Nikon Z 8 Firmware Update 2.0 Announced – Closes Gap With Flagship Z 9

Firmware Update

by Omri Keren LapidotFebruary 9^th, 2024

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Nikon is launching a new firmware update for the Z 8. The new update rolls in some interesting features that were previously only available for Z 9 users, including Auto Capture, an autonomous pre-programmed capture. Bird detection is also added as well as other features.

The Nikon Z 8 is among the best hybrid cameras around. This Full Framer uses a high-resolution stacked CMOS to provide impressive performance in almost any conceivable use case. The camera is a scaled-down version of the flagship Z 9, primarily in terms of physical dimensions. Features and performance are almost indistinguishable. Nikon continues to update both models with new features, improved algorithms, and revamped control options. Firmware update version 2.0 contains several features, and we’ll take a look at the ones that seem most influential. For the full list and downloads visit the download page.

New and improved color profiles and N-log

The Nikon Z 8 uses the same sensor-processor image pipeline as the excellent Z 9. This hardware combo yields impressive results regarding dynamic range, read speed (14.5ms), and more. The new firmware update (Ver 2.0) adds a new ISO200 N-log option, dubbed Lo2.0. Most filmmakers are familiar with the hurdles of the relatively high ISO value of Log profiles. The new Lo2.0 may let us use wider apertures while still maintaining some flexibility and latitude for post and grading.

If you’re on a quick turnover project with minimal editing time, the new firmware will provide three additional color profiles. Coming straight from the vintage-esque Nikon Zf, the Z 8 now supports “Rich Tone Portrait”, “Flat Tone Monochrome”, and “Deep Tone Monochrome”.

Focusing

The Nikon Z 8 now gets the bird tracking feature. Aside from that, the camera gains some additional tweaks regarding the autofocus tracking system. It will now provide better control over the size and shape of the focusing “box”, and some other nuances. Manual focusing is also improved in a small but meaningful way. Until now, one would have to press a button to punch in, then press again to “punch out” (Zoom out). As of Firmware Version 2.0, a half-press on the shutter release can be programmed to do just that. It might seem insignificant but those of us using manual focus will appreciate it.

Auto capture

In my opinion, the Auto Capture is the most interesting update, at least technically speaking. This feature, debuted on the Z 9, uses the Nikon Z 8 scene recognition and analyzing abilities to trigger still or video capture. In short, it allows the photographer to program the camera to start shooting as one or more conditions are met.

The camera can trigger stills or video shooting based on distance – as any subject gets to a certain pre-specified distance. It can also start based on a certain detected subject entering the frame, or on motion detection within the frame. The user can also specify more than one criteria for the system. This set of functions gives the single operator some pretty neat options. This may be game-changing for wildlife, sport, or action shooters, but also for documentarists and even content creators.

Conclusion

The new Nikon Z 8 Firmware update version 2.0 aligns the camera with the Z 9 (again) while adding some additional features from the Zf into the mix. This actually gives the Z 8 some features missing from the Z 9. While not extremely significant for most users, this approach shows that Nikon does not let model segmentation get in the way of the update path, and that’s very nice. Z 8 Firmware Version 2.0 is available for free download here.

Do you see other interesting use cases for the new features? Did we miss something important? Let us know in the comments.