Matt Granger Nikon Z8 paid setups (Page 4): Note: I didn't say no one looked at the manuals that come from the manufacturers, I said few did. If you have the B&W printed booklet that...

Bridges Loc: Memphis, Charleston SC, now Nazareth PA

JD750 wrote:

Hmmmm. 🤔

I learned from late friend and photographer and contributor here, R Malarz, RIP, to sit with my new camera and the camera manual and go through the manual trying all the settings, make notes in the manual. It can take a few days for that but I always remember it after that and I have my own notes.

However the Z8 Ref manual is PDF format and over 1000 pages and printed versions cost about $100.

Note: I didn't say no one looked at the manuals that come from the manufacturers, I said few did. If you have the B&W printed booklet that comes with a camera, vs the full-color photos of the camera's screen with a detailed explanation about what tab activates what action, the learning curve is greatly reduced. Take a look at the manual for a D750 for example. I bet you will not find how to set up back-button focusing. The basic camera manuals are good for getting started and using the camera in a pretty basic way. But if you want to set the camera up for specific tasks, you likely will not get that information from the manuals that come with a camera.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

Bridges wrote:

Note: I didn't say no one looked at the manuals t... (show quote)

Yes agree the manuals don't mention BBF or specific tasks, you have to know what you want to get that from the manual. But it's there. Manuals are a grueling read but good ones have the technical info on all the settings.

fantom Loc: Colorado

Bridges wrote:

Note: I didn't say no one looked at the manuals t... (show quote)

You are 100% correct. You can buy a chess set and learn the rules and how the pieces move from the instruction booklet that came with the set. This would be similar to reading the camera manufacturer's manual. You still need to learn how to apply those rules to learn the best ways and strategies to utilize the chess pieces, or the camera, to get the best optimized use of them.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

fantom wrote:

You are 100% correct. You can buy a chess set and learn the rules and how the pieces move from the instruction booklet that came with the set. This would be similar to reading the camera manufacturer's manual. You still need to learn how to apply those rules to learn the best ways and strategies to utilize the chess pieces, or the camera, to get the best optimized use of them.

But what if you already know how to play chess when you buy the new set?

I’m not saying there is no value in aftermarket camera manuals, I’m just saying the manufacturers info has value as well.

Everyone learns differently use the methods that work best for you.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I was going to charge you just $95 for these links, but you can have them for free. https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=nikon+z8+setup

If you want something really good, get the Z8 video course by John Greengo. I've gotten his videos for cameras that I own.

https://shop.johngreengo.com/products/nikon-z8-complete-camera-guide?Google_NikonZ8&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwncWvBhD_ARIsAEb2HW9MPGHaFA_FagFEYYpjWrUAbo1iwodjcphRkHmFKVGYgaN1UyAIq_UaAuFNEALw_wcB

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Bridges wrote:

Note: I didn't say no one looked at the manuals that come from the manufacturers, I said few did.

The Z8 Reference Manual has 948 pages.
The User Manual has 74 pages.

Let the reading begin! 🤣

I consider manuals to be for reference. If I have a question, I try to find the answer in the manual. One problem is terminology. I search for a certain word, but the manufacturer uses a different term for the same thing. That's where YouTube comes in handy.

Retired CPO Loc: Travel full time in an RV

fantom wrote:

Wrong, you obviously are not aware of the features that set the Z8 apart from other cameras. A good set-up book will show you how to most effectively and efficiently set up and use these features with the least amount of searching and selecting them from complex menus.

I'll stick with myD850 and my D500. Thanks anyway!

BebuLamar

I wouldn't even want anybody to do the setup for me let alone pay for them to do so. I paid to have the camera so I can do the setup.

User ID

Mac wrote:

Is the Z8 so difficult to set up that it requires instruction?

In verrrry approximated terms, about half of Hawgsters cannot set up their upgrades to their next better camera. One can see this in threads asking help, not only in the opening post but in the inane replies.

Some just cant do it at all, while others can get going but cant get close to optimizing it.

Books by D. Busch, D. Young, et al, are very helpful for setting up and then for any future reference, as in resolving conflicting settings. And youll get two books for that same $96 ! (Unless you buy a GH6, for which theres not two books available in english, and that one and only really isnt very thorough.)

Size really does matter. 700 vs 200 pages :-(

(Download)

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Bridges wrote:

I don’t know many people who refer to the Nikon manual. All brands of cameras have pretty sucky manuals. That’s why most of us have been suggesting YouTube videos or books by Steve Perry or David Busch. Busch has sold over one-and-a-half million copies, gives great settings in full color examples, and is less than half the price of what the “service” this post is about.

fantom Loc: Colorado

JD750 wrote:

But what if you already know how to play chess when you buy the new set?

I’m not saying there is no value in aftermarket camera manuals, I’m just saying the manufacturers info has value as well.

Everyone learns differently use the methods that work best for you.

Re-read your question and then look up the definition of non sequitur.

neillaubenthal

MattG wrote:

Hi
I was wondering if anyone has any experience with Matt Granger setup for Nikon Z8. He charges $96 for it. Is it worth the money. His argument is that once you complete his setup, the Z8 will be easier to use and ready for any type of photography….!

Thanks

No. Steve Perry has a setup guide for free and his Wildlife Photography book which covers both the Z8 and Z9 is way cheaper.

Also…Hudson Henry has an excellent set of setup videos.

My suggestion is to look at their videos and then set up your camera to fit your needs but they do have a lot of good suggestions.

fantom Loc: Colorado

neillaubenthal wrote:

No. Steve Perry has a setup guide for free and his Wildlife Photography book which covers both the Z8 and Z9 is way cheaper.

Also…Hudson Henry has an excellent set of setup videos.

My suggestion is to look at their videos and then set up your camera to fit your needs but they do have a lot of good suggestions.

Good advice.

JD750 Loc: SoCal

fantom wrote:

Re-read your question and then look up the definition of non sequitur.

I’m sorry my comment caused you such angst that you felt the need to make such a condescending reply.

condescending
adjective
con·de·scend·ing ˌkän-di-ˈsen-diŋ
showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others

But then perhaps the idea that different people do things differently is offensive to you.

fantom Loc: Colorado

JD750 wrote:

I’m sorry my comment caused you such angst that you felt the need to make such a condescending reply.

condescending
adjective
con·de·scend·ing ˌkän-di-ˈsen-diŋ
showing or characterized by a patronizing or superior attitude toward others

But then perhaps the idea that different people do things differently is offensive to you.

Sorry to upset you. Take two Midols and hopefully you will feel better in the morning.