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Official Release

The previously rumored Nikon Z9 firmware update version 2.1 is now officially released – here are the details:



  • [High-frequency flicker reduction] has been added to the roles that can be assigned to camera controls using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)]. For more information, see the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual.
  • Autofocus is now better at tracking small subjects.
  • Autofocus now produces more accurate results with human portrait subjects detected via eye/face-detection AF with [Continuous AF] selected for [Focus mode].
  • Fixed an issue that resulted in the camera focusing on the background when [Single-point AF], [Dynamic-area AF (S)], or [Dynamic-area AF (M)] was selected for [AF-area mode], or when [Wide-area AF (C1)] or [Wide-area AF (C2)] was selected with a custom focus-area size of [1×1].
  • You can now expect better results from vibration reduction during panning shots taken with the camera pointing up or down and an option other than [Off] selected for [Vibration reduction].
  • Fixed the following issues:
    • With certain Z mount lenses, choosing [Focus] for Custom Setting a1 [AF-C priority selection] with [Continuous AF] selected for [Focus mode] would sometimes disable the shutter release even when the subject was in focus.
    • [Aperture lock] could not be selected for Custom Setting f4 [Control lock] in modes M and A when an F mount lens was attached.
    • Assigning [Recall shooting functions] to a control using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] would render [Save current settings] unavailable when an F mount lens equipped with an aperture ring and power contacts was attached.
    • Auto distortion control would sometimes not be applied to pictures taken with [ON] selected for [Auto distortion control] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].
    • The camera would not recognize custom Picture Controls saved to a memory card using the Mac edition of Picture Control Utility 2.
    • Recalling shooting functions would sometimes result in unexpected changes to exposure if:
      • ISO sensitivity was set to a fixed value in mode M,
      • an option other than [Exposure maintenance off] was selected for Custom Setting b7 [Keep exp. when f/ changes], and
      • [Recall shooting functions] or [Recall shooting functions (hold)] was assigned to a control using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] both with no option (or mode M only) selected for [Shooting mode] and with no check next to any of [Shutter speed], [Aperture], and [ISO sensitivity settings].
    • When [Recall shooting functions] or [Recall shooting functions (hold)] was assigned to a control using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)], subject detection would not function as expected if the setting for [AF subject detection options] recalled by pressing the control differed from the option currently selected for [AF subject detection options] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].


Read more: https://nikonrumors.com/2022/07/06/...s-now-officially-released.aspx/#ixzz7YEUc81EO
 
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Great to see Nikon continuing to update the Z9. It shows they released the camera faster than they could actually develop it which was a good business decision. The updates should really bring the Z9 to the level of a true professional body you would expect from Nikon.
 
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DavidT said:
Great to see Nikon continuing to update the Z9. It shows they released the camera faster than they could actually develop it which was a good business decision. The updates should really bring the Z9 to the level of a true professional body you would expect from Nikon.
Click to expand...
this update looks like they are (mostly) fixed issues. Some improvement in AF, high speed flicker, .. was hoping for precapture in Raw.
 
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Downloaded, but I will backup current camera settings first, before updating. If it turns out a rollback is needed to FW2.0 , the camera loses all settings. Closing warning from Ricci in his video (link above).

Yes, Frustrating Precapture RAW in the Z9 still remains AWOL but AF update warmly welcomed 🤗
 
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fcotterill said:
Downloaded, but I will backup current camera settings first, before updating. If it turns out a rollback is needed to FW2.0 , the camera loses all settings.
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Always save settings before playing with the camera - particularly firmware.
fcotterill said:
Yes, Frustrating Precapture RAW in the Z9 still remains
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I suggest you research what Canon has done with the A7 to try to copy what the Z9 can already do in this regard and has "cock'ed-up" mightily.
I want 30FPS RAW and different RAW file sizes. But "frustrating" -- really? I am so frustrated my Bentley will only do 206 mph and it won't do 210mph. Really.
 
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fcotterill said:
Downloaded, but I will backup current camera settings first, before updating. If it turns out a rollback is needed to FW2.0 , the camera loses all settings. Closing warning from Ricci in his video (link above).

Yes, Frustrating Precapture RAW in the Z9 still remains AWOL but AF update warmly welcomed 🤗
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I think if the RAW precapture was a quick win then they'd probably have done it in 2.0. I hope we see it slightly further down the line. I think all the brands are jumping on the bandwagon that Olympus have started. Maybe it won't happen in RAW until the mk2 but I think Nikon will be well aware of the feature.

I'm really happy to see fixes to exposure issues relating to various RSF settings. I raised this one with Nikon and helped them with the diagnosis and feedback. I need to play around with it once I have 2.1 installed but it should mean that I no longer need to worry about certain workarounds with how I use the camera. I'd really like to see an AF comparison video between 2.0 and 2.1 with birds but that might be wishful thinking.
 
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ajm057 said:
Always save settings before playing with the camera - particularly firmware.

I suggest you research what Canon has done with the A7 to try to copy what the Z9 can already do in this regard and has "cock'ed-up" mightily.
I want 30FPS RAW and different RAW file sizes. But "frustrating" -- really? I am so frustrated my Bentley will only do 206 mph and it won't do 210mph. Really.
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PreCapture RAW is one of the prominent items MIA, or rather it is still born at least for wildlife photography.

Z 9 Firmware 2.0 coming April 20.

https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/mirrorless-cameras/firmware-updates/z-9-firmware-2-point-0.page?utm_source=WWA&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=wwa-z9-firmware-en_US-4-13-2022&utm_content=btn&utm_term=FindOutMore&ET_CID=4193299&ET_RID=326698791&SC_ID=0032400000mCcamAAC&tab=video
bcgforums.com bcgforums.com

Precapture is only jpg in the Z9 - as owners know too well. Dipping into the lexicon, this thwarts putting a most useful feature to work for wildlife ie a second or less of 15-20fps RAW in the buffer.

Perhaps this is not rocket science, unless there is a genuine bottleneck (likely hardware). However, it cannot be challenging to add/fix a string of options in Custom settings (to Fn buttons etc): including Toggle subject detection On/Off. These needs are widely subscribed
eg https://bcgforums.com/index.php?threads/z9-firmware-wish-list.15072/post-166907

More of us need to keep on telling Nikon that their neglect of these features is not only frustrating, but prioritizing fixes will make their good pro camera even better

Natural Art Images: Brad Hill: My Nikon Z 9 Firmware Update Wishlist

Field Tests by Brad Hill - Wildlife Photographer. Field test of the Nikon V1. Nikon Cameras, Nikon Lenses, Nikon Accessories.
www.naturalart.ca www.naturalart.ca
 
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theEntreriCode said:
Do you guys want Pre-Capture RAW because of EVF lag or some other reason? The incoming Z9 will be my first proper experience with Mirrorless and I expect it to be a long learning curve.
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Nothing to do with EVF lag for me. More for when I'm lagging or it's difficult to predict quick behaviour. Say I'm trying to get the moment a bird lands, takes off, smacks a fish against a perch. It's very easy to react a little too late in some cases. You need to watch for certain signs that a bird might be about to do stuff and be very quick. If a camera can give me half a second or a second before my reactions kick in then in some specific situations it could be really useful. You could press the shutter after confirming the event happened and still get the shot.
 
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Precisely. The justification is this straightforward, and many wildlife photographers have been hoping for some years the larger camera companies would build PreCapture into their pro - enthusiast ILCs. Obviously Nikon has had to wait for the suitable MILC in FX to support PreCapture.

As you suggested above, Nikon may well have built in RAW already if there is not a hardware constraint(s). Nevertheless, considering how well the buffer handles a long string of HE RAW files, it's hard to believe it cannot scroll 5-10 images compressed RAWs in a continuous loop for a few seconds, with Precapture is activated.

Meanwhile, i'm off to test the fw2.1 AF on Malachite sunbirds etc this afternoon :)

pwaring said:
Nothing to do with EVF lag for me. More for when I'm lagging or it's difficult to predict quick behaviour. Say I'm trying to get the moment a bird lands, takes off, smacks a fish against a perch. It's very easy to react a little too late in some cases. You need to watch for certain signs that a bird might be about to do stuff and be very quick. If a camera can give me half a second or a second before my reactions kick in then in some specific situations it could be really useful. You could press the shutter after confirming the event happened and still get the shot.
Click to expand...
See this thread for 3 pages about adding PreCapture to the Z9 (this was pre fw2.0)

We should all flood Nikon with one suggestion about the Z9 software update.

Nikon 1000% should add a "pre roll" feature to the 8k RAW update. If youre not familiar with pre roll, it allows the camera to use the buffer to delay the video stream being written to the card allowing you to kind of travel in time to hit the record button before action happens. Imagine...
bcgforums.com bcgforums.com
 
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The features that did arrive and the things they fixed are surely what counts here.
The Z9 is already a great camera, the update is designed to be an improvement.
The chatter about how it compares to other brands and features to potentially brag about is surely a redundant and silly sidetrack.
The real issues are how the updates perform? What have you found?
I have installed 2.1 and it looks promising. It seemed to cope better with focus in the brief time I had available to me. All I can really say for now is that I will know more after a week or so of using it. 😒🤨
 
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gdecamp said:
Downloaded and installed this morning before I went out. Snappier and stickier, seemed very noticeable to me but only had a short time to work with it. Very promising, I think this is a keeper!
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I only had a few minutes this morning to play with it, but it seemed way snappier and locked right on to my black dog who has black eyes :) That dog has always been a problem for eye tracking cameras..
 
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Seems like they fixed the issue Steve talked about with Recall Shooting Functions in his book - not actually turing off the Subject Detection. Anyone changing their approach to using recall shooting functions as a result?

"When [Recall shooting functions] or [Recall shooting functions (hold)] was assigned to a control using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)], subject detection would not function as expected if the setting for [AF subject detection options] recalled by pressing the control differed from the option currently selected for [AF subject detection options] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU]."
 
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I was headed out this morning when I saw the news, so downloaded and installed. I used the 600 EFL and 500pf for BIF. I really gave it a workout, in most of the conditions I have previously noticed issues. First, an osprey against a blank sky...winner, it locked focus most all the time, even when the bird was small in the VF. It did seem to rack focus in and out before it locked, did that enough so I noticed. I'd still give the edge to the D6 here, it just grabs a bird against a blank sky every time. Against a busy BG the new firmware did noticably better. Not perfect but a large improvement. It grabbed a tern against a busy BG more often than not and stayed focused remarkably well, I'd say it was only as good as I was keeping a darting tern in the VF.
All around, I'm very happy with the improvements. I'll be interested to see if folks (Steve) who have used a A1 think this now puts the Z9 on par.
 
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The only real test I managed today to check if firmware 2.1 has resolved most of the issues with small subject against a busy background was attempting to shoot a small, fast, brown bird inside a small bush In the natural shade. The Z9 with my 500 F4G on a monopod, was able to grab a few shots with good focus of a very active Brown Thornbill which didn’t stop anywhere for more than a couple of seconds. All previous attempts to capture this bird had failed (in that location) because of numerous small branches and foliage fooling auto focus. Today I did get a few shots. That in itself is huge. I have been failing to get any shots at all of this elusive bird in this location for several years now. The bushes along this busy local walking trail are too densely foliated and the birds are so quick that a brief glimpse is all you ever normally see when they are foraging for insects.

08EC344D-FBF5-4751-8835-B15DB16978D2.jpeg
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I have photographed it elsewhere in less busy areas where the bush is less dense. This spot is where you find them so close to humans because the cover provides such great protection. The eye was visible for only a second or two.

My photos of spoonbills, grebes and cormorants today reflect the improved stickiness and quick r ecognition of subject and eyes. It did miss a few extra with the grebes when it rained and the small circles formed in and around the birds on the surface of the water looked a bit like eyes. Despite this there were so many in focus shots at 15 fps that it didn’t matter at all.
 
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