Nikon Canada Inc. has announced its NX Field remote shooting and image transfer system designed for use by commercial and editorial agencies as well as wire services.
Scheduled to be released on June 17, 2021, this solution will support those working in news, sports, and event reporting by allowing users to link multiple compatible Nikon cameras, operate and adjust settings, and automatically upload images captured with the cameras to an FTP server.
This system is currently compatible with the Nikon D6 and Nikon D5 digital SLR cameras. Support for mirrorless cameras such as the Nikon Z 9, Z 7II, and Z 6II is planned for the future.
NX Field will be a scalable solution released by Nikon Professional Service (NPS), a Nikon program that offers support and services to professional photographers throughout the world. The NX Field system consists of the dedicated camera firmware, which can be installed for a fee, as well as the NX Field app, which can be downloaded to a compatible smart device/tablet.
By connecting multiple compatible Nikon cameras, the camera set as the master camera can simultaneously control the shutter release on up to 10 remote cameras. Cameras can be connected via a wired LAN cable or wireless LAN.
Further, with the additional use of the NX Field app for smart devices, the shutter release on remote cameras connected via a wired LAN cable or wireless LAN, can be controlled from the smartphone or tablet to which it is installed. The app can also be used to perform a number of tasks remotely, including checking the live view through the lens, changing /confirming camera settings, and uploading images captured with the cameras.
The NX Field system supports remote shooting via the 5G high-speed communications standard or the internet, which, for example, can enable the remote operation of cameras positioned in Tokyo from an operator in New York.
What’s more, the system enables the immediate and automatic upload of images captured with the master and remote cameras to an FTP server. When a wired LAN cable connection is used, the system is stable as is not easily affected by external factors such as a lack of sufficient Wi-Fi signal or high Wi-Fi traffic.
By enabling the remote cameras to be positioned in places that people cannot easily access, such as at the finish line of a race, near a stadium ceiling, or in situations where the number of photographers allowed on site are restricted, NX Field supports the confident capture of decisive moments, says Nikon. The system achieves immediacy in workflow with images captured from previously difficult perspectives and angles for greater diversity.
Support for the Nikon Z 9, Z 7II, Z 6II, Z 7, and Z 6 is planned for the future. Smart device models and OS supported by the app is available for iPhone 8 or later, iPad Pro (2018 model) or later, iPad Air 4 or later, and iOS and iPad OS (version 14.4 or later for both).