Nikon has announced Firmware 2.1 of the flagship Z9 which includes mainly enhanced AF (AutoFocus) capabilities for tracking small objects. More importantly, the major feature of Firmware 2.0 which is the N-RAW was not removed as many have thought.

Nikon Z9: Firmware 2.1

Today Nikon has released the newest firmware (2.1) for its flagship — the Z9. As stated in the press release: “Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2.10 for the Nikon Z 9 full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, which is available today. Firmware version 2.10 introduces a new High-Frequency Flicker Reduction function. When High-Frequency Flicker Reduction is enabled in photo shooting mode, shutter speed can be fine-tuned in increments from the normal 1/3 or 1/2 EV to those as small as 1/96* EV. The ability offered by this new function to adjust shutter speed more precisely than ever before makes it possible to suppress the effects of flicker, even when signboards and lighting that use high-frequency LEDs are included in the angle of view with shooting. AF performance has also been further improved, notably increasing AF tracking performance with small subjects (those that take up a very small portion of the frame) as well as focus accuracy when eye/face-detection AF is used with continuous-servo AF (AF-C). Nikon will continuously meet users’ needs through timely updates of firmware versions with various useful functions”. Firmware 2.1 can be downloaded for free from the Z9 page. 

N-RAW stays

Many Z9 shooters have been worried that the best professional video feature of the Z9 which is the ability to record compressed raw (N-RAW) will be removed due to the RED Digital Cinema lawsuit. The lawsuit is still going on and the litigation process is still pending. It looks like Nikon stalls the process as it has requested an extension of time to file an answer to the complaint till September 2022. At this stage, it’s hard to understand if Nikon wants to settle and pay royalties to RED, or to fight back all the way. Personally, we have a feeling that last is the correct one. Meanwhile, N-RAW stays. Furthermore, Nikon uses this feature extensively to market the Z9 by publishing educational videos and demonstrations on how to utilize the compressed raw to supercharge the Z9 video capabilities (read more in our articles about the Nikon Z9). Hence, it will be hard for Nikon to remove this feature as this is being presented as the main strength of its flagship. We’ll keep you posted on the litigation process. Stay tuned.

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA

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