Nikon Z8 firmware version 2.0: Availability
Nikon Z8 users can now download the firmware version 2.0 for free .The update is now available at the Nikon Download Centre.
Nikon Z8 firmware version 2.0: Key features
With this update, the Nikon Z 8 will now include the In-Camera Slow-Motion video feature. This feature enables videographers to record slow-motion videos with precision, ensuring that the details are captured properly in their visuals. This feature will also help users to create cinematic videos without the need for post-processing, making them social media-ready and significantly reducing turnaround time.
The latest firmware also includes a feature from the flagship Z 9 mirrorless camera. The ‘Subject Detection [bird] mode is designed specifically for bird photography enthusiasts. It claims to improve the overall AF detection and tracking of birds compared to the [auto] and [animal] detection modes. With Subject Detection [bird] mode, users can enhance the camera’s subject detection and AF performance while shooting against complex and high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and mountains. Moreover, it provides better detection and tracking of birds in different situations, whether they are perched, flying, or have a unique appearance. The [bird] mode will be available for both photography and videography.
The firmware 2.0 now allows for ISO sensitivity to be set as low as Lo 2.0 with N-Log recording. This feature has also been inherited from the flagship Z 9 mirrorless camera. By expanding ISO sensitivity, the dynamic range in shadows is increased, which results in a rich and clear expression of tones in shadow areas while suppressing noise.
Apart from this, the latest firmware version also introduces Nikon Z9’s AI-integrated Auto Capture feature in Z8. This feature allows users to automatically shoot stills and videos when the subject meets the user’s pre-defined criteria. Users can choose from three settings to be used separately or in combination:
- Motion: It detects subjects moving in a set direction
- Distance: This mode] starts shooting when the subject is within a certain pre-defined range or distance
- Subject detection: This mode detects people, animals, vehicles, or airplanes within the frame.
Moreover, Auto Capture will also be available even when users shoot with a DX lens, or the image area is set to DX. This can be useful in situations where you want to capture your subjects up close.
The Nikon Z8 also gets the Z9’s ‘Pixel Shift’ shooting feature with this update. This feature allows users to capture multiple RAW pictures while shifting image sensor positions utilising in-camera VR. This feature allows for shooting images of approximately 180MP producing details similar to high-resolution sensor cameras. The RAW pictures can be merged using Nikon’s NX Studio software to create a single high-resolution image with enhanced details, a precise rendering of the subjects’ colour and texture with minimal noise. This feature can come in handy for Product photography.
The update also adds the ‘Pre-Release Capture’ mode from Nikon’s flagship Z 9 camera. This feature enables photographers to capture the decisive moment even before fully pressing the shutter-release button. The length of time the camera will continue to buffer frames before cancelling shooting during the Pre-Release Capture phase of high-speed frame capture. It has also been increased from 30 to 300 seconds.
In addition, the update also increases the number of options available for Hi-Res Zoom speed from 3 to 11 for more precise control. Finer adjustment of the zoom speed is now possible, enabling zoom expression that better matches the user’s intent.
Along with these features, the latest firmware version also adds other capabilities that include:
- Increased number of functions and operations can be assigned to custom control
- A function that allows users to exit Zoom with a half-press of the shutter-release button when focus mode is set to manual focus
- An option that allows users to choose the width of the focus-point borders
- An option that allows users to choose not to record shooting orientation information in the image’s EXIF data
- A new [Prefer focus point (Face priority)] option that centres the display on a face when detected while scrolling through photos and videos during playback zoom
- UltraSync BLUE, an ATOMOS AirGlu accessory, can be connected via Bluetooth when the MC-N10 Remote Grip is attached to the camera
