New Nikon Z9 Firmware V4.0

2023.06.13

Yesterday, Nikon released a major firmware upgrade for their flagship Z9 Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera. This is the third version number increase, arriving at 4.0. Although the number is arbitrary, it signifies a turning point in having modern digital cameras that improve over time. While updates are relatively common, few have been able to accommodate this much improvement since the hardware must have spare capacity.

The Nikon Z9 is already one of the most capable cameras on the market with an incredible throughput. Version 4.0 of its firmware brings several new features:

• Auto Capture: This is an extension to what is known as a Focus-Trap often used by wildlife photographers to capture creatures that would be difficult to approach. Traditional Focus-Trap require an external device and trigger. With the Firmware V4.0 upgrade, the Nikon Z9 can automatically capture images according to motion, distance or subject detection. With the Pre-Capture feature enabled, Auto-Capture allows a photographer to grab a decisive moment with high confidence.
• Video Capture: Now allows an expanded ISO two full-stops lower in N-Log recording to compress dynamic range for video processing. The power-zoom speed can be configured in 11 granular steps, rather than just three. Slow-Motion video captured at 4X or 5X speed are now supported.
• Custom Shutter-Sound: A modern problem, particularly affecting the Z9 which lacks a mechanical shutter, is that the camera is often too quiet, leaving the photographer unsure that a photo was taken. The Z9 will allow users to select between 5 shutter sounds.
• Exposure-Delay: Very similar to Mirror Lock-Up (MLU) mode on high-end SLRs, a customizable delay was added to exposures. This is usually more precise than a common self-timer.

Improvements to performance and existing features were also added. Focusing speed, 3D tracking and Manual Focusing have all been improved. Pre-Capture mode has also been greatly extended to hold the circular buffer for up to 5 full minutes, the longest of any camera! A few more options were added to control customization and playback.

The new Nikon Z9 V4.0 Firmware is available immediately at no cost directly from Nikon.

• Digital Camera