Professional Setting Guide —Auto Capture Edition— © 2023 Nikon Corporation
Table of Contents Auto Capture: An Overview. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 What Is “Auto Capture”?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Suggested Uses. . . . . . .
Choosing a Subject Type. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Choosing the Subject Size. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 Focusing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 “Target Area”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tips for Using “Distance”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 Tips for Using “Subject Detection”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 Problems and Solutions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 More Photos Than Expected. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Auto Capture: An Overview What Is “Auto Capture”? The [Auto capture] feature introduced with Z 9 camera “C” firmware version 4.00 lets the camera take photos or record videos automatically on detecting a subject. By choosing the trigger criteria for auto capture, photographers create what is effectively an unmanned camera that can take photos or film videos automatically without further action on their part. The camera shoots only when a subject that meets the selected criteria is detected.
Features [Auto capture] supports the following features: Shooting continues while the trigger criteria are met, and the frame advance rate can be chosen from [Continuous highspeed], [Continuous low-speed], [C30], or [C120]. Choose a frame advance rate according to your subject. You can specify multiple trigger criteria, including direction of motion (q), distance (w), and subject type (e). The trigger criteria can be tailored to avoid wasted shots.
You can take pictures in silent mode, letting you mute the sound of the shutter. Doing so avoids disrupting sporting events. It also lets you photograph animals unnoticed. You can record videos using the [Auto capture] option in the video recording menu when the photo/video selector is rotated to 1. Auto capture settings for videos are the same as those for photos.
Suggested Uses Examples of situations in which [Auto capture] can come in handy include: Photographing known subjects from a fixed location: For example, if the camera is positioned in front of the finish line for sprints or similar events and set to shoot when subjects approach, finish-line photos for all heats can be taken automatically. Meanwhile, the photographer is free to concentrate on taking shots with a second, hand-held camera.
Auto Capture Criteria Auto capture criteria can be divided into three general categories. “Motion”: Direction and Speed of Motion and Apparent Size You have eight choices for direction of motion: two vertical (up and down), two horizontal (left and right), and four diagonal. You can also choose the size and speed of subjects that will trigger auto capture.
Subjects and Scenes Suited to “Motion” Triggers Use motion triggers for subjects crossing the frame. They are particularly well-adapted to subjects moving in predictable directions.
“Distance”: Subject Distance The camera takes photos while the subject is within a specified range of distances. You can choose the minimum and maximum distances at which the presence of a subject will trigger auto capture.
Subjects and Scenes Suited to “Distance” Triggers Use distance triggers for subjects moving toward or away from the camera.
“Subject Detection”: Subject Type and Apparent Size The camera shoots while subjects of a selected type are detected. You can also choose the proportion of the frame the subject must occupy in order to trigger auto capture.
Subjects and Scenes Suited to “Subject Detection” Triggers Use subject-detection triggers when you know the type of subject you want to photograph but cannot predict its movements.
Using Multiple Triggers You can combine [Motion], [Distance], and [Subject detection] triggers. Auto capture will be triggered only if all the selected criteria are satisfied.
Sample Trigger Combinations [Distance] + [Subject detection]: To photograph people approaching within a certain range, use [Distance] to choose the distance and select [People] for [Subject detection]. Auto capture will not be triggered by cars or animals in the selected range nor by people outside the selected range. [Motion] + [Subject detection]: To photograph only animals moving from right to left, select the “right-to-left” direction for [Motion] and [Animals] for [Subject detection].
Using Auto Capture Using Auto Capture: Workflow The chief steps in the auto capture workflow are described below. 1 Ready the camera (0 19). Ready a power source, memory card, and tripod and otherwise prepare the camera for use. 2 Position the camera and adjust settings (0 20). Position the camera, frame the shot, choose a release mode, and adjust focus, exposure, and other settings. 3 Select [Auto capture] in the photo shooting menu (0 22). 4 Choose options for [Capture criteria] (0 25).
6 Adjust timing options (0 36). Choose how long the camera continues to shoot after detecting a subject and the minimum length of time it will wait before beginning shooting again. 7 Check whether the camera can detect subjects as desired using the selected criteria (0 37). 8 Initiate auto capture (0 38).
Getting Ready Take the steps below to prepare for auto-capture photography. Ready a Power Source Ready a fully-charged battery. A fully-charged EN‑EL18d battery provides enough power for about four and a half hours of shooting. Note, however, that this can vary widely with auto capture settings and shooting conditions. If you have access to an AC power supply, we recommend that you use the camera’s supplied EH‑7P charging AC adapter or an optional EP‑6a power connector and EH‑6d AC adapter.
Adjusting Camera Settings Before adjusting auto capture settings, frame the shot, choose release and AF-area modes, and adjust exposure. You should also adjust white balance, metering, and other settings as required. Frame the Shot Frame the shot and fix the camera in place. If it’s hard to predict exactly where your subject will make its appearance, we recommend that you frame the shot wide and crop as necessary after shooting. D Image Area Image-area selection is fixed at [FX (36×24)].
Choose an AF-Area Mode During auto capture, the camera will detect subjects in the vicinity of the focus points for the selected AF-area mode. Choose an AF-area mode to eliminate unwanted areas of the frame and then position the focus point in the area in which you anticipate the subject will appear. Choosing [Auto-area AF] for AF-area mode gives you access to the auto capture settings [Target area] item (0 35).
The Photo Shooting Menu “Auto Capture” Item Under [Auto capture] in the photo shooting menu you will find two options: [Start] and [Select user preset]. Option Description [Start] Display auto capture settings and adjust auto capture criteria. Changes to settings are automatically saved to a user preset. [Select user preset] View, rename, or copy an existing user preset (0 40).
The Auto Capture Settings Display Selecting [Start] displays auto capture settings. Highlight items and press J to display options for the selected item. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 4 5 6 [Capture criteria] [Advanced: Motion] [Advanced: Subject detection] Option [Capture criteria] (0 25) [Advanced: Distance] [Target area] [Timing options] Description Choose auto capture trigger criteria from among [Motion], [Subject detection], and [Distance].
Option Description This option will take effect only if [Distance] is selected [Advanced: Distance] (0 30) (M) for [Capture criteria]. It is used to choose the range of distances at which the presence of a subject will trigger auto capture. Shooting will continue while the subject is within the specified range of distances. [Target area] (0 35). Choose the focus points used for subject detection when [Auto-area AF] is selected for AF-area mode.
“Capture Criteria” Use [Capture criteria] to choose the trigger criteria for auto capture. There are three types of trigger criteria: [Motion], [Subject detection], and [Distance]. Highlight criteria and press J to select (M) or deselect (U). You can combine any two trigger criteria, or use all three if you so desire. Auto capture will be triggered only if all the selected criteria are satisfied.
“Capture Criteria” > “Motion” To view the motion settings display, highlight [Advanced: Motion] in the auto capture settings display and press J. This is where you’ll choose the direction of motion, speed, and apparent size of subjects that will trigger auto capture. Choosing the Direction of Motion Choose one or more directions; a subject moving in any of the selected directions will trigger auto capture. Press W (Q) to display options. Highlight directions and press J to select (M) or deselect (U).
Choosing the Subject Speed and Size Choose the speed and apparent size of subjects that will trigger auto capture. Rotate the main command dial to choose a [Speed] of [1] to [5]. Choose lower values to include subjects moving at slower speeds, higher values to restrict subject detection to faster-moving subjects. - Speed is measured as the time taken for the subject to cross the frame horizontally. The approximate time for each value is listed below.
Tip: Size and Speed Subjects that meet the criteria for [Subject Size] and [Speed] are shown by green boxes in the motion settings display. Selecting [1] for both [Subject Size] and [Speed] makes it easier for the camera to detect subjects of a variety of sizes moving at a variety of speeds. We recommend that you begin from low values and then gradually raise them while checking the display of green boxes in the motion settings display or taking test pictures until subject detection functions as desired.
Focusing Before initiating auto capture, we recommend that you focus at the distance you anticipate the subject will be. The focus distance can be set by positioning the focus-point target over your subject and pressing the AF-ON button or pressing the shutter-release button halfway. Once auto capture is initiated, the camera will stay focused at this distance while standing by, helping it focus quickly when the subject is detected.
“Capture Criteria” > “Distance” To view the distance criteria display, highlight [Advanced: Distance] in the auto capture settings display and press J. D “Advanced: Distance” The [Advanced: Distance] feature can be used when a NIKKOR Z lens is attached. It may not function with other lenses. A focus-point target will appear in the distance criteria display.
- Choose the farthest distance at which the camera will detect subjects for auto capture. Place the target over a subject at the farthest distance for auto capture subject detection and press the shutter-release button halfway to set the maximum distance, which will appear in the display as [Far]. The maximum distance can be fine-tuned by rotating the sub-command dial. Press i to save changes and return to the auto capture settings display.
“Capture Criteria” > “Subject Detection” To view the subject detection display, highlight [Advanced: Subject detection] in the auto capture settings display and press J. This is where you’ll choose the types and sizes of subject that trigger auto capture. Choosing a Subject Type Press W (Q) to display options. Choose a subject type from “auto” (automatic subject selection), people, animals, and vehicles. Press J or i to save changes and return to the subject detection display.
Choosing the Subject Size Rotate the main command dial to choose a [Subject Size] of [1] to [5]. Choose lower values to include smaller subjects, higher values to restrict subject detection to larger subjects. The apparent subject size (approximate percentage of the angle of view) for each setting is listed below. - [1]: 2.
Focusing Before initiating auto capture, we recommend that you focus at the distance you anticipate the subject will be. The focus distance can be set by positioning the focus-point target over your subject and pressing the AF-ON button or pressing the shutter-release button halfway. Once auto capture is initiated, the camera will stay focused at this distance while standing by, helping it focus quickly when the subject is detected.
“Target Area” Choose the focus points used for subject detection when [Auto-area AF] is selected for AF-area mode. Target-area selection is not available in other AF-area modes. To view the target area display, highlight [Target area] in the auto capture settings display and press J. Press J to prevent focus points being used for subject detection (disabled focus points are displayed in red). Press J again to clear (re-enable) the focus point.
“Timing Options” Use the [Timing options] item to choose how long the camera continues to shoot after auto capture is triggered and the minimum length of time it will wait before beginning shooting again. Recording Time Selection The length of each individual burst can be chosen from [OFF] (no limit) and values of from 1 second to 30 minutes. When an option other than [OFF] is selected, shooting will continue for the selected time even if the trigger conditions are no longer met.
The “View Settings” Dialog The view settings (settings confirmation) dialog can be used before auto capture is initiated to check whether the selected criteria perform as desired. Subjects detected by the camera are shown by green boxes in the settings confirmation dialog. If an option other than [Auto-area AF] is selected for AF-area mode, you can choose the focus point.
Initiating Auto Capture To initiate auto capture, press the video-record button in the settings confirmation dialog. Shooting will begin when a subject that meets the selected criteria is detected and continue while the criteria are met. Auto capture will be triggered only if all the options selected for [Capture criteria] are satisfied. The shooting display will turn off to save power if no operations are performed for about three minutes, but auto capture will remain active.
D Cautions: Auto Capture During auto-capture standby, the camera focuses as described below. - [Capture criteria] > [Distance] enabled (M): The camera focuses at the distance selected for [Far]. - [Capture criteria] > [Distance] disabled (U): The camera focuses at the distance in effect when auto capture began. The camera may fail to detect subjects in the [Target area] when there are multiple subjects in the frame. Falling rain and snow may interfere with subject detection.
User Presets Changes to settings in the auto capture settings display are automatically saved to the preset currently selected for [Select user preset] (which offers a choice of Presets P-1 through P-5). Selecting another preset for [Select user preset] automatically recalls the settings it stores. Highlighting a preset and pressing 2 displays a menu where you can rename the preset and view settings or copy them to another preset. - [View settings]: View the settings in the selected preset.
Recommended Trigger Criteria Athletics 100 Metres (Head On) Take finish-line photos with the camera positioned behind the finish line.
100 Metres (from Behind and to One Side of the Finish Line) Take finish-line photos with the camera positioned behind and to one side of the finish line. Your subjects will be moving through the frame, meaning that you’ll want to use a [Motion] trigger.
Long Jump (Side Shot) Place the camera beside the sand pit to capture athletes in midjump. Camera settings Focus mode AF‑C AF-area mode [Auto-area AF] Auto capture settings [Capture criteria] [Advanced: Motion] [Motion] [Direction]: Upper right to lower left, right to left, and lower right to upper left [Speed]: [3] [Subject Size]: [2] The options listed for [Direction] assume that the subjects will be crossing the frame from right to left.
Birds At Feeders or Nesting Configure the camera to shoot when motion is detected, then aim it at the nest or feeder and wait for the birds to make their appearance. Camera settings Focus mode AF‑C Release mode [C120] AF-area mode [Wide-area AF (C1)] Auto capture settings [Capture criteria] [Motion] [Direction]: All [Speed]: [2] [Subject Size]: [1] [Advanced: Motion] The [Subject detection] trigger is not used, as there is no way of knowing which way the birds will be facing.
If you find that shooting is triggered by branches or leaves moving in the wind, adjust [Speed] or [Subject Size], or choose [Auto-area AF] for AF-area mode and use [Target area] to disable all target areas except those in the vicinity of the feeder or nest.
Perching Photograph birds with a high-speed burst of [C120]. Pre-Release Capture is also supported, preventing missed shots. Camera settings Focus mode MF Release mode [C120] Custom Setting d4 [Pre-Release Capture options] [Pre-release burst]: [1.0 s] [Post-release burst]: [Max.] Auto capture settings [Capture criteria] [Motion] [Direction]: All [Speed]: [1] [Subject Size]: [1] [Advanced: Motion] Use Pre-Release Capture to record photos in the moments before the subject is detected.
Wild Animals Photograph wild animals similar to dogs and cats. Camera settings Focus mode AF‑C AF-area mode [Auto-area AF] [Silent mode] [ON] Auto capture settings [Capture criteria] [Subject detection] [Subject type]: Animals [Subject Size]: [1] [Advanced: Subject detection] [Timing options] [Recording time selection]: [10 s] These settings are good for photographing wild animals on trails or at watering holes or feeding sites.
Airplanes Landing and Take-off (Head On) Photograph airplanes head on. Camera settings Focus mode AF‑C AF-area mode [Auto-area AF] Auto capture settings [Capture criteria] [Advanced: Motion] [Motion] [Direction]: Upper right to lower left, right to left, and lower right to upper left [Speed]: [3] [Subject Size]: [3] The options listed for [Direction] assume that the subjects will be crossing the frame from right to left.
Take-off (from Below) Photograph airplanes from below during take-off. Camera settings Focus mode AF‑C AF-area mode [Auto-area AF] Auto capture settings [Capture criteria] [Motion] [Direction]: All [Speed]: [2] [Subject Size]: [2] [Advanced: Motion] The chance of the auto capture being triggered by objects other than the intended subject is reduced when the camera is pointed at the sky.
Trains Track-side/Side Shots Photograph trains as they pass across the frame.
To prevent unwanted shots, match the height of the AF area to the height of the train. In this example, the right edge of the focus area is positioned at the extreme right so that shooting will start when the train enters the frame. Even if the camera is slow to detect the train, shooting will have started by the time it reaches the center of the frame.
Head On Photograph trains head on. Camera settings Focus mode AF‑C AF-area mode [Auto-area AF] Auto capture settings [Capture criteria] [Advanced: Distance] [Distance] [Near]: (Varies with location of camera) [Far]: (Varies with location of camera) Target a telephone pole, pylon, or other object near the track to choose the approximate focus distances for [Near] and [Far], and then fine-tune focus using the command dials.
Troubleshooting Using Auto Capture: Tips Focus Mode The camera will focus in mode AF‑C when autofocus is enabled. AF-S and AF-F cannot be used. Selecting [Wide-area AF (C1)] or [Wide-area AF (C2)] for AF-area mode lets you choose the size of the focus area, helping you tailor it to match your subject’s apparent size and position in the frame. If [3D-tracking] is selected for AF-area mode, tracking will start when a subject is detected in the focus area, and shooting will continue until tracking ends.
Tips for Using “Distance” Having placing objects or having people stand at the desired distances helps when choosing the maximum and minimum ranges at which the camera will detect subjects for auto capture. If this would not be practical, use capture criteria other than [Distance]. Tips for Using “Subject Detection” We recommend that you frame the shot wide for subjects that are moving erratically.
Problems and Solutions There is no guarantee that the camera will perform perfectly according to the trigger criteria selected. We recommend that you take a number of test shots beforehand to confirm that trigger criteria function as expected. This section lists some problems you may encounter and their solutions. More Photos Than Expected [Motion] selected for [Capture criteria]: - Try selecting higher values for [Speed] and [Subject Size].
Photos Not in Focus The camera may have trouble focusing at some angles. Focus can be improved by photographing subjects head-on. Choosing a larger focus area so that the camera has more time to detect the subject before shooting starts may also help improve focus. If [Motion] or [Subject detection] is selected for [Capture criteria], focus the lens at the distance at which the subject is likely to appear before initiating auto capture.
