Nikon Z8 Field Setup: A Practical Guide to Shem's Custom Settings

The Nikon Z8 is a powerful camera straight out of the box, but its real strength lies in how deeply it can be customised. The following guide walks through the core settings and custom functions I use in the field. These are not presented as a universal preset, but as a proven starting point that you can adapt to your own shooting style.

This blog is designed to be used as a reference after watching the YouTube video.

1. Pre-Capture for Birds in Flight 

Pre-capture allows the camera to record images from before the shutter is fully pressed, dramatically improving success with fast, unpredictable moments such as birds taking off.

Menu path:
Custom Settings Menu → Shooting/Display → Pre-Release Capture Options (D3)

Recommended setup:

• Pre-release burst: 0.3 seconds
• Post-release burst: Max

Once enabled, access pre-capture by pressing the Drive Mode button (top left of the camera) and selecting:

• 30 fps (or 60 / 120 fps depending on your needs)

When pre-capture is active, “PRE” will appear in the viewfinder. After capturing a sequence, return to your usual frame rate to avoid unnecessary file generation.

Note: Pre-capture currently records large JPEG files, not RAW (Nikon are you listening?).

2. Fast Switching Between FX and DX

Switching quickly between FX and DX allows you to visualise your final composition in-camera rather than relying on cropping later.

Step 1: Limit selectable image areas
Custom Settings Menu → Shooting/Display → Limit Selectable Image Area
Select only:

• FX
• DX

Deselect formats such as 1:1 and 16:9 to avoid confusion.

Step 2: Assign FX/DX to a custom button
Custom Settings Menu → Controls → Custom Controls (Shooting) → F2
Assign Image Area (FX/DX) to a button that is easy to reach, such as the lower front button.

This allows you to toggle instantly between FX and DX using your thumb and command dial.

3. Creating Space on Your Memory Card in the Field

When a card is filling up and the action is still unfolding, the Z8 offers a fast way to clear space without removing cards.

Menu path:
Playback Menu → Delete

Two useful options:

• Select Pictures: Tap individual images on the touchscreen to delete
• Pictures Shot on Selected Dates: Delete entire shooting sessions once files are backed up

This keeps you shooting rather than managing gear.

4. Switching Between Autofocus Modes Instantly

Rather than cycling through autofocus modes in menus, assign key AF functions to buttons so you can respond immediately to changing situations.

Menu path:
Custom Settings Menu → Controls → Custom Controls (Shooting) → F2

Common assignments include:

• AF-area mode selection
• Recall shooting functions
• Subject detection on/off

You can assign different AF behaviours to separate buttons, allowing instant switching without removing your eye from the viewfinder.

5. Recall Shooting Functions for Specialised Scenarios

Recall Shooting Functions allows you to pre-program a complete shooting setup and activate it instantly.

Menu path:
Custom Settings Menu → Controls → Custom Controls (Shooting) → Assign to button
Select Recall Shooting Functions

Example setup for motion blur - which I have set up. Many others use it for a “bird in flight” setting with very fast shutter speed in S priority.

Others use it to have 3d tracking set up and then switch between the two focus options on the different AF buttons.

The final choice is yours, which is the joy of customisation.

• Mode: Manual
• Shutter speed: 1/8s
• Aperture: f/8
• ISO: Auto
• Metering: Normal
• Focus: Standard tracking

When the button is held, the camera temporarily switches to this setup, ideal for panning animals moving sideways. Release the button to return to your normal settings.

6. Limiting and Resizing Autofocus Area Modes

Too many autofocus options slow decision-making. Limiting them keeps you focussed on the ones you actually need = more time focussing on your subjects.

Limit AF area modes:
Custom Settings Menu → Focus → Limit AF-area Mode Selection
Select only the modes you actually use, such as:

• Single-point AF
• Pinpoint AF
• Dynamic-area AF
• Group AF

Resizing Group AF areas:
Assign AF-area mode + size adjustment to a button.
While shooting, press the button and use the joystick to expand or reduce the group AF window.

This is especially useful for birds in flight and large groups of animals.

Final Notes on Customisation

There is no downloadable setup that works for everyone. These settings are effective because they allow you to focus on your subject matter and support fast decision-making in the field.

Use this guide as a foundation. Adjustable button placement, AF preferences, and shooting banks are the best tools on the Z8 to allow you to react  to what you photograph most often. The goal is not perfection, but readiness.