Melville, NY—Nikon has released Nikon firmware V4.00 for its flagship, full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera—the Nikon Z 9. The firmware version 4.00 update is the third major update to the Z 9 since its launch. It adds enhancements to video as well as photo capture, usability, operability and autofocus.
Among the added features is the all-new auto capture function. This feature enables automatic shooting when the subject meets one or more preconfigured criteria. It is particularly useful in situations that require increased automation. Or when the camera is positioned in places where the user cannot remain for extended periods of time.
Additionally, video functions were improved by expanding the minimum ISO sensitivity available with N-Log recording. The update also increases the number of options available for hi-res zoom speed and adding slow-motion video recording.
What’s more, with still-image shooting, the subject acquisition performance of 3D tracking when capturing small and fast-moving subjects was improved. The firmware also supports enhanced operability by increasing the number of functions that can be assigned to custom controls. Further, it adds new shutter sound options.
A Deeper Dive into Nikon Firmware V4.00 for Nikon Z 9
Auto capture is among the firmware’s key upgrades. Users can set the camera to automatically record still images or video by preconfiguring the auto capture criteria. The three criteria they can include are a [Motion] option that detects subjects that make certain movements; a [Distance] option that begins shooting when a subject is within a certain range of distances; and a [Subject Detection] option that detects a person, animal or vehicle within the frame. Moreover, photographers can use these options separately or together to automatically trigger shooting when the selected criteria are met.
Auto Capture also allows photographers to shoot remotely without having to manually determine the timing of shooting/recording. This enables them to leave the camera outside in places they cannot remain for extended periods of time, such as when recording wild animals.
In addition, when using more than one Z 9, one camera can be used for handheld shooting as the user moves from place to place, with the other cameras set up for automatic shooting from tripods at fixed locations.
Auto Capture also permits shooting from multiple angles without using the extension cords previously required to control multiple cameras. Photographers can also use this feature with the pre-release capture function for more reliable capture of decisive moments.
Advanced Video Recording Functions
The new firmware update also allows photographers to set the ISO sensitivity as low as Lo 2.0 (ISO 200) with N-Log recording. ISO sensitivity was expanded on the low end to increase dynamic range in shadows and enable rich, clear expression of shadow tones with suppressed noise.
Additionally, speed steps were increased from 3 to 11 for more precise speed control. Finer adjustment of the zoom speed is also now possible. This enables achieving a look that better matches the user’s intent with more stable zooming at slower speeds, for example.
Another upgrade is the slow-motion video function. This new feature enables high-speed recording of videos that play back at 1/4 (4×) or 1/5 (5×) the frame rate for a slow-motion effect.
Additional Shooting Enhancements
Other enhancements made possible for V4.00 for the Nikon Z 9 include the following.
- Customizable shutter sound: Users can choose from five types of shutter sounds played when the shutter is released. They can also set a higher volume for the sound.
- Pre-Release buffer expansion: To better respond to the needs of those working on location, the length of time the camera continues to buffer frames before canceling shooting during the pre-release capture phase of high-speed frame capture was increased from 30 to 300 seconds. Consequently, users can wait longer between the half press and full press of the shutter-release button.
- Exposure delay mode: This item is added to the custom settings menu. It helps reduce blur caused by camera shake when the shutter-release button is pressed.
- More custom controls: The number of functions that can be assigned to custom controls was increased, as well as the number of customizable controls.
- Improved manual focus UI: The focus distance indicator for manual focus newly displays the approximate distance between the camera and the focus position in units selected by the user.
- Playback enhancements: The new [Frame advance zoom position] option that allows users to choose how the camera centers the display when scrolling through pictures during playback zoom can now be assigned to a custom control. When [Prefer focus point] is selected, the camera centers the display on the focus point active with shooting. Additionally, the accuracy of the progress bar displayed with video playback was increased.
Owners of the Nikon Z 9 can visit the website here to download firmware 4.00 for free.
