Thom Hogan’s Updated Wish List for Nikon

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John Navitsky said:
Here's what I sent him:
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You've obviously given These much thought. Multiple Custom AF areas will be extremely powerful in certain situations, particularly an arena And also with AutoCapture setups.

These caught my eye.... to Quote:-

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Z9 Generation -- (Add new) Subject Detection Outline. When the camera detects a subject in subject detection mode, provide a form fitting outline of the subject (not a "box") so the photographer can see what object/shape the camera has detected as well as giving them a visual clue that subject detection has engaged. Optimally this outline would be a different and select-able color.

Z9 Generation -- (Add new) Ability to set TWO custom AF areas at the same time and focus on the closest subject that appears in either box.

{Snipped....}


variation/alternative of 63
Z9 Generation -- (Add new) Save Revisions. Mode when enabled automatically versions the saved settings such that they do not over-write previously saved versions. Perhaps the default filenames would consist of a timestamp and firmware version.

Z9 Generation -- (Add new) More customizable (C1/C2) af modes. It would be helpful to have more C1/C2 modes to allow the user to quickly switch between a number of predefined shapes. Often I find it would be helpful to have a few more shapes easily accessible and not have to redefine existing C1/C2 settings.

Z9 Generation -- (Add new) Ability to have AF modes be in different locations. For example if you are switching between C1 and C2, you may wish to have each of these boxes located in different locations, ie, C1 on the left, C2 on the right, and use cycle-AF to switch between them.

Z9 Generation -- (Add new) Secondary focus point display. When you are using a second focus mode assigned to a function button, it would be good to have the option so that the focus point/box shows (perhaps greyed out) on the screen so you know where that point/box will be if you engage it. A common use case here is if you have something like auto area as your primary mode, but you have 3D assigned to AF-on, it would be good if you can see in the EVF where the 3D point will activate (assuming you are not doing a hand-off).

Z9 Generation -- (add new) Option to see DoF calculated in metric or imperial units.

Z9 Generation -- (Add new) Dynamic range stitching. Computational photography feature that takes two images in rapid succession and uses the second image to enhance the dynamic range of the image. (Ala RED)

{Snipped....}
 
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"I'm going to limit this to Z9 generation cameras only." :rolleyes:

Great, so he's just discarded what I sent. Not that I was expecting much since Nikon must have their own planning, but it was worth the shot.

EDIT: Nevermind. Apparently, "Z9 generation" includes Z50II, Zf, Z5II, Z6III, Z8, Z9, even though cameras like the Z6III was released years later.
 
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Unscript said:
EDIT: Nevermind. Apparently, "Z9 generation" includes Z50II, Zf, Z5II, Z6III, Z8, Z9, even though cameras like the Z6III was released years later.
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“Z9 Generation” means those with Expeed 7 processors. Nikon’s intent has been to deploy Z9 capabilities enabled by Expeed 7 throughout its line of mirrorless cameras.
 
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I don’t recall if it was there initially, but the introduction to his list does have a list of the individua cameras — Z9 generation, in his words — that he is focusing on. It also has a list of cameras — pre-Z9 generation — where he says only bug fixes are likely.
 
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The current edition includes some powerful new features as well as major redesigns of the Menu structure. As it stands, the primary Menu structure of the Z9 is already feature heavy - long lists, plus the counterintuitive submenus.

This community project is basically a request to Nikon to not only expand but redesign the menu systems of the Z9 and Z8.

Traditionally, Nikon has been conservative by default in customer relations; and judging from what's been published, their engineers are extremely selective - and discrete - about inputs and collaborations with a clique of Pro photographers (including AFP) for product improvements.

Potentially, Nikon willing, these camera specific upgrades will radically change the functionality of all 6 cameras using the the EXPEED7 hardware. Photographers' expectations are going to be high; anticipation is further catalyzed by the relatively recent (since 2019) strategic change of Nikon to prioritize major firmware updates of the Z cameras.
 
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fcotterill said:
This community project is basically a request to Nikon to not only expand but redesign the menu systems of the Z9 and Z8.
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I wonder if expectations for Thom’s project as expressed in some commentary here are too expansive. Thom is looking for things Nikon can realistically accomplish in a firmware update. For example, restructuring of menus (while long overdue IMHO) is not going to happen that way. Radical change for Expeed 7 cameras is unrealistic.

I expect that Thom will ask for input in prioritizing or ranking the suggestions. I have no idea how he plans to do that, but it must happen in some way or else the list is chaotic. As some here have noted, it’s likely that Nikon’s resources for the current generation of cameras is somewhat limited because work on firmware requirements and architecture for the next generation of cameras is in progress. Only a fraction of what’s on the current list could be implemented in the near term.

Keep that in mind.
 
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Just a WAG here, but I suspect Thom's very publicly displayed collection of requested firmware updates is intended as a message to Nikon that, while the specs and functionality of the Z9 and later bodies is pretty solid, there's plenty of room for improvement in the user experience.

Nikon was willing to leave F-mount behind because they recognized the potential benefits and opportunities of a new mount for mirrorless. But they carried over the legacy menus, including the flawed banks and user systems for creating, storing, and recalling custom configurations.

Nikon's transition to mirrorless won't be complete until they embrace a 21st century UI that includes more intuitive menus & flexible customization that makes their cameras more instinctive and configurable.

The "official" list he submits will undoubtedly be organized logically and probably prioritized to give greater emphasis to updates he considers both doable and having the greatest potential positive impact. But the full collection of requests in all its messy form should hopefully send a clear message to Tokyo that there's still a lot of work to be done to bring the Zcosystem into the 2020s.
 
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JAJohnson said:
I wonder if expectations for Thom’s project as expressed in some commentary here are too expansive. Thom is looking for things Nikon can realistically accomplish in a firmware update. For example, restructuring of menus (while long overdue IMHO) is not going to happen that way. Radical change for Expeed 7 cameras is unrealistic.

I expect that Thom will ask for input in prioritizing or ranking the suggestions. I have no idea how he plans to do that, but it must happen in some way or else the list is chaotic. As some here have noted, it’s likely that Nikon’s resources for the current generation of cameras is somewhat limited because work on firmware requirements and architecture for the next generation of cameras is in progress. Only a fraction of what’s on the current list could be implemented in the near term.

Keep that in mind.
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Agree, one too many items and Nikon will need to decide which gets priority. If we had to pick just one make it #44! Lol 😂😆
 
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Dear Nikon,
Would you please make the following changes to the Z 8? (Z 8II & Z 9II?)
  • Add the dial on the top left, under the four buttons for physically viewable Release Modes, just like the Z 9.
  • While you are in that area, put the Playback button back where is is supposed to be, on the top, left, back. Who uses Protect, anyways? Why is the Playback button under your hand-holding palm?
  • If you can’t do the Release Mode dial like the Z 9, where we can see which one we are in, then put it on the monitor, like it is on the top control panel.
  • While we are on the monitor and top control panel, why, on the top control panel, is the Shooting Mode (PASM) letters in a unboxed format and the Shooting Bank is in a white box, while on the back monitor, the Shooting Mode (PASM) is in a white box? Being in Aperture mode or Shooting Bank A becomes confusing. How about keeping both the same, adding the Shooting Bank on the monitor (there is lots of room).
  • The Focus Mode button on the front corner is awkward. Put it on the top left button complex. It also is an issue with “L” brackets.
  • Add the AF Subject Detection Options choice to the Fn1 & Fn2 buttons list.
  • It was a couple decades ago that the 10 pin/DIN port should have been retired. We have moved on to USB-C to do everything, including HDMI via USB-C.
  • Don’t mess with the grip, but we need a longer lasting battery to put in it. Why not show the actual percentage?
  • The banks, or a U1/U2/U3/U4 selector, should have the ability to be a fixed preset, or a last used choice.
  • Please make the Release Mode speed change with the Shooting Bank (or U#)! We don’t want a low frame rate (FPS) when we switch to an action subject, or visa versa. Have the Release Mode FPS go with the Shooting Banks, not with the Custom Menu banks.
  • Make the Recall Shooting Function (Hold) (which I love) more available. Who knows it is deep in the menus?
  • There is a lot of room on the monitor’s top line between the Airplane Mode and Sound icons. How about adding the Subject Detection Mode? Maybe our Fn button modes.
  • Why did you drop Bluetooth for a remote release (ML-L7)?
  • Make the Sensor Curtain on shutdown ON by default.
  • And, can you make the improvements soon without a noticeable size, weight, price change?
  • P.S. Can you let your buyers know a little bit about what’s going on with shipment delays.
P.S. I sold my Z 8 and got the Z 6III and Z50II with the money. The Z 8 & Z 9 are great, but could stand some improvements.
 
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beano said:
The only one I would like seen add to the z8/z9 specifically, is the MF eye-detect we have available on the Zf and z50ii, z5ii. Z6iii.

Would be great us manual-focus shooters.

I’ve emailed him and added my request. Miracles can and do happen, every day :)
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I have been requesting it for a while, but it looks like not many people are requesting it. I have submitted through Nikon support, and on X.

 
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Here is what I sent him.

CameraType of ChangeChangeReason
Z8/Z9ChangeBanks need to be completely reworked. When I select a bank, EVERYTHING (Settings, Shooting, Frame Rate) need to be set.They are essentially useless the way they are to me and quite a few others. One wildlife photographer I know refuses to even use them.
Z8/Z9Add newEnable Banks to be have the option of being persistent or transient.Some photographers (me) want to choose a bank and have ALL the settings be set to a baseline I created. Others want it to keep the last used setting.
Z8/Z9Add newHaving the Banks in the menu accessible from a button and being able to rename this is great. Being able to do more than 4 would be fantastic.I can see having as many as a dozen for different shooting situations. Bonus points for making it quicker to select them. This would greatly improve usability.
Z8/Z9Add newAllow us to program a specific bank to a button.This would be much simpler than the kludges that people have come up with to work around this.
Z8/Z9ChangeWhen exposure bracketing (or anything that takes a fixed number of images), automatically turn on sequential shooting, ideally at something like 20 FPS.Current implementation of exposure bracketing requires you to turn on burst frame rate. If you don’t, it takes one bracketed image per shutter press. Further, you have to keep the shutter down which is really annoying with long exposure brackets.
AllChangeGet photographers to help develop the requirements for the firmware and hardware.I don’t know what they are doing now, but it isn’t working.
 
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No one else has here has mentioned this - but I have wanted control over the focus distances for some time now. It would be a great addition. The focus limit switch on the lens is so basic. So I hope I get my wish (and I hope everyone else here gets theirs!)
 
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That’s a big list 😬 i do feel for the Nikon firmware team. We do take it (firmware) for granted, Nikon have excelled in this area of customer support, when compared to other manufacturer. I can only imagine how complex the code must be, and how making one change or adding one new feature may impact on another working feature.

Either way if anyone can influence Nikon; it’s definitely Thom, combine that with other well established Nikon gurus like Steve, Hudson Henry etc then hopefully we can see continued firmware development, for me it’s that continued firmware support that I would factor in when considering replacing a camera.

One user (Z9 FB Group)has spotted a UI bug, (in V5.20) when shooting video with waveform on the display, if you select to change shooting banks the text doesn't fit in the screen, amusingly saying “Hoot” instead of “Shoot”
 
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When you look at all the detailed complexity of where things are today compared to the original use of a manual lens, your feet, and using just a combination of manually chosen time light and speed settings was largely all there was. Things have certainly come a long way......or have they.

The two things i guess that haven't really been lost in all this time is composition storytelling, still fundamentally captured through using time light and speed, that said there is now a way to digitize that has been found and that is Ai which will only progress.

Many travel shows, nature shows films now are mostly incorporating drone use.
An Oz cinematographer in Alice Springs who has a film of the Northern Territory showing in Japan all done by using a drone, its amazing for waterfalls mountain ranges, wild life to lizards on the sand.

Whats so amazing is the perspective it just makes ground level views really boring.

I wonder where it will all end up going forward, i mean how much more can be done will be interesting.

You jump out of piloting a highly technical modern jet, into a Glider that makes you feel like a bird soaring the thermals with total silence other than the soft and gentle sound of the air flow where 99% of what you are doing or experiencing is simply controlled by just your fingers using a manual lever and a couple of foot pedals, all with only manual linkage's. No battery or electronics.

😂

Only an opinion
 
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