Exactly what I did - programmed DISP button to RSF and reprogrammed FN 4 to metering. But waiting to hear Steve‘s recommendation.
Z9 Firmware 3.0 Released
- Thread starter MartyD
- Start date
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Will it be available to us non-NPS types?
You can now assign assign metering mode to Fn button. I’ve assigned metering mode to Fn 3.Testing the real world impacts of these changes is challenging. Ideally it requires comparing w cameras at least with v3.0 vs V2.11. ain't easy!
I agree fully, I shared Steve's list and thread with local friend in Nikon and will keep beating on doors... My two priorities for Custom options are first and foremost:
1. Toggle subject recognition On/Off
2. Assign metering mode to a Fn button
At least 2 RSF setups/ Custom Bank will be a big bonus
Toledo area
But, doesn’t shooting JPEG still significantly reduce/limit what can be done in post?
I, too, receieved the message to turn off the camera.Um not sure that's a good thing. For me, the update process went as before, and told me to turn the camera off. Are you sure it completed the update process successfully? (not sure how to test that, but keep an eye out
...Dave...
Rather than take up Fn3 which is so valuable have you considered the Audio Button. I have been happy with that but does require the left hand.
Zof9
Member
Before 3.0 I had to turn the front wheel. Now it instantly toggles between DX and FX.
Thank you
Thank, I’ll check it out.
I noticed that the "Full Format" feature only works on CFexpress B cards, not for XQD cards. Double checked this with a couple different cards. I rechecked the supplemental manual and sure enough, it only refers to compatible CF cards - no mention of XQD. I missed that on my first read through of the supplemental manual.
No big deal for me, as I don't use my XQD cards in my Z9, but thought I'd mention it for those that do.
No big deal for me, as I don't use my XQD cards in my Z9, but thought I'd mention it for those that do.
John Navitsky
Well-known member
i also noticed it's very fast for a full format. my format of a 650gb delkin black didn't take super long. i wonder what exactly it did since it seems too fast to actually write every block on the card.
What do you all think about the CFEXPRESS Lexar Diamond cards?
I am happy based on my testing that the AF is slightly better than before and certainly there are no bugs that I can see.
I acquired a Stove Pigeon and then 3-d tracked this pigeon as it wondered around my front lawn and behind bushes/flower etc...
My settings are:
For some cases when the bird had moved behind was surrounded by branches etc needed me to use Single point to lock focus on the subject and then switch to 3-D tracking which held focus until the bird completely disappeared - the camera stuck with the focus -- a3 block response was set to 3 and Erratic.
When using 3-D tracking the camera focus was stable even when the subject turned around and moved away. Sure a couple of times focus was lost when the bird spent some time behind a post or thick branch, but almost instantly required via my use of Fn1 when the bird's head moved clear.
I acquired a Stove Pigeon and then 3-d tracked this pigeon as it wondered around my front lawn and behind bushes/flower etc...
My settings are:
- Shutter Button -- AF_on and C1 area with auto tracking enabled
- AF-ON Button - 3-D tracking with AF_ON
- Fn 1 - single point with AF-ON
For some cases when the bird had moved behind was surrounded by branches etc needed me to use Single point to lock focus on the subject and then switch to 3-D tracking which held focus until the bird completely disappeared - the camera stuck with the focus -- a3 block response was set to 3 and Erratic.
When using 3-D tracking the camera focus was stable even when the subject turned around and moved away. Sure a couple of times focus was lost when the bird spent some time behind a post or thick branch, but almost instantly required via my use of Fn1 when the bird's head moved clear.
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frodoboy
Member
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I have tested the improved AF, and I would have to say...WOW! It is a gigantic improvement, especially with 3D tracking. I was out shooting Mandarin Ducks when I noticed a black spec at least 1/2 mile away high in the sky. I pressed my 3D tracing button and it locked on. It followed the spec until it got closer, never losing lock on. When it finally got about 1/4 mile away, I realized it was a Bald Eagle. The tracking never lost focus on it! That is the first time 3D tracking worked that well for me. Then the Mandarin Duck took off with some Mallards. AF tracking stayed on the Mandarin for the several seconds I focused on it. I'd say that is a wonderful improvement! My Flickr
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fcotterill
Well-known member
We've been able to assign the Metering Mode menu to a Fn button since v2.0 if not earlier on the Z9. It's on the Audio button on my Z9.
Sorry I should have been more specific, above. It's been very useful to have Spot Metering Mode on Pv or Fn1 for backlit subjects with the D500, D850, D5 etc, including the D780 and Z7.
Nikon removed the custom option to assign a Metering Mode to a Fn* button in the D6. And the Z9 has the same problem.
eft
Well-known member
There seems to be quite a wide spectrum in the anecdotal first impressions of v3.00. Aside from that variability, would you expect the impact of firmware upgrade to be different for different lenses? i.e. In a controlled lab setting, would the changes be expected to be more pronounced on a Z mount PF 800mm (that I have on order) vs a F mount 200-500mm zoom (my current lens)? I am asking more because of the capabilities of the former vs Nikon tuning its algorithms for Z mount primes.
EDIT -
Andy and Marty great to see that in real life the 3D is working well. Note the problem with the firmware occurs when a subject EYE is not detected or when eye detection is turned off. It doesn't happen if 3D is first engaged. It happens when there is a handoff from modes other than dynamic. Handoff meaning A7 - Focus Point Persistence - is set to Auto.
So my question is if a WA mode doesn't detect an eye, will it still be able to track. Thats my concern when going from one mode to 3D.
Andy and Marty great to see that in real life the 3D is working well. Note the problem with the firmware occurs when a subject EYE is not detected or when eye detection is turned off. It doesn't happen if 3D is first engaged. It happens when there is a handoff from modes other than dynamic. Handoff meaning A7 - Focus Point Persistence - is set to Auto.
So my question is if a WA mode doesn't detect an eye, will it still be able to track. Thats my concern when going from one mode to 3D.
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I wish I could say I have tested it! I am a long ways away from my Z9, I had time to update the firmware and that is about it. Thanks to the others who have tested!
John Navitsky
Well-known member
Thom posted a few thoughts about people experiencing af weirdness https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/
Hmmm I like his method - Have to test it out. When he asks "which brings into play what does the camera think you want it to do (e.g. change focus to the shutter release again?). " Page 13 the Nikon Z9 Guide to sports seems to suggest you need to continue half-press of the shutter. However since others have used the hybrid focus successfully who knows. I am going to try his method.
Shutter is Shutter only.
AF-ON initiates main focus mode.
Ln2 activates 3D.
Thanks for posting this John.
Can someone explain the back up process for existing settings prior to updating firmware please.
fcotterill
Well-known member
His explanation makes sense, at least in my experience, namely how 3D tracking fails.
The DSLR AF-ON+AF-area mode construct/custom-setting is one of Nikon's best ideas to leverage the diversity as swiftly as possible, and with BBAF. Two or more of these settings are key to make these modern Autofocus systems so much more efficient.
Building this solution into the ZAF system was long overdue. Otherwise it's basically impossible to leverage the abilities designed into the camera's complex AF.
At any symptom of 3D tracking losing the subject, I hit AF-ON+CA, which is either 3x5 or 1x1. I often focus with a much tighter CA Mode first if the subject looks challenging; and I often decide whether to toggle off Subject Recognition.
The DSLR AF-ON+AF-area mode construct/custom-setting is one of Nikon's best ideas to leverage the diversity as swiftly as possible, and with BBAF. Two or more of these settings are key to make these modern Autofocus systems so much more efficient.
Building this solution into the ZAF system was long overdue. Otherwise it's basically impossible to leverage the abilities designed into the camera's complex AF.
At any symptom of 3D tracking losing the subject, I hit AF-ON+CA, which is either 3x5 or 1x1. I often focus with a much tighter CA Mode first if the subject looks challenging; and I often decide whether to toggle off Subject Recognition.
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Steve lays out a very logical set up of the buttons in his Z9 Set Up eBook. Great as a baseline to then tailor to your specific needs.
I have my Z9 set up very similar to my previous D5/D850. FWIW......
Shutter = shutter
AF-ON = AF-On
Fn1 and fn3 (for vertical shooting) = 3D
Fn2 = Single point or Dyn Sm
Video = Select AF Area/AF mode by turning dial (Command dial roles reversed via F2 so that main dial changes AF area mode and sub dial (front) changes AF-S, AF-C, M)
Lens Fn and DISP = RSF Hold / Subj detect on or off
Audio button = Metering