Nikon Z 9 Firmware Update 5.10 Released – Shutter Angle Added & Video Enhancements

Firmware Update

by Heath McKnightToday

The Nikon Z 9 firmware update version 5.10 has been released, and it’s all about video enhancements. The camera gains a shutter angle in addition to customizable monitoring tools. Let’s take a look!

The Nikon Z 9 was released in 2021 and is their flagship full-frame, FX-format camera. It features a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor (35.9 mm x 23.9 mm) and can film up to 8K UHD (7680 x 4320) / 30p, 25p, and 24p.

Other features include shutter speed from 1/32000 to 30 seconds (slowest shutter at 900 seconds), best-in-class AF scene detection and fast and silent AF, ISO 64-25600, CFexpress Type B, XQD Type Memory, 20 fps shooting in RAW at full resolution, 30 fps with JPEG at full resolution, and 120 fps with JPEG at II Megapixel, and more.

Firmware update ver. 2.0 allowed the Nikon Z 9 to record internally 12-bit N-RAW up to 8.3K / 60p and ProRes RAW HQ up to 4.1K / 60p. Other firmware updates brought other video tools and enhancements, such as the Hi-Res Zoom function, Auto Capture, improved flicker reduction, minimum ISO for N-Log, and more.

Please make sure you read my colleague Johnnie Behiri’s review of the Z 9. 

Nikon Z 9 firmware update 5.10 – features

The biggest new feature is the addition of a shutter angle [Shutter mode], which will allow the shutter angle to be set 15 steps between 5.6° and 360°. There is no longer a need to select a shutter speed based on the frame rate. Simply set the shutter angle to get the best motion blur, no matter the frame rate. It works in [M] shooting mode.

Additionally, monitoring tools are now customizable, including changing the color of the zebra pattern display. Also, display position, size, and transparency of brightness information displays can be customized. This includes the histogram and waveform monitor and helps confirm appropriate exposure, including high-contrast shots.

With this new update, the Nikon Z 9 continues to be a powerhouse full-frame FX-format camera. The addition of the shutter angle and customizable video monitoring and assist tools will definitely please filmmakers.

Price and availability

The Z 9 firmware update 5.10 is available now and is free. To download and install for Mac or Windows, click here. Additionally, you can learn more about the Nikon Z 9 on their webpage here. The camera retails for $4,995.95, a savings of $500 (lens not included).

Are you shooting with the Z 9? Also, what are your thoughts on the new firmware update 5.10? Let us know in the comments below!