Just a personal opinion here . . . Cameras with a built-in "grip" is relatively new to cameras. Back in the dark ages (mid to late-60s), when I started shooting, there was no such thing. So, those of us from that era didn't think a thing about it. To me, the grips felt clunky and awkward (and still do). So it was a real thrill for me to get this camera and be transported back some 50+ years. THIS, to me, feels like a real camera! It's like reuniting with an old and very dear friend. Oh, and in all this time, I've never dropped a camera. Knock on wood! EDIT: By the way, this is the best tutorial video I've seen on this particular camera. Doesn't just run through the menus, but Jason shows how things work. High five, Jason!
This was a great introduction to the camera. I've been shooting with a back focus and an exposure lock button for years. That's an accurate but tedious way to shoot and not particularly good for moving subjects. So this explanation was very helpful in pointing me to some of the native functionality that's going to improve the way I take pictures. For me it was a 'refresher guide' and helped me learn so much. Thank you!
I appreciate you sharing David and thank you for the kind words :) The new tech in these cameras are incredible and leveraging the power can yield you way more keeper shots than in the past for sure. All the best, Jay
Great video, Jason. Two things that might be helpful for people who are new to Nikon: (1) In Spot Metering mode, exposure is anchored to the focus point, not to the center point like on most Canon cameras; and (2) Hitting the “OK” button when reviewing images gives a magnified view of the focus point. The latter is one of my favourite features on Nikon cameras.
Thanks for sharing, and great tips👍 I will be more clear about those specific differences next video for sure. Sony’s have the option to tie the spot metering to the focus point as well, but does not do that by default as of now. I just got the R5M2 and I’m curious if it does that now as well!
Just wanted to chime in i was hoping for a 30 minute video... got the zf on loan. This was perfect. I was very happy i watched your video to make sure i was not missing anything i only get about 16 hours with the camera and without this video i would have not got much i loved. I was having trouble with auto/man shutter-p Appeture-p and what the wheels do. This camera is radical. Coming from many vintage film cameras this lets me feel at home. And imo it feels Incognito being it looks like my older film cameras. Still felt like i was gonna get jumped doing a street shot.
A friend just picked up the zf and I’m used to canon so helping her set the menu up was interesting. She didn’t like the white balance on the front custom button and it was frustrating that turning it off didn’t turn it off in the menu right away and touch focus settings didn’t wanna change to just focus even when set to just focus. Have to say the canon menus are way easier to navigate
Yeah, at first any new Menu system is confusing in my opinion! I come from the Sony world primarily, so Nikon, Canon, and Panasonic are all a bit weird at first. Certain features I am used to are not the same and called something different for example, so that is a challenge. Once you figure it out though it's not bad in my opinion, just different ecosystem... All the best, Jay
Great tuttorial, but i have a question. I hired the ZF for 5 days to test before buying. I am normally sony shooter. I am very impressed so far and have great shots during the day but at night on the street, it's another story. Was shooting in aperture and from f8-f11, but i was finding my shots were still not sharp and noise. What am i doing wrong, could it be the settings i have. I pretty much followed your guide, but sure i am missing something.
I think your issue is the shutter speed being to slow so you are getting camera shake/ blur. I don't know this for sure, but I think that is your issue. At night try using a tripod w/ self timer or a faster shutter speed. I would also lower your aperture number all the way for night shots, unless you are using a tripod and self timer. If you refer to the section in this video on the Auto ISO Minimum Shutter Speed you can play with those settings: 26:28
THANK U FOR THIS EXCELLENT VIDEO . I am thinking to try bulb mode but if i want a 45 minute exposure., do i need a cable release?? I cannot figure out how to get past 900 seconds. Ive heard of ppl doing single exposure star trails at 45 minutes., In that case I assume i need a cable release to start / stop the shutter without touching the camera??? Thanks thanks for ANY RESPONSE!!!!!!
And basically any con is a nit pic. My canon ftb i use all the time with a prime fd 200mm is a fucking tank.... this camera has plenty of grip. I dont need to death grab it plus no new lens is anything like a fd lens in weight. ..... awesome video. And thanks again for the help.
Hi Jason, I take picture with A mode and video with M mode. When I switch from pic to video mode, then are the setting the same (A) or it changes to the video setting(M)? Thank you.
I don't have the camera on hand anymore, but I believe the settings will stay the same as far as A vs M when you switch modes. It goes based off where the mode dial is set as far as I can tell.
Yes, all the new cameras these days are absolutely jam packed with features and various options... A bit overwhelming if new to the camera which is why I try and break it down in such a way as this....
Fantastic job on the video. I meant that the lack of ergonomics makes this camera feel like a thick book in my hand. Just heavy, thick and no grip whatsoever. I tried it at a camera shop and it didn’t feel good at all. Can’t imagine how it feels once you add those large lenses on it. I didn’t try it with a grip but I guess that is how they used to build them. But if I ever get one, I will definitely watch this video again.
