Video Recording Settings
For a long time, we consistently recorded videos using automatic settings, the P mode (P stands for Professional ;)). Here now in more details our general camera settings for video recording and adjustments based on type of subjects recording. Remember it is all about wildlife and nature.
Camera Settings Nikon Z8
Usually recording with FX 60fps, changed to FX 120fps with fast moving subject or to FX 30fps for surround recordings. Auto ISO because light conditions may change rapidly and there is no time to adjust ISO. Recording usually done in Shutter Speed priority set to 2x fps allowing the camera to set aperture and ISO. Always recording in N-log, High Quality.
Macro Video Recording - NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8
Recording with a macro lens is challenging due to the narrow focal plane. It requires a lot of perseverance and patience.
A tripod is mandatory for macro video recording, as handheld shooting isn’t an option. For best results, the camera should be positioned very close, which doesn’t work for all critters. I mostly record in FX 30fps because capturing fast-moving critters with a macro lens isn’t feasible. They are often out of the frame before I even realize they were in it or can acquire focus.
Examples with Nikon Z6
Wildlife Video Recording - NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6
I recently acquired the 100-400mm zoom lens and I am still adjusting settings for best results. With wildlife video recording, I am facing a great variety of light conditions and animal behavior which makes it difficult to report generally set camera settings. Different to macro video recording, we continue operating in P mode to make sure that the recorded clips are usable.
NIKKOR Z 100-400mm is often used with TC 2x and video recording is done with DX crop. This means that the final focal length can be up to 1200mm=400m x 2 x 1.5. Tripod mandatory! Larger animals can be recorded on quite a distance:
| Animal Size | SENSOR | 200MM | 400MM | 600MM | 800MM | 1200MM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 50cm | FX | 9m | 17m | 26m | 34m | 51m |
| DX | 13m | 26m | 39m | 51m | 77m | |
| 100cm | FX | 17m | 34m | 51m | 69m | 103m |
| DX | 26m | 51m | 77m | 103m | 154m |
Getting as close to the subject as possible is still important for best results though!
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