May be the best video on KZfaq explaining how Nikon autofocus works. Even in 2024. Thank you!

This is by far the most complete and comprehensive video on the Nikon AF System. Every camera Nikon sells, should come with a link to this video. Thank you for the effort you have put into this. It finally let me fully grasp the potential and usecases of my Nikon AF.

Please never delete this video. I have referred to it multiple times already for one or another reasons. You explain the way I do to my little kids, so they would understand for sure. Thank you.

FINALLY a great explanation of why the focus box does not turn green in AF-C

Hey everyone! I really hope you do find this video useful, I hope it helps some of you understand the Autofocus system inside the Nikon Z a little bit better, meaning you can get more out of the camera you have. any questions let me know !

Great video, Ricci! Years after it was made, it is still the most comprehensive I have found on KZfaq. Congratulations!

BEST VIDEO period... Learned a lot... GREAT detail on how my camera focusing system works MORE MORE MORE

This is one of the most useful videos I've watched this year, really well put together and you did a fantastic job explaining everything.

This is without a doubt, the best tutorial I've seen regarding autofocus and what you can expect from each mode, how and when to use it. Absolutely brilliant. You've taken a complex subject and made it very easy to understand. I have learned so much from your video and thank you for your great contribution in helping others to understand and comprehend this topic.

Still extremely helpful in 2024. Thank you! 🙏🏾

Z users, look no further. This is the ONLY video you will EVER need on Autofocus. Every setting explained with sample shots. This is now the new gold standard for tutorials. Period.

Hey Ricci, the best detailed Video for the Autofocus configuration in the Z-Series, many thanks from Germany !

As someone who has just bought a used Z6, this was really helpful.

Thanks Ricci, great video! I've had my new Z5 for just 24 hours and have been doing trial and error with the AF settings. I searched KZfaq specifically for a tutorial and not a review. This video explains it all. You have saved me hours of trial and error. I now know exactly the settings I need to perform best in all situations. Great work!

Question: 1:01:30 d8 "Apply settings to Live View". Great insight! I doubted you at first and even wrote a paragraph about how it didn't make sense. Then in doing so I realized how it did make sense. I am a software engineer, when I put my engineer-hat on, I realize that normally to obtain focus the sensor would be able to extend the shutter speed, extend the ISO and even widen the aperture as needed to obtain a bright image for fast focus. When d8 is "On" you are telling the camera to show you exactly what you will get when you take the shot. This means the sensor must leave the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture exactly what you've set them to and so it is unable to obtain that brighter image needed to prove faster AF. This was not a problem with DSLRs because they didn't use the sensor for AF -- when they did they were slow. What I'm confused about is: The very next logical step is to tell the AF system to obtain a bright image while focusing and once obtained, go back to the accurate live preview. I actually think I saw your camera do that. When you AF'd it got brighter then went back to dark. So that's probably happening, however, I would guess it means that you'd be limited to Single-Shot AF not Continuous since you can't be continuously flipping back and forth between the false-bright image and the accurate-dark image.

Excellent instructional video. I've learned more watching this video than I have in the last few months of research. Thank you!

This is basically a mini-masterclass in Nikon mirrorless AF. I wish I found this sooner - it is the most thorough & clearly presented video I’ve seen on this topic. Immensely helpful - thank you 🙏🏻

I learned more in one hour watching this video that I have during the last year. Totally comprehensive and logical. I am very grateful for the real work you put into this. Joe

First class explanation with examples! Well done!

I had no intention of watching this video for over an hour. But I did thanks to the simplistic explanations, examples and personal preferences. As a new owner of a z7, frustrated by the number of missed images, this video is ideal. Well done, Sir!

Very helpful. Two things I learned here that I didn't get even from Thom Hogan's exhaustive guide are (1) why Nikon chose to keep the focus box red in AF-C (your explanation makes a lot of sense) and (2) turn off Apply Settings to Live View for better autofocus performance.

I have been shooting for a long long time, but mostly landscapes. Now that I have a quick moving toddler granddaughter, I bought a Z6. This video was incredibly useful in understanding autofocus, as I have always been an AF- S, single point, kinda guy, and that needs to change...because she is fast!

Thanks Ricci, you have become my favorite on youtube period!! You are the BEST teacher because you go slow and explain everything with visuals. Your technique tells me you understand what you're talking about. Thanks so much for all your content, greatly appreciated. You are making people better photographers.

Thank you so much for spending the time to go through this in such detail. I’m so tired of just hearing someone say, “this is the best setting for …”, or “this mode works just like it’s done on the D850”. You actually explained how they work, and that is very helpful.

Very informative video. You do what Nikon should have done with release of Z series cameras. Nikon throws out new camera systems, but forgets to explain how they work. If not for people like you, we would be struggling with figuring out the focus. Hope Nikon pays you for all your work. Thank you !

This is one of the most useful videos I've watched as just got the Z7 II and struggling with all the setups and @ 83 a memory like the Bermuda Triangle! everything is going in ! but nothing is coming out! just an excellent presentation really well put together, easy to watch and listen to, you did a fantastic job explaining everything, its my go to bed BIBLE. Anyone new to the Z cameras should have this on their go to Tutorial. Many thanks for your time from all of us. Hugh

I have watched a number of videos regarding Z cameras AF. Yours simply is the most intelligent discussion, bar none.

Thank you, Ricci, for putting this in-depth video together! I am not a photographer, but am an Iridologist, taking eye pics. I just purchased the Z50 so I could still use my old special adaptors. This video really helped me to learn to use the setting so that my eye pics are clearer. Thanks again! Crystal

A year later I’m watching this video because i purchased a z6 last November. With a z mount 50 mm 1.8s lens, this camera is a monster. It’s still a great camera to buy. Thank you so much for the effort and time you spent doing this video. Kudos to you Ricci.

Me too. Setting up my Z9 and looking at your video to explain a lot of stuff I really didn't understand on my Z6 has made my life so much easier. Thank you.

I must have watched this AF guide 3 times and I’m still picking up new tips and info. This is definitely a must watch for all new Z body owners…. and for geriatrics like myself that needs the refresher🤪

This video is a textbook-lecture for every photographer. Every single point of autofocus modes are explained in an understandable manner with clearly practical examples. Best tutorial I've seen !! My compliments. Thanks a lot.

I cannot overstate how helpful this video was. As a Nikon owner, I have always felt that the menus were very daunting. I have been watching how to videos and walkthrough videos for some time, with very little help. This is the single most helpful video I have seen. Thank you so much!

Day after tomorrow I will buy the Z6 II to replace my D750! Must say this video has taught me most of the new things already!

Without a doubt, the best video on autofocus for Nikon mirrorless I have seen! Thanks!

Can only confirm the positive reactions: great work, will help me a lot being more satisfied with the results I get. Thanks a lot!

The best ever video on Nikon auto focus system ever made on Planet Earth. Thank you, sir. I learned a lot from about Nikon focus system just from this one video. 🙏

This is the best informative and easy to understand explanation video of Autofocus that I have seen. I have a Nikon Z6ii which I've had for 18 months & thought I had the Autofocus nailed. Your video explained in easy to unterstand terms items that I was not using correctly and affecting my shooting. Thank you on a excellent explanation of Autofocus.

left photography 14 years ago and since then no longer have any camera. but still love to learn about something i always confused. thanks for the effort. gave a thumbs up and subscribed.

Wow! THE most clear and comprehensive explanation of these settings. (Even better than Nikon’s own video tutorials.)The visual examples are spot on. Well done! Thank you Ricci. I look forward to exploring more of your videos.

Marvelous! I've watched auto-focus videos till my eyes bled and mostly just got confused. Yours was the best explanations, the best insight, and the best real-world examples of all of them. Hooray, and thank-you!!

Having just purchased a Nikon Z6 11, and tried reading a 1000 page manual, and looking at various youtube videos on Focusing and using the Z6 to take some shots, I was at my wits end trying to come to terms with how to use it. I stumbled across your wonderful video and thank you for explaining everything in such detail, reminding me that I am still a photographer, and shutter speed, ISO etc still apply. In addition, you take nothing for granted, so everything is explained. I cannot wait to get out and remember that photography is my passion and joy. I really cannot thank you enough.

after 6 years with the D7100 then D7500, I know all about AF ... and I loved Group and 3D modes. Now I have the Z6. But ... I loved this video because no matter how much experience you have, or think you have, you can always learn. I learnt a lot. Great video. Many thanks. Keep it up. Stay safe

just stumbled upon this while researching for setting up a newly purchased Z 6.....this is the most detailed explanation of Nikons Autofocus systems.....regardless of whether you are upgrading from a Nikon DSLR or Nikons Z mirrorless. Bravo!

Just bought Z6ii and watched this - brilliant, so easy to follow.

I have watched this twice, the second after some time had passed. I remembered some of it, but not as much as I would have hoped. Watching it again did give me a much clearer understanding of more of the differences among the autofocus choices available. The examples made much more sense this time as well. I will probably need to watch it at least once more. This is a very clear and very informative presentation.Thank you.

Finally! From the big picture to the fine details in a comprehensive, comprehendible presentation! At last, I get it. Just wish that this video had a way of standing out in the crowd to make it easier for people to find. "Complete Guide to understanding and Using Autofocus, A to 'Z' . . . " is more like it!

Ricci, this video is so, so very good. I bought my Z7 26 months ago but I can't say I put the time into mastering it that I should have. For the past six months I've been working on getting the most out of the Z7. My biggest frustration has been poor autofocus use in shooting people and my puppy dogs. I ordered a Z9 on October 28th mainly because of not mastering autofocus on the Z7, but it looks like I may not get the new camera for a significant while. This video, which I've watched end to end more than once, gives me some great guidance for sharpening my skills. I love it. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Agree - best video on the subject that I've seen. I may finally understand Dynamic-Area, and why even Wide Area Small doesn't always work. Thanks!

Ricci, I can always depend on your videos to help me gain knowledge for my Z6 and lenses. Thanks a lot.

As a relatively new user of a (second-hand) Nikon Z7 I found this video very useful to understand the functions, complexity and options available in the autofocus menu of the Nikon Z7. Thank you for putting this on-line.

This is the best explanation of how Nikon Z camera autofocus system is and how it works.

What a great and very well explained video. If all Z cameras users would take the time to view this video they would not complain the misunderstanding of their cameras and would not be yelling that Sony Nurthrup said the A7 series are 'the best'. Thanks for sharing. You are the best!

The best video for autofocusing on my Z7, Z6 and Z50. I learn a lot. Thank you.

Thanks! I do very much appreciate the clarity, design, and subject matter of your KZfaq posts. They have been-and continue to be-most helpful. Every good wish to you and my gratitude.

Outstanding! I’ve owned my Z6 for a year now and never understood autofocus. Long time DSLR shooter, and I’d treat my Z6 like a DSLR. This has been extremely helpful. Thank you!

This is a superb video because it explains not just what the camera functions are, but when and why you you would use each of the several modes. By the time Ricci gets to the sample pictures, the viewer is silently making his or her own choices. This means that the viewer understands -- the key -- understands what the camera can, and will, do in various situations, and which mode can best take advantage of that. In most such explanations, the presenter just drops a lot of information, without any attempt to have the viewer understand. This is different -- to my very substantial benefit.

You explain it better than anyone else on KZfaq. For me the key point you make is that knowing how your camera works, it's strengths and weaknesses, what it is trying to do, is more important than which camera system you have. It is not the person or the technology it is the interface between the two that we should all be concentrating on.

I have always struggled with when to use what type of focus for each situation for my older DSLR. Just got the Z6ii and most of this still applies. Thanks for using real world examples and pros and cons of each. Great video.

What a gem! Everything you need to know about auto focus but were too scared to ask

Just bought a Z6ii after years of using the D600 and D610. Thank you so much for this video and the effort you put into it. I learned a lot of new stuff about focus. Ciao from Italy.

Just bought a Z5 and this video is very very helpful in finding my way through all the AF possibilities and making my own choices. Thank you so much!

Just returned to Nikon after a spell away, a very useful video to help me get up to speed even though my Z7ii camera is on 1.4 firmware Thank you

Thank you for the fantastic video. You made the complex easy to understand for us amateur photographers.

This is one of the best photography videos I have ever seen. I have learned so much. Thank you very much.

Very useful and important, also very clearly explained. Thank you so much Ricci. I normally attend Nikon's After school sessions so see your there. Ram

Absolutely the best video about Nikon Z autofocus. It would have taken me a long time figuring things out on my own. Thank you.

I think this might be the best Nikon Z Autofocus system explained video on youtube, period. Brilliant work.

Get that I'm 18 months late here but have been watching you for a couple of years Ricci and just got myself a Z7 and couldn't;t be happier! Thanks for effort in the vid, helped me out a lot 👍

Excellent explanation . Really the effort you have made in doing this video shows out . Thank you very much from India.

It's a great video. You did all the z series user who needed help with focus settings a big favor. It's very detailed video. Thank you.

Best video and explanation of autofocus. I have been reading about this but watching and listening brought everything together. I will watch again with camera in hand to make sure I have the correct settings for my next photography adventure.

I wish I could give this tutorial 5 thumbs up. Thank you so much 👍

I have watched this more than once and will refer back to it. You have one of the very best, easy to understand, clear explanation of the focus modes for Z Nikon. Thank you so much!

A super thanks for this informative video, helped me get to grips with the AF system. Your video should be the go-to resource for every new camera buyer!

Mr. Ricci, This is the video I've been waiting on for many months. I've had more "Ah ha !" moments watching this video than I can count. It confirmed many of my own field work discoveries and corrected many misconceptions I had developed while putting it all in order with a reason why. No voodoo or act of faith required. Also your manner of instruction is down to earth and practical with the simplicity that only the truly brilliant can provide. This was a great service to the Z community ! Thank you !

I am a Cannon Eos user, looks like the Z camera provides a much more powerful functionality. Excellent good explanation! Thank you.

FANTASTIC-OVERWHELMING amount of relevant “how to’s” THANKS for being my best teacher.

Best video for autofocus for Z cameras ever. Exhaustive, clear and good examples. Thx for that.

By far the best explanation on the z6 autofocus system. Great job, lots of work. Thx

Wow! I just recently went to Nikon from Pentax crop sensor when I got my Z6 II and I was completely lost about all the focus options, buttons and other wonderful features of my new camera. But Ricci has saved the day!!! I've been glued to your KZfaq videos ever since I found you yesterday. I have watched so many other videos but yours has by far been the best teaching video and most interesting. I can't thank you enough!!!

Wow! Excellent, organized, thorough presentation. As a novice photographer, having been gifted a Z6 for retirement, I have much to learn. I’m sure I’ll be viewing this presentation multiple times and taking notes. Additionally, I’ll definitely be looking for other videos that you have so thoughtfully planned and executed. Thank you!

I've been struggling to understand the focus system for years and wondering why I couldn't nail it. I now get it. Can't wait to get out now and practice. Thanks. A great explanation.

Many thanks Ricci. Best video I've watched. I learned a lot from you. Please never delete it. we will refer to many times.

Had to watch this twice since moving from dslr to mirrorless- so detailed and a real deep dive into the autofocus modes again for a new system. Thanks Ricci. 🙏🏽

The best autofocus guide I have ever watched. Learned a lot from you. Subscribed. Thank you very much Ricci!

Just brilliant, I have always struggled with focus and I thought my camera or lenses are messed up, but no only my settings were wrong for different scenes. Keep up the good work Ricci 👍🏻

Thank you for this video. I just got Nikon z6ii and I was having heck of time trying to figure out what all the focus options were. This was tremendously helpful and informative.

Absolutely brilliant video. Explains everything clearly. I thought I had the best settings for me but now I have changed half a dozen to give me better focus. I found the "apply settings to live view" particularly interesting as I use the evf 95% of the time.

OUTSTANDING instructional video! You've explained autofocus in a way that is easy enough for beginners to grasp, yet with enough detail that advanced users will appreciate.

Comprehensive, informative and enjoyable to watch and learn. Thank you. Good recap, re-enforce some basics, whilst providing some excellent teachings on the more advanced. No doubt this will help with my BIF pictures.

I have recently purchased the new Z6ii and this video was just what I needed to understand how to get the best results out of Nikons autofocusing system. This is by far the best video I have seen that explains the menus in detail that us mere mortals can understand, well done !!!

Why did I find this video AFTER I bought Steve Perry's 26$-book about the Z-system's AF... You cover the same topics and manage to do it in an hour where the book rambles on for over 600 pages. Waste of money. Thanks for this great video @RicciTalks !

thanks for providing clarity on AF with Z7. Much appreciated

Just a short note to say I really appreciated this tutorial it was set at the right pace for me. Thank you.

Thank you so much for this video! I just got my z5 and was fighting with my AF a lot. This makes it a lot easier to understand all the functions

I have already known exactly what you explained in this video but I was still watching the whole video at 12:00am because I want to support what you have done. Thanks for your time and your passion to make this video for everyone who loves Nikon but has been wavering because they do not really understand how the Z system works.

Congratulations it is the best video explaining everything about Focusing Z6 and Z7

Incredible.... As someone who is transitioning from DSLR to mirrorless, I think this is a fabulous video. The explanations and sample images are the best available anywhere. I've watched it multiple times already and I'm sure I will watch it many more times as I try to get these auto-focus options ingrained in my memory.

Super helpful just bought Nikon Z5 usually a canon user and also its my first mirrorless camera. Thanks for making clear in-depth explanations for each setting.