• Subject detection is now available when [Single-point AF], [Dynamic-area AF (S)], [Dynamic-area AF (M)], or [Dynamic-area AF (L)] is selected for [AF-area mode].
• Extended the dimensions of focus areas available with [Wide-area AF (C1)] and [Wide-area AF (C2)] AF-area modes.
• Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Controls. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.
• Added [Reset focus after shooting] to [Auto capture]. Also added [Face] to subject detection type options.
■ Video Recording
• Subject detection is now available when [Single-point AF] is selected for [AF-area mode].
• Extended the dimensions of focus areas available with [Wide-area AF (C1)] and [Wide-area AF (C2)] AF-area modes.
• Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Controls. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.
• Added [Reset focus after shooting] to [Auto capture]. Also added [Face] to subject detection type options.
• Selecting [ON] for [Hi-Res Zoom] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU] now displays a focus point on the detected subject in the shooting display.
■ Playback
• Added [Date] to [Filtered playback criteria] in playback menu and playback “i” menu.
• Added [Loop playback] in the video playback “i” menu.
• Added [Auto-rotate during playback] to the playback menu.
■ Controls
• Added an [Active subject detection options] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in positions of a10 and g6.
• The a14 [Max. aperture Lv during MF] item is now a15 [Maximum aperture Lv] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Added a [Focus limiter setting] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a17.
• [Focus limiter] and [Cycle subject detection options] are added to the roles assignable via f2 [Custom controls (shooting)] and g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] and separate settings can now be saved to [Recall shooting functions] and [Recall shooting functions (hold)]. In addition, a magnification option of [400%] has been added to [Zoom on/off].
• Added [Jump to the source image] as an assignable role to f3 [Custom controls (playback)] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Added a [Cycle image area using built-in TC] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of f11.
■ Network
• You can now add descriptive text to existing network profiles using [Connect to FTP server] in [NETWORK MENU].
• Added [Sync date and time with NTP server] to [Connect to FTP server] > [Options] in [NETWORK MENU].
• Added [Overwrite copyright info] to [Connect to other cameras] in the [NETWORK MENU].
• The master camera can now detect and connect to remote cameras on the same network.
• Added [USB streaming (UVC/UAC)] to [USB] in the [NETWORK MENU].
■ Other Changes
• Made improvements to the autofocus operation and its reliability including subject acquisition during still photography.
• Direct measurement of white balance is now available also for still photography via applications, such as NX Tether.
• Voice memo recording is now available with external microphones.
• Changed the specifications for uninterrupted video output to HDMI devices such as external monitors when recording ended.
• The headphone volume level can now be adjusted in the “i” menu during video recording.
• Videos no longer rotate automatically with the camera when [Auto-rotate pictures] is set to [ON] in the [PLAYBACK MENU].
• Added [Flat Monochrome] and [Deep Tone Monochrome] Picture Control options to [RAW processing (current picture)] / [RAW processing (multiple pictures)] in the [Retouch] menu. Also added support for “Flexible Color” Picture Controls.
• The speed at which the camera cycles through focus points using the multi selector or sub-selector no longer slows down when changing direction.
• The tonal characteristics have been changed when [ON] is selected for Custom Setting g14 [View assist] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Fixed typos in the monitor display when pressing a control to which [Shooting menu bank] had been assigned using Custom Setting g2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] while either [Histogram] or [Wave-form monitor] was displayed during video recording.
Just installed the update. Have a ton of shoots on the schedule this week, should be able to tell if there’s a noticeable improvement pretty quickly.
Seems we didn’t get full parity with the Z8, but much closer now. Not that I felt the Z9 was lacking in any way, but I’ll definitely take improvements and new features!
Curious to see if there's any improvement in bird detection. Z8 struggle with long necked birds like heron, egret etc. I have a solution for this. So not a big deal. But it'll be nice if they improved the subject detention and tracking.
Vinnie_VdB wrote:
Thx Lance and thx Nikon for the Christmas present and in perfect timing for my wildlife shooting trip to East Africa later this month.
How does subject detection work when it's in [Single-point AF], [Dynamic-area AF (S)], [Dynamic-area AF (M)], or [Dynamic-area AF (L)] is selected for [AF-area mode]... ?
ekam wrote:
How does subject detection work when it's in [Single-point AF], [Dynamic-area AF (S)], [Dynamic-area AF (M)], or [Dynamic-area AF (L)] is selected for [AF-area mode]... ?
NVM, Ricci video explained it.
The most important update for me, like Ricci, is the option to assign 'Cycle subject detection' to a button. Now I use different banks for this and it's a longer process to change subject (Animal vs Birds)
Only one issue. I have only Z8, not Z9. So have to wait
Really encouraging to see that subject detection is now available when [Single-point AF] is selected for [AF-area mode]
Currently I've been using the Wide-Area AF C1 for this to make a small 1x1 square, but the Z9 won't grab the eye / face unless the square is very close to those facial features.
As a sports shooter, I've been wanting to have a Single-point AF square (or Dynamic Area 'S'), point it at an athlete's chest area, and have it grab the eye / face.
My Z9 is off for repair at Nikon, as it took a spill when I was in the Grand Tetons. With that said, I am so grateful that Nikon continues to improve the UI/Functions of the Z9. It has been my workhorse and will continue to fill that niche in the years to come.
I also have a Z8 and Z6III, neither of these cameras feel as good in the hands or suggests the sense of confidence I feel when using my Z9.
First impressions very positive. Updated last night and shooting birds this morning. Acquisition seems noticeably improved and seems to lock on and keep focus on BIF (still going through images) instead of the random drop focus that happened previously.
Also very nice to be able to cycle through subject detection - turned off all options except birds, animals and none. Never shot people, planes or autos since having the camera.
jeffryscott wrote:
First impressions very positive. Updated last night and shooting birds this morning. Acquisition seems noticeably improved and seems to lock on and keep focus on BIF (still going through images) instead of the random drop focus that happened previously.
Also very nice to be able to cycle through subject detection - turned off all options except birds, animals and none. Never shot people, planes or autos since having the camera.
Great to hear. Hope Nikon will add these to Z8 soon
jeffryscott wrote:
First impressions very positive. Updated last night and shooting birds this morning. Acquisition seems noticeably improved and seems to lock on and keep focus on BIF (still going through images) instead of the random drop focus that happened previously.
Totally agree with this, went out again this morning and although I didn't get any really challenging shots it seemed the same, quicker acquisition. I mentioned this yesterday but wasn't sure but today I noticed it again. Hope to get some more challenging chances next time out which would be Friday. Another great update though and after 4 years they are still making this camera better!
I also tested out the Z9 yesterday at lunchtime with the new 5.3 firmware. Didn't have much time, and I don't know if it's me wanting to see a difference, but I spotted 2 European Jays in a gorse bush, heavily covered by lots of branches, and not only did the Z9 pick them up, but immediately went straight to the eye, and stuck with it. I should add as well it was typical UK December weather as well, quite dark and very overcast (even at lunchtime), gloomy and spitting with rain, with ISO's in the 20,000 mark and up, It might just me me having not used the Z9 for about a month or so, but I don't recall it's bird detection being that tenacious and sticky. (I had the Z 400mm F4.5 with the 1.4x Converter on the Z9 at the time).
Like I say though, it could be a placebo affect and I'm just looking for improvements (not that it was ever bad of course) ?
