Nikon launches Z8 mirrorless camera — PetaPixelCamera of the Year 2023 — made even better with firmware version 2.0, a free update that adds numerous features and improvements for capturing photos, videos, and improved workflow.
The list of upgrades is substantial and marks Nikon’s ongoing efforts to make its cameras new over time. This particular update isn’t as big as the first one the Nikon Z9 received in 2022, but it’s still pretty significant.
Primary updates in Z8 firmware version 2.0
The first major update is a dedicated bird autofocus option that first appeared on the Z9, which Nikon says boosts the camera’s bird detection performance in a variety of situations.
“In addition to improved detection, tracking and AF performance with complicated and high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and mountains, this option better enables the detection of birds in a variety of circumstances, including flying, perched birds and even those with a unique appearance,” promises Nikon .
Auto Capture, which was added to the Z9 last year, is also coming to the Z8. Enables automatic capture of photos and videos when the subject meets one or more pre-configured criteria.
“The three configurable criteria are a [Motion] an option that detects subjects moving in a certain direction, a [Distance]1 option that starts recording when the subject is within a certain distance range, ia [Subject detection] option that detects people, animals, vehicles or aircraft within the frame,” explains Nikon.
The update also adds Pixel Shift capture, which allows photographers to create a high-resolution image by stitching together multiple RAW files. This feature requires the use of a tripod or some other method of stabilization as well as Nikon’s NX Studio desktop software.
Nikon also adds its Rich Tone Portrait Picture Control which it claims delivers “rich tones” while also preserving skin detail.
“This image control is ideal for creating a basic image in scenes where retouching is assumed, such as weddings and studio photography. Combined with various other functions offered by Nikon for portrait photography, such as portrait balance and skin softening,” says Nikon.
In addition to these main features, firmware version 2.0 adds the following additional improvements to operability and functionality:
- The number of functions and operations that can be assigned to a custom control has increased.
- Added a function that allows users to exit zoom halfway by pressing the shutter button when the focus mode is set to manual focus.
- New shutter sound and volume options.
- Added an option to allow users to select the border width of the focus points.
- Added an option to allow users to choose not to record shooting orientation information in the image’s EXIF data.
- New [Prefer focus point (face priority)] Added an option to center the display on a face when it is detected while scrolling through photos during playback zoom.
The update is free and available for download today.
NX Tether is also being updated to version 2.0
Along with the Z8 updates mentioned above, Nikon has also updated its NX Tether software to improve the shooting functionality of a Nikon tethered camera. Along with interface updates, NX Tether 2.0 brings support for capturing photos and videos, as well as displaying full live coverage. It also provides control over shooting settings unique to Nikon, such as Picture Control and Active D-Lighting.
NX Tether 2.0 also allows you to choose the image format (JPEG, RAW or HEIF), and in addition, when shooting on both card slots (RAW + JPEG or HEIF), photographers can choose to have only JPEG or HEIF images transferred to the PC. With the Z8 and Z9, wireless control is enabled by using the camera’s built-in WiFi to connect via Nikon’s Wireless Transmitter Utility software.
The free version of NX Tether 2.0 can be found on Nikon’s website along with a full overview of all the new features as well as a list of supported operating systems and cameras.