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Setup file for Nikon Z8

somprasad2
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Any source to a setup file for the Nikon Z8 (especially if there is one aimed at wildlife photographers), which one could download and use to set the camera up. It will need tweaking later, but would be a good strating point.

Can someone please point me to a source out there, if there is one?

Thanks.

Som

Jun 16, 2023 at 05:39 PM

bs kite
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

somprasad2 wrote:
Any source to a setup file for the Nikon Z8 (especially if there is one aimed at wildlife photographers), which one could download and use to set the camera up. It will need tweaking later, but would be a good strating point.

Can someone please point me to a source out there, if there is one?

Thanks.

Som

You've in the same spot I am. New to the Z8. I am not going to try to give you advice but I can point you to a few sources, because I have been searching for them myself.

a few suggested videos to Google for Z8/Z9 set ups: Steve Perry, Jan Wegener, Hudson Henry.

Frankly, they were all too complex for me. I got frustrated.

But if you hang around the Z8 thread (the one posted by Fred Miranda) and the Z8/Z9 thread, you may learn a thing or two there. Honestly, that is where I eventually picked up some good advice... enough to get me going at least.

That's appreciated.

Jun 16, 2023 at 06:16 PM

SoCalRick
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

I'm not sure how much of a benefit it would be to upload someone else's configuration settings into your camera. You would still need to become familiar with all of those settings and what they are doing for you. This is especially true with the f1 and f2 i-menu/Custom Control settings.

I think you will learn more from doing it yourself by following along with some of the YouTube videos that were recommended. Hands on experience/practice will familiarize you with your new camera quicker, then having someone give you their settings electronically.

Edited on Jun 16, 2023 at 06:52 PM · View previous versions

Jun 16, 2023 at 06:50 PM

Alistair1
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Andy Miller who also posts here has spreadsheets available for download. Not sure how to find them on his site but he posted links to them here on BCG: https://bcgforums.com/index.php?threads/getting-used-to-the-nikon-z8.25178/#post-285862

Jun 16, 2023 at 06:51 PM

somprasad2
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

I have a Z9 already, and got the Z8 to partner it. I was just trying to see if some kind soul had put out a file which I could load into the Z8, which would save me a lot of time going through each menu item and setting it. Off course everyone has different preferences, so I would tweak the settings, but it would still be nice to have an easy starting point. Unfortunately I can't copy the setting file from the Z9 and load it into the Z8, as that doesn't work. Thanks for the pointers though. Regards.

Jun 16, 2023 at 06:54 PM

SoCalRick
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Yeah, I know that Nikon made the settings file non-interchangeable between the Z9 and Z8.

I just got both my Z9 and Z8 out side by side and walked through my Z9 menu configuration and copied each of the settings over to my Z8. It didn't take that long...

Jun 16, 2023 at 07:04 PM

RoamingScott
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

You’ll learn a LOT about your new camera by reading the manual as you run through the whole menu.

Jun 16, 2023 at 08:00 PM

somprasad2
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Yes, I will. I have been using a Z9 for over a year and read that , so there maybe somethings to learn by reading the Z8 manual but maybe not a lot. I am just trying to save time, if something readymade is available. Easier (and faster) to tweak something, than to do it from scratch, especially when you are familiar with the Menus. Thanks for your input anyway.

Kind Regards

Jun 16, 2023 at 10:05 PM

Kasper6188
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

How I have mine set up for wildlife:

Main focus mode, single point (for ultimate control)

af-on: AF wide L with subject tracking and af on

joystick button: auto af area with subject tracking and af on

disp button: toggle recall shooting functions hold with 3d tracking, no subject detection

video button: af mode selection

iso button: exposure comp (it's easier to hit the iso button in the heat of the moment than the dedicated exp comp button. I moved iso to i menu only because I don't use this function much as I just shoot M with auto iso, or A if i'm out for action only.

exp comp button: drive mode, so I can swap between 20fps raw, 30/60/120 jpg precapture without moving my left hand while holding a big ass lens.

fn1: mode button, so I can swap from M to A also without moving my left hand while holding big ass lens

fn2: toggle fx/dx. Sometimes I shoot little subjects like warblers in DX, but like to snap back to FX really quick so I can get the wider field of view when the little shyte's bounce out of my frame. Snap back to DX once I relocate.

My starting point when I go out, I switch things up like focus modes etc depending on my target.

Jun 17, 2023 at 09:51 AM

Vinnie_VdB
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Read all posts and just a few remarks:
- You have the Z9 and the Z8 has the same menu but 1 Fn button less.
- Why do you want a different configured Z8 from your Z9 in respect of settings? How will you remember what is behind a button if the config is different from both Z's
- What are you with the file without details what settings were made?

May I presume that you not master your Z9 either?

Jun 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Vinnie_VdB
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

And have a look on the file "Available Roles for Custom Controls"

Download page: https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/616/Z_8.html

Jun 17, 2023 at 10:01 AM

Eric214
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Having someone give you their backup bin file will not help you at all. You need to LEARN your camera. There is a learning curve to mirrorless and to a Z9/Z8 specifically to get the most out of it. There is no real shortcut as anyone can give you their Bin file but without knowing what was changed and WHY (the why is the key factor here) you will not know what to change and adjust to make the camera work at it's peak.

Look at some youtube vids so you can see what to change, and why it's being changed. That will go SO MUCH FURTHER in helping you out. IT took me 2 to 3 weekends to learn my Z9 to the point I wasn't missing any shots back when it was launched. It was my first mirrorless coming from a D850 and D500. I don't know how often you go out shooting but figure it will take 6-8 full days of shooting to start to get the hang of it.

Edited on Jun 17, 2023 at 12:34 PM · View previous versions

Jun 17, 2023 at 12:28 PM

Eric214
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

bs kite wrote:
You've in the same spot I am. New to the Z8. I am not going to try to give you advice but I can point you to a few sources, because I have been searching for them myself.

a few suggested videos to Google for Z8/Z9 set ups: Steve Perry, Jan Wegener, Hudson Henry.

Frankly, they were all too complex for me. I got frustrated.

But if you hang around the Z8 thread (the one posted by Fred Miranda) and the Z8/Z9 thread, you may learn a thing or two there. Honestly, that is where I eventually picked up some...Show more →

Not a fan of Steve Perry's set up for his AF modes as he separates his AF area and AF ON to separate buttons so he has to use 2 different buttons to change AF modes and his AF-C and then press the shutter button to take a picture. This is just dumb IMO. Why not just 1 button for AF area and AF ON then press the shutter?

Because of this I tell people to ignore that and listen to everything else he talks about with the Z9/Z8 setups. Too many people get confused or can't do 3 buttons to take a picture. And it's not needed.

Jun 17, 2023 at 12:33 PM

Rimpson
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Eric has made some good points. From the get go I have thought that people were making the Z9 too complicated.

If you have to play dueling banjos with AF modes you are more than likely going to miss "the shot"

For anyone just starting out, narrow your AF modes down to two to start with. A "single point" and "large box". With this in mind choose the buttons to change those two AF modes with that you have acquired "muscle memory" .....and this is the most important part if you want to master the Z8/Z9.....go out and shoot with it on a regular basis and see what works for you and what don't.

3D and AUTO are modes I didn't trust to begin with.....guess what I didn't need them

. I am beginning to warm up to those modes now with the Firmware updates. Everyone's mileage varies so one must put the time in to see what is the best fit for their particular needs.

All the gurus on FM are gurus for a reason. They shoot on a regular basis and find what works and dont work.

Rant over....best wishes!

Edit* Just read Kasper's post. Some good info there. Also I just remembered changing F6 is your friend....no more "hold and roll" to change settings just tap,select and tap again to lock.

Edited on Jun 17, 2023 at 07:45 PM · View previous versions

Jun 17, 2023 at 01:35 PM

somprasad2
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Thanks, couldn't find the spreadsheet, but will look again, thanks for the pointer.

Jun 17, 2023 at 07:26 PM

somprasad2
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Vinnie_VDB,

Thank You, off course I just buy cameras, don't understand them, shoot some lousy pictures and don't bother to master my equipment. If that is what you think about me, it's absolutely fine. Whatever floats your boat.

Kind Regards

Jun 17, 2023 at 07:29 PM

somprasad2
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

Rimpson wrote:
changing F6 is your friend....no more "hold and roll" to change settings just tap,select and tap again to lock.

Not sure what you mean by changing F6 - please explain

Jun 17, 2023 at 07:33 PM

bs kite
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

somprasad2 wrote:
Not sure what you mean by changing F6 - please explain

+1

I was also puzzled by the same, and the entire sentence Ricky.

The last part sounds exciting! "....just tap, select and tap again to lock." I'll take that.

Thank you

Jun 17, 2023 at 07:47 PM

Rimpson
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

somprasad2 wrote:
Not sure what you mean by changing F6 - please explain

For example I use the video button to change AF modes. If I leave F6 to default which is OFF that means for me to change AF modes I need to hold the video button down AND turn a command dial. If I change F6 to ON then all I have to do is tap and let go of the video button, make my change and tap that button or the shutter button and I have quickly changed my AF mode without the awkwardness of holding the button AND turning a command dial.

ISO changes are quick and easy the same way. I personally only use AUTO ISO if the light is changing quickly so with F6 ON, once again all I have to do is tap the iso button and make the change quickly without having to hold the button and roll a dial.

Jun 17, 2023 at 07:57 PM

agrumpyoldsod
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · Setup file for Nikon Z8

I am not sure how many forum I have posted the following -- but here you go:

See this THREAD - 3rd entry - the spreadsheet is for the Z8 (FW 1.0) and Z9 (FW 3.1). The ONE difference on the Custom Settings Sheet was the removal of "D3 Limit release mode selection" from the Z9 in the Z8 as a result the remainder of the D items in the Z8 are One number lower than shown.

Now with FW 4.0 for the Z9.

Jun 18, 2023 at 05:18 AM


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