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Today, Nikon announced the release of firmware version 3.00 for the full-frame/FX-format Z f camera. This latest firmware update adds the new in-camera Film Grain feature, perfectly complementing the camera’s iconic heritage design. This update is available at no cost for users of both the original Nikon Z f and new silver edition Z f.

The new Film Grain feature adds a natural-looking grain effect to photos and videos with image processing in the camera, simulating the fun feel and vibe of shooting with an analog film camera. This feature is customizable, letting the user fine-tune the size and intensity of the grain, while the appearance of grain changes with each shot for a truly unique aesthetic in every frame. This feature can also be used in combination with Imaging Recipes from Nikon Imaging Cloud as well as in-camera Picture Controls to create a distinct feel.

There are more than twenty additional upgrades and enhancements in this firmware. Focusing and composing is easier when using manual focus with either NIKKOR Z or legacy NIKKOR lenses with enhancements to peaking and gridlines. Additional improvements to operability and functionality support creators with the overall shooting and workflow experience.

Nikon has simplified firmware updates with the Nikon Imaging Cloud. With your Nikon Z f connected to this free service, your camera can automatically retrieve and install firmware updates from the cloud, with no computer or memory cards needed. Nikon Imaging Cloud also gives you access to a world of Imaging Recipes, which are custom-curated color presets that can be used in camera, and in conjunction with the new Film Grain feature. Learn more about Nikon Imaging Cloud here and sign up for free.

Film Grain feature for unique imaging expression

• The Film Grain feature allows users to enjoy a film-like feel by adding a grainy effect to photos and videos with image processing. Users will be able to achieve more creative imaging expression in accordance with the scene and their intent by adjusting grain size (3 options) and intensity (6 options)¹. As there is no pattern to the combinations of grain position and shape, the grain effect appears differently with each shot, enabling a unique, film-like shooting experience. In addition, combining this feature with free downloadable Imaging Recipes allows users to easily create unique effects with a simple press of the shutter-release button.

Equipped with features that enable more accurate focusing and framing

• An [Only during zoom] option has been added to [Focus peaking]. When selected, focus peaking is displayed only when enlarging the view for more precise manual focusing, and peaking is not displayed at other times. This makes it easier to check both your focus and composition. What’s more, a [Maximum aperture Lv] item that makes it easier to determine the focus peak with manual focusing has been added. New [Grid type] options, [4:3] for still-image live view and [9:16] for video live view, have also been added. These enable you to capture scenes with the ideal composition for social media use.

Other functions

• An [Automatic monitor display switch] item has been added. Selecting the [On (when monitor docked)] option prevents unintentional eye-sensor activation of the viewfinder by fingers, body, or straps when the vari-angle monitor is open, allowing for a more comfortable shooting experience.
• The electronic shutter sound can be turned on for high-speed frame capture + and Pixel Shift shooting.
• The [Record camera orientation] feature now includes a [Video] option, allowing videos recorded in portrait orientation to be played back and edited in portrait orientation on the importing device.
• The registration flow of Imaging Recipes in Nikon Imaging Cloud has been simplified with an automatic confirmation dialog on the camera monitor.

For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the wide collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit www.nikonusa.com

Note: The changes listed below under “Still Photography”, “Video Recording”, “Playback”, “Controls”, “Displays”, and “Network” are detailed in the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual.

Note: Due to the addition of new menu items, some Custom Settings menu items have been renumbered.

■ Still Photography

• • Added [Film grain options] to the photo shooting menu. You can use it to take grainy pictures that simulate the look of traditional film photography.
• • Added a [C15] high-speed frame capture + release mode option.

■ Video Recording

• • Added [Film grain options] to the video recording menu. You can use it to take grainy videos that simulate the look of traditional film photography.
• • Selecting [ON] for [Hi-Res Zoom] in the video recording menu now displays a focus point on the detected subject in the shooting display.

■ Playback

• • The [Record camera orientation] item in the playback menu now has separate options for [Photos] and [Video]. The camera orientation for video recording and time-lapse video recording can also be saved.

■ Controls

• • Added a [Maximum aperture Lv] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a13.
• • Added a [Focus limiter setting] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a15.
• • Added a [Minimum] option to Custom Setting c2 [Self-timer] > [Interval between shots] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• • Added assignable roles to the custom controls via the following items in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
  • - f2 [Custom controls (shooting)]
  • - g2 [Custom controls]
• • Exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity can now be assigned to the command dials in mode M using g2 [Custom controls] > [Command dials] > [Exposure setting] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• • Added [Automatic monitor display switch] to the [SETUP MENU].
• • Contents of [Camera sounds] in the [SETUP MENU] have been changed. Now you can select whether the camera makes an electronic shutter sound during high-speed frame capture + or pixel shift shooting. The electronic shutter sound volume can also be adjusted.

■ Displays

• • Added an [Only during zoom] option to a12 [Focus peaking] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• • Added a framing grid option of 4:3 to d16 [Grid type] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• • Added a framing grid option of 9:16 to g14 [Grid type] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].

■ Network

• • Added [USB streaming (UVC/UAC)] to [USB] in the [NETWORK MENU].
• • Changed some messages and the default values related to Nikon Imaging Cloud.
• • A new method for adding Picture Controls from Nikon Imaging Cloud is now available.
• • Added [Wi-Fi connection (STA mode)] which allows you to connect the camera to the smart device via a wireless LAN access point.

■ Other Changes

• • [Pixel shift shooting] options can now be set when the self-timer mode is selected.
• • Pre-Release Capture is now available from compatible Bluetooth remote controllers.
• • Aperture is no longer restricted when recording videos in mode S (Shutter-priority auto).
• • The tonal characteristics have been changed when [ON] is selected for Custom Setting g13 [View assist] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• • The headphone volume level can now be adjusted in the “i” menu during video recording.
• • Voice memo recording is now available with external microphones.
• • Changed the specifications for uninterrupted video output to HDMI devices such as external monitors when recording ended.
• • Fixed the following issues:
  • - The camera displayed the message “The shutter is closed. To start shooting, press the shutter-release button.” in rare circumstances, when single frame shooting was repeated with the monitor closed.
  • - The [Maximum aperture] values set for [Lens number] at positions 18 and 19 in the non-CPU lens data feature were not correctly applied when shooting.

Available for download here:

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/577.html