Technical Solutions | Z 7II/Z 6II TIPS

Flash Units and Other Lighting Equipment

Your selection of lighting equipment will be based on such considerations as the type of results you want to achieve, the location, the weather, and the time of day.

Flash Units

Flash units are recommended for effective lighting. For wireless flash control involving multiple flash units, choose the SB-5000. More information is available in the Technical Guide for Radio-Controlled Advanced Wireless Lighting, available from the Nikon Download Center SB-5000 product page (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/products/322/SB-5000.html).

Nissin and Profoto Products

Nikon has confirmed that features such as auto white balance can produce the desired results with Nissin products and the following Profoto accessories: Profoto A1, Profoto A1X, Profoto A10, Connect, and Air Remote TTL.

  • Before using the products listed above, be sure to update to the latest versions of the firmware for the camera, lens, and flash unit.
  • For product specifications and other information, contact the manufacturer.

Reflflector Panels, Light Meters, and Other Lighting Equipment

Reflector panels help illuminate the faces of back-lit subjects and other areas where light tends to be lacking. Reflector panels can also be used to soften complexions and facial expressions. Add a light meter to measure light levels and calculate exposure. Other choices for diffuse lighting include diffusers and softboxes. Bring what you'll need for the task at hand.

Point Versus Area Light Sources

"Point" light sources are small and "area" light sources, large. Smaller sources naturally generate harder light and shadows with sharp edges. Larger light sources, on the other hand, produce softer light and shadows with blurred edges.

The smaller the light source, the harder the light
The larger the light source, the softer the light

Lighting Angle

The appearance of your subject changes according to where the light is coming from.

  • Direct lighting: Light coming from the same side as the camera. Details will be clearly visible and colors vibrant. The lack of shadows does however tend to flatten relief.
  • Side (oblique) lighting: Light coming from the left or right side. The term "side lighting" is sometimes reserved for lighting coming directly from one side, with "oblique lighting" used for light coming at an oblique angle from a source to the front and side. Side lighting follows contours to create areas of light and shadow that enhance relief.
  • Backlighting: Light striking the subject from the side opposite the camera. Light coming at an oblique angle from behind and to the side is sometimes referred to as "oblique backlighting". Although the light striking the subject from behind throws the side facing the camera into shadow, the edges will be bright. If the main part of the subject is too dark, you can brighten shadows using exposure compensation or a supplementary light source such as a flash or reflector panel.
Zoom

Direct lighting

Side (oblique) lighting

Backlighting

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