Z9 Release Thread

[John Geerts]

Firmware 5.0 Released

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/516.html

■ Still Photography

    • Added and changed the following functions to [Auto capture] in [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].
        - Date and time to start auto capture can now be configured in advance
        - Added [DX (24×16)] to image area options
        - Added [Airplanes] to subject detection type options
        - Auto capture is now available with camera’s manual focus settings
        - The appearance and some item names in the settings display have been changed
        - The detection range available for [Advanced: Distance] has been extended
    • Added a [C15] high-speed frame capture + release mode option.
    • Added frequency setting mode to [High-frequency flicker reduction] in [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] that allows frequency presets to be configured.
    • Added [Rich Tone Portrait] to [Set Picture Control].
    • Added [Portrait impression balance] to [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].
    • Added [Skin softening] to [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].
    • Added [High ISO NR mode] in [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] that allows to select a noise reduction processing mode.
    • New image quality options available for high-speed frame capture + shooting with [Image quality settings] > [Image quality (HSFC)] in [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].
    • Live view display zoom is now up to 400%.
    • The Profoto A10’s continuous LED light can now be used as an AF-assist illuminator.
    Note: The firmware update is needed for Profoto A10. See Profoto’s corporate website for details.

■ Video Recording

    • Added and changed the following functions to [Auto capture] in [VIDEO RECORDING MENU].
        - Date and time to start auto capture can now be configured in advance
        - Added [DX] to image area options
        - Added [Airplanes] to subject detection type options
        - Auto capture is now available with camera’s manual focus settings
        - The appearance and some item names in the settings display have been changed
        - The detection range available for [Advanced: Distance] has been extended
    • Added [Rich Tone Portrait] to Picture Controls.
    • Added [Portrait impression balance] to [VIDEO RECORDING MENU].
    • Added [Skin softening] to [VIDEO RECORDING MENU].
    • Added and changed the following functions to [Hi-Res Zoom] in [VIDEO RECORDING MENU].
        - The color of the in-focus AF-area brackets shown on the shooting display when Hi-Res Zoom is enabled has been changed.
        - Hi-Res Zoom operations can now be performed using the sub-selector.
    • Live view display zoom is now up to 400%.

■ Playback

    • Added [Playback speed] in the video playback “i” menu.
    • Added [Customize retouch options] to [Retouch] in the playback “i” menu.
    • Added [Auto image rotation] in the playback menu.
    • Added [Auto series playback options] to [Series playback] in the playback menu.
    • Scrolling through pictures now keeps current orientation even if the camera is rotated.
    • The current playback speed is now displayed in the playback display while viewing a video full frame.
    • Added [4608×3072; 14.2 M] to [Retouch] > [Resize] in the playback “i” menu when RAW images are displayed.

■ Controls

    • Added to the custom controls and roles assignable via the following items in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
        - f1 and g1[Customize <i> menu]
        - f2[Custom controls (shooting)] and g2[Custom controls]
        - f3[Custom controls (playback)]

       Choose [Prefer focus point (face priority)] for f3 [Custom controls (playback)] > [Main command dial] or [Sub-command dial] > [Frame advance zoom position].
    The settings for f3 [Custom controls (playback)] > [Main command dial] or [Sub-command dial] > [Frame advance] can now be applied while scrolling through pictures during playback zoom.
    Monitor mode selection can now be assigned to Protect/Fn4, and Audio buttons.
    • Shooting modes now can be selected in photo and video mode individually.
    Note: The shooting modes in all shooting banks “A” through “D” are set to P right after the firmware is updated.
    • Added [Focus point border width] to a11 [Focus point display] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
    • Added a [Max. aperture Lv during MF] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a14.
    • Added [Half-press to cancel zoom (MF)] items to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in positions d19 and g17.
    • White balance and exposure compensation can now be adjusted while shooting function settings are recalled with button press (hold).
    • Changes have been made to how a full format is performed with [Format memory card] in the [SETUP MENU].

■ Displays

    • Changed the position where the memory card high-temperature warning is displayed in video mode.

■ Network

    • A warning now appears when the connection to an ATOMOS AirGlu BT accessory is unstable or disrupted.
    • Added [Wi-Fi connection (STA mode)] which allows you to connect the camera to the smart device via a wireless LAN access point.
    • Port numbers can now be specified using [Connect to FTP server] in [NETWORK MENU].
    • Added [Upload in HEIF format] to [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] in [NETWORK MENU].
    Note: Converted HEIF images are not stored on the memory card.
    • ATOMOS AirGlu BT accessories and MC-N10 remote grips can now be used together.
    • Automatically obtained IP address will be maintained after automatic IP addressing disabled.
    • Automatically obtained gateway/DNS server addresses are now displayed in the TCP/IP edit display.
    • File names of the image and audio now match if the file name of the image is renamed during transfer.

■ Other Changes

    • When [AF-area mode] is set to [3D-tracking] and the human subject is large relative to the frame and multiple eyes are detected near the tracking focus point, the camera will assign priority for focusing to the eye closer to the point.
    • The time the shooting display goes dark after shutter is released when [ON] is selected for [Photo flicker reduction] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] has become shorter.
    • The RGB histogram is now easier to view when [Mode 1] or [Mode 2] is selected for d12 [Warm display colors] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
    • [SETUP MENU] > [Firmware version] now shows GNSS module firmware “G”.
    • GNSS module firmware update is now available.
    Note: The second update is not necessary if the GNSS module's firmware “G” is already 0.17, as with which version, the improvement has already been made.
    Note: Refer to “GNSS Module Firmware Update” for updating procedures.
    • The firmware for the GNSS module has been updated.
        - Improved acquisition performance when used in certain areas where the quasi-zenith satellite “QZSS” can be acquired.
    • Fixed the following issues:
        - Fine-tuning values set in [AF fine-tuning options] in the setup menu did not apply while the subject is detected with [Wide-area AF (S)], [Wide-area AF (L)], [Wide-area AF (C1)], or [Wide-area AF (C2)] selected for [AF-area mode].
        - Switching to the playback display and attempting to operate the sub-selector did not result as intended while the memory card access lamp was lit after burst shooting when [Series playback] > [Sub-selector displays first shot] in [PLAYBACK MENU] was enabled.
        - Optimal exposure could sometimes not be achieved in burst or focus shift shooting.
        - Shutter release was sometimes disabled when “Bulb” was selected for shutter speed.
        - Subjects could sometimes not be detected in the correct position when repeatedly shooting airplanes.

Note: Users of the following software will need to update to the latest versions.

    • Camera Control Pro 2 version 2.37.0 or later, NX Studio version 1.6.1 or later, and SnapBridge version 2.11.0 or later.

Note: The changes listed below under “Still Photography”, “Video Recording”, “Playback”, “Controls”, “Displays”, and “Network” are detailed in the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual.

Note: Due to the addition of new menu items, some Custom Settings menu items have been renumbered.

[Erik Lund]

That is the most extensive update to a camera firmware I have ever seen from Nikon, wow very impressive!
I have not gone through all lines but I have heard form Z8 Zf users etc. that a lot of functionality would be appreciated for Z9,,,
I'm currently looking into either a Z8 or Z9 just because,,,

BTW
 
I hadn't fully noticed that Ricci is now more or less fully in the Nikon stables,,,
https://www.nikon.com.mt/en_MT/help-and-support/about/press/nikon-announces-the-launch-of-youtube-series--nikon-sessions

[ColinM]

Are you interested in what professional photographers were using at the recent Paris olympics?
(Obviously sports users are quite niche, but still interesting and not all super-tele use either)

Full info on Thom Hogan's article here
https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/what-nikon-nps-brought-to.html

I'm sharing info posted on another site
Please let me know if this isnt acceptable

[John Geerts]

Firmware 5.1 was released a few months ago  (17 December 2024)

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/546.html

Note: The changes listed below under “Video Recording” and “Controls” are detailed in the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual.

Note: Due to the addition of new menu items, some Custom Settings menu items have been renumbered.

■ Video Recording

    • Hi-Res Zoom is now available when the image area is set to “DX”.
    • Added a [Power/Hi-Res Zoom collab]* item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of g10.
    • Added a [Shutter mode] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of g13.
    • Added [Zebra pattern color] to g15 [Zebra pattern] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
    • Added options for customizing the brightness information display to g18 [Brightness information display] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].

* This feature may be available with NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lenses (as of November 2024).

■ Controls

    • Added [Save and load power zoom position]* to f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] and g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
    • Added a [Zoom ring control (PZ lens)]* item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of f10.
    • Custom Settings f12 and g9 in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] is now [Assign power zoom]. In addition, [Power zoom speed] has been divided into two items: [Power zoom speed (zoom buttons)] and [Power zoom speed (zoom switch)]*.
    • The following items can now be saved and loaded using [Save/load menu settings] in the [SETUP MENU]:
        - [Location data (built-in)] > [Record location data] in the setup menu
        - [Retouch] > [Customize retouch options] in the playback “i” menu (from “C” firmware version 5.00).

* This feature may be available with NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ lenses (as of November 2024).

■ Other Changes

    • Added [Power zoom speed (zoom buttons)] to the roles assignable to the “i” menu via [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > f1 and g1 [Customize <i> menu].
    • Fixed the following issues:
        - The camera would sometimes stop responding if the [C30] high-speed frame capture + option was selected for [Release mode] and the shutter-release button was pressed halfway shortly after zooming in the monitor shooting display (live view).
        - Pressing the AF-ON button did not end the zoomed-in display in manual focus when:
            ▸ The AF-ON button was set to either [AF-ON] or [AF-area mode + AF-ON], and
            ▸ [ON] was selected for d19 or g17 [Half-press to cancel zoom (MF)] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
        - The viewfinder and monitor shooting displays (live view) sometimes caused overexposures when the standby timer had expired and reactivated.
        - In rare circumstances, photos would be overexposed when taken using [Recall shooting functions (hold)] assigned to a custom control.
        - Buffer capacity sometimes dropped with some CFexpress memory cards.
        - In rare circumstances, the camera would stop responding or the viewfinder and monitor shooting displays (live view) would be corrupted after burst photography when:
            ▸ [ON] was selected for [Photo flicker reduction] in [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].
        - RAW videos recorded under the following conditions would appear too bright when played back with compatible computer software.
            ▸ Either [N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)] or [ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV)] was selected for [Video file type] and [SDR] for [Tone mode].
            ▸ ISO 100 or below was selected for [ISO sensitivity settings].
        - In slow network speed environments, the camera would be slower to respond when zoomed in or out on photos while uploading to the FTP server if:
            ▸ [ON] was selected for [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] > [Auto upload] in [NETWORK MENU], or
            ▸ An option other than [Off] was selected for [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] > [Upload in HEIF format] in [NETWORK MENU].

[Hugh_3170]

Colin, do you have breakdowns for the Canon & Sony offerings as well as for Nikon and maybe the relative usage across these three makes?

This link gives a general idea only (for those who can read French):
https://phototrend.fr/2024/08/coulisses-jo-2024-canon-nikon-sony-photographe-sportifs-pro/

Are you interested in what professional photographers were using at the recent Paris olympics?
(Obviously sports users are quite niche, but still interesting and not all super-tele use either)

Full info on Thom Hogan's article here
https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/what-nikon-nps-brought-to.html

I'm sharing info posted on another site
Please let me know if this isnt acceptable

[ColinM]

Sorry Hugh, only the Nikon gear

[Frank Fremerey]

That is the most extensive update to a camera firmware I have ever seen from Nikon, wow very impressive!
I have not gone through all lines but I have heard form Z8 Zf users etc. that a lot of functionality would be appreciated for Z9,,,
I'm currently looking into either a Z8 or Z9 just because,,,

BTW
 
I hadn't fully noticed that Ricci is now more or less fully in the Nikon stables,,,
https://www.nikon.com.mt/en_MT/help-and-support/about/press/nikon-announces-the-launch-of-youtube-series--nikon-sessions

as the beast got so cheap:


https://www.e-infin.com/eu/item/4304/nikon_z9_mirrorless_digital_camera_with_ftz_ii_adapter_kit_

[John Geerts]

Firmware 5.2 is released:

• Added support for “NX Field*”, a remote shooting system for corporate users.
* Visit the “NPS” website for overview and user’s manual of NX Field.
Nikon Professional Services (NPS) (English)
Note: “NX Field” app for smart devices may not be available in some countries and regions.

• Renamed d14 [Display on during burst] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].

• Fixed the following issues:
- Pressing the playback button after repeatedly shooting bursts would in rare cases corrupt the display of all images.
- In rare circumstances, optimal exposure could not be achieved during burst shooting after changing the exposure in mode M.
- In synchronized release, pressing the shutter-release button of the master camera halfway initiated autofocus on the remote camera with the following setting selected.
▸ [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > a6 [AF activation] > [AF-ON only]

More info and download https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/546.html

[John Geerts]

Firmware 5.30 is released

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/580.html

Nikon has announced a new firmware update, 5.30, for the Z9, promising a "significant improvement" to the autofocus system's performance when tracking fast-moving subjects, alongside additional features.

The company is also now letting you use the subject detection with the single point and "dynamic AF" autofocus selection point types, giving you more flexibility in how you select which subject you want to focus on. The Z9 also gains the in-camera focus limiter and additional level of live-view magnification that were added to the Z8 and Z6III earlier this year, and has its "wide" area setting expanded to cover more of the image area.

Firmware 5.30 also improves the Auto Capture feature, with the company saying it's added "a new AF standby position." It also brings support for UVC/UAC, which lets you use it as a webcam for your computer without the need for additional drivers or software (though it seems unlikely that there were that many people demanding this ability for their pro sports camera).

The camera also gains support for Nikon's "Flexible Color Picture Control," which lets you create a custom color mode using its desktop software, then load it onto the camera for it to use while creating JPEGs.

Note: Due to the addition of new menu items, some Custom Settings menu items have been renumbered.

■ Still Photography

• Subject detection is now available when [Single-point AF], [Dynamic-area AF (S)], [Dynamic-area AF (M)], or [Dynamic-area AF (L)] is selected for [AF-area mode].
• Extended the dimensions of focus areas available with [Wide-area AF (C1)] and [Wide-area AF (C2)] AF-area modes.
• Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Controls. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.
• Added [Reset focus after shooting] to [Auto capture]. Also added [Face] to subject detection type options.
■ Video Recording

• Subject detection is now available when [Single-point AF] is selected for [AF-area mode].
• Extended the dimensions of focus areas available with [Wide-area AF (C1)] and [Wide-area AF (C2)] AF-area modes.
• Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Controls. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.
• Added [Reset focus after shooting] to [Auto capture]. Also added [Face] to subject detection type options.
• Selecting [ON] for [Hi-Res Zoom] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU] now displays a focus point on the detected subject in the shooting display.
■ Playback

• Added [Date] to [Filtered playback criteria] in playback menu and playback “i” menu.
• Added [Loop playback] in the video playback “i” menu.
• Added [Auto-rotate during playback] to the playback menu.
■ Controls

• Added an [Active subject detection options] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in positions of a10 and g6.
• The a14 [Max. aperture Lv during MF] item is now a15 [Maximum aperture Lv] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Added a [Focus limiter setting] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a17.
• [Focus limiter] and [Cycle subject detection options] are added to the roles assignable via f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] and g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] and separate settings can now be saved to [Recall shooting functions] and [Recall shooting functions (hold)]. In addition, a magnification option of [400%] has been added to [Zoom on/off].
• Added [Jump to the source image] as an assignable role to f3 [Custom controls (playback)] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Added a [Cycle image area using built-in TC] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of f11.
■ Network

• You can now add descriptive text to existing network profiles using [Connect to FTP server] in [NETWORK MENU].
• Added [Sync date and time with NTP server] to [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] in [NETWORK MENU].
• Added [Overwrite copyright info] to [Connect to other cameras] in the [NETWORK MENU].
• The master camera can now detect and connect to remote cameras on the same network.
• Added [USB streaming (UVC/UAC)] to [USB] in the [NETWORK MENU].
■ Other Changes

• Made improvements to the autofocus operation and its reliability including subject acquisition during still photography.
• Direct measurement of white balance is now available also for still photography via applications, such as NX Tether.
• Voice memo recording is now available with external microphones.
• Changed the specifications for uninterrupted video output to HDMI devices such as external monitors when recording ended.
• The headphone volume level can now be adjusted in the “i” menu during video recording.
• Videos no longer rotate automatically with the camera when [Auto-rotate pictures] is set to [ON] in the [PLAYBACK MENU].
• Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Control options to [RAW processing (current picture)] / [RAW processing (multiple pictures)] in the [Retouch] menu. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.
• The speed at which the camera cycles through focus points using the multi selector or sub-selector no longer slows down when changing direction.
• The tonal characteristics have been changed when [ON] is selected for Custom Setting g14 [View assist] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Fixed typos in the monitor display when pressing a control to which [Shooting menu bank] had been assigned using Custom Setting g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] while either [Histogram] or [Wave-form monitor] was displayed during video recording.

[Frank Fremerey]

as the beast got so cheap:
https://www.e-infin.com/eu/item/4304/nikon_z9_mirrorless_digital_camera_with_ftz_ii_adapter_kit_

If you need one, 3300€ inclusing the FTZ is a no brainer