Underwater Configuration for Nikon Z7, Z7II, Z6, Z6II Cameras

Revamped Guide for Nikon Z7, Z6, Z7II, and Z6II Underwater Photography

Welcome, adventurous shooters! Here's a straightforward tip-filled guide to dazzle the underwater world with your Nikon Z7, Z6, Z7II, or Z6II. This bad boy has been my beloved camera for underwater snaps - yes, it's me who's been taking those mesmerizing shots.

Time to Dive!

Are you a proud Nikon Z owner? Congratulations! This guide is a must-read for you. Even if you're shooting land or seascapes, you'll find useful pointers here.

Divining the Buttons: Navigating Your Camera

Simplicity is the Z series' forte, which means minimal customization - but fear not! Focus on these key features to get the most out of your camera:

Dedicated switch for toggling between photo and video modes.
Adjustable viewfinder and screen options with a single button press.
The trusty d-pad for moving the focus point with ease.
ISO settings tucked away in the "i" menu, saving room for important underwater tweaks.
Customization of main menu items for quick access to essential preferences.

"I" Is for Important Settings

The "i" button is your underwater photographer's Swiss Army knife! Customize it with these critical settings:

ISO
Focus mode
Silent photography (for topside shoots only)
AF-area mode
Flash mode
Metering mode
Focus peaking (manual focus aid)
Apply settings to live view (switch when using strobes)
Release mode (drive mode/timer)
Vibration reduction (in-body image stabilization)
White balance
Image quality

Dive Deeper: Movie Mode Customizations

Make these essential additions to your "i" menu when diving into video territory:

Set picture control - controls colors for various effects
White balance
Frame size, rate, and image quality
Microphone sensitivity
Metering
Choose image area
Highlight display (zebra stripes)
ISO
Electronic VR (in-body image stabilization)

The main menu might seem intimidating, but don't stress! Set the following changes for exceptional performance:

Adapt playback display options for a better view of your focus point, histograms, or other essential info.

Image Quality: Must be NEF (RAW) for maximum detail.
Image Size: RAW, large for Z7 or large-medium for Z6.
NEF Recording: Uncompressed, 14-bit for minimal data loss.
Color space: sRGB for easy file sharing.
Active D-Lighting: Off for more natural highlights.
Long exposure NR: Off to retain detail in dark areas.
High ISO NR: Off, unless necessary minimally.
Vignette control: Off for even light distribution.
Diffraction compensation: On to maintain sharpness.
Auto distortion control: Off for manual correcting.
Flicker reduction shooting: Off underwater, as it interferes with artificial light.

Frame size/frame rate: 2160p at 30fps (or 60fps on Z6 II and Z7II for smoother action, with extra room for stabilization).
Movie file type: MOV, compression: H.264 for compatibility.
Set picture control: Vivid or Flat, depending on your post-processing preferences.
Active D-Lighting: Off to prevent blown highlights.
High ISO NR: Off, unless needed minimally.
Vignette control: L for balanced vignetting.
Diffraction compensation: On for sharper images.
Auto distortion control: On for lens distortion corrections.
Flicker reduction: Auto to adapt to changing light sources.

Mastering Autofocus

Admit it: the Nikon Z series can be tricky with autofocus. However, with a bit of practice and understanding, you'll conquer the sea!

Macro Autofocus Settings

Set in the "i" menu:

Focus mode: AF-S (Single-servo AF) for static subjects.
AF-area mode: Single-point AF (for precise focusing).
Adjust focus points using d-pad.

Wide Angle Autofocus Settings

Set in the "i" menu:

Focus mode: AF-C (Continuous-servo AF) for moving subjects.
AF-area mode: Auto-area AF (for broader focus coverage).

Dive into Manual Mode

Get your bearings with these recommended manual mode starting points for stunning underwater shots:

Wide Angle Scenes - Clear, Tropical Waters

Shutter speed: 1/160s.
Aperture: f/13 (more or less, depending on depth and subject).
ISO: 200 (minimize noise).
Metering mode: Spot (adjust based on dial settings for strobes or ambient light).
AF mode: AF-C, Auto-area AF (for tracking subjects).
White Balance: Auto (for JPEG shooting).
File Format: RAW.

Wide Angle Scenes - Dark, Cold Waters

Shutter speed: 1/60s - 1/160s (faster for good motion and lighting balance).
Aperture: f/13 (adjust for depth and subject).
ISO: 400 - 640 (depending on the conditions).
Metering mode: Spot (Using strobes).
AF mode: AF-C, Auto-area AF (for tracking subjects).
White Balance: Auto (for JPEG shooting).
File Format: RAW.

Macro Photography

Shutter speed: 1/160s.
Aperture: f/5.6 (for smooth bokeh), f/22 (for increased detail).
ISO: 200 (minimal noise).
Metering mode: Spot (using strobes).
AF mode: AF-S, Single AF point.
White Balance: Auto (for JPEG shooting).
File Format: RAW.

Conquer the Seas!

From macro to wide-angle, your Nikon Z system stands ready to help! Understand your camera, embrace its quirks, and dive fearlessly into your underwater adventures.

Delving into the underwater world with my trusted Nikon Z7, Z6, Z7II, or Z6II has been an exhilarating experience.
Ever eager to captivate the underwater realm, this guide is for those Nikon Z owners on a trip of their own.
Simplicity in the Z series is a boon, but it’s the key features that bring it to life under the sea.
The dedicated switch for toggling photo and video modes helps seamlessly transition between capturing moments and footage.
Shooters can quickly view and adjust their focus with the adjustable viewfinder and screen options.
The d-pad allows effortless movement of the focus point, ensuring precision in every shot.
Observant photographers can find the ISO settings hidden away in the "i" menu, leaving room for critical underwater tweaks.
Equipped with a customized "i" menu, essential preferences are readily accessible, including flash mode, AF-area mode, and focus peaking.
Mastering exposure, focus, and lighting are key to unlocking the camera's potential while exploring kelp forests, reefs, and encounters with creatures like sharks - using gadgets like strobes to bring color and contrast to your images.

Underwater Configuration for Nikon Z7, Z7II, Z6, Z6II Cameras