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Press release: Nikon releases the upgraded firmware version 4.10 for the Nikon Z 9 full-frame mirrorless camera. MELVILLE, NY (October 4, 2023) – Nikon is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 4.10 for its flagship full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z 9. New dedicated [Birds] and [Airplanes] subject detection options have been added with firmware version 4.10. The [Birds] option increases overall detection performance for birds. In addition to increased detection and AF performance with complicated and high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and rocky mountains, this option adds the ability to quickly detect birds in various states, including flying, perched, and even those with unique-looking appearances. Tracking performance with rapidly moving birds are also increased for a smooth shooting experience that ensures you will never miss a crucial moment when photographing birds. Adding the same [Airplanes] option built into the Nikon Z 8 enables reliable detection of airplanes regardless of their size. This option offers increased detection capabilities with dark scenes and those that include busy backgrounds. Furthermore, in a firmware update planned for release in the first half of 2024 for the Nikon Z 8, the dedicated bird subject detection option will be added, alongside the airplane option available from the camera’s initial release. Other improvements in functionality are also planned. Nikon will continuously meet users' needs through firmware updates that expand the functionality of its cameras. The latest firmware and instructions for download and installation can be found here.

Press release: Canon Introduces Multi-Feature Firmware Update for EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera MELVILLE, NY, November 16, 2022 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced today a multi-feature firmware update for the EOS C70 4K Digital Cinema Camera. The batch of feature upgrades coming via a firmware update will help to improve workflow and functionality for the content creation, live production and documentarian markets. The firmware update will be available as a free download on December 8th, 2022*. Top upgrades include: Eye Detection Auto Focus (AF), Face Detection AF, and Subject Tracking AF During Slow and Fast Recording (24-120p): Canon’s Eye AF, Face Detection AF, and Subject Tracking AF allows for more accurate auto focus performance at accelerated frame rates, helping to ensure you don’t miss that crucial shot. XF-AVC 4K Intra-frame 60p: Newly added XF-AVC Intra-Frame 60p records at a bit rate of 600Mbps and offers users a lightweight, high-quality codec that helps to minimize storage costs and speed up file transfers. This new file format allows for easier handling of files and the capability to record to an SD card. Canon’s IP-based XC Protocol: XC Protocol enables multi-camera remote control of camera settings via the Canon RC-IP100 remote controller or other third-party XC Protocol-enabled remote control panels. Canon 709 Custom Picture Profile: The Canon 709 Profile has the same dynamic range as the current Wide DR profile setting with great contrast. This provides a rich, cinematic look to your footage right out of the box, without the time-consuming need for color grading. CMT 709 “Viewing Assistance”: Allows the video output of the camera to be viewed on a REC.709-compliant monitor when recording in Canon Log 2 or Canon Log 3. CMT 709 is a great starting point for any color grading and assists in making adjustments while shooting, reducing the time needed to edit the file in post-production. Full Communication with EF-Mount Flex-Zoom 45-135mm and CINE-SERVO 15-120mm Lenses: Communication features include T-stop display, chromatic aberration correction, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and Dual Pixel Focus Guide. Additional upgrades of the firmware update include: Maintaining camera settings when switching between normal and slow & fast recording modes. Audio 4 channel display now viewable in the level meter display on the camera’s LCD display. To download or more information regarding the firmware update and all of Canon’s professional video products and solutions, please visit usa.canon.com.

Press release: Nikon releases upgraded firmware version 3.0 for the Nikon Z 9 full-frame mirrorless camera Firmware 3.0 Adds Nearly 20 More Features + More Powerful Performance to Nikon’s Mirrorless Flagship MELVILLE, NY (October 26, 2022)- Nikon Inc. has announced yet another substantial update for the Nikon Z 9, bringing more powerful performance and added features to what’s widely regarded as the most capable full-frame mirrorless camera available. Now available for free download, the firmware 3.0 update is the second major update to the Z 9 this year, adding enhancements to video and photo capture, usability, operability, autofocus and so much more. “Firmware 3.0 not only demonstrates Nikon’s commitment to addressing our customers’ needs, but also our continued support to update products to their full potential for the benefit of our users,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. Both video and photo shooters as well as creators will see impressive benefits from the new firmware with this update. Some of the more notable features include a new Hi-Res Zoom function¹, which provides the effect of additional optical zoom for 4K video, and a new C60 High-Speed Frame Capture+², enabling 60 fps still shooting in DX-format. Firmware 3.0 also includes enhancements to the AF as well as upgraded display and operability, such as increasing the number of buttons that can be used as custom controls. Starting today, Z 9 owners can visit the website here to download firmware 3.0 for free. Nikon will continuously meet users’ needs through firmware updates that expand the functionality of its cameras. Significant Updates with Firmware 3.0: High-Res Zoom: When capturing 4K UHD video, this feature enables the option for high-resolution zooming which effectively extends the focal range of a lens. 4K UHD footage is captured in 8K UHD resolution, and then gradually cropped to the 4K frame size in real time, effectively doubling the focal length while maintaining resolution. This is not otherwise possible with digital zoom or cropping in post. Hi-Res Zoom is available regardless of the lens used, allowing users to streamline production and take advantage of prime lenses, or the extremely shallow depth of field of a f/1.2 maximum aperture lens. This feature can be assigned to the camera’s Fn1/Fn2 buttons, a lens’ Fn ring or control ring, as well as the left/right buttons on the multi selector. The end result is a smooth, parfocal zoom transition with no loss of resolution. Using the buttons enables zooming at a constant selected speed, while use of the control ring allows users to zoom in or out as quickly or slowly as they like. High-Speed Frame Capture+ C60 Mode for continuous shooting: In addition to the existing C30 and C120 options, High-Speed Frame Capture+ now offers a C60³ option for bursts of continuous shooting of approximately 19-megapixel still images at approximately 60 fps. This feature is in DX mode, which increases effective focal length while satisfying the diverse needs of photographers – especially those in the fields of photojournalism, sports and bird photography who value speed and reach. Autofocus Enhancements: Firmware 3.0 improves upon the Z 9’s powerful AF system, enhancing performance and subject detection. The low-light limit has been extended by 0.5 EV, with accuracy improved in low light and low-contrast conditions. Multiple enhancements have been made to 3D-tracking mode; focus will be “stickier” on a subject, and less likely to shift into a foreground obstacle that momentarily obscures a subject. Users now also have the option to change the color of focus points to red, which can be useful for shooting in a variety of backgrounds. Additionally, the detection and tracking of fast-moving animals has been improved when “animal” is selected in 3D-tracking. High-Frequency Flicker Reduction added with firmware version 2.10 is now available for video recording. Timecode synchronization and UltraSync Blue: Timecode across multiple Z 9 cameras controlled by a single wireless remote control is now possible4. ATOMOS UltraSync BLUE is now also supported over a Bluetooth connection, enabling the syncing of recording-equipment and/or audio-device timecodes, including equipment from other manufacturers. This is extremely helpful when editing videos recorded in multiple external audio recorders. Vertical Playback Display: Images and the i menu can be displayed in vertical orientation during playback mode. More buttons for Custom functions: The number of buttons that can be used as custom controls and the extension of customizable functions has been increased for smoother access to frequently used functions. This also includes the ability to make the Record button programmable. Auto Series Playback function automatically displays images from the same burst of continuous shooting group after the first image in the burst is displayed in playback mode. Improvements to Flash workflow: The “Show effects of settings” option in View mode (Photo Lv), which reflects exposure settings in the photo live view display has been improved. This update allows users to choose whether the effects of exposure settings are reflected when a Speedlight or remote trigger is attached. This function allows the user to check background exposure prior to shooting, helping to confirm the resulting background exposure in advance. Display enhancements: File Info has been added to the information display, and a focus indicator is now available in camera. “Override other cameras” function has been added, enabling easy switching between master cameras when multiple cameras are designated as a primary. Support for the FTPS protocol offers faster, safer image transfer with encryption. Reset focus distance during [Focus shift shooting]: During focus shift shooting, the focus position at the start of shooting can be memorized and returned to the initial focus position after a series of shots has been taken. Full format function: When using CFexpress cards that support full formatting, this function can be used to delete data completely to help users maintain maximum performance. Notes ¹ Hi-Res Zoom is available only with video recording in the following codecs: at ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit (MOV), H.265 10-bit (MOV), H.265 8-bit (MOV), or H.264 8-bit (MP4) -with image area set to FX (36×24). Restrictions apply to some camera features. ² With AE/AF tracking at an image quality setting of JPEG normal only. The maximum number of frames that can be captured with a single burst is fewer than that possible with high-speed continuous shooting. Use of a Nikon-recommended memory card is recommended. ³ Image area fixed at DX (24 ×16). If a DX lens is attached when C120 is selected, the high-speed frame capture setting will automatically change to C60 and image area will be fixed at DX (24 ×16). Pre-Release Capture is supported. 4 A signal from the shutter-release button resets device timecodes. Therefore, still images cannot be captured during video recording by pressing the shutter-release button when timecode synchronization is enabled.

Press release: Nikon releases firmware version 2.10 for the Nikon Z 9 full-frame mirrorless camera MELVILLE, NY (July 6, 2022) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2.10 for the Nikon Z 9 full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, which is available today. Firmware version 2.10 introduces a new High-Frequency Flicker Reduction function. When High-Frequency Flicker Reduction is enabled in photo shooting mode, shutter speed can be fine-tuned in increments from the normal 1/3 or 1/2 EV to those as small as 1/96* EV. The ability offered by this new function to adjust shutter speed more precisely than ever before makes it possible to suppress the effects of flicker, even when signboards and lighting that use high-frequency LEDs are included in the angle of view with shooting. AF performance has also been further improved, notably increasing AF tracking performance with small subjects (those that take up a very small portion of the frame) as well as focus accuracy when eye/face-detection AF is used with continuous-servo AF (AF-C). Nikon will continuously meet users' needs through timely updates of firmware versions with various useful functions. The new firmware is available for download now from the Nikon website. For more information about the latest Nikon products, including other Z series cameras and the entire collection of NIKKOR Z lenses, please visit nikonusa.com. * When [High-frequency flicker reduction] is enabled, shutter speed can be fine-tuned in very small increments at speeds between 1/8000 and 1/30 s.