Nikon Z 6 II User manual

Darrell Young
Mastering the
Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II

Mastering the Nikon Z6 II and Z 7II
Darrell Young (a.k.a. Digital Darrell)
www.PictureAndPen.com
Editor: Jocelyn Howell
Project manager: Lisa Brazieal
Marketing coordinator: Mercedes Murray
Layout and type: Petra Strauch
Cover design: Aren Straiger
Indexer: Darrell Young
Back Cover Photo: Darrell Young
ISBN: 978-1-68198-767-5
1st Edition (1st printing, October 2021)
© 2021 Darrell Young
All images © Darrell Young unless otherwise noted
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This book is dedicated to:
My wonderful wife of many years, Brenda, the love of my life and best friend…
My children, Autumn, David, Emily, Hannah, and Ethan, five priceless gifts…
My dear mother and late father, Barbara and Vaughn, who brought me into this world and
guided my early life, teaching me sound principles to live by…
My friends J. Ramón Palacios and Bo Stahlbrandt, who make it possible to belong to
Nikonians.org, the world’s best Nikon Users’ Community…
The staff of Rocky Nook, including Scott Cowlin, Ted Waitt, Jocelyn Howell, Maggie Yates,
Mercedes Murray, Kelly Reed, Lisa Brazieal, and Damon Hampson…
And, finally, to Nikon, who makes the world’s best cameras and lenses .
Special thanks to:
Brad Berger of www.Berger-Bros.com (800-542-8811) for helping me obtain a Nikon Z6 II
and Z7 II early in the cameras’ release cycle so that I could write this book. For 13 years now
I have purchased my camera equipment from Brad Berger, and I highly recommend his store
for your cameras, lenses, and accessories. Brad offers the best customer service I have ever
experienced, fast shipping, and classes for your photographic educational needs!

Darrell Young ( DigitalDarrell ) is a full-time author and professional
photographer, with a background in information technology
engineering. He has been an avid photographer since 1968 when his
mother gave him a Brownie Hawkeye camera.
Darrell has used Nikon cameras and Nikkor lenses since 1980. He
has an incurable case of Nikon Acquisition Syndrome (NAS) and
delights in working with Nikon’s newest digital cameras. Living near
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, and
Cherohala Skyway has given him a real concern for the natural
environment and a deep interest in nature photography. You’ll often
find him standing behind a tripod in the beautiful mountains of
Tennessee and North Carolina, USA.
Darrell loves to write, as you can see in the Resources area of the
Nikonians Online community ( Nikonians.org ) and on his blog, Master
Your Nikon ( MasterYourNikon.com ). He joined the Nikonians
community in 2000, and his literary contributions led to an invitation
to become the founding member of the Nikonians Writers Guild.

Table of Contents
Foreword
Camera Body Reference
CHAPTER 1
Introduction and Initial Camera Setup
Basic Specifications
Use This Book with Camera in Hand
What Is the Purpose of This Book
Things to Know When Reading This Book
Accessing the Camera Menus
Touch-Sensitive Monitor
Five Steps for First-Time Camera Configuration
Using the Camera’s Help System
Camera Functions for Initial Configuration
Camera Settings Recommendations
Downloadable Resources Website
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 2
Camera Control Screens
Mirrorless Is Different, Yet the Same
Technical TFT-LCD Monitor Information
Technical EVF Information
The i Menu: A Shortcut to Critical Camera Functions
Two i Menu Modes
Using the i Menu
Changing i Menu Settings on a Secondary Screen
Playback Quick Menus
Flash Control Screen and Menu
Photo Mode

Movie Mode
Control Panel
Touch Screen
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 3
Metering, Exposure Modes, and Histogram
Section 1: Metering
Matrix Metering
Center-Weighted Metering
Spot Metering
Highlight-Weighted Metering
Section 2: Exposure Modes
Programmed Auto (P) Mode
Shutter-Priority Auto (S) Mode
Aperture-Priority Auto (A) Mode
Manual (M) Mode
Auto Exposure (AUTO) Mode
U1, U2, and U3 User Settings
Section 3: Histogram
Understanding the Histogram
Highlights (Blink) Mode
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 4
Focus, AF-Area, and Release Modes
Autofocus Types
Custom Settings for Autofocus
Three Important Mode Groups
Accessing the Individual Mode Groups
Release Mode Access
Focus Modes
AF-Area Modes
Release Modes
Author’s Conclusion

CHAPTER 5
White Balance
How Does White Balance Work
Color Temperature
When Does White Balance Matter
Methods for Adjusting White Balance
White Balance on the i Menu
WB on the Photo and Movie Shooting Menus
Using an Assigned Camera Button for White Balance
Auto White Balance Considerations
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 6
Playback Menu
Delete
Playback Folder
Playback Display Options
Dual-Format Recording PB Slot
Image Review
After Delete
After Burst, Show
Rotate Tall
Copy Image(s)
Slide Show
Rating
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 7
Photo Shooting Menu
Configuring the Photo Shooting Menu
User Settings U1, U2, and U3
Reset Photo Shooting Menu
Storage Folder
File Naming
Primary Slot Selection

Secondary Slot Function
Choose Image Area
Image Quality
Image Size
NEF (RAW) Recording
ISO Sensitivity Settings
White Balance
Set Picture Control
Manage Picture Control
Color Space
Active D-Lighting
Long Exposure NR
High ISO NR
Vignette Control
Diffraction Compensation
Auto Distortion Control
Flicker Reduction Shooting
Metering
Flash Control
Wireless Speedlight Control
Flash Mode
Flash Compensation
Focus Mode
AF-Area Mode
Vibration Reduction
Auto Bracketing
Multiple Exposure
HDR (High Dynamic Range)
Interval Timer Shooting
Time-Lapse Movie
Focus Shift Shooting
Silent Photography
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 8
Movie Shooting Menu
Reset Movie Shooting Menu

File Naming
Destination
Choose Image Area
Frame Size/Frame Rate
Movie Quality
Movie File Type
ISO Sensitivity Settings
White Balance
Set Picture Control
Manage Picture Control
Active D-Lighting
High ISO NR
Vignette Control
Diffraction Compensation
Auto Distortion Control
Flicker Reduction
Metering
Focus Mode
AF-Area Mode
Vibration Reduction
Electronic VR
Microphone Sensitivity
Attenuator
Frequency Response
Wind Noise Reduction
Headphone Volume
Timecode
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 9
Custom Setting Menu
Reset Custom Settings
SECTION 1: A AUTOFOCUS
Custom Settings a1 to a12
Custom Setting a1: AF-C Priority Selection
Custom Setting a2: AF-S Priority Selection

Custom Setting a3: Focus Tracking with Lock-On
Custom Setting a4: Focus Points Used
Custom Setting a5: Store Points by Orientation
Custom Setting a6: AF Activation
Custom Setting a7: Limit AF-Area Mode Selection
Custom Setting a8: Focus Point Wrap-Around
Custom Setting a9: Focus Point Options
Custom Setting a10: Low-Light AF
Custom Setting a11: Built-In AF-Assist Illuminator
Custom Setting a12: Manual Focus Ring in AF Mode
SECTION 2: B METERING/EXPOSURE
Custom Settings b1 to b4
Custom Setting b1: EV Steps for Exposure Cntrl
Custom Setting b2: Easy Exposure Compensation
Custom Setting b3: Center-Weighted Area
Custom Setting b4: Fine-Tune Optimal Exposure
SECTION 3: C TIMERS/AE LOCK
Custom Settings c1 to c3
Custom Setting c1: Shutter-Release Button AE-L
Custom Setting c2: Self-Timer
Custom Setting c3: Power Off Delay
SECTION 4: D SHOOTING/DISPLAY
Custom Settings d1 to d12
Custom Setting d1: CL Mode Shooting Speed
Custom Setting d2: Max. Continuous Release
Custom Setting d3: Sync. Release Mode Options
Custom Setting d4: Exposure Delay Mode
Custom Setting d5: Shutter Type
Custom Setting d6: Extended Shutter Speeds (M)
Custom Setting d7: Limit Selectable Image Area
Custom Setting d8: File Number Sequence
Custom Setting d9: Apply Settings to Live View
Custom Setting d10: Framing Grid Display
Custom Setting d11: Focus Peaking
Custom Setting d12: View All in Continuous Mode

SECTION 5: E BRACKETING/FLASH
Custom Settings e1 to e7
Custom Setting e1: Flash Sync Speed
Custom Setting e2: Flash Shutter Speed
Custom Setting e3: Exposure Comp. for Flash
Custom Setting e4: Auto [Flash] ISO Sensitivity Control
Custom Setting e5: Modeling Flash
Custom Setting e6: Auto Bracketing (Mode M)
Custom Setting e7: Bracketing Order
SECTION 6: F CONTROLS
Custom Settings f1 to f9
Custom Setting f1: Customize i Menu
Custom Setting f2: Custom controls
Custom Setting f3: OK Button
Custom Setting f4: Shutter Spd & Aperture Lock
Custom Setting f5: Customize Command Dials
Custom Setting f6: Release Button to Use Dial
Custom Setting f7: Reverse Indicators
Custom Setting f8: Reverse Rings for Focus
Custom Setting f9: Assign MB-N11 Buttons
SECTION 7: G MOVIE
Custom Settings g1 to g7
Custom Setting g1: Customize i Menu
Custom Setting g2: Custom controls
Custom Setting g3: OK Button
Custom Setting g4: AF Speed
Custom Setting g5: AF Tracking Sensitivity
Custom Setting g6: Highlight Display
Custom Setting g7: Assign MB-N11 buttons
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 10
Setup Menu
Format Memory Card
Save User Settings

Reset User Settings
Language
Time Zone and Date
Monitor Brightness
Monitor Color Balance
Viewfinder Brightness
Viewfinder Color Balance
Control Panel Brightness
Limit Monitor Mode Selection
Information Display
AF Fine-Tuning Options
Non-CPU Lens Data
Save Focus Position
Clean Image Sensor
Image Dust Off Ref Photo
Pixel Mapping
Image Comment
Copyright Information
Beep Options
Touch Controls
HDMI
Location Data
Wireless Remote (WR) Options
Assign Remote (WR) Fn Button
Airplane Mode
Connect to Smart Device
Connect to PC
Wireless Transmitter (WT-7)
Conformity Marking
Battery Info
USB Power Delivery
Energy Saving (Photo Mode)
Slot Empty Release Lock
Save/Load Menu Settings
Reset All Settings
Firmware Version
Author’s Conclusion

CHAPTER 11
Retouch Menu
Retouched Image File Numbering
Accessing the Retouch Functions—Two Methods
Limitations on Previously Retouched Images
NEF (RAW) Processing
Trim
Resize
D-Lighting
Red-Eye Correction
Straighten
Distortion Control
Perspective Control
Monochrome
Image Overlay
Trim Movie
Side-by-Side Comparison
Author’s Conclusion
CHAPTER 12
My Menu and Recent Settings
My Menu
Recent Settings
Afterword

Note : As a purchaser of this book, you are entitled to a discount on a new Nikonians Gold
Membership. Find the voucher code on page xvii in the front of this book and use it to
become a new Gold Member. The voucher code is for a first-time Gold Membership and
cannot be used for membership renewal.

Foreword
This is the 21st Anniversary of the Nikonians® community and this is
the 23rd edition of the Mastering the Nikon DSLR and Z book series,
authored by Nikonian Darrell Young (known to us as DigitalDarrell ).
This joint venture between Nikonians Press and Rocky Nook has
developed a strong following in the camera instruction genre, and
Darrell's deep attention to detail has been the key ingredient in that
trend.
The Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II cameras are Nikon’s answer to the major
paradigm shift that mirrorless photography has now become. With the
FX 24.5 MP imaging sensor in the Z6 II and the 45.7 MP sensor in
the Z7 II (both are CMOS BSI), along with dual EXPEED 6
microprocessors, the cameras have expanded speed, dynamic range,
and image quality like few other mirrorless cameras today. They are
advanced digital single-lens mirrorless (DSLM) cameras, with a
lightweight, weather-sealed, magnesium-alloy body; dual card slots;
excellent in-body image stabilization; a powerful eye-and-face
detection autofocus system; live histogram; live exposure preview of
images; and up to 14-fps image capture in the Z6 II and 10 fps in
the Z7 II. Both cameras can capture 1080p Full HD or 4K UHD
H.264 8- or 10-bit N-log and HDR (HLG) 4:2:2 video. Both cameras
also have the ability to use not only the incredible new Nikkor Z
lenses, but also our dependable F-mount Nikkor lenses via an FTZ
adapter. The Nikon Z cameras are faster and more feature-loaded
than even some of the world’s most expensive cameras. Their external
control system ergonomics have been refined so that all controls are
within easy reach for various hand sizes, plus they have the flexible
fingertip touch, pinch, and swipe control interface for smartphone-

like handling of camera menus and internal settings.
We fully agree with Darrell’s statement: “ Because of the feature-
rich capabilities of these second-generation Nikon Z cameras, they
can be successfully used for anything from unhurried landscapes to
high-speed event photography. They can easily handle advanced
portraiture, or capture family and commercial video. Either camera
gives a strong edge to advanced amateur, enthusiast, and professional
photographers and videographers. If you want to carry one or two
comparatively lightweight cameras with you for all styles of
photography and excellent video capture, the new Nikon Z6 II and Z7
II will do the job .”
We are proud to include Darrell’s body of work in our ever-growing
and never-ending resources for our community, such as the Nikonians
forums, The Nikonian eZine, Nikonians Academy Workshops,
Nikonians News Blog, and our Wiki, Galleries, Members’ Portfolios,
eBooks, and newsletters. Our community continues to grow as we
now surpass 587,000 members on record.
Nikonians, now in its 22nd year, has earned a reputation as a
friendly, reliable, informative, and passionate Nikon® user's
community thanks in great measure to members like our own
DigitalDarrell , who have taken the time to share the results of their
experiences with Nikon imaging equipment.
Enjoy this book, the Nikonians community, and your Nikons.
J. Ramón Palacios (jrp) and Bo Stahlbrandt (bgs)
Nikonians Founders www.nikonians.org

Camera Body Reference
Following are the locations and names of all the controls mentioned
in this book. You may want to place a bookmark here so you can refer
back to this control location reference list when an unfamiliar control
name is mentioned in the book. This list covers 53 separate external
camera controls, showing their locations and Nikon-supplied names.
Figure 1: Back of camera
Back of Camera (figure 1)
1. Eye sensor
2. Viewfinder (EVF) eyepiece (removable rubber attachment)
3. Viewfinder (EVF)
4. Playback button
5. Delete button

6. Tilting monitor frame
7. Monitor
8. Zoom in button
9. Zoom out/Help button
10. Release mode/Self-timer button
11. MENU button
12. Multi selector pad
13. OK button
14. Memory card slot cover/Thumb rest
15. i button (for i Menu)
16. Sub-selector joystick
17. Main command dial
18. AF-ON button (back button focus)
19. Photo/movie selector lever
20. DISP button
21. Diopter adjustment controll
Figure 2: Top of camera
Top of Camera (figure 2)
22. Stereo microphone (left and right mics)
23. Mode dial
24. Mode dial lock release button

25. Monitor mode button
26. Accessory shoe (hotshoe)
27. Control panel
28. Movie-record button
29. Speaker (sound output)
30. ISO button
31. Strap eyelet post (pair on either side of camera)
32. +/– Exposure compensation button
33. Power switch (ON/OFF)
34. Shutter-release button
Figure 3: Front of camera
Front of Camera (figure 3)
35. Sub-command dial
36. Fn1 button
37. Fn2 button
38. Image sensor
39. CPU contacts (lens electronic connections)
40. Lens lock pin (retracted with Lens release button #41)