Nikon releases new Z series firmware and high-capacity memory card

Nikon announced new firmware for the Z 9 flagship mirrorless camera, and the Z 7II and Z 6II mirrorless cameras. Firmware v.2.0 for the Z 9 unleashes a slew of high-performance updates, keeping this camera at the top of its game for stills and video. Firmware v.1.4 for the Z 6II and Z 7II improves focusing for stills and video. In addition, Nikon today releases the Nikon 660 GB CFexpress memory card (Type B), which will easily accommodate the Z 9’s high-resolution video recording and phenomenal burst speeds.

For those shooting video, Firmware v.2.0 for the Z 9 offers major upgrades. Video shooters will be able to record RAW 8.3K/60p video in-camera, and incredibly sharp 4K/60p Ultra HD footage oversampled from 8K. 12-bit in-camera recording will be possible with ProRes RAW HQ (up to 4K/60p) or Nikon’s new N-RAW format (up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p). Other new functionalities, which respond to the requests of pros shooting with the Z 9, include a waveform monitor, a red REC frame indicator, and a custom i-menu for convenient display of video settings while shooting.

Firmware 2.0 for the Z 9 also offers key upgrades for stills photographers. Following the update, AF set-ups can be customised using up to 20 selectable wide-area AF patterns, and a higher refresh rate (up to 120 fps) can be activated for the camera’s bright (3000-nit) electronic viewfinder display. Other new functions include pre-release image capture, and the ability to recall focus positions using multiple camera buttons.

For the Z 6II and Z 7II cameras, Firmware v.1.4 refines the Auto-Area AF algorithm for improved focus on foreground subjects positioned in the centre of the frame. In addition, support for linear manual focusing will allow video shooters to reproduce the focus pull distance from points A to B with extreme accuracy. And both cameras will become compatible with Nikon’s ML-L7 Bluetooth remote control.

Finally, Nikon’s new 660 GB CFexpress memory card (Type B), also announced today, is a high-capacity card compatible with the Z 9. Made to meet the demands of continuous high-speed shooting and over-8K video recording at high frame rates, it achieves read speeds of up to 1700 MB/s and write speeds of up to 1500 MB/s. Pricing and availability will be announced at a later stage.

Firmware v.2.0 for the Z 9—available from the Nikon Download Centre on 20-04-22

•  8.3K/60p video in-camera: internally record RAW 8.3K video in ultra-smooth 60p. Shoot in N-RAW to record ultra-high-resolution 8.3K (8256×4644) video using the full width of the Z 9 sensor.
• 4K UHD oversampled from 8K: record incredibly sharp 4K/60p Ultra HD footage oversampled from 8K.¹
• 12-bit RAW in-camera: with ProRes RAW HQ (up to 4K/60p) or Nikon’s new N-RAW format (up to 8K/60p and 4K/120p).
• Waveform monitor: confirm tricky exposures at a glance whether shooting in N-Log or RAW.
• Custom i-menu: display the main video settings simultaneously on the monitor. Confirm resolution and frame rate via the camera’s top screen.
• Red REC frame: a red REC frame appears on the monitor when the video record button is pressed.
• 8K still frames: extract consecutive high-resolution still frames from up to 10 seconds of 8K footage.
• Up to 20 selectable wide-area AF patterns: stay locked on the action and avoid fixed obstacles like tennis nets or hurdles.
• EVF—up to 120 fps refresh rate: for the camera’s bright (3000-nit) electronic viewfinder display. Ideal when shooting fast-moving subjects, such as race cars.
• Focus recall: assign focus positions to multiple camera buttons—each button can recall a separate focus position or the same focus position.
• Pre-release image capture: record images for up to a second before fully pressing the shutter-release button. Set a post-release burst to continue for up to 4 seconds.

Firmware v.1.4 for the Z 7II and Z 6II—available from the Nikon download centre (Z 7II / Z 6II) on 20-04-22

• Improved Auto-Area AF: better detection of, and focus on, foreground subjects in the centre of the frame.
• Support for linear manual focusing: videographers can accurately reproduce the focus pull distance from points A to B.
• Compatibility with Nikon’s ML-L7 Bluetooth remote control: allows control of key camera functions when shooting remotely. Boasts separate buttons for shutter release and video recording.
• Please visit the Nikon Download Centre to download the Firmware v.1.4 for the Z 7II and the Firmware v.1.4 for the Z 6II.