posted Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 12:09 PM EDT
Nikon has recently released firmware version 3.00 for the Z8, marking a significant upgrade to its premier full-frame mirrorless camera. This update enhances the Z8’s flexibility and performance, especially for high-resolution photography, autofocus, and video recording.
Key Features in Firmware 3.00
Pixel-Shift Advancements
The previous firmware version 2.00 added pixel-shift shooting, allowing users to combine several images into ultra-high-resolution 180MP photos. Now, Nikon expands on this by allowing pixel-shift to function in tandem with focus-shift shooting and AE bracketing.
- Focus-Shift + Pixel-Shift: This combination is perfect for macro, astro, and landscape photography, enabling greater resolution and depth of field in focus-stacked images.
- AE Bracketing + Pixel-Shift: Ideal for high-contrast scenes, this feature minimizes moiré and facilitates the creation of pixel-shifted HDR images, preserving detailed shadows and highlights.
File management has improved as well: pixel-shift sequences can now be stored in designated folders, and new settings allow for activating self-timer and locking white balance during pixel-shift captures.
Flexible Color Picture Control
This update adds Flexible Color, a new option for creating custom Picture Controls. By using Nikon’s NX Studio software, users can adjust settings like hue, contrast, and brightness to create a unique style. These custom profiles can then be uploaded to the Z8 and seen in real-time while composing images.
In-Camera Focus Limiter
One standout feature is the customizable autofocus range limiter. Now, photographers can set minimum and maximum focus distances directly in the camera, which is particularly beneficial for:
- Wildlife photography, where subjects might be obscured by foliage or other objects.
- Macro photography, where precise focus is essential and depth of field is limited.
This narrowing of the focus range helps reduce hunting and enhances focus acquisition speed.
Enhanced Autofocus and User Experience
Firmware 3.00 also brings several improvements to autofocus and usability:
- Enables subject type detection even in manual focus mode.
- Focus now defaults to maximum aperture in live view for better accuracy.
- Zoom magnification is increased to 400% for thorough checking.
- New custom wide-area AF patterns have been added.
- Introduced a slower release mode for precise timing.
- Added a new [FINE] quality mode for High-Speed Frame Capture+ to improve image quality.
- Supports external microphones (both wired and wireless) when capturing voice memos.
Benefits for Videographers
For those in video production, the update enhances N-Log View Assist, improving contrast and detail in previews on external monitors. This makes it much easier to assess exposure and focus when working with N-Log’s typically flat footage.
Profoto A10 Support
Photographers using the Profoto A10 can now utilize its white LED as an AF-assist light—a specialized but helpful feature for specific studio workflows.
Availability
Nikon has not provided a specific release date for firmware version 3.00 but has indicated it will be available “soon.” We will provide updates as soon as the download is ready.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Nikon Z8, it is currently part of the Father’s Day Deals at B&H and Adorama, making it an excellent opportunity to buy. Check out our roundup of the best Father’s Day deals here.
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