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Nikon has announced its first firmware update for the Z8 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera and it is packed with a variety of new features photographers are sure to take advantage of.
Though not as comprehensive as the firmware 2.0 update for the Nikon Z9, which made that camera practically a new model, Nikon states that the firmware 2.0 update for the Z8 is the camera’s first significant one and borrows several new features from the Z9 for still images and video.
Image Credit – Nikon USA
Firmware version 2.0 for the Z8 has many of the features found in the newer Z9 including autofocus options, improved detection and tracking, and Pixel Shift shooting for higher-resolution images, and Rich Tone control for improved skin details.
As hinted last year, the version 2.0 update has a laundry list of improvements in an expansion of the Z8’s autofocus scheme. Borrowing the identification and tracking for birds feature of the Z9, this feature will increase detection, tracking, and autofocus by separating the subject from high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and mountains.
The option can keep a lock on birds through various circumstances including flying, perched, and unique situations.
Image Credit – Nikon USA
Nikon has also added an auto-capture feature for stills and videos which will capture the subject without pressing the shutter when it meets one or more of three programmed criteria.
If motion is detected in a designated direction, if the subject comes within a set range of distance, or if the subject detected is a person, an animal, or a vehicle such as a car or an airplane that has come into frame.
Nikon is also adding Rich Tone Portrait Control, which promises to make skin details more accurate and make it easier to retouch details in post-processing. This feature joins Portrait Impression balance and skin softening which will work in concert to create a base image for which to work.
Moreover, Nikon has added Pixel Shift Function which enables shooters to combine multiple Raw images to create a high-resolution photo using special software.
The camera must be locked down on a tripod or be “otherwise stabilized” for the function to work properly. Nikon states that this feature is ideal for capturing the finest of details in intricate designs such as art pieces, architecture, or even macro images.
Other features of Firmware Version 2.0 include increased custom button function controls, the ability to exit zoom with a half-press of the shutter button while set to manual focus, new shutter sound and volume options, and a preferred focus point that will center the display on a face when one is detected during playback.
The update also gives shooters the option of choosing the width of the focus point borders and disabling shooting orientation information from image EXIF data.
The Z8 Firmware 2.0 firmware update is available on Nikon’s Download Center website starting today.
[source: NikonUSA]
Order links:
Nikon Z8 Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
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