Here are some notes made when I first got my Z6. I think these may be from Thom Hogan's guide, but they could be from various sites that I learned about. Hope they can help.
Use Video mode for accurate DoF prefview
Here’s one Nikon didn’t tell you: flip the shooting mode switch to VIDEO. When configured for video, all apertures are respected, even ones beyond f/5.6, so you essentially see the actual DOF. Just do a quick switch to video (make sure it is set to the same aperture), check your DOF, then switch back to stills.
Using a circular polarizer or ND filters
One throwaway note in the Nikon literature should be called out: if you’re using a filter that has an exposure factor of one stop or more, use Center-weighted metering instead of matrix metering. That would, for instance, apply to neutral density and polarizing filters.
The reasoning behind switching metering types with strong filters is simple: the matrix patterns were created using no filtration. Strong filters can greatly alter what the matrix sees in two ways: they reduce the overall brightness level, which is something that the matrix system uses to determine which pattern to apply; and some types of filters have variable impacts on different areas of the frame, altering the pattern the matrix meter sees.
For example, a polarizing filter can bring down a bright sky value quite a bit without affecting foregrounds at the same intensity. That means that the matrix pattern for “landscapes with sky” might not be recognized as easily. Moreover, circular polarizers on wide angle lenses will have a highly variable impact across the frame.
Use 14 bit NEFs below 800 ISO
Indeed, for the Z6 and Z7, I suggest that you stay in 14-bit space at lower ISO values when shooting NEF. That’s because deep shadow recovery is entirely possible on the Z series cameras, but if you record with only 12-bits you can generate noise and artifacts due to rounding errors when you perform gross exposure corrections after the fact. 14-bit recording has a little more data integrity in the shadows.
Tip: The cross-over point is near ISO 400 for the Z7, and near ISO 800 for the Z6. In other words, below those ISO values, it’s useful to shoot in 14-bit. Above those ISO values it isn’t.
Metering
The Highlight-weighted metering system assumes that highlights are at a reflectivity of middle gray (this is different than in the DSLRs).
Use Video mode for accurate DoF prefview
Here’s one Nikon didn’t tell you: flip the shooting mode switch to VIDEO. When configured for video, all apertures are respected, even ones beyond f/5.6, so you essentially see the actual DOF. Just do a quick switch to video (make sure it is set to the same aperture), check your DOF, then switch back to stills.
Using a circular polarizer or ND filters
One throwaway note in the Nikon literature should be called out: if you’re using a filter that has an exposure factor of one stop or more, use Center-weighted metering instead of matrix metering. That would, for instance, apply to neutral density and polarizing filters.
The reasoning behind switching metering types with strong filters is simple: the matrix patterns were created using no filtration. Strong filters can greatly alter what the matrix sees in two ways: they reduce the overall brightness level, which is something that the matrix system uses to determine which pattern to apply; and some types of filters have variable impacts on different areas of the frame, altering the pattern the matrix meter sees.
For example, a polarizing filter can bring down a bright sky value quite a bit without affecting foregrounds at the same intensity. That means that the matrix pattern for “landscapes with sky” might not be recognized as easily. Moreover, circular polarizers on wide angle lenses will have a highly variable impact across the frame.
Use 14 bit NEFs below 800 ISO
Indeed, for the Z6 and Z7, I suggest that you stay in 14-bit space at lower ISO values when shooting NEF. That’s because deep shadow recovery is entirely possible on the Z series cameras, but if you record with only 12-bits you can generate noise and artifacts due to rounding errors when you perform gross exposure corrections after the fact. 14-bit recording has a little more data integrity in the shadows.
Tip: The cross-over point is near ISO 400 for the Z7, and near ISO 800 for the Z6. In other words, below those ISO values, it’s useful to shoot in 14-bit. Above those ISO values it isn’t.
Metering
The Highlight-weighted metering system assumes that highlights are at a reflectivity of middle gray (this is different than in the DSLRs).