Nikon has just released new firmware updates for their Z8 (V2.10) and Z6III (V1.10) mirrorless cameras. The latest firmware strongly focuses on enhancing the video capabilities of the two cameras, bringing useful features such as Shutter Angle display, refined customization of exposure tools, and more granular control for Power Zoom lenses.
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Following Nikon’s acquisition of RED last year, the Japanese company probably feels a bit of pressure to perform and prove that their products can live up to the demanding standards of the filmmaking community. And while the first RED cameras with Nikon Z mount are shipping already, Nikon never seems to forget about constantly improving their Z series mirrorless lineup via a strong firmware update game.
Indeed, at the end of last year and 3+ years after its initial release, the flagship Z9 received another major firmware update (V5.10), adding Shutter Angle and refined customization options for monitoring tools such as zebra, histogram, and waveform. Those same features are now being ported over to the Z8 and Z6III. Let’s take a look!
Firmware V2.10 for Nikon Z8 and V1.10 for Nikon Z6III – features
One of the most interesting features that comes with firmware V2.10 for Z8 and V1.10 for Z6III is the addition of a new Shutter Mode option. Essentially, this allows you to select whether your camera displays the exposure time in seconds or angle.
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Using the Shutter Angle option can help you speed things up in the field, especially if you change your frame rate very often. When Shutter Angle is selected, the exposure time can be adjusted in 15 steps ranging from 5.6° to 360°.
Moreover, users now gain better control over the appearance of useful exposure tools. Indeed, you can now select the color of the zebra pattern among five available options (black/gray/red/green/blue) as well as adjust the size, transparency, and position of the histogram or waveform monitor. For me, the latter is a small but very welcome addition, as I noticed it’s easy for the waveform monitor to get in the way when using my Z6III.
Last but not least, the firmware adds new options for the Hi-Res digital zoom function as well as optimized controls for Power Zoom lenses. Hi-Res zoom can now be used even in DX crop mode, although only up to 2160p on the Z8 and 1080p on the Z6III, and can also be synced to the optical zoom of PZ lenses via a new Power/Hi-Res Zoom Collab menu item.
On the other hand, you can now change the rotation and range of the zoom ring on Power Zoom lenses, and you can also select different zoom speeds when performing a zoom using either the zoom lever on the PZ lens or the button controls.
Improved image quality for Nikon Z6III?
Among the release notes of firmware version V1.10 for the Nikon Z6III, we can read “Reduced noise in dark areas of N-Log videos.” Although I have never experienced any issue when shooting N-Log on my Z6III, I have read comments online of people complaining about some weird flickering/artifacts appearing in the shadow areas of N-Log footage, especially when shooting away from the native ISO values.
If that’s your case, I encourage you to test out the new firmware and see if your issue has been addressed. And please, don’t forget to report back on your findings in the comment section below!
Price and availability
The new firmware V2.10 for Nikon Z8 and V1.10 for Nikon Z6III are now available to download for free from the manufacturer’s website. Nikon has also made available two Supplement Firmware Update Manuals (Z8 / Z6III) to guide you in further detail through these new features.
For the full firmware release notes, please visit Nikon’s Download Center here.
Have you ever shot videos on the Nikon Z8 or Z6III? What do you think of these new features? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!
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