Nikon unveils major upgrade for Z8 camera model - here's a breakdown of the updates...
The Nikon Z8 has received a significant update with the release of Firmware 3.00, introducing numerous improvements that make it a more versatile and powerful tool for photographers. Particularly beneficial for wildlife and sports photography, the update focuses on enhancing autofocus, file management, and additional features.
## Key Features and Improvements
### Autofocus Enhancements
One of the most notable changes is the ability to select a subject type for detection priority when using manual focus, providing greater control over focus. New custom wide-area AF setting patterns have also been introduced, offering more flexible focus control. Focusing can now be done at maximum aperture in live view, which helps achieve precise focus.
### File Management
The camera can create new folders automatically for each Pixel Shift sequence, making file organization easier. Pixel Shift with Focus Shift or AE Bracketing allows for high-resolution images with enhanced detail and control, particularly useful for studio and product photography. When processed in NX Studio, it can yield up to 180MP images.
### Focus Limiter
An in-body focus limiter has been added, allowing users to set minimum and maximum focus distances. This prevents the camera from hunting or accidentally locking onto foreground distractions, enhancing the speed and accuracy of focus acquisition in wildlife or sports scenarios.
### Additional Features for Wildlife and Sports
The overall AF performance has been enhanced, making it more suitable for fast-paced photography. A 400% magnification option is available for ultra-precise manual focusing, which benefits ensuring sharp images in fast-moving subjects.
Other updates include JPEG Fine quality being available across all continuous shooting speeds, fully automatic Pixel Shift shooting, and the ability to import custom color profiles to the Z8 via memory card. N-Log View Assist has been tuned to better match RED's technical LUT, and new presets for reducing flicker under high-frequency LED lighting have been included.
The Nikon Z8 Firmware 3.00 update benefits both stills and video shooters, with high-speed shooters now able to fire in bursts of 15fps with Pre-Release Capture. Kalum Carter, a photographer, filmmaker, creative director, and writer, offers insights on the Nikon Z8, highlighting the camera's improved capabilities and its growing appeal for photographers.
With these updates, the Nikon Z8 becomes an even more compelling option for photographers, particularly those focusing on high-resolution, wildlife, and sports photography.
- The Nikon Z8's autofocus can now select a subject type for detection priority when using manual focus, providing photographers with better control over focus, especially beneficial for wildlife and sports photography.
- New custom wide-area AF setting patterns have been introduced in the Nikon Z8, offering more flexible focus control for various photography genres such as wildlife and sports.
- Focusing at maximum aperture in live view is now possible on the Nikon Z8, aiding in achieving precise focus, particularly useful for fast-moving subjects like wildlife or sports events.
- The Nikon Z8's camera can create new folders automatically for each Pixel Shift sequence, making file organization more manageable for studio and product photography.
- An in-body focus limiter has been added to the Nikon Z8, allowing users to set minimum and maximum focus distances, warding off unwanted distractions during wildlife or sports photography.
- The overall AF performance of the Nikon Z8 has been enhanced, making it more suitable for fast-paced wildlife and sports photography.
- High-speed shooters can now fire bursts of 15fps with Pre-Release Capture on the Nikon Z8, benefiting both stills and video shooters, particularly action photographers.
