Z 9 Firmware

• This service supplies software that can be used to update the Z 9 camera “C” firmware to version 3.10. Use Firmware version in the SETUP MENU to check the camera firmware version before proceeding. You will not need to download this update if the firmware listed above is already installed. • This update includes all changes made in previous updates. • Read the information below before proceeding.

Time Required to Complete This Update This update takes approximately 6 minutes. A progress bar will be displayed when the update begins, but when updating from a “C” firmware version earlier than 2.00 you may notice that it takes about 2 minutes for the progress bar to be displayed. Do not turn off the camera until the firmware update is complete.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 3.01 to 3.10

• Added support for NIKKOR Z 85 mm f/1.2 S lenses. • Improved focus accuracy for low-contrast subjects during burst photography with [Wide-area AF (S)], [Wide-area AF (L)], [Wide-area AF (C1)], [Wide-area AF (C2)], [3D-tracking], or [Auto-area AF] selected for [AF-area mode]. • Improved the frame advance rate during burst photography with optional flash units. • Fixed the following issues: - The [Retouch] > [Trim] item in the playback “i” menu would in rare cases create distorted copies or not permit selection of the desired crop. - Copies created by blending a large number of pictures together using the [Retouch] > [Lighten] item in the playback “i” menu would sometimes exhibit a green color cast. - Rating pictures during playback zoom would in some instances temporarily corrupt the display. - In extremely rare cases, the camera would stop responding.

Changes from Previous Versions

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 3.00 to 3.01

• The MC-N10 remote grip can now be used for synchronized release on cameras connected via a ten-pin remote terminal. • Improved focus tracking in focus mode AF-C when [Wide-area AF (S)], [Wide-area AF (L)], [Wide-area AF (C1)], or [Wide-area AF (C2)] is selected for [AF-area mode]. • Fixed the following issues: - If an option other than [Subject detection off] was chosen for [AF subject detection options] with [Wide-area AF (S)], [Wide-area AF (L)], [Wide-area AF (C1)], or [Wide-area AF (C2)] selected for [AF-area mode], autofocus would sometimes fail when subjects were detected outside the focus point. - If [AF-area mode], [AF-area mode + AF-ON], [Recall shooting functions], or [Recall shooting functions (hold)] was assigned to a control using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] with [3D-tracking] selected for [AF-area mode] in the stored settings, the camera would sometimes fail either to focus or to track the desired subject when autofocus was initiated by pressing the chosen control in focus mode AF-C. - When [AF-area mode], [AF-area mode + AF-ON], [Recall shooting functions], or [Recall shooting functions (hold)] was assigned to a control using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)], the camera would in rare cases stop responding if the chosen control was pressed immediately before or after shooting while [Pinpoint AF] or [Single-point AF] was selected for [AF-area mode]. - FTP errors would sometimes occur during connection to FTP servers. - Upload to certain FTP servers would continue indefinitely with no pictures being uploaded. - Once added to [MY MENU] or [RECENT SETTINGS], Custom setting d14 [Release timing indicator] could not be selected in either menu, nor removed from [MY MENU] using [Remove items].

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 2.11 to 3.00

Note: The changes listed below under “Still Photography”, “Video Recording”, “Displays”, “Playback”, “Controls”, and “Network” are detailed in the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual. ■ Still Photography • The [Image size] item in the photo shooting menu is now [Image size settings] and offers new options that apply only to pictures taken using the DX image area. • Added [C60] to the frame rates available for high-speed frame capture. Custom Setting d4 in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] is now [Pre-Release Capture options]. • Added [High-frequency flicker reduction] to the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU]. • Added [Focus position auto reset] under [Focus shift shooting] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU]. ■ Video Recording • Added [High-frequency flicker reduction] to the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU]. • Added [Hi-Res Zoom] to the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU]. • Added [Reset using remote] under [Timecode] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU]. ■ Displays • The [Prioritize viewfinder] monitor mode has been replaced by [Prioritize viewfinder (1)] and [Prioritize viewfinder (2)]. • Expanded the range of monitor brightness options to include both brighter and darker settings. • Made the following additions to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]: - Added a [3D-tracking focus point color] option for Custom Setting a11 [Focus point display]. - Added [Always] and [Only when flash is not used] options for Custom Setting d9 [View mode (photo Lv)] > [Show effects of settings]. ■ Playback • The [Rotate tall] item in the playback menu is now [Auto-rotate pictures]. If [ON] is selected, the playback displays in the monitor and viewfinder will rotate automatically to match camera orientation. • The playback display now shows the color temperature for pictures taken with [Preset manual] selected for [White balance]. • Options are now available for handling as a group each series of photographs taken in continuous-release modes. • Added [File info] to the options available under [Playback display options] in the [PLAYBACK MENU]. ■ Controls • Added a full-format option under [Format memory card] in the [SETUP MENU] for use with compatible CFexpress memory cards. • Made the following additions to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]: - Added a [Type A auto restore delay] option for Custom Setting d14 [Release timing indicator]. - Added [Center-weighted area] to the items available for customizing shooting displays using Custom Settings d18 [Custom monitor shooting display] and d19 [Custom viewfinder shooting display]. - Custom Settings f2 [Custom controls (shooting)], f3 [Custom controls (playback)], and g2 [Custom controls] now offer access to an expanded selection of custom roles and controls. ■ Network • Connection status is now shown in the shooting display when the camera is connected to an FTP server. • The camera now supports FTPS. • Added an [ATOMOS AirGlu BT options] item to the [NETWORK MENU]. ■ Other Changes • Improved autofocus accuracy. • Improved low-light autofocus performance, lowering the minimum level of illumination required by 0.5 EV. • Reduced the sensitivity of [3D-tracking] to objects passing between the subject and the camera. • Improved focus performance when [Animal] is selected for [AF subject detection options] during [3D-tracking]. • Reduced the tendency of the camera to focus on the background during subject detection when [Wide-area AF (S/L/C1/C2)], [3D-tracking], or [Auto-area AF] was selected. • Focus peaking, electronic rangefinding, and the focus distance indicator are now available when focus is adjusted using the lens focus ring, not only in manual focus mode but in other focus modes as well. In addition, adjustments have been made to the length of time the focus distance indicator is displayed. • Shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity will now be displayed if exposure is adjusted while the live view display is zoomed in. • Improved manual focus response in video mode and when silent mode is selected during still photography. • The shooting display now shows synchronized release connection status. Improvements have also been made to the display in the remote camera list accessed via [Connect to other cameras] > [Remote camera list] in the [NETWORK MENU]. • [Português (PT)] has been added to the languages available via the [Language] item in the [SETUP MENU] for Z 9 cameras sold in Canada and the United States. • Fixed the following issues: - If (a) AF-S was selected for focus mode, (b) an AF-area mode that supported subject detection was selected via a control to which [AF-area mode + AF-ON] had been assigned using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)], and (c) an option other than [Subject detection off] was selected for [AF subject detection options] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU], then pressing the custom control would sometimes fail to activate subject detection. - If (a) 3D-tracking was selected for AF-area mode, (b) an option other than [Subject detection off] was selected for [AF subject detection options] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU], and (c) the shooting settings recalled via a control to which [Recall shooting functions] or [Recall shooting functions (hold)] was assigned using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] had [3D-tracking] selected for [AF-area mode] and [Subject detection off] chosen for [AF subject detection options], then subject detection would continue during AF-ON after the custom control was pressed. - If (a) AF-C was selected for focus mode, (b) an option other than [3D-tracking] was selected for AF-area mode, (c) an option other than [Subject detection off] was selected for [AF subject detection options] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU], and (d) the shooting settings recalled via a control to which [Recall shooting functions] or [Recall shooting functions (hold)] was assigned using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] had [3D-tracking] selected for [AF-area mode], then subject detection would not be performed where expected when AF-ON was initiated via the custom control. - Shutter speeds of 1/320 s to 1/640 s would produce uneven exposure across the frame in pictures taken with SB‑800 flash units using auto FP high-speed sync. - Choosing a different Custom Settings bank in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] after selecting a non-default setting for [Auto bracketing] > [Increment] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] would cause the value for [Auto bracketing] > [Increment] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] to revert to 1. - Shooting information would in rare circumstances disappear from the viewfinder. - Attempting to record 8K video with a NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4S lens attached and an option other than [Off] selected for [Vibration reduction] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU] would sometimes cause the camera to stop responding. - Tracking small or low-contrast subjects against a solid-color background such as a blue sky would sometimes cause the focus area to move to the top of the display. - Selecting [C30] or [C120] for release mode when an option other than [Off] was chosen for [Active D-Lighting] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] would cause monitor or viewfinder brightness to change. - The camera would in rare circumstances fail to record 8K video correctly. - In video mode, the camera would fail to increase the aperture (lower the f/-number) after reaching the upper limit for ISO sensitivity in modes P and S if the value selected for [ISO sensitivity settings] > [Maximum sensitivity] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU] was below [12800]. • Added support for MC-N10 remote grips.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 2.10 to 2.11

• Fixed an issue that in very rare circumstances would cause the camera to stop responding.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 2.00 to 2.10

• [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].

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.11 to 2.00

Note: The changes listed below under “Still Photography”, “Video Recording”, “Displays”, “Playback”, and “Controls” are detailed in the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual. Note: Some Custom Settings have been renumbered due to the addition of new menu options. Still Photography • Added Wide-area AF (C1) and Wide-area AF (C2) AF-area modes. • In photo mode, the control panel now shows additional information for long time-exposures, including the elapsed time and time remaining. • High-speed frame capture now features “pre-release burst” recording. • Changed the procedure for choosing a color temperature when Choose color temperature is selected for white balance. • Changed the size of the area the camera uses to meter values for Preset manual white balance. Video Recording • Added Wide-area AF (C1) and Wide-area AF (C2) AF-area modes. • Changed the procedure for choosing a color temperature when Choose color temperature is selected for white balance. • Changed the size of the area the camera uses to meter values for Preset manual white balance. • Added display zoom ratios of 50% and 200% for use during video recording. • The control panel now displays the current frame size and frame rate in video mode. • Made the following additions to the VIDEO RECORDING MENU: - Added N-RAW 12-bit (NEV) and ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV) RAW video recording options under Video file type. - Added Extended oversampling. • Made the following additions to the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU: - Added a View video info option for Custom Setting g1, Customize “i” menu. - Added a Fast AF-ON option for Custom Setting g2, Custom controls. - Added Fine ISO control (mode M) in position g8. - Added Extended shutter speeds (mode M) in position g9. - Added Brightness information display in position g14. - Added Red REC frame indicator in position g17. • Made the following addition to the SETUP MENU: - Added a 1080i (interlaced) option under HDMI > Output resolution. Displays • Made changes to the Viewfinder only and Prioritize viewfinder monitor modes. • Added release timing indicators for high-speed frame capture. • Made the following addition to the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU: - Added High fps viewfinder display in position d20. • Made the following additions to the SETUP MENU: - Added Lo 1 and Lo 2 options under Viewfinder brightness > Manual. - Added Auto temperature cutout. Playback • Added a Motion blend option under Retouch in the playback “i” menu. • Added Save consecutive frames to the options available in the “i” menu while video playback is paused. • Users can now skip all but the first shot in each burst when paging through pictures in full-frame playback. Controls • Made the following additions to the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU: - Added Focus point selection speed in position a14. - Added a Recall shooting functions (hold) option for Custom Setting f2, Custom controls (shooting). - Added to the list of controls that can be assigned custom roles using Custom Settings f2 (Custom controls (shooting)) and g2 (Custom controls) and added Save focus position and Recall focus position to the roles that can be assigned. - Added Switch focus/control ring roles in position f11 (as of April 20, 2022, this feature is available only with NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S lenses). - Added Prefer sub-selector center in position f13. • Made the following addition to the SETUP MENU: - The settings saved and loaded using Save/load menu settings now include those for Delete pictures from both slots and Filtered playback criteria in the playback menu. Other Changes • Added support for NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lenses. • The sizes available when pictures are downloaded using SnapBridge version 2.9.0 or later now include 8 megapixels (4K) in addition to the existing Original format and 2 megapixels options. • Options highlighted in the “i” menu can now be selected using the center either of the sub-selector or of the multi selector for vertical shooting. • Controls to which Recall shooting functions has been assigned using Custom Setting f2, Custom controls (shooting), can now be used in this role while the camera is connected via USB to a device running apps such as NX Tether or NX MobileAir. • Made changes to autofocus for improved reliability, focus tracking, and low-light subject detection. • Fixed the following issues: - Horizontal lines would in rare cases appear in pictures taken in modes P and A. - Stopping aperture down below f/5.6 with AF-C chosen for focus mode and Focus selected for AF-C priority selection would sometimes disable the shutter release in high-speed frame capture mode. - Slow-moving subjects would sometimes not be in focus in pictures taken in focus mode AF-C at apertures faster than f/2.8. - Selecting ON for Exposure smoothing during interval-timer photography when a non-CPU lens was attached would cause gradually worsening overexposure throughout each series of pictures. - Attempts to connect to SFTP servers configured using macOS would fail with an error unless the home folder was selected as the destination. - When users switched from one custom settings bank to another storing a different setting for Custom Setting a9, Focus mode restrictions, the focus mode setting stored in the second bank would not be recalled; instead, the setting for the first bank would continue in force and could not be changed. - The camera would sometimes stop responding if a picture was taken with ON selected both for Picture review in the PLAYBACK MENU and for Photo flicker reduction in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU. - Messages in some languages would sometimes overflow the display. - Apps such as NX Tether and SnapBridge would display incorrect values for maximum aperture with some lenses during remote photography. - The standby timer would in rare circumstances not be reactivated if the shutter-release button was pressed shortly after it expired. - The following issues would occur in mode M if an option other than Exposure maintenance off was selected for Custom Setting b7 (Keep exp. when f/changes) in the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU when OFF was selected for ISO sensitivity settings > Auto ISO sensitivity control in the photo shooting menu: ▸ Selecting ISO sensitivity for Custom Setting b7 (Keep exp. when f/ changes) would make the camera less responsive when ISO sensitivity was adjusted using the ISO button and command dials. The camera would also display ISO sensitivities lower than the lowest available value (in these circumstances, the lowest available value would be ISO 64). ▸ Selecting Shutter speed for Custom Setting b7 (Keep exp. when f/ changes) would make the camera less responsive when shutter speed was adjusted using the command dials. - Removing and replacing the memory card after copying white balance from an existing photograph using White balance > Preset manual in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU or VIDEO RECORDING MENU would result in the picture for the chosen preset being displayed as a blank black image.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.10 to 1.11

• Fixed an issue that prevented the camera focusing on detected subjects during video recording with all the following chosen in the VIDEO RECORDING MENU: - Image area > Choose image area: DX - AF-area mode: Any of Wide-area AF (S), Wide-area AF (L), Subject-tracking AF, and Auto-area AF - AF subject detection options > Subject detection: Any option other than Subject detection off • Fixed typos in the names of some items in Group a (Focus) of the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU in some languages. • Fixed an issue that would in rare cases cause horizontal stripes to appear in a circle in the center of pictures taken with a Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x or Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x attached to a NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S lens and an option other than Off selected for Vignette control in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU. • Added support for NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lenses (from “C” firmware version 1.10). • Fixed the following issues (from “C” firmware version 1.10): - Using menu items that offer only ON and OFF options would sometimes corrupt the menu display when a lens that supported Custom Setting a14 (Manual focus ring in AF mode) in the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU was attached. - The colors in HLG or N-Log would not be correctly adjusted for display in the viewfinder when ON was selected for Custom Setting g8 (View assist) in the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.00 to 1.10

• Added support for NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S lenses. • Increased the burst length for dual-format (NEF/RAW + JPEG or JPEG + JPEG) pictures taken at 20 fps in continuous high-speed release mode. “C” firmware version 1.00: - NEF/RAW (high-efficiency★) + JPEG basic (large): Approx. 3 seconds * - JPEG Slot 1 - JPEG Slot 2 (Slot 1: JPEG fine (large); Slot 2: JPEG basic (small)): Approx. 3 seconds * “C” firmware version 1.10: - NEF/RAW (high-efficiency★) + JPEG basic (large): Approx. 8 seconds * - JPEG Slot 1 - JPEG Slot 2 (Slot 1: JPEG fine (large); Slot 2: JPEG basic (small)): Approx. 8 seconds * * The length of the burst that can be taken before the frame advance rate drops. Figures are reference values obtained via in-house measurements performed using a NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens and a ProGrade Digital COBALT 1700R 325GB CFexpress memory card. Burst length will drop in some circumstances, including if: - Backup is selected for Role played by card in Slot 2 or - ON is selected for Auto distortion control. • Options highlighted in the Filtered playback criteria list in the PLAYBACK MENU can now also be selected and deselected by pressing the multi selector right. • Fixed an issue that prevented optional SB-5000 flash units synchronizing with the shutter when all the following conditions were met: - A shutter speed faster than the flash sync speed was selected with 1/200 s (Auto FP) or 1/250 s (Auto FP) chosen for Custom Setting e1 Flash sync speed in the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU. - The SB-5000 was controlled via radio AWL using an optional WR-R10 or WR-R11a wireless remote controller mounted on the camera. - The flash unit was not mounted on the camera accessory shoe. • Fixed the following issues: - Using menu items that offer only ON and OFF options would sometimes corrupt the menu display when a lens that supported Custom Setting a14 (Manual focus ring in AF mode) in the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU was attached. - The colors in HLG or N-Log would not be correctly adjusted for display in the viewfinder when ON was selected for Custom Setting g8 (View assist) in the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU.

Viewing the Camera Firmware Version

1. Turn the camera on.
2. Press the camera MENU button and select Firmware version in the SETUP MENU to display the camera firmware version.
3. Check the camera firmware version.
4. Turn the camera off.