We all love a firmware update, and this one is for our Nikon Z6 III users! Nikon has announced Firmware Version 2.00 for the Nikon Z6 III, the first major upgrade since its launch, and it includes several advancements, including the long-awaited [Birds] mode to subject detection, offering an enhanced shooting experience for both still and video. Plus, the Auto Capture function now enables automatic shooting under pre-configured conditions, supporting flexible shooting styles tailored to various situations. But it doesn't stop there, for the first time in a Nikon product, the Z6 III supports the Nikon Authenticity Service, a solution primarily designed for media organizations and creators who require a high level of trustworthiness in their work. The service is compatible with the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA) standard, clearly recording provenance information from shooting through to editing to ensure greater transparency and reliability of content. Let's take a closer look!Â
The first major upgrade of Firmware Version 2.00 for the Nikon Z6 III is the improved subject detection with dedicated [Birds] mode. When [Birds] mode is selected, the camera automatically tracks birds in flight with great precision, keeping them in focus even against complex, high-contrast backgrounds such as 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.
The next major improvement is the Auto Capture function, which enables automatic shooting with pre-configured conditions. This allows users 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 the user 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.
Another noteworthy advancement is the image provenance function that complies with the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard. Part of the Nikon Authenticity Service, users can make a prior request through Nikon Imaging Cloud, and can then load the digital certificate necessary for recording provenance data onto their Z6 III. The image provenance function adds metadata (such as 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 users 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. This function aims to protect individuals and enterprises in the imaging industry from any unfavourable results caused by falsification and/or image manipulation, and to realize a society in which creative and business activities can be conducted with greater peace of mind.
Expanded Functions and Improvements to Operability
- An [Automatic monitor display switch] function for disabling the eye sensor when the vari-angle monitor is deployed has been added, a first for the Nikon Z series.
- A function that allows users to exit the zoom view with a half-press of the shutter-release button when the focus mode is set to manual has been added.
- Pixel shift shooting can now be used in combination with focus shift shooting or AE bracketing settings for more precise photographic expression than ever before.
- A [Recall shooting functions] option that allows users to recall previously stored settings – including shooting mode, shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity – with the press of a button has been added to the roles that can be assigned to a custom control.
- 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 dialogue on the camera monitor after registering an imaging recipe in Nikon Imaging Cloud.
Click here to learn more and download Firmware Version 2.00 for the Nikon Z6 III!
