New z8 firmware update 3.0 has been released.

[Henderson123]

The new z8 firmware update 3.0 has been released.



Nikon USA will upload the firmware file soon as well.

1. Pixel shift shooting function has been upgraded.
- The automatic exposure bracketing can be used together with the pixel shift function, so that high-quality, high-pixel images can be obtained along with exposure change data, which is the basis for HDR synthesis.

2. Focus shift shooting function has been upgraded.
- It is now possible to use pixel shift, which implements high-quality, high-pixel images along with optimal focus detection data for each shooting section, as an option. The foundation for satisfying both the best image quality and the best resolution has been established.

3. Flexible Picture Control support has been made possible.
- After creating a personal color tone adjusted to the user's preference through Nikon NX STUDIO, it can be applied to the camera via a memory card and applied in real time as a custom picture control.

4. Focus range limit settings can now be adjusted within the camera body. - You can now directly determine the close and long distance ranges for focus detection, enabling faster focus detection without being interrupted by unnecessary interference subjects when shooting flowers, birds, sports, etc.

5. The subject detection function has been enhanced.
- The subject recognition option can now be used in MF, and the image magnification during shooting has been expanded to 400%. In particular, when shooting close-up, after checking the screen magnification, you can return from the enlarged zoom to the actual shooting range with just one half-press of the shutter, enabling faster shooting.

6. The high-speed frame capture function has been improved.
- [C15] option selection has been added to prevent unnecessary shooting. In addition, JPEG FINE selection has been enabled in the image quality setting, enabling high-quality images.

7. The N-Log View Assist gradation characteristics have been changed and improved.
- It is now possible to check with a more accurate specified color tone when shooting video. It has become possible to shoot video comfortably with a color tone that matches the user's intention.

8. Other updates
1) The maximum aperture value Lv function makes close-up shooting easier.
2) Date option added when playing back filters.
3) High-frequency flicker preset setting is now possible.
4) Nikon models can now be displayed when using the Final Cut program for ProRess 422HQ images.
5) The AF custom wide area has been expanded to a denser area.
6) External microphone support for shooting image voice memo has become possible.
7) Subject detection frame display is now possible when shooting with high-resolution zoom.
8) The white LED of Proforo A10 can now be used as an AF assist light.
9) Support for NX Field has been improved.

 

[jaymc]

Hope this update comes soon to NikonUSA.

 

[TheSoaringSprite]

Finally! Subject detection in manual focus mode! That is the one feature I've been hoping for.

 

[madecov]

At my age, it's going to take the rest of my life to master the Z8

 

[Bruno Zarokian]

1) The maximum aperture value Lv function makes close-up shooting easier.

Finally. AF at full aperture if we want it.

That and the use of the Profoto led for AF is long overdue and very welcome.

 

[chambeshi]

https://www.nikonusa.com/content/z-8-firmware-3-point-0

Ricci Chera Nikon UK

https://nij.nikon.com/products/info/2025/0611.html

 

[Pierre Lagarde]

The new z8 firmware update 3.0 has been released.

A long list of enhancements for many different people.

The sum of features this firmware update addresses is impressive.

In my case, limiting AF distances (though I'm curious to know how it is implemented and accessible while shooting), and MF subjects recognition are cool features.
I don't get the point though with C15, as you can already do this by choosing Jpeg as image format and H15 as release mode... I may be missing something.

What would have been cool too is to add the ability for multiple/distinct sets of "Recall Shooting Functions", depending on context/button (+being able to choose iso sensitivity settings in those sets).

The fact you have the same unique set for any button you want this set to be assigned to is kind of limiting. Of course it's due to what I call the "powerhouse effect" : the Z8 is so capable that you can always stumble on something that seems limiting .

 

[hrx9331]

The new z8 firmware update 3.0 has been released.

A long list of enhancements for many different people.

The sum of features this firmware update addresses is impressive.

In my case, limiting AF distances (though I'm curious to know how it is implemented and accessible while shooting), and MF subjects recognition are cool features.
I don't get the point though with C15, as you can already do this by choosing Jpeg as image format and H15 as release mode... I may be missing something.

What would have been cool too is to add the ability for multiple/distinct sets of "Recall Shooting Functions", depending on context/button (+being able to choose iso sensitivity settings in those sets).

The fact you have the same unique set for any button you want this set to be assigned to is kind of limiting. Of course it's due to what I call the "powerhouse effect" : the Z8 is so capable that you can always stumble on something that seems limiting .

C15 is probably for JPEG precapture, C30 is a bit too much sometimes.

 

[raunak]

At my age, it's going to take the rest of my life to master the Z8

I have to agree, I am not a professional and am amazed every day I shoot with a Z8 how much of an overkill it is for me. Some of the times, the AF almost feels like cheating. To truly master everything about it would probably go beyond the actual usable life of the camera.

 

[Leonard Shepherd]

Download not yet available in UK at 9.30 Wed 11th June :-(

 

[Nebido]

Download not yet available in UK at 9.30 Wed 11th June :-(

As far as I know, at least that's the status NR is reporting, this is a firmware announcement.

No release date was provided, except that it “is scheduled for release soon.”

https://nikonrumors.com/2025/06/11/...h-focus-shift-or-ae-bracketing-workflow.aspx/

The release date hasn't been made public yet, but it should be soon.

So the thread title is a bit misleading, currently it is an announcement but not yet a release.

That said, this is great news for Z8 owners.

It's exemplary how Nikon continues to deliver real value and content for a camera that's been on the market for over two years.

If the features arrive as listed in the announcements, this will be a massive upgrade for the Z8 and make an outstandingly good camera even better and more versatile.

 

[Leonard Shepherd]

Nebido wrote:

The release date hasn't been made public yet, but it should be soon.

Part agreed!

So the thread title is a bit misleading, currently it is an announcement but not yet a release.

Ricci at Nikon Europe in his video summary says download the firmware update now!

Perhaps a false start

 

[buildingsights]

The release date hasn't been made public yet, but it should be soon.

Part agreed!

So the thread title is a bit misleading, currently it is an announcement but not yet a release.

Ricci at Nikon Europe in his video summary says download the firmware update now!

Perhaps a false start

UK (Ricci) and USA videos on YT about the FW v.3 imply that it is ready to download (even through snapbridge)... the FW looks interesting, but the waiting not so much!

 

[Samuraidog]

The new z8 firmware update 3.0 has been released.



Nikon USA will upload the firmware file soon as well.

1. Pixel shift shooting function has been upgraded.
- The automatic exposure bracketing can be used together with the pixel shift function, so that high-quality, high-pixel images can be obtained along with exposure change data, which is the basis for HDR synthesis.

2. Focus shift shooting function has been upgraded.
- It is now possible to use pixel shift, which implements high-quality, high-pixel images along with optimal focus detection data for each shooting section, as an option. The foundation for satisfying both the best image quality and the best resolution has been established.

3. Flexible Picture Control support has been made possible.
- After creating a personal color tone adjusted to the user's preference through Nikon NX STUDIO, it can be applied to the camera via a memory card and applied in real time as a custom picture control.

4. Focus range limit settings can now be adjusted within the camera body. - You can now directly determine the close and long distance ranges for focus detection, enabling faster focus detection without being interrupted by unnecessary interference subjects when shooting flowers, birds, sports, etc.

5. The subject detection function has been enhanced.
- The subject recognition option can now be used in MF, and the image magnification during shooting has been expanded to 400%. In particular, when shooting close-up, after checking the screen magnification, you can return from the enlarged zoom to the actual shooting range with just one half-press of the shutter, enabling faster shooting.

6. The high-speed frame capture function has been improved.
- [C15] option selection has been added to prevent unnecessary shooting. In addition, JPEG FINE selection has been enabled in the image quality setting, enabling high-quality images.

7. The N-Log View Assist gradation characteristics have been changed and improved.
- It is now possible to check with a more accurate specified color tone when shooting video. It has become possible to shoot video comfortably with a color tone that matches the user's intention.

8. Other updates
1) The maximum aperture value Lv function makes close-up shooting easier.
2) Date option added when playing back filters.
3) High-frequency flicker preset setting is now possible.
4) Nikon models can now be displayed when using the Final Cut program for ProRess 422HQ images.
5) The AF custom wide area has been expanded to a denser area.
6) External microphone support for shooting image voice memo has become possible.
7) Subject detection frame display is now possible when shooting with high-resolution zoom.
8) The white LED of Proforo A10 can now be used as an AF assist light.
9) Support for NX Field has been improved.

This is new to me. How does in-camera focus range limit setting work? If I set it in the camera, will it override the physical switch on my lens, e.g. 180-600mm?

 

[Nebido]

This video by Ricci briefly discusses the new "In-body focus limiter" and how it works.

Starts at 1 min 12 sec with the in-body focus limiter.

 

[buildingsights]

4. Focus range limit settings can now be adjusted within the camera body. - You can now directly determine the close and long distance ranges for focus detection, enabling faster focus detection without being interrupted by unnecessary interference subjects when shooting flowers, birds, sports, etc.

This is new to me. How does in-camera focus range limit setting work? If I set it in the camera, will it override the physical switch on my lens, e.g. 180-600mm?

Ricci - in-body focus limiter perhaps this help...

 

[SCoombs]

Allowing the LED on a speedlight to be used to help acquire focus in a very dark space like an event is a great feature that I am sure a lot of people will find useful. It is a shame that it's locked behind a $1200 speedlight. I wonder if it will be possible for for manufacturers of flashes that are accessible to mere mortals to get the camera to recognize their products as compatible with this sort of how when you use for instance a Godox flash the camera seems to identify it as one of the Nikon SB speedlights.

 

[Horshack]

I don't have a Z8 handy but the release notes imply View Assist has been updated to incorporate Nikon's newer universal N-Log LUT, which I analyzed 8 months after after it was released:

https://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/67976515

 

[shuncheung]

https://www.nikonusa.com/content/z-8-firmware-3-point-0

Ricci Chera Nikon UK

https://nij.nikon.com/products/info/2025/0611.html

Nikon USA has just sent out e-mail about the new firmware, and I confirmed with them that the new firmware is actually not yet available for download. That is kind of strange. These are the additional YouTube videos on Z8 FW 3.0 I have seen, and there are more:

• Matt Irwin, Australia:
• Philip Fung, Hong Kong (in the Cantonese dislect of Chinese)

The last firmware (among all cameras) Nikon introduced was 1.50 for the Z5, introduced on June 10, 2025 i.e. yesterday:

Nikon | Download center | Z 5 Firmware

Therefore, the next firmware should be 563

i.e. https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/563.html

But that 563 is current a dead link.

 

[Ryan Schwartz]

Fell for the thread title. Is there anyway to change the title from “released” to “announced”?