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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.

Last changed on 2024-04-11

Macro Video Recording - NIKKOR Z MC 105mm f/2.8

Tripod is mandatory, handheld not an option. For best results, camera should get very close which doesn't work for all critters. If the light conditions allow, we record with 1/60s or 1/120s shutter speed, aperture f11 up to f22 as long as iso not exceeding 2000. We don't have ND filters and therefore record without direct sunlight.

Examples with Nikon Z6

• Pollinators Yellow Trout Lily
• Pollinators Bloodroot
• Pollinators Coltsfoot

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!