A while back, Out There Images posted a sample configuration for the custom menu banks on a Nikon D800 (among other cameras). I used that as a starting point to create my own presets. I posted my settings along with a link to download the config here: http://photokaz.com/2013/02/nikon-d800-and-d800e-setup-and-configuration/
If anyone has a Nikon D800 or D800E, especially someone who recently picked one up, this may be useful for you.
If you have any comments or suggestions, please let me know.
IME the recommendation for "3D" in AF mode for ACTION is a very poor choice as well as those a3 and a7 settings!
Nice of you to post, however...for those out there that may need some basic help starting to configure their D8's
Off topic, but has anyone had trouble with Sony SD cards? I have a new D800E and had a new Sony 64GB SD card that I threw in. Twice now I've gotten error messages saying the card is damaged. Reformat and works, but not feeling to confident with this card.
trenchmonkey wrote:
IME the recommendation for "3D" in AF mode for ACTION is a very poor choice as well as those a3 and a7 settings!
Nice of you to post, however...for those out there that may need some basic help starting to configure their D8's
Thanks for the feedback. I have found that 3D AF mode works relatively well for dogs running around in a fenced area. It's not the best setting for other types of action shooting, especially things that move faster (eg: BIF). AF settings are something I change often depending on the situation, but 3D does work well in connection with the focus tracking set to "long" (a3).
For a7, number of focus points set to 51 is not really a disadvantage over choosing 11. When using a dynamic area like 3D I find that I usually start with just the center point anyway, often locking it on that so it doesn't move except when it starts tracking. For my shooting style, this setting is actually irrelevant.
Yeah, AF-C 9 is gonna let the camera work faster....very small erratic birds, I may bump it to 21.
Proper settings are particularly critical when dealing with the paltry 4 fps in FX (5 in 1.2 and 6 in DX)
I shoot/instruct same: rodeo (team roping/barrel racing/roughstock) drags & BIF for a living. Keeper rates
are in direct proportion to the AF's speed/accuracy in good light. Under the lights you HAVE to use optimal
tweaks to make a living...can't stress this enough.
Dustoff06 wrote:
Off topic, but has anyone had trouble with Sony SD cards? I have a new D800E and had a new Sony 64GB SD card that I threw in. Twice now I've gotten error messages saying the card is damaged. Reformat and works, but not feeling to confident with this card.
I use Lexar in my D800 so no direct experience but that certainly doesn't sound good.
Will thanks for the input, you use the camera alot and it is a real help to us who put in less hours. The old 4*5 and swings and tilts I had down but the new cameras have so many options that there is lots to figure out. Now I need to dust off the 300 f4 and 1.7 and go a birding. If you were closer Will I would buy you a beer. If you get to Oregon we can have a cold one waiting. I read the manual twice but seem to forget it three times
trenchmonkey wrote:
Novel idea here: I usually read the manual (online) twice, before I EVER get the camera.
Same here, there was a wait for the D800 and I read the manual completely before it even arrived. I also bought Thom's book which is helpful because it gives recommendations not just a description of what each setting does.
as well as those a3 and a7 settings! 
