Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I updated my Z9 last eve but haven't had a chance to try it out. Curious as to how many Hoggers have the Z9 and what issues, fixes, successes you are having with the new firmware. With the 5.0 (like the Mustang) I think I will nickname my Nikon "Coyote" for its performance.

Here is the Nikon Link"

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/516.html

ricardo00

Have the Z9 but haven't seen a reason to upgrade? Why bother?

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Each firmware update has improved features for the camera including Auto Focus and subject recognition thus improving capture speed and sharpness. The more efficient and accurate a camera is the % of keeper rate is potentially improved. I take a wide variety of photos so anything I do to improve the cameras function and extend features is appreciated. My 2 cents for what its worth.

ricardo00

Thanks, don't see where it said that it improved auto focus and subject recognition. But will read it over again. Just disappointed no RAW pre-capture. Most of the features I saw where things that I don't do. Can you clarify where it says that auto-focus and subject recognition is improved?

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/516.html

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Other Changes

• When [AF-area mode] is set to [3D-tracking] and the human subject is large relative to the frame and multiple eyes are detected near the tracking focus point, the camera will assign priority for focusing to the eye closer to the point.
• The time the shooting display goes dark after shutter is released when [ON] is selected for [Photo flicker reduction] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] has become shorter.
• The RGB histogram is now easier to view when [Mode 1] or [Mode 2] is selected for d12 [Warm display colors] in [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• [SETUP MENU] > [Firmware version] now shows GNSS module firmware “G”.
• GNSS module firmware update is now available.
Note: The second update is not necessary if the GNSS module's firmware “G” is already 0.17, as with which version, the improvement has already been made.
Note: Refer to “GNSS Module Firmware Update” for updating procedures.
• The firmware for the GNSS module has been updated.
- Improved acquisition performance when used in certain areas where the quasi-zenith satellite “QZSS” can be acquired.
• Fixed the following issues:
- Fine-tuning values set in [AF fine-tuning options] in the setup menu did not apply while the subject is detected with [Wide-area AF (S)], [Wide-area AF (L)], [Wide-area AF (C1)], or [Wide-area AF (C2)] selected for [AF-area mode].
- Switching to the playback display and attempting to operate the sub-selector did not result as intended while the memory card access lamp was lit after burst shooting when [Series playback] > [Sub-selector displays first shot] in [PLAYBACK MENU] was enabled.
- Optimal exposure could sometimes not be achieved in burst or focus shift shooting.
- Shutter release was sometimes disabled when “Bulb” was selected for shutter speed.
- Subjects could sometimes not be detected in the correct position when repeatedly shooting airplanes.

ricardo00

Yes I read it, don't see that it really improves focus.

btbg

Better eye detection improves focusing. So does improved AF fine tuning options. Don't know why you don't seem to see that it improves focusing when the first point it lists as an improvement is eye detection. If you don't use eye detection you should and if you don't fine tune your AF options you should do that as well.

ricardo00

I think you and I read it differently, it said "When [AF-area mode] is set to [3D-tracking] and the human subject is large relative to the frame and multiple eyes are detected near the tracking focus point, the camera will assign priority for focusing to the eye closer to the point."
I do use eye focus on animals (this said human subject) and it said when multiple eyes are detected it will pick the closer eye. Not sure that is how I actually would want to. So that is not to me a great improvement. Also my bird eyes are not large relative to the frame. I probably will update, just don't see that there is much improvement. Maybe I am missing it.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I think the overall options the update provides make it well worth doing a firmware update. It also says in the bulletin that there was bug fixes and update to the Wi-Fi. I consider a firmware update almost like getting a new camera; especially if it is loaded with new features. Firmware updates seem to be the new path for Nikon and other manufacturers as opposed to just producing new cameras. The big take away... ITS FREE! So why not bite.

ricardo00

Yep, but don't use Wi-Fi and don't at the moment have any problems. Many times when I have updated my operating systems on my phones and computers I regretted it. I did the last update on my Z9 and Z8 immediately, but will wait a bit since I don't see any feature that I can imagine using. Will hopefully hear from people like you that everything is fine after the update.

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

Matt Irwin was one of the first to report the firmware. He lays some of it out here:

https://youtu.be/PyT8YutD3No?si=-2cfpEfBBzvF8qx8

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

As a long time Nikon shooter I am thankful that Nikon has tried to fix the many problems with tracking and focusing with 5, yes 5 firmware updates to the Z9.
However, the Z9 is still not up to par with Canon or my Sony a1 when it comes to focus tracking, lock on, and in general birds in flight keeper rates.
I do appreciate Nikon's persistence in working so hard in attempting to catch up with Canon and Sony.
I wish Nikon the best of luck in trying to remedy the elephant in the room so that someday they can stand with the two other camera manufactures that have already cracked the focusing code.

tcthome Loc: NJ

Real Nikon Lover Loc: Simi Valley, CA

I wholeheartedly agree. I feel like I am living with the same policy group at Nikon whi are transplants from Microsoft i.e. "We will fix it after the software ships."

User ID

You hafta be a True Believer.