Nikon Releases New Firmware for Z9 with Flicker Reduction

Nikon has announced a firmware update for their flagship Z9 full-frame FX format mirrorless camera. Through version 2.10, the Nikon Z9 is getting a new flicker reduction feature, plus some improvements in autofocus performance.

The Nikon Z9, the company’s flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, was recently given the capability of capturing 8K60p Raw video from its 45mp Expeed 7 FX-format image sensor through the Firmware 2.0 update.

The 12-bit N-Raw video codec images through a unique codec algorithm called TikoRaw, which is able to store vast amounts of image data in smaller file sizes.

The Z9 will be capable of capturing highly efficient RAW files without compromising image integrity through compression. The full power of the image sensor data is thereby saved while reducing bandwidth, storage needs, and transfer times. The camera can also capture 10-Bit 4:2:2 ProRes Raw files as well.

Now, through Version 2.10, the Z9 introduces a new high-frequency flicker reduction function in photo shooting mode. The HFFR feature fine tunes the shutter speed to as small as 1/96th between 1/8000 and 1/30 seconds. This creates even greater precision in suppressing the effects of light flicker, especially when using LEDs and other high flickering lights.

In addition to dialing in shutter speeds to suppress light flicker, the new firmware adds wide-area autofocus custom modes, as well as additional information highlighted during long-time exposure modes. There is also improvement in the autofocus tracking performance of the Z9, especially when trying to lock onto small objects.

The improved accuracy also makes it easier for the camera to detect and track the eyes and faces of a subject when using continuous-servo autofocus (AF-C). Extended oversampling has also been added.

But perhaps the best feature in this update is adding pre-release high-speed frame burst capture recording. Nikon has also added N-RAW 12-bit (NEV) and ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV) RAW video recording options under Video file type, for easier selection.

There are also housekeeping and bug fixes including vibration reductions during panning shots, preventing shutter release from being disabled under continuous AF focus mode. And enabling aperture lock in various shooting modes. Auto distortion control performance is now more reliable.

The new firmware is available for download now from the Nikon website. A complete step-by-step firmware update instruction guide can also be downloaded.

[source: Nikon]

Order Links:

• Nikon Z 9 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only) (B&H, Adorama)