thank you.
Glad it was helpful, you’re welcome!
Another way to use auto ISO that I use all the time: Set maximum ISO in the menu all the way down to 200. This means the ISO knob will always set the MAXIMUM ISO that the camera can use. So, in your example, if you want to never exceed 6400 ISO, just set the knob to 6400 and the camera will use ISO between 100 and 6400. If you want to allow it to go higher, just move the knob to a higher number.
You just have to remember that the knob is now telling you MAXIMUM ISO.
Another great tip, thank you!
This is great. But John kept saying - and says in the text version over his video - that the dials sets the minimum ISO, implying that using it the way you do would make the camera just use 6400 in your example, and never go lower. I assume you are right and he was wrong. But can your confirm. And does your approach work in all modes?
@@ericsteig5296 I did just confirm that @kentjoosten8149 is correct; the manual has a footnote that when the dial is set higher than the menu MAXIMUM setting, it will use the dial setting rather than the menu setting for the maximum.
Seems this method is probably more efficient, using the dial to adjust the maximum based on your current situation.
@@PeltierPhoto Thanks you SO much. And can you confirm this works work in all modes (except video)?
I'm also curious whether the behavior @kentjoosten8149 pointed out does work the same way in video mode if you are also in M).
A wierd thing is that the behavior we are talking about was rumored to work on the DF as well, but it definitely does not. I don't really understand how Nikon designers think (but I still want a ZF!).
@@ericsteig5296 so after playing around with this some more, it appears kent's method only works in modes with manual shutter speeds - M and S. In modes with auto shutter speeds (A and P), the behavior is what I mentioned in the video - if the dial is set higher than the menu maximum, the ISO will be fixed at the higher dial value. I'll experiment some more, but that's what it's doing.
And it does work the same in Video M mode.
The entire playlist has been a lifesaver. So nicely explained. Thank you.
You’re welcome!
great tips , thank you so much . Your presentation pace is perfect
Thank you for the feedback!
This is the most cleanest & straight forward explanation! Thank you! Need your advice pls. I am using Aperture mode. ISO auto is ON with maximum sensitivity at 12,800. And I set the minimum shutter speed at 1/200. However, when I try to test indoor, the iso auto is correct max at 12,800, however the minimum shutter speed is not at 1/200. Instead it is around 1/100.. pls advice.
Thanks for the feedback!
My guess is it’s probably too dark indoors to both use ISO12,800 and a minimum shutter speed of 1/200. The camera will always try to give you the Exposure Compensation setting that you’re asking for. And if the light is really low, the camera will sacrifice your minimum shutter speed to give you that. Try pointing it at a bright computer screen or lamp, I bet it’ll jump back up to 1/200.
Simply the best in the world explaining this not-so-simple iso control of ZF. Thank you so much, John. Now I can fully enjoy my ZF!
You're welcome, enjoy!
I just purchased a Zf as a retirement hobby. Your video is excellent for helping me understand my camera.
That’s great! Enjoy your Zf, and your retirement.
Fantastic video. Really great tips
Glad it was helpful!
Brilliant work thank you for explaining this. Now I know where I screwed up in my settings.
Glad it helped!
Interesting, I must have a play with that. Thanks for posting the video and the tip using the dial as the Max setting.
Brilliant explanation John. Thanks
You're welcome!
Excellent video! My Zed-f arrives today! I've already started drinking bourbon. I have a D3s and I mostly do "street" photography I almost always use M mode and set aperture and shutter speed to something that gives me a good result for shooting from the waist. My D3s doesn't have as many options for Auto ISO, but it's an old camera.
Have fun with it! I've configured one of my Zf's for "manual everything only" with a Voigtlander 40mm f/1.2 for an upcoming trip. No automation at all, I love doing that every now and then :)
Thank you so much. This is one video that accidentally popped up and it was eureka moment.
Glad to hear!
Brilliant. Very well explained 👏
Hello, minimun iso rule applies also on Z cameras without iso dials I guess (like the Z6)?
Yes, rotating the command dial while pressing the ISO button is like rotating the ISO dial on the Zf & Zfc.
@@PeltierPhoto no sorry I meant the minimum iso value set manually on the z6 for ex becomes the minimum auto iso value ?
Yes that's correct, it operates the same.
great, thanks
Just wondering what lens do you have on your Zf sitting next to you? Great instructional video by the way and thanks for sharing. Regards Gerry😊
Thanks and you're welcome! You're talking about the one on the desk in the video? That's a Voigtlander on a Zfc; I have both a 23mm and 35mm lens. They're manual focus only but fun little lenses.
hey my nikon z30 auto iso with flash is not working is there a reason why?
When I’m on video mode, my ISO is always set to 800 and it cannot go below that as the values are greyed out? Is there a way to choose values below 800 when shooting video? I’m on Manual and have the dial set to C
Are you recording HLG or N-Log video format? That's the lowest you can go in those formats.
@@PeltierPhoto I’m recording N-Log. Ahh thanks! I was trying to find a way to lower the ISO for the longest time but I guess 800 is the minimum when shoot log
Why is everyone missing the easiest way to setup ISO on this camera? Just set auto iso ON and set maximum to 200. Now the ISO wheel is the MAX iso allowed. So set for example 6400 on the dial, 100-6400 auto iso and it will always use the lowest it can. Want 100-800? Set ISO dial to 800. Want lowest? Set iso wheel to 100. It’s really that easy and keeps the function of the ISO wheel. This seems to have been missed by almost everyone. It’s a much better way than Fuji. I own both.
It's not "missed" - this only works in M & S exposure modes. And if you want to go to a "true" Manual exposure mode, you still need to go into the menus and turn Auto ISO off to fix it at your desired value.
In A & P exposure modes (I'm in A 95% of the time for documentary work), if you set the ISO dial to something higher than the programmed max, the ISO becomes fixed at the dial position - it won't use the lowest it can.
I think Fujifilm had it right by putting "A" on the ISO dial - a simple flick of the dial lets you toggle between auto and manual values.
@@PeltierPhoto I much prefer the Nikon way myself, I also have a Fuji. Fuji is a lot worse if you want to adjust the auto ISO range. But I’m in M 99% of the time on the Zf so that’s probably why. I tried it in A and it’s basically manual ISO with it set this way as the limit is 200 and whatever is higher is basically the ISO setting. It’s like this camera has every way possible built into it to change ISO which is causing mass confusion. But I really like the way it works in M and S better. But I also don’t use A/S/P modes. I feel like nikon could easily add a “C” is AUTO option in the menu and make a lot of people happy. Then it would basically be a Fuji, maybe that coupled with a programmable key+rear command wheel to adjust the auto ISO range. That would be a simple setup.
@@PeltierPhoto You are correct. I missed the M/S only for that since I’m in M so much. Fuji has it right for A/P I agree. This would be a better world if Nikon just added another option in the menu for A/P to allow “c” to be an A selection and have it work like the Fuji way. I still prefer to use M and the auto on/ISO 200 max setup though for my needs, I don’t want that to be changed. This camera probably has the most combo’s of how to adjust ISO out there and it’s certainly confusing for a new user. Thanks for doing these videos and thanks for posting the M/S technique on the top pinned.
Using it like that in aperture priority it's like full manual ISO as it will stay at your set value and only decrease when shutterspeed and/or aperture are maxed out.
You would loose the genius Auto-ISO capability with a max ISO set in the ISO menu AND a quickly changeable min ISO by turning the ISO-wheel.
@@CatPixStudiois there any video about those settings?
Hi, my Auto ISO indicator is always flashing and it is distracting. I have tried many configurations but it almost always flashes. Why is this and is there a way to turn this off?
Unfortunately there's no way to disable that. It's the camera's way of telling you that it's choosing an ISO higher than your programmed minimum, just to make you aware it'll be higher. I've learned to ignore it :)
I followed along with my Zfc and set my auto ISO to the same settings you selected (auto, minimum 100, maximum 6400, auto shutter speed) but was wondering why the icon for ISO auto on the back monitor is always flashing for me? I was hoping you could explain what that means and and if there a way to make it stop flashing?
Yeah that's kind of annoying, it means that the calculated ISO to make the exposure will be higher than your programmed minimum ISO. Just a warning saying, "hey, we're going higher than your minimum." Unfortunately there's no way to disable it.
@@PeltierPhoto Oh no, gotcha. At least now I can stop trying to fix it! Thank you!
Why does my Auto ISO flash in the viewfinder? Thanks.
I'm not a big fan of that. It's just letting you know that it wants to use an ISO higher than your set (minimum) ISO. A little courtesy I could do without since it already displays the ISO it wants to use.
@@PeltierPhoto I agree. Because it is flashing it looks like it is warning you of something.
Why would they just not implement it the way they did on the Df? That made total sense having the dial be the max, not the min. So bizarre.
It would definitely be more useful to have it set up that way for all exposure modes.
I want to buy this camera, but it’s a mess!
I want to generally use auto ISO, but on occasion chose an exact ISO to override it, high or low. JUST LIKE FUJI.
Why has this camera made it so complicated?
I put the Auto ISO control at the top of My Menu so I can switch it on and off faster, but still not as fast as Fujifilm.
Just let C return to auto while the actual dial would override. It’s there but greyed out in all the PASM modes. Kills me.
Fujifilm has a dedicated “A” position on the ISO dial. Seems like an easy firmware fix to let “C” do the same on the Zf.
This design choice is baffling. Why’s there not an A on the dial? So many steps to change from auto to manual ISO is ridiculous when there’s a physical dial.
I put it as the first option in My Menu so it's the first thing that comes up when I press Menu, but yeah it's rather annoying there's no A on the dial like other manufacturers do.
Or.... don't use auto iso. 😅
...which is great if you're shooting in a stable lighting environment. Try that at a race track shooting vehicles moving at triple digit speeds through sunlit areas, areas in shade, or worse yet, areas that have both and Auto ISO rapidly becomes your best friend.