Nikon has released the latest firmware versions for the Zf, a retro-inspired hybrid mirrorless camera, and the Z9, its flagship mirrorless shooter.
According to Nikon, firmware version 2.01 for the Nikon Zf and 5.32 for the Nikon Z9 "changed the way the aperture was adjusted on a lens when the standby timer expired.” This is vague at best, and with no extra information provided by Nikon, here’s my educated guess at what it means.
Upon entering sleep mode, the Zf and Z9 will now lock in the current aperture setting, instead of opening the aperture to a wider value.
Digital cameras typically widen lens aperture upon entering sleep mode to allow sufficient light to reach the sensor so that the autofocus (AF) system can quickly re-activate once you begin operating the camera again.
While this can be the difference between snapping a rapidly passing scene and missing it, the drawback is that you have to re-establish the aperture you were shooting at.
But if I’m correct, the firmware update means no fiddling with aperture once the camera wakes up, although it might take the AF longer to reactivate – which Nikon hasn’t confirmed.
Nikon Zf and Z9 firmware downloads
Nikon Z9 firmware version 5.32 download
Nikon Zf firmware version 3.01 download
I always say to hold off downloading the latest firmware for a few weeks. This should give enough time for any new issues to arise in community chatter, and for Nikon to address them. Keep an eye on Digital Camera World and we'll alert you to any problems.
Remember, Nikon warns users not to update firmware with a non-Nikon lens attached, so if you're using third-party lenses, twist it off the body before the update.
Firmware 2.01 for the Zf also fixes an issue where the touch control for the "i" menu would become unavailable in the Prioritize Viewfinder monitor modes.
And firmware 5.32 for the Z9 also solves a problem where the camera would stop responding if you zoomed into a picture during filtered playback while an FTP upload was in progress.
So, these firmware updates bring minor changes to the Nikon Zf and Z9, but ones that have a big impact on usability. That’s it for now, but stay tuned for more Nikon news.
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