Nikon Canada Inc. has released firmware version 2.00 for its full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6III. This marks the first major update since the launch of the Z6III and introduces several features equivalent to those found in the flagship Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8.
This firmware update adds the long-awaited [Birds] mode to subject detection, offering an enhanced shooting experience for both still and videos. The Auto Capture function now enables automatic shooting under pre-configured conditions, supporting flexible shooting styles tailored to various situations.
The dedicated [Birds] mode automatically tracks birds in flight with great precision, keeping them in focus even against complex, high-contrast backgrounds like forests and rocky mountains. This allows photographers to concentrate on framing images, helping to meet their expectations.
There is also a [Focus limiter setting] that can be assigned to a custom control to limit the shooting distance range, for more accurate focusing on the desired subject. In addition, the [JPEG fine] image quality setting can now be selected when Pre-Release Capture, which records images for up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, is used during full-frame shooting at 60 fps. This makes it possible to capture the moment a bird takes flight with superior image quality, says Nikon.
Firmware version 2.00 also adds the Auto Capture function, which enables automatic shooting with pre-configured conditions. This allows you to specify the subject type, direction of movement, and shooting distance range to capture previously difficult scenes, such as those that require shooting in places or positions where photographers would disturb their subject.
The function is also equipped with a scheduling feature that allows you to specify the day and time to initiate Auto Capture in advance, reducing battery consumption between camera setup and the start of shooting. In combination with a USB-to-Ethernet adapter, it enables high-speed data transfer even to remote destinations, meeting the high demands of professional environments.
Additionally, for the first time for a Nikon product, the Z6III supports the Nikon Authenticity Service, a solution primarily aimed at media organizations and creators who require a high level of trustworthiness in their work. The service is compatible with the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard, clearly recording provenance information from shooting through to editing to ensure greater transparency and reliability of content. By making a prior request through Nikon Imaging Cloud, users can load the digital certificate necessary for recording provenance data onto the Z6III.
The image provenance function adds metadata, including information about the equipment used and data that makes it easy to verify whether the image has been tampered with, including a digital signature, to captured image files. This enables you to prove that a photo was taken with a Nikon camera. If the image is then edited repeatedly using C2PA-compliant editing software, additional provenance information can be embedded in the image alongside the original shooting data, making it possible to prove that no misleading edits have been made. In addition, image provenance data can be viewed in Nikon Imaging Cloud.
Additional features include an [Automatic monitor display switch] function for disabling the eye sensor when the vari-angle monitor is deployed; a function that allows you to exit the zoom view with a half-press of the shutter-release button when the focus mode is set to manual; Pixel shift shooting used in combination with focus shift shooting or AE bracketing settings for more precise photographic expression; and a [Recall shooting functions] option that allows you to recall previously stored settings, including shooting mode, shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity, with the press of a button and that can be assigned to a custom control. The update also adds support for USB streaming (UVC/UAC), which allows the camera to be used as a webcam by simply connecting it to a computer or smartphone.
By default, firmware updates are now installed automatically after the camera connects to Nikon Imaging Cloud (a note about setting the camera’s date and time has been added to the instructions for connecting to the cloud to prevent connection errors between Nikon Imaging Cloud and the camera). Operation has been simplified by automatically displaying an update confirmation dialog on the camera monitor after registering an imaging recipe in Nikon Imaging Cloud.
Nikon Z6III owners can visit the website here to learn more about the new firmware.