/ Asahi/Guangzhou, April 14, 2022 -- Nikon Corporation announced the release of firmware version 2.00 of its flagship full-frame /FX format micro camera Nikon Z 9 and firmware version 1.40 of its full-frame /FX format micro camera Nikon Z 7Ⅱ and Nikon Z 6Ⅱ. It will be available for download on April 20, 2022.
Firmware version 2.00 of the Z 9 will support in-machine recording of over 8K RAW video as announced in the October 28, 2021 press release. At the same time to achieve rich tone levels of 12 bit RAW 8.3K/60p machine recording, a variety of video features will get greater evolution to meet the needs of video production. For photo shoots, it also introduces a "pre-capture" feature *. The photo can be recorded for up to one second after half pressing the shutter release button and before fully pressing the shutter release button. In addition, a new custom wide-area autofocus that supports multiple autofocus area arrangement modes allows for more reliable capture of the main subject per scene. In addition, some of the features and features of digital SLRS, including the priority viewfinder function, are also available, so Z 9 users switching from digital SLRS can get a consistent sense of operation.
Firmware version 1.40 of the Nikon Z 7Ⅱ and Z 6Ⅱ prevents the focus from inadvertently moving to the background while in autozone autofocus mode, making it easier for photographers to focus on the closer subject when the autofocus starts. The firmware update also includes support for the ML-L7 remote control, which allows you to take photos remotely, take selfies at distances where the shutter release button cannot be reached, and take night shots where pressing the button may cause the camera to shake.
Nikon will continue to meet customers' needs by updating firmware versions with multiple utility features.
* Use Preshot Capture only when High Speed Capture + is enabled.
Major features of Z 9 firmware version 2.00
1. Add video functions such as 12-bit 8.3K/60p RAW recording
This version update supports recording *1 in two different 12-bit RAW video formats, N-RAW and ProRes RAW HQ. Nikon's proprietary new N-RAW format offers record file sizes about half the size of ProRes RAW HQ, provides longer recording times, and supports up to 8.3K/60p and 4.1K/120p when based on FX format video. ProRes RAW HQ, based on FX format video, can support up to 4.1K/60p. While generating RAW video files in any format, full HD mp4 files suitable for transmission and editing can be generated at the same time. You can record video on a compact system without connecting to an external recording device, and you can take full advantage of the rich 12-bit tone layers for full editing using video editing software *2. Other new features include a variety of practical video capabilities, such as recording hypersampled 4K UHD/60p video using 8K high resolution.
*1 ProGrade Digital COBALT 650GB or ProGrade Digital COBALT 325GB memory card is recommended.
*2 EDIUS X ver.10.3.2(Grass Valley) and DaVinci Resolve 17.4.6 and DaVinci Resolve Studio 17.4.6(Blackmagic Design) will support N-RAW. For 8K N-RAW reads, DaVinci Resolve Studio version 17.4.6 is required. The deadline is April 14, 2022.
2. Multiple features added with video recording in mind
Firmware version 2.00 of the Z 9 significantly improves the operability of video recording by adding useful features. During recording, a red REC box will be displayed on the viewfinder and display screen to indicate that the recording button is being pressed. In addition, video recording Settings, such as frame size and frame rate or audio, can be confirmed on a single screen using the View Video Info menu. Waveform monitor can confirm brightness level based on subject position. In addition, when recording video in M mode, the ISO sensitivity can be adjusted by 1/6 of a step, allowing for finer exposure adjustments while preventing the ISO from exceeding the need.
Use the View Video Info menu to confirm the video Settings on the screen
3. The pre-shot capture feature makes it more likely than ever to capture the decisive moment
The update introduces a "pre-shot capture" feature in full-frame microcameras. This new feature records up to one second of images for still shots before fully pressing the shutter release button during the "High Speed Picture Capture +" selection. For example, if you see a baseball bat hit the shutter at half press and then press the shutter fully, you can also capture the moment when the bat hits the shutter. The screen display of high-speed Picture Capture +" has been improved by the addition of a release time indicator, allowing the user to intuitively identify the shutter release time. In addition, version 2.00 allows you to jump to the first shot of each sequence during playback. This makes the workflow more comfortable for sports or bird photographers who tend to use high-speed continuous shots.
©Kenjiro Matsuo
Sample images are provided only to illustrate the "pre-shot capture" feature.
4. Improved autofocus performance, including 20 custom wide area autofocus options
The updated firmware adds custom wide area autofocus, similar to the 17-option group area autofocus that was highly praised on the Nikon D6 digital SLR camera. The AF region arrangement mode has 20 options, 12 of which can be used for video shooting to capture the main object in a wide range of scenes. It also supports object detection, and you can set the autofocus (AF) area to the top half of the frame to focus the decisive moment on the athlete behind the obstacle. In addition, AF stability, tracking performance and object detection under low light conditions are enhanced by reevaluating the algorithm.
©Kenjiro Matsuo
The sample image is provided only to illustrate the function of customizing wide area AF with area size of 19X3.
5. Other functions
· The motion blending feature superimposes a series of subject movements during a continuous shot onto a single still image within the camera, without the use of editing software.
· Use the "Save Continuous Frames" function to save the frames in the selected clip as a series of JPEG still images while pausing.
* Trade names (companies, products, services, etc.) are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Nikon Image Instrument Sales (China) Co., LTD
April 14, 2022
