Where Are the Zf and Z6III Firmware Updates?

After the Z5II’s announcement last week (details of the announcement on this post here), I took a look at some of the videos and articles done by people who have tried out the pre-production units, and realized that the Z5II would come with a firmware very similar to that the Z50II.

That is to say, it would include a lot of the newer customization options that were added to the Z8/Z9 via firmware updates (such as being able to set “Cycle AF-area mode” to a custom key, or being able to set the “Delete” function to a custom key during playback).

When I tried out the Zf loaded with the pre-release FW2.00 at Nikon’s booth in CP+ 2025 earlier this year, on top of the Nikon Imaging Cloud access options, the “f2: Custom Controls (Shooting)” custom settings also saw many new additions to it, bringing the level of customization to that of the Z8/Z9 (and now, the Z50II and Z5II too), as well as fixing the infamous rear-screen bug of the Zf.

And since Nikon did mention themselves that the Zf would see an update to gain access to the Imaging Cloud, it is only a matter of time before the Zf’s firmware update would land.

Which then raises a very interesting question - why does the Z6III’s firmware feel a bit nerfed as compared to the supposedly lower level Z50II and Z5II?

With the exception of the Z6III (and Zf for now), all the EXPEED 7 based bodies, FX or DX, would come equipped with a dedicated Bird AF in its subject detection options. While I know that for the Z6III the animal detection AF would work for birds too, it just feels strange that the Z6III, supposedly being the top-of-the-line hybrid camera, lacks that option, as well as the other customizations available for setting custom functions to the Fn keys. These customizations can be viewed as quality-of-life improvements, and many of which would benefit working photographers. And if the pre-release Zf FW 2.00 were to be a clue, most of the customizations seen in the Z50II/Z5II are just firmware based and can be added via an update.

There might be issues or difficulties that we do not know about regarding implementing the options in Z6III, or perhaps the presence of some other bugs that they would like to iron out, or perhaps there some are extra additions or goodies they would like to include in the major firmware update of the Z6III - all of which only the Nikon engineers would know and I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt. But nevertheless, I personally think as a sign of good faith Nikon should release the major firmware update for Z6III before the Z5II officially ships, so that current owners of Z6III would not feel left out, or in harsher terms, cheated, that a lower level body would have the improved menu options and customizations.

Final note: these are just my personal observations, opinions and speculations, and are by no means rumors or confirmations of any sorts regarding firmware updates coming any time soon.

New Flexible Color Picture Control

I mentioned in my previous entry that I was quite intrigued about the new Flexible Color Picture Control when the Z6III was first announced, and during the touch-and-try event I managed to get some hands-on experience using the picture controls and spoke to some of the staff regarding its development and implementation.

As a brief introduction, picture control profiles are selectable profiles within the camera when shooting (both stills and video), which comes with a set of options that the user can fine tune to their liking for a certain look, and these settings are applied to live view previews (when Apply Settings to Live View/Show Effects of Settings are turned on), applied directly to saved JPG/HEIF files, and also used for the saved JPG previews within the RAW file.

In recent years Nikon has introduced more picture control profiles, such as creative picture controls that gives a more distinct look to the images via color casts and more manipulated tone curves, or multiple monochrome picture controls for different black and white looks - very similar to what other manufacturers do for film simulations or the likes.

And now what they are doing with the new Flexible Color Picture Control is to bring the level of color customization a step further to allow users to fine tune color casts, color blending, color grading on top of tone curve (contrast) and sharpness settings.

So before I continue, no, this is not a unique breakthrough or a game-changer of any sorts (yeah we all dislike this term don’t we), since other manufacturers usually have something similar in their cameras too.

But its implementation is something that I think is intriguing and am keenly interested to see how it will unfold.

As of writing, although the Z6III is the only camera that allows you to select Flexible Color in its picture control settings, I foresee it would come to other Expeed 7 bodies via a firmware update in the near future, like how the extra monochrome or rich tone portrait profiles were added via firmware updates to the Z8.

Even if the body does not support Flexible Color picture controls now, by using the official Nikon RAW development software, NX Studio (version 1.7.0 and above), you can now apply the new picture control to any Nikon RAW files (make sure you choose “Latest Picture Control” in the dropdown menu), and use it to color grade your photos within NX Studio.

Now comes the interesting part - your “recipes” can be then saved and exported, and with the upcoming Nikon Imaging Cloud service, users can share their flexible color picture profiles with others, and also download those created by other independent users or those done in collaboration with Nikon.

More information regarding how to use NX Studio to apply, export or import the new Flexible Color picture control can be viewed on Nikon’s official guide here.

Truth be told, I know NX studio is not the first choice of a RAW developer for a majority of photographers due to speed issues and lack of shortcut key customizations, and I am not in any way trying to convince any one here to move to NX Studio for full RAW development. But it can now be used as a powerful tool to create, tweak or import custom color grading profiles for your camera, and when the in-camera support comes for the other Expeed 7-based bodies, it would be useful in many workflows, especially those of dedicated JPG shooters. On top of that, using the flexible color profiles of other users also gives a chance to experiment with trying out different looks, and also learning how such looks are achieved by looking at how the color settings and tone curves are tweaked.

Nikon Z6III Initial Impressions and Thoughts

Yesterday I had a chance to drop by Nikon Plaza Tokyo to handle and fiddle around with the Z6III in the touch-and-try experience corner.

There were quite a number of people, like me, who are interested in trying the camera out, so while it was not crowded to the point of having long snaking queues, entry to the Z6III experience corner was limited to several people at a time in 10-minute blocs. Re-entry is possible, so if there are extra features that you want to try out you could just get back in line for another session. Personally I did two rounds in the experience corner as there were several features that I wanted to check and test out, and spent quite a bit of time around the showroom’s general area talking to the staff about the camera as well.

As a quick side note, with the exception of devices labelled as “sample” or “pre-production” units, you could bring the photography data back home if you have your own memory card with you. I did not expect them to allow this so I actually did not have any cards with me at that time…

Before I go on to talk about the camera itself, just want to give my thanks and appreciation to the ground staff at the Z6III experience corner - they were all keen to share more about the camera and design decisions, and were more than willing to answer any queries that we had. For more complicated questions that they were not able to answer on the spot, they wasted no time to contact the relevant department or staff to get clarification for us. Overall it was an absolutely pleasant experience to learn more about the camera.

So, on to the camera itself, here are my initial impressions of the camera based on my time with it as a stills photographer:

• The new EVF is stunning and amazing when viewing it in person - it is bright, like really bright, and also crisp with details due to the higher pixel count. The wider color gamut covered by this new EVF also helps make things look closer to real-life colors when viewing through the EVF.

• The partially-stacked sensor, coupled with Expeed 7, does show its prowess in the AF department. It tracks moving subjects fast and accurately (although in the experience corner it was limited to a toy train running around a circular track), and for backlit situations or low-light situations the Z6III definitely hunted less and locked on more confidently.

• IBIS definitely feels very much improved and refined. As I was fiddling around with the 105/2.8 VR S macro lens and the 24-120/4S, the image in the finder looks very stable without much wobbling, and while not a scientific test, I would say it gives at least a 1-stop advantage over its predecessor.

• The mechanical shutter sounds and feels different. It seems like perhaps they improved the vibration dampening of the shutter as it sounds softer and gentler (similar to how the D810 shutter felt like to the D800 shutter) - certainly nice to have to counter shutter shocks.

• While the overall dimensions of the camera is kept pretty much similar, the grip itself has been redesigned to be taller by having a bit of protrusion at the top, and with a bit of extra depth too. This makes handling it much more ergonomic, and while it would not solve the dangling pinky problem for everyone, at least for me it feels more comfortable when holding it with heavier lenses.

• The new material used for the camera makes it feel more Z8-ish than Z6-ish, which I think is a good thing as it feels more robust in hand.

• The top control panel also looks more Z8-ish than Z6-ish, with some basic information displayed on it even when the camera is turned off.

• There is a button beside the top control panel to illuminate it, but there are no back-lit buttons so that button only serves to illuminate the top control panel.

• High ISO images look impressive with the default in-camera NR enabled.

• The new flexible color picture control, which builds on the classic picture controls by adding more complex color grading and color blending tools, seems like a really powerful and useful tool for not just JPG shooters, but also RAW shooters to grasp an idea on how an image would turn out based on a set of preferred color and tone curve settings. I actually like this feature and its unique implementation. (Will write a separate article for this Detailed writeup about the function here)

So to briefly summarize the Z6III based on my short time with it, the Z6III is definitely a huge step-up from the Z6II with slew of improvements across the board, such as a much better AF system, higher build quality and more comfortable ergonomics, together with innovative introductions like a wide gamut EVF and flexible color picture controls.

Next is a list of some other observations regarding the Z6III that were more intangible, as well as suggestions and opinions on them:

• The Z-GR1 extension grip does have its screw and anti-twist spigot in proper distances and can be attached to the bottom of the Z6III, but it is not a perfect fit at all as the grooves on the front of the Z-GR1 to hug the bottom of the Z6/Z6II does interfere with the slightly broadened base of the Z6III. You could file off the grooves if you really want to use it on the Z6III I guess.

• The list of customizable buttons and functions that can be customized is more in-line with that of the Z6II than Z8 - noticeable omissions are “Recall Shooting Functions”, “Cycle AF-area mode”, “Delete” (playback function). And the illumination button beside the top control panel is not programmable too. It seems like a firmware update away to add such features to the camera, and I do hope the custom function from the flagships do trickle down since the Z6III itself already have lesser physical buttons.

• I did not have any cards with me so I was not able to do any buffer test. But according to Ricci Talks, using a CFe card there is practically unlimited buffer even when shooting in lossless raw at 20fps. Seems like the memory stream and/or Expeed 7 pipeline is more in line with the Z8/Z9 architecture and the smaller file sizes of the 24MP sensor would not cause the buffer to break any sweat at all.

• The flexible color picture control would actually be really at home with the retro-styled Zf, and so I foresee a firmware update than would bring that to all the Expeed 7 cameras.

It is no doubt that the Z6III brings a lot to the table as compared to its predecessor, but with the Z6III having a much higher launch price here in Japan as compared to its predecessor, and an expected price drop of the older Z6II once the Z6III is officially launched, it makes the situation slightly more complicated here, especially when you start factoring in used Z8s that are on the market now.

Personally I am still on the fence whether to get the Z6III or not. No doubt the better low light AF and smaller files are certainly helpful in my work, and especially the flexible color picture profile would be handy to have for assignments where I have to deliver in JPG immediately, but at this price I do expect at least more customization options in line with the higher end bodies.

Nikon Z6III Announcement and Opinions

Finally, the Z6III is now officially announced.

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

• Special Contents Page (English or Japanese)

• Technical Specifications Page (English or Japanese)

With the embargo finally lifted, the first impression or review articles and videos are all released now, and it seems like most of them are positive about the camera - with regards to both the camera’s new hardware capabilities and image quality. This release also shows the general direction the Z6 line is moving in - that is a more video-oriented hybrid line with a wide range of video recording features.

As I am a primarily stills shooter, I guess most of the newer video specs would not affect me directly, though most of the improvements made in the video space would have some form of improvement impact indirectly on the stills side.

Take for example the partially stacked sensor - to get the sensor fast enough for 6k/60p, it also helps with offloading data to the CPU faster for AF calculations.

Personally, what I find interesting and useful to me with the new Z6III are these features:

• Bright EVF that can be used in harsh sunlight

• Increased sensitivity in low-light situations

• Improved subject detection in backlit situations

• Focus point IBIS (similar to that of the Zf)

• Improved AF over the Z6II (and seems close enough to Z8’s AF performance)

The biggest drawback of the Z6II in my use case is the AF system - in controlled studio environments I tend to have a bit more misfocused shots than I would like; slightly remedied by using AF-S Pinpoint, but still not 100% foolproof.

The AF improvements alone could justify replacing my Z6II as the main workhorse camera. Truth be told I did ponder quite a bit on whether to get a Zf as my main workhorse, but I just could not get used to its ergonomics with longer and heavier lenses.

Interestingly, there were a few other details that I had noticed, which I think might be good to keep a lookout for.

• The Z6III does not come with a battery charger, but only a USB cable. (Similar to the Z30/Zf)

• The new battery pack (MB-N14) would work on Z6II/Z7II too, which suggests that perhaps the Z-GR1 could fit as well? But the presence of the articulating screen should affect the Z-VP1 plate though.

• The top plate has a new illumination button - I wonder if that button is programmable to other functions?

The situation with the weak Japanese yen has not been entirely friendly to us living here, and an effect of that is a huge jump in the launch price of the Z6III (street price estimated around JPY 390,000) as compared to the launch price of the Z6II (street price roughly JPY 245,000).

While I do want the AF improvements, which can certainly be helpful in my workflow, the steep price increase does not seem very justifiable even as a business cost - especially when a used Z8 may cost just a little bit more than this. Furthermore as I had mentioned in my previous post, Japan usually does not provide much pre-order incentives or benefits, so I guess I would sit out the pre-order phase this time round and ponder about my upgrade paths to replace my aging Z6II workhorse.

**Update: Initial impressions upon trying the camera out and more about flexible color picture control.

Z6III Official Teaser and Release Date Announcement

In line with most predictions and speculations (my brief writeup of it here), a couple of nights ago Nikon dropped a teaser video about the upcoming Z6III, which now has been given an official release announcement date: 17th June 2024 9PM JST.

There are many discussions around and dissecting of the information based on that short teaser video (Nikon Rumors’ post on the teaser can be accessed here), which frankly is amazing to me regarding what can be inferred from a short video teaser!

Anyway, from the official quotes in the teaser video, I think the Z6III will definitely include the pre-capture function. The Z8/Z9, as well as the more recent Zf do have this feature too, although it is limited to JPG captures only right now. While it is not a feature that I would be using frequently, I do hope RAW pre-capture is possible (and the other bodies getting it via a FW update) as it would bring better value and use case for the feature.

There’s mention of beautiful colors of the files, which led to speculations of higher dynamic range in raw files or more LUT controls for videos, and the mention of better visibility in bright situations should be a sign the viewfinder and/or back display is seeing an upgrade for better usability in daytime shoots.

There is some debate as to whether the screen is a tilt-screen (either the Z6/Z7-style or the Z8/Z9-style), or a flippy screen (the Zf-style), and to be honest from the teaser video either is still probable at this stage since the angle the shot was taken did not show anything too conclusive. Given its video-oriented specs, I do supposed a flippy-screen of some sort should make its way into the final design of the Z6III, but as a mainly stills shooter I really hope that if an articulating screen was implemented they could do it similar to the A7RV style so that at least for horizontal stills the screen and the viewfinder are still centered with the lens.

But two physical specifications were quite clear from the teaser video - there is a PASM dial in a similar location to that of the current Z6II, and it comes with a rectangular slide-in eye-cup rather than the circular ones. Personally I have no issues with this since I am already used to the same handling and form-factor of the Z6II, though I do really hope that the official Z-GR1 grip which I am using now still works with the new body.

While we would still have to wait until the official release for detailed specifications and changes to be confirmed, I do hope to see at least a couple more teasers before the announcement next week to have a small taste of what else is in stores for us!

Nikon Z6III Release Finally Imminent?

Seems like there is quite a bit of buzz ongoing recently regarding the Z6III’s release, which is predicted to happen very soon according to Nikon Rumors.

Earlier this year I did mention that I expected the Z6III to arrive before spring, similar to reports and speculations from all over the net. But when Nikon Japan suddenly launched a new spring cashback campaign (which was surprising considering one campaign had just been concluded in January) that would end at the start of May, it became pretty obvious that the Z6III would not be launched in the period that all of us were expecting, and the earliest we could expect it would be in early summer after the cashback promotion has been concluded.

So winter and spring both came and went without much buzz about the Z6III, and now finally there seems to be movements going on behind the scenes to prepare for the launch.

While these are just my own observations, there are some circumstantial evidences that seem too coincidental to just completely regard them as mere coincidences.

Namely speaking:

• The spring cashback campaign ended after the Golden Week holidays here (7 May) - and past product announcements had happened around a month after a cashback campaign has ended.

• Nikon’s official online store used to sell new Z6/Z7 as “outlet items” (i.e. discounted discontinued products), and they are now no longer available.

• Similarly the online store used to sell Z6II/Z7II refurbished sets, and they are also no longer available now.

• The showroom will be temporary closed on 10 June and 17 June, with all its services and facilities not available on these two days. While no exact reason was given, it may be a training session for the new products or a closed door touch and try event?

• The web store is down for server maintenance from 3 June 10:00hrs to 4 June 13:00hrs. Looks suspicious to have down time during work hours?

Perhaps I might be reading too much into things, but these circumstantial evidences just seem to suggest something is happening.

I personally am looking forward to the new body - I am sure the Expeed 7 processor would bring about a lot of quality of life improvements from the Z6II, which can be seen in the Zf too. Truth be told, I would be totally satisfied even if the Z6III turns out just to be a Zf skinned in a modern ergonomics, since I have found the Zf performing very well on all fronts as I tried out the demo sets in the showroom, but I just could not see myself putting up with its ergonomics for long days of work with heavy lenses (as well as having a slow-ish microSD slot for backup).

That said, while I am definitely am considering adding a Z6III as my main body, I do not think I would be pre-ordering this time round, as it seems that in Japan there are more incentives to purchase it after the initial wave (like having the Z8 coupled with B1PRO 165GB CFe, or the Z9 coupled with Nikon 660GB CFe, which were not available for early adopters)

Nikon Rumors has done a great job consolidating information from reliable sources regarding the Z6III’s specs, so if anyone is interested I do recommend visiting the post here to have an idea of what to expect for the camera!

Looks Like the Nikon Z6 III is Coming Soon

My go-to site for anything Nikon-related, Nikon Rumors, just published a set of rumored specifications of the Z6III from one of his reliable sources.

The rumored specifications seem very probable (i.e. does not sound like a wishlist of fantasy specs), and are also in line of what I am speculating and expecting of the Z6 III.

Personally while I like using the high MP Z7 and Z8 for my leisure shoots since I print and they give more room for cropping, work-wise the 24MP files hit a nice good sweet spot of quality + detail + noise performance, and am really glad they are keeping to 24MP for the Z6 line.

It’s almost a given that the Expeed 7 would be in the Z6III, and the one aspect that I’m most interested in is the improvements in autofocus tracking with subject recognition active.

My main issue with the Z6 II (and the OG Z6 and Z7 for that matter) is that while subject detection is pretty reliable and the eye AF algorithms give really good hit rates with static subjects, focus accuracy takes a huge hit the moment movement is involved, especially at wide apertures - most of the pictures of subjects (well my cat) walking towards the camera end up just 1cm or so slightly back-focused.

I do not observe this when using the Z8, which shows that the Expeed 7 can definitely keep up with the calculations, coupled with the fast data stream from the stacked sensor the calculations are made in near real-time.

Though that being said, using single point AF-C the autofocus can reliably follow moving objects as long as the AF point is kept on the subject, so I do suppose the bottleneck is the Expeed 6 CPU being unable to keep up with subject detection and tracking AF simultaneously.

So now begs the question that I really want answers to - an Expeed 7 with a slightly slower non-stacked BSI sensor, how would the AF tracking abilities with subject detection be like?