NikonGear'23
Gear Talk => Camera Talk => Topic started by: Kenneth Rich on January 24, 2018, 17:27:37
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It must be about five years ago that Nikon released the Df, and to my knowledge Nikon has never released a software update. Am I correct, and are there any plans to do so?
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You probably mean firmware ....
Don't think they have provided an upgrade, but as my Df is packed down for the upcoming move out of Oslo, cannot check.
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According to the Nikon website it's Version 1.01 from 2014-01-21
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Ver.1.01, is the newest according to Nikon.dk
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Sorry about that incorrect terminology. I am a dinosaur, unabashedly so. Guess FIRMware is very correct for Nikon Df updates; it is seemingly set in cement. I was hoping to hear that Nikon has released/will release an update which includes focus peaking, optional removal of AF area brackets and focus points, all in one fell swoop.
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Considering that the firmware of Df should be simpler than the other models due to the total omission of video-related functions and that Nikon apparently is very reluctant to offer new functions through the firmware update, there would be no wonder if there has been only one firmware update since its release.
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Arguably, since it is simpler, it should be simpler to update it, Akira. What did the firmware released jan.21 '14 do that the first edition (presumably, edition 1.00) didn't do? Other Nikons received additions to picture controls after the Df appeared, but Nikon did not update the firmware back then. Not being critical, nor challenging Nikon, just wondering why not.
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Rich, the firmware 1.01 for Df was nothing but the minor bug fixes which was obviously applied to the already existing functions. If I remember correctly, even the new Picture Control ("Flat") has never been added to any previous models through the firmware update. In NX-D, the new Picture Control can be applied to the images from any previous cameras, though. I could apply "Flat" picture control to an image I had shot with the even older D7000 without problem.
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I see. I think. What is becoming more clear is the realization that Nikon must see the Df as a finished venture, that what we have is all we will get- which is more than good enough, and more than I will ever use, in all honesty. I don't "need" peak focusing, and I have turned off focus point illumination, and can continue to ignore A/F brackets. Thank you for your comments.
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Arguably, since it is simpler, it should be simpler to update it, Akira. What did the firmware released jan.21 '14 do that the first edition (presumably, edition 1.00) didn't do? Other Nikons received additions to picture controls after the Df appeared, but Nikon did not update the firmware back then. Not being critical, nor challenging Nikon, just wondering why not.
Kenneth,
Just my guess - coming from a long time working in tech industry - is that because the Df was a low volume camera, Nikon did not want to spend extra money developing, testing, releasing and supporting an update unless there was something wrong with the firmware.
Certainly the features you mention are nice to have, but investment in development on newer high volume cameras will go a lot further in serving their customers and selling more cameras.
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I see. I think. What is becoming more clear is the realization that Nikon must see the Df as a finished venture, that what we have is all we will get- which is more than good enough, and more than I will ever use, in all honesty. I don't "need" peak focusing, and I have turned off focus point illumination, and can continue to ignore A/F brackets. Thank you for your comments.
I have come to find the lack of a live histogram in liveview a big deficiency in the Df. I use both a lot on the D500 and D850. And it is available in many other cameras. Focus-peaking would be most welcome upgrade that is presumably possible without new hardware. What passes for menu design in the liveview controls of Nikon DSLRs leaves much to be desired.
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Live view deficiencies bother me not one bit, as I have only used it once, when I used my 35mm PC lens for the first and only time. Chambeshi, I understand what you are saying, even though I would be a failure in business! Thanks guys for your comments/explanations.
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update 1.02 released today!
Art
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Thank you.
Was not expecting anything for the Df, so nice that they actually update the software.
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Thanks. C 1.02 is running now :)
The changes according to the Nikon site: http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/260.html (http://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/260.html)
" • Fixed an issue that resulted in no preview being displayed in the monitor and no modeling flash being emitted when the camera Fn, Pv, or AE-L/AF-L button was pressed with Preview selected as the Press option for Custom Setting f4 (Assign Fn button), f5 (Assign preview button), or f6 (Assign AE-L/AF-L button) in the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU when an SB-800 flash unit was used.
• Fixed as issue that resulted in shutter speed being restricted to 1/200 s or slower if a flash unit that did not support auto FP high-speed sync was used with 1/250 s (Auto FP) selected for Custom Setting e1 (Flash sync speed) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU.
• Fixed an issue that resulted in ViewNX 2 or Capture NX 2 displaying Auto (ISO x) (where “x” is an ISO sensitivity value) in the Metadata > ISO Sensitivity field for pictures taken with Off selected for Auto ISO sensitivity control in the SHOOTING MENU."
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Done... :) Though I didn't have or encountered those issues, it's best, I think to have the latest firmware.
Wonder why it took so long as the B800 has been around for some time now ?
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looks like a conservative update. I suggested a few improvements and bug fixes (for using with AF-D micro lenses) and it wasn't implemented :'(
maybe next time :o :o :o
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I'll update the Df today. I'm with Jacques about keeping the FW current. Using Sony and Olympus the idea of a FW update always makes me cringe :( but such a relief when successfully completed without bricking.
Tom
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Well, that is a new firmware version/update, so I have to quit whining. I don't believe it offers anything for me, though, and will have to think whether I will update or not.
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A concern for me, but one that you more experienced people will be able to clarify: If I were to update the firmware, would the update cancel out the modifications I have made to picture controls and the choices I have made in respect to camera controls like PV and Function buttons? Presently I have FN controlling non-CPU lens data, PV ISO/Auto ISO choices and AEL/AF lock button controlling viewfinder grid lines.
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In my case it didn't change any of the setting I had just before (one function button for auto ISO or not, the other for manual lenses settings, AF-On for AF, no grid, etc.)... 8)
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A concern for me, but one that you more experienced people will be able to clarify: If I were to update the firmware, would the update cancel out the modifications I have made to picture controls and the choices I have made in respect to camera controls like PV and Function buttons? Presently I have FN controlling non-CPU lens data, PV ISO/Auto ISO choices and AEL/AF lock button controlling viewfinder grid lines.
Save your settings to a card and keep in a safe place. Should always do that regardless of FW updates, if you have significant settings. You never know if you might need to do a reset if the camera freezes due to something like a low battery, it can happen.
FW update should not affect your settings.