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- Herausgeber: John Wiley & Sons
- Kategorie: Wissenschaft und neue Technologien
- Sprache: Englisch
- Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022
Say cheese! Explore this beginner-friendly guide to digital photography with the Nikon Z fc camera With a design that looks like an old-school film camera, the Nikon Z fc makes photographers want to grab this very-modern model off the shelf and start taking photos. But if you really want to set your pictures apart from the average snapshot, you need Nikon Z fc For Dummies. This book takes you on a comprehensive and user-friendly tour of the Nikon Z fc camera, its settings, and all of its automatic and manual options. You'll learn how to control exposure, take advantage of advanced focusing options, fix color problems, and get the best image quality. You'll also get: * Accessible instruction on tried and tested photography techniques * Instruction on how to adjust color and exposure settings * Strategies for when to use your camera's auto options to when to take full control of settings Ideal for anyone who wants to get the most out of their Nikon Z fc camera, Nikon Z fc For Dummies covers the photography basics you need to understand to take fantastic pictures along with how to apply those techniques to the Nikon Z fc.
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Nikon® Z fc For Dummies®
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Copyright © 2022 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey
Published simultaneously in Canada
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Library of Congress Control Number: 2022933160
ISBN 978-1-119-87317-4 (pbk); ISBN 978-1-119-87318-1 (ebk); ISBN 978-1-119-87319-8 (ebk)
Nikon® Z fc For Dummies®
To view this book's Cheat Sheet, simply go to www.dummies.com and search for “Nikon Z fc For Dummies Cheat Sheet” in the Search box.
Table of Contents
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Introduction
About This Book
How This Book Is Organized
Icons and Other Stuff to Note
Where to Go from Here
Part 1: Fast Track to Super Snaps
Chapter 1: First Steps, First Shots
Getting Started
Taking a Brief Camera Tour
Using the Touchscreen
Navigating Menus
Saving Time with the i Menu
Looking at Display Options
Using the Touch Shutter (or Not)
Exploring a Few Lens Features
Reviewing a Few More Setup Options
Restoring Default Settings
Shooting a Photo in Auto Mode
Trying Self-Portrait Mode
Chapter 2: Choosing Basic Picture Settings
Picking a Shooting Mode
Setting the Release Mode
Enabling Silent Photography
Selecting Image Size and Image Quality
Setting the Image Area
Turning On Vibration Reduction
Part 2: Beyond the Basics
Chapter 3: Taking Charge of Exposure
Meeting the Exposure Trio: Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO
Gaining Maximum Exposure Control
Choosing a Shutter Type
Taking Advantage of Exposure Guides
Choosing a Metering Mode
Setting Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO
Solving Exposure Problems
Adding Flash
Taking Advantage of Auto Bracketing
Chapter 4: Controlling Focus and Depth of Field
Reviewing Touchscreen Focus Options
Controlling the Autofocus System
Focusing Manually
Manipulating Depth of Field
Chapter 5: Mastering Color Controls
Understanding White Balance
Creating Custom White Balance Presets
Choosing a Color Space
Taking a Quick Look at Picture Controls
Chapter 6: Putting It All Together
Recapping Basic Picture Settings
Shooting Still Portraits
Capturing Action
Capturing Scenic Vistas
Capturing Dynamic Close-Ups
Chapter 7: Recording Video
Understanding a Few Video Basics
Shooting a Video Using Default Settings
Adjusting Video Settings
Choosing a Video Format: MOV or MP4
Setting Frame Size, Rate, and Quality
Controlling Audio
Controlling and Monitoring Exposure
Looking at Other Menu Options
Screening Your Videos
Trimming Videos
Saving a Video Frame as a Still Image
Part 3: After the Shot
Chapter 8: Playback Mode: Viewing Your Photos
Picture Playback 101
Choosing Which Images to View
Adjusting Playback Timing
Disabling Automatic Picture Rotation
Shifting to Thumbnail Display
Displaying Photos in Calendar View
Magnifying Photos During Playback
Viewing Picture Data
Chapter 9: Working with Picture and Video Files
Rating Photos and Videos
Protecting Files
Deleting Files
Introducing Nikon's Free Photo Software
Downloading Pictures to Your Computer
Processing Raw (NEF) Files
Preparing Pictures for Online Sharing
Part 4: The Part of Tens
Chapter 10: Ten More Customization Settings
Swapping Out Items on the
i
Menu
Creating Your Own Menu
Editing Filenames
Creating New Storage Folders
Controlling File Numbering
Assigning New Tasks to Buttons
Customizing the Command Dials
Modifying the Shutter Button’s Role
Adjusting Auto Shutdown Timing
Setting HDMI Output Options
Chapter 11: Ten Retouch Menu Tricks
Accessing Retouching Tools
Applying the Tools
Comparing Original and Edited Versions
Removing Red-Eye
Leveling Horizon Lines
Eliminating Lens Distortion
Correcting Converging Lines
Adjusting Exposure with D-Lighting
Creating a Monochrome Version
Cropping Your Photo
Chapter 12: Ten Features to Try on a Slow Day
Storing Settings on a Memory Card
Using Exposure Delay Mode
Interval Timer Shooting
Creating a Time-Lapse Video
Adding Copyright Notices and Comments
Creating a Digital Slide Show
Two Roads to a Multi-Image Exposure
Shooting Photos for Focus Stacking
Creating a Dust Reference File
Trying Pixel Mapping for Sensor Repair
Appendix: Intro to Nikon SnapBridge
Making the Connection
Using SnapBridge
Glossary: Glossary of Digital Photography Terms
Index
About the Author
Connect with Dummies
End User License Agreement
List of Tables
Chapter 1
TABLE 1-1 Z fc Menus
Chapter 2
TABLE 2-1 Image Size Results in Pixels and Megapixels (M)
Chapter 6
TABLE 6-1 All-Purpose Picture-Taking Settings
Chapter 7
TABLE 7-1 Frame Size/Frame Rate/Video Quality Combos
List of Illustrations
Chapter 1
FIGURE 1-1: Be sure that the card is unlocked, and avoid touching its gold cont...
FIGURE 1-2: The battery and memory card go into the compartment on the bottom o...
FIGURE 1-3: Position the lens so that its mounting index aligns with the one on...
FIGURE 1-4: You can keep the monitor flat against the camera or rotate it to th...
FIGURE 1-5: Here’s a look at the 16–50mm kit ens in its retracted position (lef...
FIGURE 1-6: Rotate this dial to adjust the viewfinder to your eyesight.
FIGURE 1-7: Familiarize yourself with these back-of-the-camera controls.
FIGURE 1-8: Controls on top of the camera put important shooting settings at yo...
FIGURE 1-9: You can set the Function (Fn) button to perform various tasks.
FIGURE 1-10: You can connect a variety of devices, including a microphone, to t...
FIGURE 1-11: Enable or disable the touchscreen via this Setup menu option.
FIGURE 1-12: The Custom Settings menu contains seven submenus of advanced optio...
FIGURE 1-13: My Menu enables you to design a custom menu; Recent Settings offer...
FIGURE 1-14: During photo shooting, press the
i
button to quickly access these ...
FIGURE 1-15: You can choose to view all available settings on the initial
i
men...
FIGURE 1-16: Press the Monitor mode button to cycle through four display on/off...
FIGURE 1-17: This Setup menu option determines how many settings are available ...
FIGURE 1-18: Keep an eye on the battery-status symbol and shots-remaining value...
FIGURE 1-19: These symbols alert you to a problem with the camera or memory car...
FIGURE 1-20: During photo shooting, press the DISP button to cycle through thes...
FIGURE 1-21: Data is arranged a little differently in the viewfinder, and the I...
FIGURE 1-22: You can add gridlines to the displays as an additional framing ali...
FIGURE 1-23: Press the Zoom In button to magnify the display; press Zoom Out to...
FIGURE 1-24: Tap the Touch Shutter symbol to cycle through the settings that de...
FIGURE 1-25: Using the FTZ adapter enables me to use one of my older Nikon lens...
FIGURE 1-26: Here’s a look at the important components of the Z-mount 16–50mm l...
FIGURE 1-27: The red box shows the angle of view captured by a lens mounted on ...
FIGURE 1-28: If the lens lacks an auto/manual focus switch, set the focus metho...
FIGURE 1-29: To scroll past the first page of the Setup menu, shown here, press...
FIGURE 1-30: Choose this option to restore all default settings except the lang...
FIGURE 1-31: Set the shooting mode to Auto and the Photo/Video mode to photo.
FIGURE 1-32: Compose the shot so that your subject is within the area bounded b...
FIGURE 1-33: In portraits, a yellow box may appear over the subject’s eye; that...
FIGURE 1-34: Wait for the green focus box(es) to appear before pressing the shu...
FIGURE 1-35: In Self-Portrait mode, you see this simplified display.
Chapter 2
FIGURE 2-1: The Shooting mode determines how much input you have over exposure,...
FIGURE 2-2: The default monitor and viewfinder displays show the Shooting mode,...
FIGURE 2-3: You also can see all three settings in the Information display.
FIGURE 2-4: This symbol represents the current Release mode.
FIGURE 2-5: When using the monitor’s Information display, look here for the sym...
FIGURE 2-6: You can set the Continuous Low frame rate here or by using
i
menu o...
FIGURE 2-7: The only way to adjust all three Self-Timer settings is via this Cu...
FIGURE 2-8: The
i
menu offers the easiest way to change the Release mode.
FIGURE 2-9: Tap Details (left) or press the Multi Selector down to display opti...
FIGURE 2-10: You also can use this menu option to set the Release mode, but it ...
FIGURE 2-11: To silence the shutter and other camera sounds, turn on Silent Pho...
FIGURE 2-12: The Shutter Type symbol bears the label SL when Silent Photography...
FIGURE 2-13: Pixels are the building blocks of digital photos.
FIGURE 2-14: A high-quality print depends on a high-resolution original.
FIGURE 2-15: At 50 ppi, the image has a jagged, pixelated look.
FIGURE 2-16: Adding pixels in a photo editor doesn't rescue a low-resolution or...
FIGURE 2-17: A high-resolution original (left) enabled me to crop the photo and...
FIGURE 2-18: The reduced quality of the right image is caused by excessive JPEG...
FIGURE 2-19: Choose this menu option to specify the bit-depth of Raw files.
FIGURE 2-20: The current Image Size and Image Quality settings appear in the mo...
FIGURE 2-21: In the Information display, the settings appear in the same spot a...
FIGURE 2-22: Adjust Image Size and Image Quality via the
i
menu or Photo Shooti...
FIGURE 2-23: The DX symbol indicates that the maximum Image Area option is sele...
FIGURE 2-24: Change the Image Area setting via the Photo Shooting menu.
FIGURE 2-25: Vibration Reduction helps compensate for camera shake that can blu...
FIGURE 2-26: This symbol indicates that Vibration Reduction is set to On.
Chapter 3
FIGURE 3-1: The aperture size and shutter speed determine how much light strike...
FIGURE 3-2: A lower f-stop number means a larger aperture, allowing more light ...
FIGURE 3-3: Choosing a lower f-stop number decreases depth of field.
FIGURE 3-4: If both stationary and moving objects are blurry, camera shake is t...
FIGURE 3-5: Caused by a very high ISO or long exposure time, noise becomes more...
FIGURE 3-6: Raising the ISO from 100 to 200 allowed a faster shutter speed, ena...
FIGURE 3-7: Only the P, S, A, and M Shooting modes offer full control over expo...
FIGURE 3-8: You can specify a shutter type only in the P, S, A, or M exposure m...
FIGURE 3-9: The A on the Shutter Type symbol shows that the Auto setting is sel...
FIGURE 3-10: This option determines whether the displays update to show how cha...
FIGURE 3-11: The histogram offers a more accurate prediction of exposure.
FIGURE 3-12: The left end of the Brightness histogram represents black; the rig...
FIGURE 3-13: A single bar under 0 indicates good exposure (top); smaller bars a...
FIGURE 3-14: In the M exposure mode, the meter is always visible in the default...
FIGURE 3-15: The meter appears at the bottom of the viewfinder display.
FIGURE 3-16: The Metering mode determines which area of the frame the camera co...
FIGURE 3-17: Here’s where to find the Metering mode symbol in the default monit...
FIGURE 3-18: You also can view the Metering mode symbol in the viewfinder displ...
FIGURE 3-19: Set the Metering mode from the
i
menu or Photo Shooting menu.
FIGURE 3-20: The aperture and shutter speed appear in different locations depen...
FIGURE 3-21: This area offers an f-stop display and dials for setting shutter s...
FIGURE 3-22: After you tap the aperture setting, tap the left and right arrows ...
FIGURE 3-23: Look for the current ISO value here.
FIGURE 3-24: You can specify an ISO setting only in the P, S, A, and M Shooting...
FIGURE 3-25: These menu options enable you to set guidelines for the camera to ...
FIGURE 3-26: Auto Flash ISO Sensitivity Control determines whether the camera b...
FIGURE 3-27: For a brighter exposure, raise the Exposure Compensation value.
FIGURE 3-28: Enable this option to use Exposure Compensation in Auto Shooting m...
FIGURE 3-29: The meters indicate the amount of Exposure Compensation adjustment...
FIGURE 3-30: The monitor’s Information display makes the adjustment amount easy...
FIGURE 3-31: When the Exposure Compensation dial is set to 0, no adjustment is ...
FIGURE 3-32: Turn on this option to apply up to five stops of exposure adjustme...
FIGURE 3-33: Active D-Lighting brightened the shadows without blowing out the h...
FIGURE 3-34: These displays show the Active D-Lighting setting.
FIGURE 3-35: The fastest way to adjust the Active D-Lighting setting is via the...
FIGURE 3-36: The HDR option records two frames at different exposures and then ...
FIGURE 3-37: The HDR feature lives on the Photo Shooting menu.
FIGURE 3-38: This symbol shows that HDR is enabled with a 3-stop shift between ...
FIGURE 3-39: The Vignette Control feature can help reduce a lens phenomenon tha...
FIGURE 3-40: Slow Sync mode provides softer, more even lighting than Fill Flash...
FIGURE 3-41: I used Rear-Curtain Sync Flash mode to create this candle-lighting...
FIGURE 3-42: An icon representing the Flash mode appears in the displays.
FIGURE 3-43: Set the Flash mode via the
i
menu or the Photo Shooting menu.
FIGURE 3-44: Flash Compensation enables you to adjust flash power.
FIGURE 3-45: Choose bracketing options by way of this Photo Shooting menu item.
FIGURE 3-46: The bracketing progress indicator helps you keep track of how many...
Chapter 4
FIGURE 4-1: When this option is active, you can tap the touchscreen to start au...
FIGURE 4-2: These symbols represent the default Focus mode and AF-area mode set...
FIGURE 4-3: Use the
i
menu to adjust Focus mode (left) or AF-area mode (right).
FIGURE 4-4: You also can change both settings for still photography from the Ph...
FIGURE 4-5: In AF-S mode, the green frame(s) indicate where focus is locked.
FIGURE 4-6: The red brackets mark the boundary of the area containing focus poi...
FIGURE 4-7: In Auto-area AF (people) mode, the camera uses eye-detection autofo...
FIGURE 4-8: These focus frames appear when you use subject tracking.
FIGURE 4-9: Pinpoint AF produces the smallest focus frame; Wide-area AF (L), th...
FIGURE 4-10: In Dynamic-area mode, you see a cluster of nine autofocus points.
FIGURE 4-11: I used AF-S Focus mode and Single-point AF-area mode for this subj...
FIGURE 4-12: Use AF-S plus Pinpoint AF-area mode to focus on a detail in a clos...
FIGURE 4-13: I used Wide-area AF (S) to focus on the statue.
FIGURE 4-14: For moving subjects, I combine AF-C with Dynamic-area AF.
FIGURE 4-15: The Autofocus section of the Custom Settings menu contains a varie...
FIGURE 4-16: The displays contain several manual-focus guides.
FIGURE 4-17: The Focus Peaking option displays colored outlines around areas th...
FIGURE 4-18: A shallow depth of field blurs the background (left); a large dept...
FIGURE 4-19: A lower f-stop number (wider aperture) decreases depth of field.
FIGURE 4-20: Zooming to a longer focal length also reduces depth of field.
Chapter 5
FIGURE 5-1: Each light source emits a specific color.
FIGURE 5-2: Multiple light sources resulted in a yellow color cast at the defau...
FIGURE 5-3: Look here to check the current White Balance setting.
FIGURE 5-4: Tap the White Balance symbol (left) to display available settings o...
FIGURE 5-5: You also can use the Fn button in conjunction with the command dial...
FIGURE 5-6: Use the value boxes on the left to set a specific color temperature...
FIGURE 5-7: Tap Adjust (left) or press the Multi Selector down to display the f...
FIGURE 5-8: Choose PRE (left), press the Multi Selector down, and then choose t...
FIGURE 5-9: When you see the flashing PRE symbol, press OK to take the referenc...
FIGURE 5-10: Select a preset (left) and then choose Select Picture (right) to b...
FIGURE 5-11: Add a text label to a preset to remind you which lighting conditio...
FIGURE 5-12: Your comment appears with the selected preset.
FIGURE 5-13: Sticking with the sRBG Color Space is the best option in most case...
FIGURE 5-14: This symbol represents the Picture Control setting.
FIGURE 5-15: The Picture Control settings apply various adjustments to color, s...
FIGURE 5-16: The best route to the Picture Control setting is the
i
menu.
Chapter 6
FIGURE 6-1: These symbols represent the most important picture-taking settings.
FIGURE 6-2: A blurry background draws more attention to your portrait subject.
FIGURE 6-3: For soft, even lighting, forego flash and instead expose your subje...
FIGURE 6-4: To properly illuminate the face in outdoor portraits, use flash.
FIGURE 6-5: Aiming the flash directly at the subject creates harsh lighting and...
FIGURE 6-6: Use a high shutter speed to freeze motion.
FIGURE 6-7: Using a shutter speed slow enough to blur moving objects can be a f...
FIGURE 6-8: Use a high f-stop value to keep the foreground and background sharp...
FIGURE 6-9: For misty waterfalls, use a slow shutter speed and a tripod.
FIGURE 6-10: A slow shutter speed creates neon light trails in nighttime street...
FIGURE 6-11: An easily recognizable foreground object gives viewers a sense of ...
FIGURE 6-12: Shallow depth of field is a classic technique for close-up images.
FIGURE 6-13: Adding flash resulted in better illumination and a slight warming ...
FIGURE 6-14: A macro lens can focus at close distances, enabling you to fill th...
Chapter 7
FIGURE 7-1: Set the Photo/Video switch to the Video position to record movies.
FIGURE 7-2: The available recording time appears in the monitor (left) and view...
FIGURE 7-3: The recording symbol indicates that recording is in progress.
FIGURE 7-4: Use the Video Recording menu, not the Photo Shooting menu, to selec...
FIGURE 7-5: If you choose Same as Photo Settings, the camera uses whatever sett...
FIGURE 7-6: In Video mode, the
i
menu offers quick access to these settings.
FIGURE 7-7: This symbol means that the Same as Photo Settings option is selecte...
FIGURE 7-8: Your camera can record videos in either the MOV or MP4 file format.
FIGURE 7-9: This symbol reports the Frame Size/Frame Rate and Video Quality set...
FIGURE 7-10: Choose Frame Size/Frame Rate from the Video Recording menu to see ...
FIGURE 7-11: You can record audio with the internal microphone (left) or plug i...
FIGURE 7-12: These symbols indicate the Microphone Sensitivity setting and volu...
FIGURE 7-13: One way to establish microphone sensitivity is via the Video Recor...
FIGURE 7-14: You also can adjust two audio settings via the
i
menu.
FIGURE 7-15: The black-and-white “zebra pattern” appears over areas that may be...
FIGURE 7-16: Enable Highlight Display from the Custom Settings menu.
FIGURE 7-17: You can enable Electronic VR and Vibration Reduction from the vide...
FIGURE 7-18: Turning on the Timecode feature makes it easier to search later fo...
FIGURE 7-19: The default playback display mode shows this video data.
FIGURE 7-20: The icons at the bottom of the screen remind you which buttons and...
FIGURE 7-21: You can trim frames from the start and end of a video right in the...
Chapter 8
FIGURE 8-1: Press the Playback button to view your photos and movies.
FIGURE 8-2: Specify which folder or folders you want to view.
FIGURE 8-3: This setting determines how long pictures are displayed before the ...
FIGURE 8-4: Enable Picture Review to display a photo for a few seconds immediat...
FIGURE 8-5: You can display vertically oriented pictures in their upright posit...
FIGURE 8-6: You can view multiple image thumbnails at a time.
FIGURE 8-7: Calendar view makes it easy to view all photos shot on a particular...
FIGURE 8-8: Press the Zoom In button or pinch out on the touchscreen to magnify...
FIGURE 8-9: While a photo is magnified, choose Quick Crop from the
i
menu (left...
FIGURE 8-10: The normal Playback mode is File Information display (left); hide ...
FIGURE 8-11: You also can enable these additional display modes.
FIGURE 8-12: These symbols represent the focus point and after-the-shot feature...
FIGURE 8-13: Enable the display options you want to use via this Playback menu ...
FIGURE 8-14: In File Information mode, you can view these bits of data.
FIGURE 8-15: Use Exposure Data mode to see critical exposure settings.
FIGURE 8-16: In Highlight mode, blinking areas indicate blown highlights.
FIGURE 8-17: RGB Histogram display offers a Brightness histogram and an RGB his...
FIGURE 8-18: Here you see the first Shooting Data screen.
FIGURE 8-19: Overview mode shows a Brightness histogram and the major settings ...
FIGURE 8-20: These rows show exposure data plus the lens focal length.
FIGURE 8-21: Look at this row for details about color settings.
Chapter 9
FIGURE 9-1: During playback, press the
i
button and select Rating to access the...
FIGURE 9-2: You also can rate photos by choosing Rating from the Playback menu.
FIGURE 9-3: The rating appears here in File Information playback mode.
FIGURE 9-4: Press the Protect/AE-L/AF-L button to prevent accidental deletion o...
FIGURE 9-5: During playback, you also can access the Protect feature from the
i
FIGURE 9-6: This menu option deletes all files stored in the folder you're view...
FIGURE 9-7: This Delete option offers a quick way to erase a batch of files.
FIGURE 9-8: With the Select Date option, you can quickly erase all photos and v...
FIGURE 9-9: NX Studio enables you to display the focus point used to shoot a pi...
FIGURE 9-10: Click the Info tab to view shooting data.
FIGURE 9-11: The camera’s USB-C port serves as one gateway to your computer.
FIGURE 9-12: Nikon Transfer 2 is a file transfer tool built into Nikon NX Studi...
FIGURE 9-13: You can specify a primary download destination as well as automati...
FIGURE 9-14: You get two pages of options for processing a Raw file.
FIGURE 9-15: Use the Resize option to create a lower-resolution version of the ...
FIGURE 9-16: To resize multiple photos at once, select Resize from the regular ...
FIGURE 9-17: Tag the selected photo for resizing by pressing the Zoom Out butto...
FIGURE 9-18: The Resized symbol indicates a small-size copy.
Chapter 10
FIGURE 10-1: Customize the
i
menu for photography via this Custom Settings menu...
FIGURE 10-2: Display the My Menu screen, choose Add Items, and then select a me...
FIGURE 10-3: You can customize the first three characters of filenames.
FIGURE 10-4: You can create new folders or change the default folder prefix.
FIGURE 10-5: Use this option to select a folder to hold the next images or vide...
FIGURE 10-6: Use this option to assign new functions to certain camera and lens...
FIGURE 10-7: You can change what the command dials do during shooting and playb...
FIGURE 10-8: Set the delay times for automatic shutdown by using this option.
FIGURE 10-9: Plug a Type D HDMI cable into this port to connect to an HDMI devi...
Chapter 11
FIGURE 11-1: One way to get to the editing tools is from the Retouch menu.
FIGURE 11-2: During playback, you also can access the tools from the
i
menu.
FIGURE 11-3: The Side-by-Side Comparison option is available only from the
i
me...
FIGURE 11-4: The Red-Eye Correction tool works on human eyes but not on animal ...
FIGURE 11-5: Use the Straighten tool to level crooked horizon lines.
FIGURE 11-6: I used the Distortion Control tool to eliminate barrel distortion.
FIGURE 11-7: The original photo exhibited convergence (left); applying the Pers...
FIGURE 11-8: D-Lighting brightens shadows without affecting highlights.
FIGURE 11-9: The yellow box indicates the cropping frame.
Chapter 12
FIGURE 12-1: Interval Timer Shooting automates the process of time-lapse photog...
FIGURE 12-2: You can store a text comment up to 36 characters long in the file ...
FIGURE 12-3: Image Overlay merges two Raw (NEF) photos into one.
FIGURE 12-4: If you want each subject to appear solid, use a black background a...
Appendix
FIGURE A-1: Choose Connect to Smart Device and then choose Pairing (Bluetooth).
FIGURE A-2: The camera displays its name (left) and a Bluetooth authorization c...
FIGURE A-3: When you see this screen, the Bluetooth connection was successful.
FIGURE A-4: The SnapBridge display looks like this when your camera is connecte...
FIGURE A-5: Choose these Connect to Smart Device options to connect via Wi-Fi.
FIGURE A-6: The camera displays its network name and password (left) and then l...
FIGURE A-7: For Wi-Fi transfer, open the Display Options menu to specify the ty...
FIGURE A-8: When you connect devices via Bluetooth, select JPEG photos for uplo...
FIGURE A-9: You can view files on the Device tab after uploading them from the ...
FIGURE A-10: The remote control screens as they appear for photography (left) a...
FIGURE A-11: Bluetooth offers only basic shooting and playback remote controls.
Guide
Cover
Title Page
Copyright
Table of Contents
Begin Reading
Appendix: Intro to Nikon SnapBridge
Glossary: Glossary of Digital Photography Terms
Index
About the Author
Pages
i
ii
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Introduction
Nikon. The name has been associated with top-flight photography equipment for generations, and the Z fc only enriches that reputation, combining cool retro styling with technology that delivers stunning photo and video quality. The Z fc also provides a long list of after-the-shoot features, including tools that enable you to retouch photos right in the camera and upload photos wirelessly to a smart device so that you can instantly share them online. You can even use your smart device as a wireless remote control.
In fact, the Z fc offers so many features that sorting them all out can be more than a little confusing. And therein lies the point of Nikon Z fc For Dummies: With the help of this book, you can take full advantage of everything the camera has to offer, even if you’re brand new to photography.
About This Book
Unlike many photography books, this one doesn’t require any previous knowledge of photography or digital imaging to make sense of things. In classic For Dummies style, everything is explained in easy-to-understand language, with lots of illustrations to help clear up any confusion.
However, even if you have some photography experience — or quite a bit of experience, for that matter — this book has plenty to offer. I provide detailed information about all the camera’s exposure, focus, and color controls, explaining not just what each feature does but why and how to put it to best use.
In short, what you have in your hands is the paperback (or ebook) version of an in-depth photography workshop tailored specifically to your Nikon Z fc.
How This Book Is Organized
This book is organized into several parts, each devoted to a different aspect of using your camera. Although chapters flow in a sequence that’s designed to take you from absolute beginner to experienced user, I’ve also made each chapter as self-standing as possible so that you can explore the topics that interest you in any order you please. Here's a brief preview of what you can find in each part of the book:
Part 1
: Fast Track to Super Snaps:
Part 1
contains two chapters to help you get up and running.
Chapter 1
guides you through initial camera setup, shows you how to view and adjust camera settings, and walks you through the steps of taking your first pictures using the Auto and Self-Portrait Shooting modes.
Chapter 2
introduces you to other Shooting modes and also explains such critical picture options as Release mode, Image Size (resolution), Image Quality (JPEG or Raw), and Image Area.
Part 2
: Beyond the Basics:
Chapters in this part help you unleash the full power of your camera.
Chapter 3
provides information that you need to control exposure;
Chapter 4
explains how to manipulate focus; and
Chapter 5
sorts out color settings.
Chapter 6
summarizes techniques explained in earlier chapters, providing a quick-reference guide to the camera settings and shooting strategies that produce the best results for portraits, action shots, landscapes, and close-ups.
Chapter 7
shifts gears, moving from still photography to video recording.
Part 3
: After the Shot:
Chapter 8
explains picture playback features, showing you how to adjust the type of data that appears with a picture, how to magnify an image to get a closer look, and how to quickly find and view photos taken on a particular day.
Chapter 9
topics include rating, protecting, and deleting photos, downloading files to your computer, processing Raw files, and resizing pictures for online sharing.
Part 4
: The Part of Tens:
In famous
For Dummies
tradition, the book concludes with three top-ten lists containing additional bits of information and advice.
Chapter 10
details options for customizing your camera, and
Chapter 11
covers the tools found on the camera's Retouch menu.
Chapter 12
introduces you to ten other features that may come in handy on occasion, such as creating a slide show and adding copyright information to your files.
Appendix: Intro to Nikon SnapBridge:
Nikon SnapBridge is an app that you can install on certain Android and Apple iOS smartphones and tablets. It’s this app that enables you to use the camera’s wireless functions to connect your Z fc to your smart device. After making the connection, you can transfer photos to the device for viewing or easy uploading to social media sites or online photo-storage sites. You also can use the smart device as a wireless remote control. Check out the appendix for an overview of these features.
Glossary:
If you’re new to digital photography or to Nikon, the glossary is a handy reference guide to look up terms you might not be familiar with.
Cheat sheet:
When you have a minute or two, visit
www.dummies.com
and enter the name of this book in the search box. You’ll find a link to a cheat sheet, which provides a handy reference to your camera’s buttons, controls, and Shooting modes.
Icons and Other Stuff to Note
If this isn’t your first For Dummies book, you may be familiar with the large, round icons that decorate its margins. If not, here’s your very own icon-decoder ring:
The Tip icon flags information that will save you time, effort, money, or some other valuable resource, including your sanity. Tips also point out techniques that help you get the best results from specific camera features.
When you see this icon, look alive. It indicates a potential danger zone that can result in much wailing and teeth-gnashing if ignored. In other words, this is stuff that you really don’t want to learn the hard way.
Lots of information in this book is of a technical nature — digital photography is a technical animal, after all. But when I present a detail that is useful mainly for impressing your tech-savvy friends, I mark it with this icon.
I apply this icon either to introduce information that is especially worth storing in your brain’s long-term memory or to remind you of a fact that may have been displaced from that memory by another pressing fact.
Additionally, replicas of some of your camera’s buttons and onscreen graphics appear in the margins and in some tables. I include these images to provide quick reminders of the appearance of the button or option being discussed.
Where to Go from Here
To wrap up this preamble, I want to stress that if you initially think that digital photography is too confusing or too technical for you, you’re in very good company. Everyone finds this stuff mind-boggling at first. So take it slowly, experimenting with just one or two new camera settings or techniques at first. Then, every time you go on a photo outing, make it a point to add one or two more shooting skills to your repertoire.
I know that it’s hard to believe when you’re just starting out, but it really won’t be long before everything starts to come together. With some time, patience, and practice, you’ll soon wield your camera like a pro, dialing in the necessary settings to capture your creative vision almost instinctively.
So without further ado, I invite you to grab your camera, a cup of whatever it is you prefer to sip while you read, and start exploring the rest of this book. Your Z fc is the perfect partner for your photographic journey, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to act as your tour guide.
Part 1
Fast Track to Super Snaps
IN THIS PART …
Familiarize yourself with the basics of using your camera, from attaching lenses to navigating menus.
Discover which setup options to adjust and which ones to leave alone.
Get step-by-step help with shooting pictures in Auto mode and Self-Portrait mode.
Choose the right Shooting mode and Release mode for your subject.
Understand how the Image Size (resolution), Image Quality (JPEG or Raw file type), and Image Area settings affect pictures.
Chapter 1
First Steps, First Shots
IN THIS CHAPTER
Preparing the camera for its first outing
Becoming acquainted with the touchscreen and other camera features
Viewing and adjusting camera settings
Setting a few basic preferences
Taking a picture in Auto and Self-Portrait Shooting modes
Shooting for the first time with a camera as sophisticated as the Nikon Z fc can produce a blend of excitement and anxiety. On one hand, you can't wait to start using your new equipment, but on the other, you're a little intimidated by all its dials, buttons, and menu options.
Fear not: This chapter provides information to help you become comfortable with your Z fc. The first section walks you through initial camera setup; following that, you can discover how to view and adjust picture settings and get my take on additional setup options. At the end of this chapter, I explain how to take pictures using the Auto and Self-Portrait Shooting modes, which offer point-and-shoot simplicity until you're ready for more advanced options.
Getting Started
As with any new camera, you need to take a few steps before you can shoot your first picture or video. First, juice up the camera battery using the supplied charger. You also need to check that the lens and memory card you plan to use are compatible with the camera. Here’s the score on those components:
Lenses:
The only lenses you can attach directly to the camera are Z-mount lenses. I show the camera in this book with the Nikkor DX 16–50mm Z-mount lens, which is available in a kit with the camera body. However, you may be able to use lenses that have a different mount, such as a Nikon F-mount, by purchasing the Nikon FTZ adapter. See the later section “
Exploring a Few Lens Features
” for more about the adapter and lenses in general.
SD (Secure Digital) memory card: You can see an SD card in Figure 1-1. This card comes in a variety of flavors, and the specs can be confusing, so if you need help choosing a card, see the sidebar “Memory cards: How big, how fast?” elsewhere in this chapter. For now, the only rule is that the maximum-capacity card you can use carries the label SDXC (Secure Digital eXtended Capacity).
When handling an SD card, avoid touching the gold contacts on the back, labeled in Figure 1-1. Also make sure that the lock switch is in the unlocked position, as shown in the figure. When the card is locked, no pictures or other data can be added to it (or deleted from it).
FIGURE 1-1: Be sure that the card is unlocked, and avoid touching its gold contacts.
With those prelims out of the way, follow these initial setup steps:
Turn the camera off.
Install the battery and memory card into their shared compartment, shown in
Figure
1-2
.
Push in the battery until the yellow locking switch clicks into place. Orient the card so that the label faces in the direction shown in the figure and then press the bottom of the card down into the slot. Even though the camera is turned off, it lets you know when it recognizes the card, by briefly illuminating the card-access light, labeled in the figure.
To remove the battery, lift the yellow switch to release its hold on the battery. To remove the card, press it down slightly and then let go; the card should pop partially out of the slot, enabling you to grab it.
FIGURE 1-2: The battery and memory card go into the compartment on the bottom of the camera.
Attach a lens.
Remove the caps that cover the front of the camera and the back of the lens. Then locate the mounting index on the camera, labeled in Figure 1-3. (Unlike the mounting index on most Nikon cameras, this one is a black bar rather than a white dot.) Next, look for the mounting index on the lens. On most lenses, the mounting index is a white dot, as is the case with the lens shown in the figure, but it can vary, so consult the lens user guide. Align the lens mounting index with the camera’s mounting index and place the lens on the mount. Then rotate the lens toward the shutter-button side of the camera. You should feel a solid click as the lens locks into place.
To dismount a lens so that you can remove it, press the Lens-release button, labeled in Figure 1-3.
If you’re using the FTZ adapter to mount a lens, the process is similar, but read the adapter instruction manual for complete instructions on how to attach the adapter to the camera and mount a lens on the adapter.
Adjust the monitor position as desired.
When you first unbox the camera, the monitor is facing inward, protecting it from damage. Open the screen by placing your finger in the notch near the upper right corner of the monitor. Lift the monitor outward and away from the camera back. You can then rotate the screen so that it lies flat against the camera back, as shown on the left in Figure 1-4, or leave it hanging off the side of the camera, as shown on the right, rotating it to see the best view of your subject.
If you swing the monitor all the way out without rotating it, so that the the screen faces forward and peers at your subject from the same perspective as the lens, the camera enters Self-Portrait mode. Self-Portrait mode enables you to see yourself on the monitor while you shoot selfies, but it puts certain standard shooting options off limits. So avoid the forward-facing monitor position unless you want to use Self-Portrait mode. I explain Self-Portrait mode at the end of this chapter.
FIGURE 1-3: Position the lens so that its mounting index aligns with the one on the camera.
FIGURE 1-4: You can keep the monitor flat against the camera or rotate it to the side to allow for different viewing angles.
Turn on the camera and enter the language, time zone, and current date and time.
When you power up the camera for the first time, you can’t take any pictures until you select the language you want the camera to use for menus and other text in the displays. You also need to set the time zone as well as the current date and time. The easiest method is to use the touchscreen. To select an option, tap it on the monitor. When you finish adjusting the settings on a screen, tap OK to move to the next setup screen.
You also can use the Multi Selector, which is the four-way rocker switch that surrounds the OK button on the back of the camera. Press the edges of the Multi Selector up, down, right, or left to highlight an option; press OK to select the option. Press OK again after entering information.
If you’re using a retractable lens, extend the lens.
Some lenses, including the one featured in this book, are retractable — you can collapse them when you’re not shooting, saving space in your camera bag. Figure 1-5 shows you what I mean. On the 16–50mm kit lens, notice the black dot and black line on the lens; when the lens is fully retracted, the two are aligned, as shown on the left side of the figure.
If you turn on the camera when the lens is retracted, the camera asks you to extend the lens. To extend the 16–50mm kit lens, rotate the zoom barrel, labeled in the figure, toward the shutter button. To retract the lens again, rotate in the other direction until the dot and line are once again aligned. You need to apply a little pressure — just a little! — to extend the lens and to return it to the fully retracted position. (That resistance is a good thing because you can’t accidentally extend or retract the lens.)
The black line on the lens is the focal length indicator. When you use a zoom lens (the 16–50mm kit lens is a zoom lens), the number that aligns with the indicator when the lens is extended represents the current lens focal length. In the figure, the focal length is 50mm, for example. If you’re unfamiliar with the term focal length, don’t worry about it. I cover that topic and other lens details later in this chapter, in the section “Exploring a Few Lens Features.”
FIGURE 1-5: Here’s a look at the 16–50mm kit ens in its retracted position (left) and extended position (right).
Remove the lens cap.
Now the monitor displays a preview of what the lens is seeing, along with a bunch of data that you can ignore at the moment. If you look through the viewfinder, you see the same thing but with the data arranged a little differently than on the monitor.
The eye sensor labeled in Figure 1-6 detects your eye when you look through the viewfinder. In response, the camera turns on the viewfinder display and turns off the monitor.
Don’t see anything in the displays? Assuming that you didn’t turn off the camera, it may be taking a nap to save battery power. To wake the camera, press the shutter button halfway and release it.
Adjust the viewfinder to your eyesight.
If you don't take this step, subjects that appear out of focus in the viewfinder might actually be in focus, and vice versa. If you wear glasses while shooting, adjust the viewfinder with your glasses on.
To start, locate the diopter adjustment dial, labeled in Figure 1-6. Put your index finger on the dial, look through the viewfinder, and concentrate on the onscreen data. Then rotate the dial until the data appears sharpest. Ignore the live scene; it won’t get any more or less sharp, because you're not actually focusing the camera.
FIGURE 1-6: Rotate this dial to adjust the viewfinder to your eyesight.
That's all there is to it — the camera is now ready to go. If you’re itching to take a few test shots, flip to the end of this chapter for a primer in shooting in Auto mode and Self-Portrait mode, the simplest Shooting modes offered by the Z fc. Just promise to head back this way when you’re done, because the pages in between contain information that will help you better understand your camera’s basic operations.
MEMORY CARDS: HOW BIG, HOW FAST?
SD memory cards offer different capacities and read/write speeds, which refers to how quickly they can record and transfer data. Of course, because this camera component is really a computer-related item, The Powers That Be use cryptic symbols and acronyms to indicate capacity and speed. Allow me to simplify things a bit by explaining the most common terms used to describe these specifications:
Capacity: You should see a specific storage capacity in big numbers on the card, usually followed by the letters GB. For example, the card shown in Figure 1-1 has a capacity of 64GB. Cards also carry a capacity category label: SD indicates a capacity of up to 2GB; SDHC, 2GB to 32GB; and SDXC, 32GB to 2TB (terabytes). As I write this, there actually aren’t any SD cards that offer storage capacities greater than 1TB, however.
How large a card should you buy? It depends on your risk tolerance. The greater the capacity, the more photos and videos it can hold — and the more work you lose if that card gets lost or fails. Keep in mind that a 32GB card can hold 764 pictures even when you set the camera to create the largest, highest-quality files. Video files take up more room than photos, so you may want to buy 64GB or 128GB cards if video is your main interest.
Card speed: This specification is stated in several ways, but in all cases, higher numbers indicate speedier cards. Speed is most important for video recording and for burst shooting (capturing a rapid-fire series of pictures). At the very least, look for a card that has an SD card speed of 10 (this number is usually inside a circle, as in Figure 1-1). You should also see a UHS speed class number ranging from 1 to 3. This value appears inside a u-shaped container. Again, a higher number means a faster card. However, as far as the camera is concerned, you gain no advantage by going beyond UHS speed class 1. So don’t pay more for a higher UHS speed unless you plan to use the card in another device that can handle the faster data flow. Finally, most cards now also state the actual data-transfer rate, such as 150MB/s (megabytes per second). Whether you actually see that speed performance depends on the capabilities of the device, however.Taking a Brief Camera Tour
The next several pages provide a basic “What’s this thing do?” overview of your camera’s external features.
In upcoming figures, some buttons bear multiple labels to indicate that they play different roles depending on what camera functions you’re using. For example, some buttons perform one job during shooting and another during picture playback. As Nikon does in the camera’s user manual, I refer to the button by the name that relates to the function I’m discussing. Don’t worry about memorizing the button names, though — when I give instructions in the book, the button appears in the margin or is labeled in a nearby figure.
Back-of-the-body controls
Starting in the upper left corner and working clockwise around the camera back, you find the following controls, shown in Figure 1-7:
Playback button:
Press to start reviewing your photos and videos; press again to return to shooting.
Chapter 8
covers picture playback; for movie playback, see
Chapter 7
.
Delete button:
This button offers one way to erase files stored on the memory card.
Chapter 9
has specifics.
Monitor mode button:
Pressing this button cycles through four Monitor mode settings, which determine when and whether the monitor and viewfinder displays are activated. Look for details on this fairly complex option later in this chapter, in the section “
Choosing which displays are active
.”
Eye sensor:
This window tells the camera when you’re looking through the viewfinder. At the default Monitor mode setting, the camera automatically turns off the monitor and fires up the viewfinder in response. When you take your eye away, the viewfinder goes dark and the monitor preview reappears. Note that the sensor can also be triggered when you move a finger or another object over it, so don’t panic if the monitor turns off and then on again briefly when your eye is nowhere near the viewfinder — you likely just covered the sensor for a second.
AE-L/AF-L/Protect button:
When shooting, holding down this button stops the camera from continually adjusting autoexposure and autofocus settings, locking in the current focus distance and exposure.
Chapter 3
explains when this tactic comes in handy. During playback, pressing the button locks the file — thus the key symbol near the button — which protects the file from being accidentally deleted when you use the camera’s Delete tool. Formatting the memory card, a task you can perform via the Setup menu,
does
erase even protected files, however. See the later section “
Reviewing a Few More Setup Options
” for a better understanding of formatting.
Chapter 9
has details about protecting and deleting files. You also have the option of using the button for a different playback function;
Chapter 10
explains how to customize the button.
Main command dial:
You use this dial to perform a variety of functions, all spelled out as I give instructions throughout the book. For now, the thing to note is that there are
two
command dials. The Main command dial is on the back of the camera, positioned to make it easy to rotate with your thumb. The second dial, the Sub-command dial, is on the front of the camera; use your forefinger to rotate that dial. Adjusting some camera settings involves both dials (although you don’t have to rotate both at once, thankfully), so it’s important to know which is which. You can get a look at the Sub-command dial in the upcoming section “
Front-of-the-camera features
.”
FIGURE 1-7: Familiarize yourself with these back-of-the-camera controls.
Multi Selector/OK button: This dual-natured control plays a role in many camera functions. You press the outer edges of the Multi Selector left, right, up, or down to navigate camera menus and access certain options. In this book, the instruction “Press the Multi Selector right” means to press the right edge of the Multi Selector. I use similar language when you need to press the left, top, or bottom edge.
At the center of the control is the OK button. When you’re choosing settings from menus, you press OK to finalize menu selections. During shooting, an OK symbol in the displays means that you can press OK to activate an autofocus feature called Subject-tracking AF, which I explain how to use in Chapter 4. During picture playback, the default function of the OK button is to magnify the image; see Chapter 10 if you want to use the button for a different playback purpose.
i
button:
Pressing this button displays a special menu that gives you quick access to a handful of settings, as detailed in “
Saving Time with the
i
Menu
,” later in this chapter.
Card-access light:
When you insert a memory card, this light flashes briefly to indicate that the camera recognizes the card. After you take a picture or stop recording a video, the light appears until the camera finishes saving the file to the memory card. Don’t turn the camera before the light goes off; doing so can ruin the file.
Zoom In:
When you’re viewing photos, pressing the button magnifies the image and reduces the number of image thumbnails displayed at a time.
Chapter 8
has details. During shooting, pressing the button magnifies the live preview so that you can take a close-up look at your subject. More details await in the later section “
Magnifying the display
.”
Zoom Out/Thumbnails/Help button: During picture playback, pressing the button displays multiple image thumbnails on the screen or reduces the magnification of a photo, if it’s currently magnified. If you use the Zoom In button to magnify the display during shooting, press the Zoom Out button to reduce the magnification level.
The question mark near the button highlights a cool feature of many Nikon cameras: a built-in Help system. When you see a question mark on a camera screen, press the button to display information about the item that’s selected on the screen.
DISP button:
The abbreviation stands for
disp
lay, which is fitting because pressing the button alters what data appears in the viewfinder and on the monitor. You can view all display options in the section “
Customizing the shooting display
,” later in this chapter.
Menu button:
Press this button to access camera menus. See “
Navigating Menus
