Nikon caused a stir when released firmware version 2.0 for its Z9, with major updates including the ability to record 8K/60p and 4K/120p video in N-RAW, a burst-pre-buffer option (JPEG only), and a 120-frame viewfinder refresh mode fps. Now, the company has revealed firmware version 3.0, which is free to download from Nikon’s website, and it’s another big one—though most of the improvements are better suited to top-notch shooters. .
Underwater photographers will be most interested in the improvements Nikon says have been made to autofocus. Low-light performance has been improved by 0.5EV while 3D tracking has also been improved, with more sticky subject tracking and better tracking of fast-moving animals when using the detection feature. show the object “animal”. The focus point can now be changed to red, instead of white, for better visibility against light subjects.
The new High-Resolution Zoom mode provides 4K shooters with 2x digital zoom that can be controlled using the custom Fn1/Fn2 buttons, left/right buttons on the multi selector, or Fn ring or control ring on compatible lenses. It works by allowing the Z9 to start recording a large sampled 4K video from the full width of the sensor and then zoom out slowly until, at 2x zoom, it is recording a 4K APS crop- C 1.5x of the sensor.
Other upgrades in this firmware release include a new C60 Mode for continuous shooting, which captures 19MP images at 60fps in DX mode (in between the C30 and C120 options); High frequency flicker reduction mode for video; the ability to customize more buttons (including the Record button); and the Auto Series Playback function to automatically play back multiple frames from a single burst.
Firmware version 3.0 is free to download from the Nikon website. Check out the press release below.
PRESS PRESS
Nikon releases upgraded firmware version 3.0 for the Nikon Z 9 . full-frame mirrorless camera
Firmware 3.0 Adds Nearly 20 More Features + More Powerful Performance to Nikon’s Mirrorless Flagship
MELVILLE, NY (October 26, 2022) – Nikon Inc. announced another major update to the Nikon Z 9, bringing more powerful performance and added features to the most capable full-frame mirrorless camera available. Now available for free download, firmware update 3.0 is the second major update to the Z 9 this year, adding improvements in video and photography, usability, operability, autofocus and more.
“Firmware 3.0 not only demonstrates Nikon’s commitment to addressing the needs of our customers, but also our continued support to keep our products up to date for the benefit of our users,” Jay said. Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc.
Both videographers and photographers, as well as creators, will see impressive benefits from the new firmware with this update. Some of the more notable features include the new High-Resolution Zoom¹, which provides an additional optical zoom effect for 4K video, and the new C60+ High-Speed Frame Capture, which enables 60-frame recording fps in DX format. Firmware 3.0 also includes improvements to AF as well as enhancements in visibility and operation, such as an increase in the number of buttons that can be used as custom controls.
Starting today, Z 9 owners can visit the website here to download firmware 3.0 for free. Nikon will continuously respond to users’ needs through firmware updates that expand the camera’s functionality.
Important Updates with Firmware 3.0:
- High resolution zoom: When recording 4K UHD video, this feature allows high-resolution zooming options, effectively extending the focal length range of the lens. 4K UHD footage is captured at 8K UHD resolution, then scaled to 4K frame size in real time, effectively doubling the focal length while maintaining resolution. This is not possible with digital zoom or cropping of photos in posts. Hi-Res Zoom is available regardless of lens used, allowing users to streamline production and take advantage of prime lenses or the extremely shallow depth of field of maximum aperture lenses. / 1.2. This feature can be assigned to the camera’s Fn1/Fn2 buttons, the lens’ Fn ring or the control ring, as well as the left/right buttons on the multi selector. The end result is a smooth parfocal zoom transition with no loss of resolution. Using the buttons allows to zoom in at a constant selected speed, while using the control ring allows the user to zoom in or out as fast or slow as they like.
- High-speed frame capture + C60 mode for continuous shooting: In addition to the existing C30 and C120 options, High Frame Rate + now offers a C60³ option for continuous shooting of approximately 19-megapixel still photos at approximately 60 fps. This feature in DX mode, which increases the effective focal length while meeting the diverse needs of photographers – especially those in photojournalism, sports and bird photography, who who value speed and reach.
- Autofocus enhancements: Firmware 3.0 enhancements build on the Z 9’s powerful AF system, enhancing performance and subject detection. The low-light limit has been extended by 0.5 EV, with improved accuracy in low-light and low-contrast conditions. Many improvements have been made to the 3D tracking mode; focus will be “stickier” to a subject and less likely to shift to a foreground obstacle that momentarily obscures the subject. Users also now have the option to change the color of the focus point to red, which can come in handy when shooting in a variety of backgrounds. In addition, detection and tracking of fast-moving animals has been improved when “animals” are selected in 3D tracking.
- Reduce high frequency flicker supplemented with firmware version 2.10 which is now available for video recording.
- Timecode Synchronization and UltraSync Blue: Timecode on multiple Z 9 cameras controlled with a single wireless remote is now possible4. ATOMOS UltraSync BLUE is also now supported over Bluetooth, allowing synchronization of recording devices and/or timecodes of audio devices, including equipment from other manufacturers. This is extremely useful when editing videos recorded in many external recorders.
- Vertical playback screen: Images and i menus can be displayed in portrait orientation in playback mode.
- More buttons for Custom functions: The number of buttons that can be used as custom controls and the extension of custom functions have been increased for smoother access to frequently used functions. This also includes the ability to make the Record button programmable.
- Automatic series playback function automatically displays images from the same group in continuous shooting after the first image in the group is displayed in playback mode.
- Improvements to Flash workflow: The “Show effect of settings” option in View (Photo Lv) mode, which reflects exposure settings in the photo live view screen, has been improved. This update allows users to choose whether the effects of exposure settings are reflected when Speedlight is attached or remotely activated. This function allows the user to check the background exposure before shooting, helping to confirm the background exposure obtained in advance.
- Screen improvements: File Information has been added to the information screen and a focus indicator is now available in the camera.
- “Override other cameras” functionality has been added, allowing easy switching between primary cameras when multiple cameras are assigned as the primary camera.
- FTPS protocol support provides faster, more secure image transfer with encryption.
- Reset focus distance in [Focus shift shooting]: During focus shifting shooting, the focus position at the start of shooting can be memorized and returned to the original focus position after taking a series of shots.
- Full formatting functionality: When using a CFexpress card that fully supports formatting, this function can be used to erase data completely helping users maintain maximum performance.
Note
¹ Hi-Res Zoom is only available when recording video in the following codecs: in ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit (MOV), H.265 10-bit (MOV), H.265 8-bit (MOV), or H. 264 8-bit (MP4) -with the image area set to FX (36×24). Restrictions apply to some camera features.
² With AE/AF tracking at normal JPEG-only image quality setting. The maximum number of frames that can be captured with a burst shot is less than the number of frames that can be captured with high-speed continuous shooting. A memory card recommended by Nikon is recommended.
³ The image area is fixed at DX (24 × 16). If a DX lens is attached when C120 is selected, the high frame rate setting will automatically change to C60 and the image area will be fixed at DX (24 × 16). Pre-release capture is supported.
4 The signal from the shutter-release button resets the device timecode. Therefore, still images cannot be captured during video recording by pressing the shutter-release button when timecode synchronization is enabled.
