Z8 - what does red video record button do if not switched to video mode?

Only had a few weeks and thought I might see how video looks on it. So pushed the red record button but didn't realize I also needed to switch the thingy to video as well. Display in evf went plain (no settings info). What is the default on that button if not in video mode?

Superscroll said:

Only had a few weeks and thought I might see how video looks on it. So pushed the red record button but didn't realize I also needed to switch the thingy to video as well. Display in evf went plain (no settings info). What is the default on that button if not in video mode?

Click to expand...

i have it set up for zoom/magnify, to check critical focus, or when i am using e.g. f-stop 1.2, 1.4.... and you can decide which magnification you like best - 50%, 100%, 200% or 400%.

Superscroll said:

Only had a few weeks and thought I might see how video looks on it. So pushed the red record button but didn't realize I also needed to switch the thingy to video as well. Display in evf went plain (no settings info). What is the default on that button if not in video mode?

Click to expand...

I have mine set to switch from FX to DX and visa versa, works great!

The default setting is "None". Expeed 7 cameras have a huge list of alternate control choices for it. Expeed 6 cameras had a much shorter list.

My Z6 had the red video button = My Menu. very useful.

My Z6 iii video button = Recall shooting functions (hold) --> AF-area mode=Single point, and AF/MF subject detection options=Off. Wide-area and Subject detect not finding focus? This instantly switches to the classic single point.

And, the top panel backlight button = My Menu.

( on the 24-120, the Lens Fn button = FX/DX. It's somewhat usable for the 24 MP camera if I frame very carefully. )

buildingsights said:

Superscroll said:

Only had a few weeks and thought I might see how video looks on it. So pushed the red record button but didn't realize I also needed to switch the thingy to video as well. Display in evf went plain (no settings info). What is the default on that button if not in video mode?

Click to expand...

i have it set up for zoom/magnify, to check critical focus, or when i am using e.g. f-stop 1.2, 1.4.... and you can decide which magnification you like best - 50%, 100%, 200% or 400%.

Click to expand...

The Z6 iii now allows the front command dial to cycle through 50,100,200,400% when it's in zoom. (Is this new on firmware 2.0? or included on the original firmware? What other Expeed 7 cameras include this setting? )

I've always had F2=100% zoom, on the Z6 and now on the Z6 iii.

It's surprising how often I use the command dial to zoom in more, or zoom out to 50%. For focusing use, or making the camera a "spotting scope".

f2: Custom controls(shooting) --> Command dials -->Sub-command dial zoom role=Zoom. When I press F2 100% zoom while shooting, now the front dial cycles the zoom to 50% , 100%, 200%, or 400% only. Useful. (But this doesn't work in Playback, I would like it there too.)

Since it has no default function in photo mode, it can be configured according to preference and need.

I use the video button on my Z8 for the Cycle AF Area function.

Explained here by Steve Perry.

Like most XSpeed 7 assignable buttons the list of control items for the Video Record button is very long ... on my Z8 there are over 60 functions available to the Video record button. I'm guessing the same would be true for the Z6iii. Some of the other programable buttons now feature this same huge list, some a much more restricted list (the focus mode button for instance). And some buttons are properly dedicated (the mode button for instance)

Where Nikon used to have limited and frustrating programability, they now seem to have arguably best in class and they bring this flexibility right down to the less expensive bodies. Impressive.

One function that is glaringly not assignable to any button is the ability to assign subject recognition toggle (on or off). Hard to imagine why.

While in stills mode I set my red record button to change autofocus modes.

HyperCypher said:

One function that is glaringly not assignable to any button is the ability to assign subject recognition toggle (on or off). Hard to imagine why.

Click to expand...

It is assignable, but only with the workaround via the RSF/RSF Hold function.

As well as a few other functions that can only be assigned via RSF/RSF Hold, spot metering with a Z8 for example.

The result is identical, subject detection can be switched on or off via a button, but the Z8 only has one RSF/RSF Hold function per bank, which is then of course used up for that bank.

I have the Red record button to cycle through AF Area, in both photo and video mode. I have configured shutter button to start recording movies. Hence the experience is consistent between photo and video modes.

On the Z9, it has no function in stills mode. Tip: re-map it to 100% zoom, it’s incredibly useful for checking focus accuracy.

I also use that button on the Zf when shooting with my manual Voigtländer lens

I use it to apply the framing grid in both Still and Video. The shutter release button makes a superior video trigger anyway IMO.

Thanks all for the ideas! Thrilled to find out I have yet another programmable button and some of these uses are excellent. leaning towards the zoom thing.