Gear

Nikon announces firmware 3.0 for the Z 9

Nikon has just announced the comprehensive new firmware 3.0 for the Z 9, its flagship 45.7MP full-frame mirrorless model built for discerning professionals. This remarkable camera shattered expectations from day one and is now poised to break some more amazing new ground.

This latest firmware update is in keeping with the company’s aims for this camera to be a highly flexible platform designed to incrementally gain important new features and functionalities over time, all through strategic firmware updates. Firmware 3.0 unlocks more than 20 major new enhancements for video, high-speed shooting, autofocus, operation and more. Here are some of the biggest highlights.

High-res zoom for 4K video
With its 8.3K native resolution, the Z 9 can now emulate an optical zoom sequence – in-camera and in real-time – by smoothly zooming in digitally up to two times with any lens and zero lag.

High-speed frame capture at 60 fps
When you find that 120 fps is too much and 30 fps isn’t quite enough, you can now shoot continuously at 60 fps with full AF and AE capabilities on each and every frame.

Faster, smarter, more reliable autofocus
Already equipped with the fastest, most accurate and intelligent autofocus system in Nikon’s history, the Z 9 will now be able to achieve enhanced tracking for erratically moving animals like birds, as well as an even lower baseline for low-light and low-contrast focusing and greater intelligence across the board, including fine patterns and flicker suppression.

Smoother operation
This firmware update makes it easier to optimize your workflow: when you’re shooting vertically, for example, as the entire playback and “i” menus conveniently rotate to match your orientation. You can also preview exposure settings through the Real Live Viewfinder while using a flash.

Timecode syncing keeps everyone in time
Now you’ll be able to reset and synchronize the timecode on several Z 9 cameras at once using a remote control. Also now compatible with Atomos UltraSync BLUE, the Z 9 can be synchronized with additional cameras and audio-recording devices too.

These are just a few of the advantages you’ll gain with this wide-ranging new firmware update. To learn more and to access this free download, visit Nikon’s download centre.