Nikon Zf Firmware 2.00 Released

Just earlier today, Nikon has officially released firmware 2.00, a major firmware update, for the Nikon Zf.

The new firmware can be downloaded directly from their official page here.

Similarly, the long list of changes and updates implemented in this new major firmware update is listed on the official download page link above, as well as documented in a supplementary firmware update manual (PDF download). I highly recommend going through both the changelog and the supplementary manual to learn more about the changes.

This update came at a really good time - I was just discussing about this firmware and the Z6III’s missing firmware update a few days ago in this post here, and I believed that the updates would come before the Z5II’s official shipping date. (And still believe that the one meant for the Z6III would come adhere to this rule too)

Now as mentioned this is a major firmware update with a long list of changes, so I am just going to list here some of the changes that I am really excited about.

• The monitor/AF point bug is fixed! Like finally! (I have documented the bug in my Zf equipment discussion page here)

• Cycle-AF area mode can be set to a custom button - this is the one function I use a lot on my Z8, and hence have been waiting for it to come to the Zf ever since the Z50II gave a sneak peek of what to expect. The video record button, being slightly out of the way, is now way more useful since there is no fiddling with dials but just a button press away from an AF area mode change.

• Auto ISO capability can be split between “C” mode and when using the dedicated ISO dial to set ISO. Simply put, there is now a very quick, easy (and may I also say, elegant) way to turn on Auto ISO without going into the menus. (I previously discussed this small inconvenience back in this post here and in my Zf discussion page, and although I suggested having a custom function for it, the solution implemented is actually way more elegant and I definitely am thankful I am not the UX designer lol)

  • By setting Auto ISO to ON when in C mode, and setting Auto ISO to OFF in the dial region, just by a quick turn to the C mode you could easily activate Auto ISO, and switching back to any of the ISO values on the dial would lock it back to fixed ISO at that value.

  • The “Auto ISO with dial setting the max ISO” trick still works if you set Auto ISO on for both instances.

• Ability to change the command dials to represent ISO or exposure compensation when shooting in M-mode - I am not the target audience for this since I prefer to keep my shutter speed dial to 1/3-step and use the command dial for it, but for those who exclusively use the physical shutter speed dial with Auto-ISO I can totally see how this would change the way the camera would work for themm

• Nikon Imaging Cloud access is finally here, and I am quite excited to test out all the recipes, especially since some of my work does require me to shoot and deliver in JPG directly this would really be helpful.

• Double tap Touch Fn is available, and can be used to set absolute position or reset the AF point. Nice.

• Remember this pair of very confusing menu items? Turns out that Nikon did listen to feedback, and it is now properly labeled as “Record Camera Orientation”!

There are also quite a few video-related updates, but truth be told I am not a video person (at least at point of writing) so I am not going to discuss much about them here.

In summary, the Zf is already a very highly performant camera, and all these quality of life changes (and the much needed bug fix) would make this camera a bigger joy to use!

Nikon Z5II Announcement and Opinions

The Nikon Z5II has just been officially announced, and camera shops in Japan will begin to accept preorders for the camera from 10 April.

The official press release and specifications of the camera can be viewed here:

• Press Release Page (English or Japanese)

• Official Product Page (English or Japanese)

As I had expected and anticipated, the Z5II is pretty much a Z5 body updated with Zf internals (plus some nice surprises here and there).

Here is a brief summary of the major changes of the Z5II over the Z5:

• 24.5MP BSI sensor, ISO 100-64000, similar to that of the Zf

• Expeed 7 CPU

• Faster and more sensitive AF - claimed to be 3 times faster than the Z5 and being able to focus in -10 EV situations

• Subject detection modes similar to that of the other Expeed 7 bodies

• 7.5 stops of IBIS

• Up to 14 FPS RAW with mechanical shutter

• 3.2-inch 2.1 million dots flip screen, similar to that used in the Zf

• 3.69 million dots EVF, with improved 3000 cd/m2 brightness (similar to that of the Z8/Z9)

• Picture control button (similar to that in the Z50II)

• Video improvements include 12-bit N-RAW, FX 4K30p from 6K oversampled video, 4K60p in crop (DX) mode, up to 125minutes of continuous video recording

Some of the features of the Z5 are kept with the Z5II, for better or worse, namely:

• Dual SD card slots (but does seem like both are UHS-II capable)

• No top LCD panel

• No mode dial lock

I think this model is an essential and very important part of Nikon’s Z lineup. On one hand it would be the entry level Expeed 7 FX body, thus attracting new users to the ecosystem with a sleuth of features is a key point in securing these new purchases. On the other hand, for many users (like me) who do not need the high frame rates or video specs, this is essentially the perfect Z6II replacement (although I am a bit sad with the lack of top screen though).

So far on paper it is very much what I expected it to be, and am looking forward to testing it out in the showroom before making a decision to pre-order or not (because you know, the Z8 strap lug fiasco..)

Here are some things that I cannot confirm now, and am planning to check them out when I get to test the camera:

• According to the specs sheet, the base length is identical to that of the Z5 (and Z6/Z7/Z6II/Z7II) - and it lists both the MB-N11 and MB-N14 as compatible accessories. Does this mean that the Z-GR1 is a perfect fit for it too? (P.S. it does not fit the Z6III perfectly due to a change in length of the base plate)

• Is the set in Japan available in Japanese language only (like the Z50II) or does it have English menus too?

• How customizable are the buttons? (Z50II level of customization or the slightly crippled Z6III level?)

• Are both SD card slots able to write at full UHS-II speeds?

• Weather sealing and weather resistance information [Update: Just checked the press material again and seems like it is properly weather sealed]

I am definitely stoked that for now this sounds like a perfect replacement for my Z6II workhorse (minus the top screen, yeah I know I sound like a broken record), especially so if the Z-GR1 is able to fit it perfectly.

And also I guess I need to reconsider my little APS-C plan too.