Nikon brings pro video features to the Z6III and Z8 with its latest firmware update
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Photo: Richard Butler Nikon has quietly released new firmware for its Z8 and Z6III cameras. These updates bring features previously introduced to the Z9 in December to two more of Nikon's mirrorless bodies. The focus is clearly on video, as all of the firmware changes in version 1.10 for the Z6III and version 2.10 for the Z8 are video-related. They address a range of custom settings and fix a problem with N-Log that has plagued the Z6III since launch. The standout update for the Z6III is a change for N-Log. Nikon says it has "reduced noise in dark areas of N-Log videos." This should be a welcome change, as some users have reported seeing frustratingly high noise and flickering in the shadows when shooting N-Log. Most have mentioned this issue only crops up when shooting in low-light situations, though some have said it's more widespread. Either way, this firmware update should hopefully solve the situation. The other most notable change is that both cameras will now have the option to set a shutter angle instead of a shutter speed. Shutter angles are useful for professional videographers who frequently change recording framerates since shutter angles remain consistent, unlike shutter speeds. Like the Z9, the Z6III and Z8 will support 15 steps of shutter angles from 5.6° to 360°. Outside of shutter angles, the firmware updates include various custom controls and settings. They introduce custom zebra pattern colors, with the option to choose black, gray, red, green, or blue. You can adjust the transparency, size and position of the histogram and wave-form monitor. Hi-Res Zoom is now available when the image area is set to DX. Nikon also introduced a set of features specific to its 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens, including custom controls, the ability to use power zoom and Hi-Res zoom at once and the ability to load and save zoom position. Plus, users can customize the direction of rotation of the zoom ring and how far it needs to be rotated to go from wide to telephoto. The Z8 also gets the benefit of configurable photo and video modes. You can download firmware v1.10 for the Z6III and v2.10 for the Z8 as of today.
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| Photo: Richard Butler |
Nikon has quietly released new firmware for its Z8 and Z6III cameras. These updates bring features previously introduced to the Z9 in December to two more of Nikon's mirrorless bodies. The focus is clearly on video, as all of the firmware changes in version 1.10 for the Z6III and version 2.10 for the Z8 are video-related. They address a range of custom settings and fix a problem with N-Log that has plagued the Z6III since launch.
The standout update for the Z6III is a change for N-Log. Nikon says it has "reduced noise in dark areas of N-Log videos." This should be a welcome change, as some users have reported seeing frustratingly high noise and flickering in the shadows when shooting N-Log. Most have mentioned this issue only crops up when shooting in low-light situations, though some have said it's more widespread. Either way, this firmware update should hopefully solve the situation.
The other most notable change is that both cameras will now have the option to set a shutter angle instead of a shutter speed. Shutter angles are useful for professional videographers who frequently change recording framerates since shutter angles remain consistent, unlike shutter speeds. Like the Z9, the Z6III and Z8 will support 15 steps of shutter angles from 5.6° to 360°.
Outside of shutter angles, the firmware updates include various custom controls and settings. They introduce custom zebra pattern colors, with the option to choose black, gray, red, green, or blue. You can adjust the transparency, size and position of the histogram and wave-form monitor. Hi-Res Zoom is now available when the image area is set to DX.
Nikon also introduced a set of features specific to its 28-135mm f/4 PZ lens, including custom controls, the ability to use power zoom and Hi-Res zoom at once and the ability to load and save zoom position. Plus, users can customize the direction of rotation of the zoom ring and how far it needs to be rotated to go from wide to telephoto. The Z8 also gets the benefit of configurable photo and video modes.
You can download firmware v1.10 for the Z6III and v2.10 for the Z8 as of today.
