Nikon Df software

[Kenneth Rich]

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?

[Bjørn Rørslett]

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.

[chris dees]

According to the Nikon website it's Version 1.01 from 2014-01-21

[Bent Hjarbo]

Ver.1.01, is the newest according to Nikon.dk

[Kenneth Rich]

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.

[Akira]

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.

[Kenneth Rich]

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.

[Akira]

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.

[Kenneth Rich]

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.

[Jack Dahlgren]

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.

[chambeshi]

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.

[Kenneth Rich]

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.

[oldfauser]

update 1.02 released today!

Art

[Bent Hjarbo]

Thank you.
Was not expecting anything for the Df, so nice that they actually update the software.

[John Geerts]

Thanks.  C 1.02 is running now

The changes according to the Nikon site:  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."