Nikon India has released the new firmware version 2.0 for the full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 8. This major firmware upgrade includes features and updates for both still and video capabilities. With feature updates incorporated from the flagship Nikon Z 9, the Nikon Z 8 firmware version 2.0 will result in capturing stunning visuals and create masterpieces.
Firmware Ver 2.0 is now available at the Nikon Download Centre.
Feastures OF Firmware 2.0
The Nikon Z 8 now has In-Camera Slow-Motion video feature through its new firmware version 2.0. This feature enables videographers to record slow-motion videos with unparalleled precision, ensuring remarkable detail. With this feature, you can create cinematic videos without the need for post-processing, making them social media-ready and significantly reducing turnaround time.
Elevating bird photography & videography with the dedicated [bird] detection mode
The latest firmware version 2.0 comes packed with a new feature inherited from the flagship Z 9 mirrorless camera – the ‘Subject Detection [bird] mode. This mode is designed specifically for bird photography enthusiasts, and it significantly improves 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 is available for both photography and videography, making it a valuable addition to the Z 8.
Expanded N-log low ISO sensitivity range
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.
AI-integrated feature Auto Capture introduced in Z 8 – works basis Subject, Motion, and Distance Mode
Apart from many other features inherited from the flagship Z 9 camera, the new firmware also introduces the ‘Auto Capture’ function in the Z 8. 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] detects subjects moving in a set direction; [Distance] starts shooting when the subject is within a certain pre-defined range or distance; and [Subject detection], which detects people, animals, vehicles, or airplanes within the frame. In addition, Auto Capture is now available even when users shoot with a DX lens, or the image area is set to DX, useful in situations where you want to capture your subjects up close.
Now capture the finest details using Pixel Shift
The ‘Pixel Shift’ shooting feature inherited from the latest mirrorless camera; the Z f allows users to capture multiple RAW pictures while shifting image sensor positions utilizing in-camera VR. This feature allows for shooting astounding images of approximately 180 megapixels 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.
Pre-Release Capture – Phase of high-speed frame capture+ increased.
The ‘Pre-Release Capture’ mode, which has been quite a successful feature in Nikon’s flagship Z 9 camera, is now available for the first time in the Nikon Z 8 camera. This feature introduced in firmware 2.0 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 canceling shooting during the Pre-Release Capture phase of high-speed frame capture + has been increased from 30 to 300 seconds
Hi-Res Zoom Speed options increased
In addition, the number of options available for Hi-Res Zoom speed has been increased 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.
Other enhancements and functions in the NIKON Z 8 firmware upgrade version 2.00 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 centers 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
