Zf: Video Settings — Camera Select

Nikon · Zf · Pro lesson

Video settings, in depth

What are the right video settings on a Nikon Zf — file types, the 4K 60p crop, N-Log and the limits that actually end a take?

camerasdecoded.com/camera-select/nikon/zf/video-settings

The answer — share this

Record H.265 10-bit (MOV): 4K 30p uses the full FX width while 4K 60p quietly crops to DX, N-Log is a tone mode inside that file type with an ISO 800 floor and View assist at g10 — and plan takes around a 125-minute cap and roughly 90 minutes of battery.

Video file type: H.265 10-bit (MOV) · Frame size: 3840×2160 30p for full width · Tone mode: N-Log when grading · View assist: Custom Setting g10 → ON · Destination: SD slot · Heat: Setup → Auto temperature cutout

Cameras Decoded — Camera Select

Decision 1

H.265 10-bit is the working file

MENU→Video Recording Menu→Video file type

H.265 10-bit (MOV) is the only file type with tone modes — SDR, HLG and N-Log. H.265 8-bit and H.264 8-bit (MP4) are SDR only. There is no internal RAW or ProRes video on this body; the 10-bit file (4:2:0, Linear PCM audio) is the top specification. For ungraded delivery, keep the 10-bit type and choose the SDR tone.

Decision 2

4K 60p is a crop — know before you shoot

MENU→Video Recording Menu→Frame size/frame rate

3840×2160 at 30p/25p/24p records from the full FX image area (about 35.9 × 20.2 mm). At 60p/50p the image area is fixed at DX (about 23.7 × 13.3 mm) — the framing tightens by roughly 1.5× from the same position. The [DX crop alert] option in the Image area menu flags the crop in the display. Full HD 120p/100p stay at FX; the slow-motion sizes (30p ×4, 25p ×4, 24p ×5) run up to about three minutes and record no sound.

Decision 3

N-Log, with its floor and its assist

MENU→Custom Settings Menu→g10 View assist

N-Log is a tone mode inside H.265 10-bit, rated by Nikon at 12 stops (1300%) of dynamic range at its floor: the lowest N-Log sensitivity in mode M is ISO 800, and Hi sensitivities are unavailable. View assist is Custom Setting g10 — it restores contrast to the preview while the recording stays flat. Zebra pattern is g11; a highlight threshold around 230 suits N-Log.

Decision 4

Two clocks, one card choice

MENU→Video Recording Menu→Destination

A single shot may run up to 125 minutes, but the EN-EL15c battery is rated at roughly 90 minutes of video — the battery is the practical limit. Auto temperature cutout exists in the Setup Menu (Standard / High); High buys recording time while the body grows hot to the touch. Destination in the Video Recording Menu chooses the video card independently of the stills slot settings: choose the SD slot, with a UHS Speed Class 3 card of at least 250 MB/s for high frame size/rate recording.

Try it now

Frame one scene at 4K 30p, then switch to 60p and watch the DX crop tighten the frame. Turn on DX crop alert, then shoot the scene again in N-Log with View assist on.