Nikon continues its strategy of rolling out major firmware updates for its flagship cameras. With Firmware Update 5.00, the Nikon Z9 clearly has the Olympic Games in its sights. This update notably improves the control of the Auto Capture mode, introduces a slower burst rate of 15 fps in this mode, and offers enhanced management of the LED flicker reduction system.
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The Nikon Z9 Shifts into 5th Gear
Nikon continues to refine its flagship full-frame mirrorless camera, the Z9. On March 13, 2024, the Japanese manufacturer is rolling out the Firmware Version 5.00 for its flagship body.
This new update notably improves the Auto Capture function. As a reminder, this option allows for very precise control of when the camera triggers, based on movement, subject type, and focus area settings.
A Fully Time-Controlled Auto Capture Mode
With Firmware 5.00, the Z9’s Auto Capture mode catches up with that of the Z8. It becomes possible to trigger based on the subject’s size or speed. However, this new firmware takes it even further with a brand-new “reserve” function, allowing users to set the start and end date and time for capture. You can now choose whether Auto Capture runs for 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, or even indefinitely.
Nikon also introduces a slower burst rate — still within Auto Capture mode. Until now, you could only opt for extremely fast bursts of 20, 30, or 120 fps. Nikon now allows shooting at 15 fps (C15 mode), helping to reduce the number of redundant frames.
Smoother Burst Review
From the playback menu, the Z9 (like the Z8) now allows burst viewing by series. This significantly streamlines image reviewing. You can even choose, within each series, the playback speed — either keeping the original capture speed or opting for slower or faster speeds. This is perfect both for detailed analysis or for speeding up internal sorting processes.
Nikon has also refined the high-frequency flicker reduction feature. Within the camera, you can now configure four presets with different frequencies to match various lighting conditions. This function can even be assigned to a custom button for quicker access in the field.
New Noise Reduction Mode and HEIF Transfer via FTP
Nikon introduces a new noise reduction mode when capturing high ISO JPEGs. In addition to the existing Type A, there’s now a Type B noise reduction, offering better detail and color reproduction even under heavy digital noise.
Furthermore, the Nikon Z9 now allows HEIF 8-bit image transfer via FTP servers. When enabled, the camera converts a JPEG or RAW file into a HEIF file (around 4 MB — or even 1 MB depending on compression) and transfers it in that format. Note that the HEIF file is not saved on the card. This could prove extremely useful during the Olympic Games, where tens — even hundreds — of thousands of images are transferred daily.
Finally, the portrait color mode with richer skin tones from the Zf has been added, along with the skin softening treatment function that improves complexion and brightness rendering.
Update Availability
Firmware Update 5.00 is now available for the Nikon Z9. It can be downloaded for free from the Nikon Download Center.
Our First Impressions of Nikon Z9 Firmware 5.00
We are thrilled that Nikon continues to add new features to its flagship cameras. This Firmware Update 5.00 for the Z9 is particularly noteworthy, with its refinement of Auto Capture mode, improved flicker reduction handling, and the ability to send HEIF files directly to FTP servers.
The Z9 now seems well-prepared for the Olympics — ultimately its best justification. Naturally, we still wonder why Nikon hasn’t yet introduced the 180MP high-resolution mode from the Z8 to the Z9. It seems the two cameras continue their game of cat and mouse. Twins in terms of hardware and software, we remain curious why they still haven’t been fully aligned through a comprehensive firmware update.
