Nikon

Front-Plate & Lens Controls

Aperture Ring

On select Z-mount lenses with aperture ring: click-stop f-stops or de-clicked for video.

Lens Release Button

Press to detach the lens.

Depth-of-Field Preview (DSLR)

Stops the lens to the chosen aperture so you can preview DOF in-camera.

Button / Lever	Default Function & Tips
i Button / Q Button	Quick “Information” screen for instant access to ISO, AF, WB, Picture Controls, etc.
MENU	Opens the full menu system. Mirrorless Z-series lets you map “My Menu” at the top for fast access.
AE-L / AF-L	Locks exposure or focus when held; can be set to AF-ON for back-button focusing in Custom Settings.
Multi-Selector / Joystick	Move focus point, navigate menus. On Z-series, the joystick is quieter and more fluid.
Fn Buttons	Two programmable Fn buttons; map common tasks like ISO, My Menu, Movie Record, etc.
Playback / Delete	Review shots and erase frames; on Z cameras a dedicated “trash” icon button.
Info / Disp Button	Cycle through rear LCD display overlays: shooting data, virtual horizon, histogram.

Top LCD Panel (DSLR/Z series)

Shows key settings at a glance; backlight can be toggled on the Z-series.

EVF/LCD Lever (Z f or Z fc)

On some retro models, you flip a lever to choose EVF or rear screen.

Lv (Live View) Button (DSLR)

Toggles mirror-up live view on the rear LCD for composition or video.

Customisation & Workflow Tips

Custom Modes (U1/U2/U3)

Set up two or three of your favourite shooting setups—exposure/D-range/AF settings—and recall via the mode dial.

Back-Button AF

In Custom Setting “a6,” assign AF-ON to the AE-L/AF-L button and disable half-shutter AF to separate focus from shutter release.

Fn Button Mapping

Via Custom Setting f1 (Z series) or f3 (DSLR) assign ISO, Picture Control, and other frequently used options to Fn1/Fn2.

My Menu

Populate with your top 10 menu items (e.g., AF-C Tracking, High-ISO Noise Reduction) and access via the first tab in the menu system.

Live Histogram & Virtual Horizon

Turn on histogram display in live view (Lv menu) and virtual horizon in “Info” for critical exposure and levelling feedback.

Typical Exposure Workflow

Select Mode

Choose P/S/A/M or a custom preset (U1/U2).

Set ISO

Press the ISO button and spin the Main Command Dial (mirrorless) or adjust on dial.

Dial Shutter & Aperture

In M mode: Main Dial = shutter, Sub-Dial = aperture. In A/Av: Sub-Dial = aperture, shutter is auto.

Adjust Exposure Compensation

Quick access via dedicated dial or “+⁄–” button.

Choose AF Mode & Point

Via lever/dial or Q-Menu, then position with multi-selector/joystick.

Shoot & Review

Half-press for focus/meter, full press to capture, then review with Playback.