The "Hidden" Menu Setting for Pro Video (Without an External Monitor)
- Barry Mountford
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
For a long time, many of us followed a simple routine: set up the camera, hit record, and let the hardware do the work. But as you grow as a creator, you eventually want to push your gear further. You start looking at N-Log—that flat, gray-looking profile that gives you incredible flexibility in color grading.
The problem? Shooting in N-Log outside in bright daylight can sometimes be challenging. Without contrast, it’s difficult to see if your focus is sharp or your exposure is right on that small LCD screen.
In my latest video, I’m sharing the "hidden" menu setting that solves this instantly.
The N-Log Dilemma
When you shoot N-Log, the camera captures a massive amount of dynamic range, but the image on your screen looks washed out. Usually, pros solve this by using an expensive external monitor that applies a LUT (Look Up Table) so they can see a "finished" look while still recording that raw, flat data.
But what if you don't want to carry an extra monitor? What if you're out shooting street POV or a quick vlog with just your Nikon Z50II or Z8?
The Solution: View Assist
Hidden deep in the Nikon menu system is a feature called View Assist. It is, quite literally, a game-changer for solo shooters.
What it does: It applies a standard Rec.709 LUTto your camera's LCD screen or viewfinder only.
The Result: You see a beautiful, high-contrast, colorful image while you're filming.
The Catch: There isn't one! Your actual footage is still recorded in that flat N-Log profile, giving you all that sweet flexibility in post-production.
How to Enable It
It’s a "set it and forget it" setting that I now leave on by default. Here is how to find it on the Nikon Z system:
Press the Menu button.
Navigate to the Video Recording Menu (the camera icon).
Scroll down to G11 (on the Z50II and Z8).
Find View Assist and switch it from Off to On.
Why This Changes Everything
By turning this on, you no longer have to guess what your final shot will look like. You get the best of both worlds: the professional control of a flat log profile and the visual clarity of a finished grade right on your camera body.
It makes shooting in bright daylight a breeze and ensures you never miss focus because the image was too "flat" to see. I only wish you were able to add your own LUT to this setting so you could see exactly how your finished edit will look, maybe a firmware update in the future could solve that.
Final Thoughts
If you’re moving into video work but want to keep your setup light and mobile, View Assist is your best friend. It’s one of those small settings that has a massive impact on your workflow.
Checkout the video above to see some side by side comparisions.
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