Nikon Z8 Firmware Version 3.00 Released

Nikon will soon release firmware version 3.00 for the full-size/FX format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z8.

Nikon Z8 firmware version 3.00 improves the “Pixel Shift Shooting” function, simplifying workflow and shortening shooting time. It also makes it easier to capture high-quality, high-definition images that meet the user’s intentions.

In addition, this firmware update also supports “Flexible Color” Picture Control, which allows users to precisely adjust color expression intuitively beforehand to create an image. By freely adjusting contrast, saturation, and hue to create the ideal image, users can register it in the camera as a custom Picture Control and use it when shooting, further expanding the range of visual expression for users.

In addition, AF performance has been further enhanced by the in-body focus limiter, a new function that limits the shooting distance range for focusing. In addition, improvements in operability and functionality that lead to faster and more efficient shooting will further enhance the perfection of the Z8 as a high-pixel camera that meets the needs of users.

Main features of Z8 firmware Ver.3.00

Further evolution of “Pixel Shift Shooting”

“Pixel Shift Shooting” can now be used in conjunction with “Focus Shift Shooting” or “AE Bracketing.” Nikon is the first in the world to achieve this combination in a single camera without the use of external accessories. This simplifies shooting and shortens shooting time, making it easier for users to take high-quality, high-definition photos that meet their own intentions.

By using “Pixel Shift Shooting” and “Focus Shift Shooting” together, you can reproduce the texture, structure and details of subjects with intricate decoration more precisely. When using “Pixel Shift Shooting” and “AE Bracketing” together, you can more carefully depict subjects with high contrast between light and dark while preventing moiré caused by continuous patterns such as buildings with pixel shift.

In addition, a new folder is automatically created each time you take a photo, making file management easier. Furthermore, convenience has been improved by making pixel shift shooting possible even when the self-timer is set, and by fixing the white balance of the first frame taken when taking pixel shift photos with the white balance set to [Auto] or [Natural Light Auto].

250611_Z8_01 — Example of combining pixel shift and focus shift ©Paul Van Allen

Addition of functions to further expand the scope of visual expression

Nikon’s PC viewing/developing/editing software “NX Studio” is compatible with the picture control “Flexible Color,” which allows users to create their own color expression more freely. Using functions such as the color blender and color grading, which allow you to adjust the color, brightness, contrast, etc., you can create your own original color with intuitive operations.

Settings created in “NX Studio” can be exported to a memory card as custom Picture Controls and then registered to the “Z8” from the memory card for use whenever shooting. They are also reflected in live view during shooting, allowing you to shoot while imagining the final result, eliminating the need to edit after shooting.

Added new functions to support accurate focusing

The camera is equipped with an in-body focus limiter that limits the range of shooting distances for focusing. By setting the closest distance and the infinity distance, it becomes possible to focus on the desired subject more accurately.

This prevents the focus from being on obstacles or the background in front of the subject, particularly when photographing flowers, birds, airplanes, etc.

Improved operability and functionality, and addition of other features

You can select the subject to be detected first not only during autofocus but also during manual focus.
The range in which the subject is detected can be set when using manual focus.
You can focus with the live view aperture fully open
Added “400%” to the “Switch to enlarged screen” function that can be assigned to the custom button
More AF area patterns can be set with Custom Wide-area AF
The High Speed Frame Capture+ feature now includes a slower C15 mode to prevent overshooting, and a FINE image quality mode for higher quality shooting.
When recording “Voice Memo”, it is possible to use an external microphone (including a wireless microphone)