Nikon has introduced a significant firmware replace for its flagship Z9 full-frame mirrorless digicam. Firmware 2.0 provides a collection of options together with 8K/60 Uncooked video seize, waveform shows and a 120Hz viewfinder mode.
There’s additionally a pre-buffer choice to seize as much as a second of motion earlier than the shutter button is totally pressed and the power to create {custom} AF space shapes, tailor-made to the topic you are capturing. Firmware 2.0 will develop into out there later this month, both from Nikon’s web site or utilizing the Snapbridge app.
The adjustments are so in depth that we’ll individually element the extra options and digicam features and the operational adjustments that may develop into out there.
Video options
As promised, Firmware 2.0 provides the power to shoot 8K/60 video in Nikon’s proprietary, compressed, N-Uncooked format. |
Uncooked video might be the one largest addition that f/w 2.0 brings. The Z9 features the power to seize Uncooked video at as much as 8.3K/60p within the proprietary N-Uncooked format. 8.3K permits the footage to be cropped at DCI (8192 x 4320) or UHD (7680 x 4320) 8K. There’s additionally a 4.1K choice at as much as 120p that Nikon says is created from the total 8.3K seize, although it did not give particulars over the way it’s being processed to offer diminished decision however stay ‘uncooked.’ There are additionally 1.5x and a pair of.3x crop choices. N-Uncooked will initially be supported by DaVinci Resolve and Edius NLEs.
The digicam additionally features the power to shoot ProRes RAW at as much as 4.1K/60p, once more with crop choices out there. Customers preferring their footage demosaiced and gamma-encoded acquire an ‘prolonged oversampling’ mode, which delivers 2:1 oversampled 4K/60p footage from 8K seize.
Video operation enhancements
Alongside the extra video modes, the Z9 features a collection of UI and operational enhancements for video shooters. Chief amongst these is the availability of a waveform show (out there in two sizes), a robust approach of visualizing publicity. This might be out there as a part of the digicam’s {custom} show choices, making it simple to entry by simply hitting the DISP button. Sadly waveforms should not out there in stills mode.
As well as, the Z9 will get a devoted video settings show, the power to show a pink body encompass when the digicam is recording, and the power to regulate the magnification measurement throughout video seize.
Firmware 2.0 additionally brings the power to regulate ISO in 1/6EV increments, for finer management and smoother transitions, and a ‘Quick AF On’ perform that permits you to assign a button to carry out a fast focus pull, somewhat than a gradual focus rack, whereas recording.
Stills options
You possibly can set the JPEG-only C30 mode to seize 30, 15 or 10 photos buffered earlier than a full shutter press. Within the 11MP C120 mode, it is 120, 60 or 40 photos. |
In stills mode, the Z9 features a pre-buffer choice in its JPEG-only 30fps and 11MP 120fps modes. This begins capturing frames when the shutter button is half-pressed and retains as much as one seconds’ price of buffered photos whenever you totally press the shutter, and as much as an additional 4 seconds afterwards. Along with the utmost one second pre-buffer, it’s also possible to choose a 0.3 second and 0.5 second pre-buffer, which is able to seize 10 and 15 photos, respectively, in JPEG-only C30 mode.
There’s additionally a 120fps viewfinder mode, giving a smoother, extra pure look to the viewfinder preview and bringing the digicam into line with extra of its rivals. Unsurprisingly, this mode will affect the battery life in comparison with the 60fps mode.
The Z9’s viewfinder features a 120Hz excessive fps mode: one of many areas its spec desk was missing, relative to its friends. |
One other addition is the power to create custom-sized Extensive AF zones. You possibly can choose which AF areas are energetic, from an 19 x 11 grid, and create two totally different user-defined zones. These allow you to focus the AF system on the airplane of the scene you anticipate the motion occurring in and work with the digicam’s topic monitoring modes.
The digicam additionally features a movement mix perform within the Retouch menu, letting you create composite photos through which your topic seems a number of instances on the identical background. Nikon specified this mode works greatest when the digicam is both on a tripod or held very nonetheless as the topic strikes.
Stills operation enhancements
Firmware 2.0 additionally brings an on-screen timer to Bulb capturing mode (each for when capturing and for the noise discount/processing delay) and a viewfinder dimming mode to scale back the affect on the photographer’s night time imaginative and prescient when capturing lengthy exposures in low gentle.
Additionally new is a ‘maintain’ (toggle) model of the Recall Capturing Perform choice, so that you not want to carry a {custom} button right down to entry your saved capturing perform settings, if you wish to entry them for greater than a shot or two.
As well as now you can select how rapidly the joystick navigates between AF factors, and there are new options in playback mode that allow you to leap straight between the primary and final photos in a burst, somewhat than having to navigate by means of the entire burst.
Firmware 2.0 might be out there from Nikon’s web site on April twentieth, and for obtain and set up through the SnapBridge app a day later.
Press Launch:
Main improve provides new professional cinema & video manufacturing capabilities to Nikon Z 9, plus options for fast-action images and extra
– The Z 9 Turns into Even Extra Highly effective with Free Firmware 2.0 Improve for Video and Stills
– Firmware Updates Additionally Introduced for the Nikon Z 7II & Nikon Z 6II Full-Body Mirrorless Cameras
– Nikon Declares Growth of the MC-N10 Distant Grip
MELVILLE, NY (April 14, 2022) –Right this moment, Nikon Inc. has introduced main characteristic additions to the Nikon Z 9 that may quickly be out there by means of a free firmware improve. The improve is Nikon’s most complete up to now, considerably increasing the Z 9’s already highly effective video and stills characteristic set. With enhancements together with in-camera 12-bit RAW video at as much as 8K 60p, oversampling at 4K UHD 60p, and a brand new Pre-Launch Seize perform that will increase the chances of catching hard-to-predict moments, the Z 9 solidifies its function as the last word hybrid digicam for filmmakers, videographers, photographers and creators. Moreover, Nikon has additionally introduced AF efficiency enhancements and different enhancements with firmware v. 1.4 for the Z 6II and Z 7II, in addition to the event of the brand new MC-N10. The brand new upgrades for the Z 9, Z 7II and Z 6II will all be out there freed from cost beginning April 20, 2022.
“The Nikon Z 9 is taken into account by many to be essentially the most highly effective and versatile digicam in the marketplace. With essentially the most in depth mixture of highly effective stills and superior video seize talents out there as we speak, it’s been our most profitable flagship digicam ever,” stated Jay Vannatter, Govt Vice President, Nikon Inc. “Now one of the best is getting even higher – These newest updates are simply one other instance of the Z system’s skill to quickly evolve and acquire options and value through the use of our clients suggestions.”
On the forefront of this complete firmware improve are enhancements for cinema and video seize, mainly the addition of 12-bit inside RAW video recording in a wide range of body charges and resolutions, in addition to performance and interface changes made particularly for videographers. Footage can now be captured at as much as 8.3K 60p with Nikon’s new N-RAW format, or as much as 4.1K 60p in ProRes RAW HQ.1 This permits the Z 9 to seize the most important doable coloration depth and an enormous dynamic vary for optimum flexibility when coloration grading and in post-production. Nikon’s new N-RAW (.NEV file)2 packs all of the depth and element of 12-bit RAW video right into a file that’s half the scale of equal ProRes RAW HQ information for lighter workflow. The brand new video choices take full benefit of the Z 9’s distinctive full-frame sensor, with N-RAW footage captured at as much as 8.3K (8256×4644), permitting for export in UHD or DCI 8K facet ratios. Capturing at such a high-resolution grants consistency in a a number of digicam manufacturing, or the pliability of letting customers add results equivalent to zooming, reframing and trimming when producing 4K content material.
Firmware 2.0 for the Z 9 additionally provides still-photo options, together with enhancements to autofocus and high-speed picture seize. Think about making an attempt to anticipate essentially the most decisive second of a recreation or motion sequence; When capturing at 30 or 120fps in Excessive-Velocity Body Seize+, the digicam begins capturing as much as one full second earlier than the shutter is totally depressed, giving the photographer additional time to set off the digicam and nonetheless seize essentially the most impactful shot. From the moment a receiver jumps for a cross in the long run zone, or a chook dives into the water for a meal, the quickest fleeting frames might be captured earlier than a human can bodily react. When half-pressing the shutter, the digicam can report frames as much as one full second earlier than and as much as 4 seconds after the shutter is totally pressed, all with no viewfinder blackout or distractions that might in any other case interrupt the motion.
Videography and Cinema Upgrades for the Nikon Z 9
- Addition of inside N-RAW video recording as much as 12-bit 8.3K 60p and 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ as much as 4.1K 60p. The facility of RAW video permits for excessive latitude with tonality, with a variety of greater than 68 billion colours for flexibility when grading or consistency as a part of a multi-camera manufacturing.
- Nikon’s new N-RAW uncooked video format information an enormous quantity of scene info, but is a considerably smaller file measurement, permitting for rather more recording time and fewer intensive workflow. N-RAW footage may be recorded within the following codecs: 3K 60p, 24p, or 4.1K 120p, 60p, 30p, 24p whereas in full body/FX mode, 3.8K 120p with a 2.3x Crop, or 5.3K 60p, 30p, 24p with a DX (1.5x) crop.
- The N-RAW format additionally creates an mp4 proxy file, which is environment friendly for previewing, fast transfers or edits on the fly.
- 4K UHD 60p footage can now be oversampled from 8K footage, permitting for the sharpest and cleanest doable 4K content material.
- A Purple “REC” body indicator on the monitor and viewfinder has been added throughout recording to simply establish when video is being captured.
- A Waveform monitor has been added to verify the brightness ranges and place of the topic whereas recording.
- A brand new devoted video data show offers numerous video recording settings at a look, equivalent to body measurement and price, audio settings, codec, bit depth and HDMI output settings, all of which may be confirmed on a single display. Moreover, a body price/measurement show on the highest management panel helps to verify when the rear monitor is troublesome to view.
- A “Nice ISO management (Mode M)” allows publicity adjustment in increments of 1/6 EV for ultra-precise and clean adjustments in publicity.
- The Quick AF-ON perform permits a person to assign totally different AF speeds to separate controls. From a gradual rack focus to a quick transition, two speeds are actually assignable on customizable buttons to enhance video capturing effectivity.
- To allow gradual shutter video recording of extraordinarily darkish scenes or deliberately introduce blur when capturing video in M mode, the shutter velocity may be set at a slower than 1/body price.
- With choose body charges and determination settings, the person now has the power to avoid wasting consecutive frames in a particular part of video footage as a collection of JPEG photos whereas the playback is paused.
Nonetheless Picture Upgrades for the Nikon Z 9
- For the primary time in a mirrorless full body digicam, the Pre-Launch Seize characteristic acquires hard-to-predict moments simpler than ever earlier than3, permitting for the burst seize of photos as much as a full second earlier than the shutter is totally pressed.
- Twenty varieties of Customized Extensive-Space AF choice patterns have been added, giving the person extra management over what a part of the body they wish to concentrate on, which might additionally work along side topic detection. That is helpful for a wide range of sports activities and conditions equivalent to volleyball or a end line. Twelve extra patterns can be found for video seize.
- The brand new Retouch menu characteristic, “Movement Mix” creates an in-camera overlay from a collection of topic actions from steady capturing right into a single image in-camera. For instance, a snowboarder’s aerial may be captured from begin to end sequentially in a single completed body.
- AF stability, monitoring efficiency, and topic detection in low-light conditions have been enhanced.
- When reviewing photos, customers now have the choice to skip to the primary shot in a given burst.
- For capturing wonderful star trails and lengthy exposures, Firmware 2.0 enhances the Z 9’s Lengthy Publicity show to incorporate a dwell depend of the publicity time. Customers can also now dim the viewfinder additional and with larger precision to protect energy and their night time imaginative and prescient.
Further Performance Upgrades:
- The Z 9’s Actual Dwell Viewfinder is arguably essentially the most spectacular EVF out there, and the one one that gives a very blackout free view. Firmware 2.0 provides the excessive fps viewfinder show perform to extend the refresh price to 120 fps for a good smoother, extra lifelike view.
- Auto Publicity (AE) has been enhanced to have extra steady publicity with human faces, equivalent to when a topic turns away from the digicam after which faces it once more, or when the composition adjustments.
- Improved “Prioritize viewfinder” monitor mode offers a well-recognized capturing and overview circulate.
- “Favor sub-selector heart” is added to the {custom} menu, enhancing the operability of the sub-selector.
- Enhancements in AWB even when the scene adjustments quickly and changes to “Select coloration temperature” and preset guide WB.
- A brand new {custom} setting: Focus Level Choice Velocity permits customers to regulate the velocity that AF factors may be moved by means of the body.
- For affirmation of high-speed capturing, visible shutter launch indicators seem clearly on the show and the Actual Dwell Viewfinder.
- Enhanced reminiscence set/recall perform allows on the spot recall of a number of focus positions.
- “Recalling capturing capabilities (maintain)” is now added to the standard “Recalling capturing capabilities,” enabling the customers to keep up the recalled perform with out frequently urgent a button.
- Choice to modify focus/management ring roles helps photographers who don’t want guide focusing make use of the management ring.
Upgrades for the Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II
As well as, firmware model 1.40 for the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II has improved AF efficiency. This replace will improve the steadiness of the AF, stopping the main focus level from unintentionally transferring to the background. The power to emulate linear focus with choose lenses may also be added whereas manually focusing4, in order that customers can easily regulate the main focus place as supposed with an operational feeling much like cinema lenses. This firmware replace additionally helps the ML-L7 Distant Management (Launched in September 2018).
Growth of the MC-N10
Nikon is happy to announce the event of the MC-N10 Distant Grip for mirrorless cameras for which the Nikon Z mount has been adopted. The MC-N10 is an adjunct that enables distant management of Nikon Z-mount mirrorless cameras through a wired connection. It could actually management numerous capabilities of Nikon mirrorless cameras, growing the effectivity of video recording with a small crew and increasing the probabilities of video recording. It additionally helps nonetheless capturing. Additional particulars, together with pricing and availability will come at a later date.
Nikon MC-CF660G Excessive Efficiency CFexpress Card
The MC-CF660G is a CFexpress (Sort B)5 reminiscence card with a big capability of 660 GB. It realizes a most learn velocity of roughly 1700 MB/s and most write velocity of roughly 1500 MB/s. It’s significantly fitted to video/nonetheless capturing with the Nikon Z 9 full-frame/FX-format mirrorless digicam.
Pricing and Availability
The brand new firmware updates might be out there to obtain totally free beginning on April 20, 2022 at Nikonusa.com, and through the SnapBridge app quickly afterwards. Additional particulars concerning the MC-N10 will come at a later date. The brand new Nikon MC-CF660G Excessive Efficiency CFexpress Card might be out there beginning in June for a prompt retail value of $729.95.6
For extra details about the most recent Nikon merchandise, together with different NIKKOR Z lenses and the whole assortment of Z collection cameras, please go to nikonusa.com.
Specs, tools, and launch dates are topic to vary with none discover or obligation on the a part of the producer.
- Use of the Nikon MC-CF660G, ProGrade Digital COBALT 650GB or ProGrade Digital COBALT 325GB reminiscence card is really helpful.
- N-RAW might be supported by EDIUS X ver.10.3.2 (by Grass Valley) and DaVinci Resolve 17.4.6, DaVinci Resolve Studio 17.4.6 (by Blackmagic Design). For N-RAW readout in 8K, DaVinci Resolve Studio ver.17.4.6 is required. As of April 14, 2022.
- See Nikon web sites for suitable lenses.
- Pre-Launch Seize may be configured solely when Excessive-Velocity Body Seize+ is energetic.
- CFexpress is a trademark of the CompactFlash Affiliation in america and different international locations.
- SRP (Instructed Retail Value) listed solely as a suggestion. Precise costs are set by sellers and are topic to vary at any time.