Nikon released a major firmware update version 2.00 for the Z6III camera (now $300 off). Here is the long list of improvements and fixes:
Note: The changes listed below under “Still Photography”, “Video Recording”, “Playback”, “Controls”, 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 [Birds] to [AF/MF subject detection options] in the photo shooting menu.
- The maximum shooting display zoom ratio is now 400%.
- Added [Auto capture] to the photo shooting menu. Users can select capture criteria from [Motion] (the direction the subject is moving), [Distance] (how far the subject is from the camera), and [Subject detection] (whether or not a subject of a given type is detected), and the camera will take photographs automatically while it detects subjects that meet the selected criteria. Note that [Distance] is available with NIKKOR Z lenses and may not function as expected when used with other lenses. The [FX (36×24)] and [DX (24×16)] image areas are available with auto capture.
- Added a [C15] high-speed frame capture + release mode option.
- The image quality for high-speed frame capture + can now be set separately from other release modes.
- [Options] has been added under [Focus shift shooting] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] to allow [Pixel shift shooting] to be used together with focus shift shooting.
- [Options] has been added under [Pixel shift shooting] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] to allow [AE bracketing] to be used together with pixel shift shooting. [Starting storage folder] has also been added.
- [Pixel shift shooting] options can now be set when the self-timer mode is selected.
- The Profoto A10’s continuous LED light can now be used as an AF-assist illuminator.
Note: The firmware update is needed for Profoto A10. See Profoto’s corporate website for details.
■ Video Recording
- Added [Birds] to [AF/MF subject detection options] > [Subject detection] in the video recording menu.
- The maximum shooting display zoom ratio is now 400%.
- Added [Auto capture] to the video recording menu. Users can select capture criteria from [Motion] (the direction the subject is moving), [Distance] (how far the subject is from the camera), and [Subject detection] (whether or not a subject of a given type is detected), and the camera will record video automatically while it detects subjects that meet the selected criteria. Note that [Distance] is available with NIKKOR Z lenses and may not function as expected when used with other lenses. The [FX] and [DX] image areas are available with auto capture.
- The color of the in-focus AF-area brackets shown on the shooting display when Hi-Res Zoom is enabled has been changed.
- Hi-Res Zoom operations can now be performed using the sub-selector.
- Selecting [ON] for [Hi-Res Zoom] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU] now displays a focus point on the detected subject in the shooting display.
- Added a function to include file names used in the camera when recording videos to an external recorder that supports file name transmission via HDMI. The following Atomos external recorders support this function (as of August 2025).
- Ninja V *
- Ninja V+ *
- Ninja (2023 models)
- Ninja Ultra
- Shogun (2023 models)
- Shogun Ultra
- Shogun Connect *
* Some recorders may require an ATOMOS OS upgrade or paid activation of the recorder. Contact ATOMOS for details.
■ Playback
- Added [Loop playback] in the playback “i” menu.
- Added [Playback speed] in the video playback “i” menu.
- Added [Record camera orientation] in the playback menu.
- Added [Auto series playback options] to [Series playback] in the playback menu.
- Made changes to the [Select for upload to computer] and [Select for upload (FTP)] items in the playback “i” menu and added [Select for priority upload to computer] and [Select for priority upload (FTP)].
- Added [Date] to [Filtered playback criteria] in playback menu and playback “i” menu.
- Added [Customize retouch options] to [Retouch] in the playback “i” menu.
- Added [Auto-rotate during playback] to the playback menu.
■ Controls
- Added support for the Nikon Authenticity Service.* The Nikon Authenticity Service enhances content credibility by using provenance information and other data in accordance with the C2PA standards.
* You must register with Nikon Imaging Cloud and apply for use of the service.
* The Nikon Authenticity Service may not be available in some countries and regions. - Added [Focus point border width] to a10 [Focus point display] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
- 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 [Half-press to cancel zoom (MF)] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in positions d19 and g18.
- Added [Auto capture] to the roles assignable to the “i” menu via [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > f1 and g1 [Customize <i> menu].
- Added assignable custom controls and roles to the following items in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]. Also, the options for [Zoom on/off] have changed.
- f2[Custom controls (shooting)]
- f3[Custom controls (playback)]
- g2[Custom controls]
- Choose [Prefer focus point] or [Prefer focus point (face priority)] for f3 [Custom controls (playback)] > [Main command dial] or [Sub-command dial] > [Frame advance zoom position].
The settings for f3 [Custom controls (playback)] > [Main command dial] or [Sub-command dial] > [Frame advance] can now be applied during playback zoom.
- Added assignable custom controls and roles (for example, [Jump to the source image] and [Trim]) to [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > f3 [Custom controls (playback)].
- Made changes to the f4 [Touch Fn] > [Move focus point] item in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
- Changes have been made to how a full format is performed with [Format memory card] in the [SETUP MENU].
- Made updates to [Non-CPU lens data] in the [SETUP MENU].
- Added [Automatic monitor display switch] to the [SETUP MENU].
■ Network
- Added [USB streaming (UVC/UAC)] to [USB] in the [NETWORK MENU].
- A warning now appears when the connection to an ATOMOS AirGlu BT accessory is unstable or disrupted.
- 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.
- ATOMOS AirGlu BT accessories and MC-N10 remote grips can now be used together.
- Made changes and additions to the [Connect to FTP server] item in the [NETWORK MENU].
- Changed the procedure used when configuring the camera for synchronized release, increasing to twenty the number of groups that can be created, while the number of cameras in each group that can be controlled from the master camera has been increased to sixteen.
- Added [Group settings] and [Overwrite copyright info] to [Connect to other cameras] in the [NETWORK MENU].
■ Other Changes
- Changed the specifications for uninterrupted video output to HDMI devices such as external monitors when recording ended.
- The headphone volume level can now be adjusted in the “i” menu during video recording.
- Direct measurement of white balance is now available also for still photography via applications, such as NX Tether.
- Voice memo recording is now available with external microphones.
- The tonal characteristics have been changed when [ON] is selected for Custom Setting g13 [View assist] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
- The camera now records company and model names in the video metadata recorded with [ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit (MOV)] selected for [Video file type] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU].
- Added support for “NX Field*”, a remote shooting system for corporate users.
* Visit the “NPS” website for overview and user’s manual of NX Field: Nikon Professional Services (NPS) (English)
Note: “NX Field” app for smart devices may not be available in some countries and regions. - Automatically obtained IP address will be maintained after automatic IP addressing disabled
You can download the new Nikon Z6III firmware update version 2.00 here.
Here is the official press release:
NIKON RELEASES FIRMWARE VERSION 2.00 FOR THE NIKON Z6III FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERA
Support for a dedicated [Birds] mode for subject detection and the “Nikon Authenticity Service” that increases the credibility of images
Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2.00 for its full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6III. This marks the first major update since the launch of the Z6III and introduces several features equivalent to those found in the flagship Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8.
With its already incredible high-speed performance, this firmware update adds the long-awaited [Birds] mode to subject detection, offering an enhanced shooting experience for both still and videos. Plus, the Auto Capture function now enables automatic shooting under pre-configured conditions, supporting flexible shooting styles tailored to various situations.
Additionally, for the first time for a Nikon product, the Z6III supports the Nikon Authenticity Service*1 – a solution primarily aimed at media organizations and creators who require a high level of trustworthiness in their work. The service is compatible with the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard, clearly recording provenance information from shooting through to editing to ensure greater transparency and reliability of content.
Nikon will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also fostering an environment in which all photographers and creators can engage in creative and professional activities with confidence and peace of mind.
Improved Subject Detection with Dedicated [Birds] Mode
A dedicated [Birds] mode has been added to the Z6III’s subject-detection options. When [Birds] mode is selected, the camera automatically tracks birds in flight with great precision, keeping them in focus even against complex, high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and rocky mountains. This allows photographers to concentrate on framing images, helping to meet their expectations. There is also a [Focus limiter setting] that can be assigned to a custom control to limit the shooting distance range, for more accurate focusing on the desired subject. In addition, the [JPEG fine] image quality setting can now be selected when Pre-Release Capture, which records images for up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, is used during full-frame shooting at 60 fps. This makes it possible to capture the moment a bird takes flight with superior image quality.
Compliance With Image Provenance FunctionNikon is committed to developing an image provenance function that supports confirmation of image authenticity, aiming to protect individuals and enterprises in the imaging industry from any unfavorable results caused by falsification and/or image manipulation, and to realize a society in which creative and business activities can be conducted with greater peace of mind. Z6III firmware version 2.00 includes an image provenance function that complies with the C2PA standard and is part of the Nikon Authenticity Service. By making a prior request through Nikon Imaging Cloud, users can load the digital certificate necessary for recording provenance data onto the Z6III.
The image provenance function adds metadata – such as information about the equipment used and data that makes it easy to verify whether the image has been tampered with, including a digital signature – to captured image files. This enables users to prove that a photo was taken with a Nikon camera.*2 If the image is then edited repeatedly using C2PA-compliant editing software, additional provenance information can be embedded in the image alongside the original shooting data, making it possible to prove that no misleading edits have been made.*3 In addition, image provenance data can be viewed in Nikon Imaging Cloud.
*1 There are some restrictions on shooting when the image provenance function is enabled.
*2 Provenance information is not embedded in images that are edited in-camera.
Auto Capture Function Expands Shooting Possibilities in Any A Variety Of Situations
Firmware version 2.00 adds the Auto Capture function, which enables automatic shooting with pre-configured conditions. This allows users to specify the subject type, direction of movement, and shooting distance range*4 to capture previously difficult scenes, such as those that require shooting in places or positions where photographers would disturb their subject. The function is also equipped with a scheduling feature that allows the user to specify the day and time to initiate Auto Capture in advance, reducing battery consumption between camera setup and the start of shooting. In combination with a USB-to-Ethernet adapter*5, it enables high-speed data transfer even to remote destinations, meeting the high demands of professional environments.
Expanded Functions and Improvements to Operability
- An [Automatic monitor display switch] function for disabling the eye sensor when the vari-angle monitor is deployed has been added, a first for the Nikon Z series.
- A function that allows users to exit the zoom view with a half-press of the shutter-release button when the focus mode is set to manual has been added.
- Pixel shift shooting can now be used in combination with focus shift shooting or AE bracketing settings for more precise photographic expression than ever before.
- A [Recall shooting functions] option that allows users to recall previously stored settings – including shooting mode, shutter speed, aperture value, and ISO sensitivity – with the press of a button has been added to the roles that can be assigned to a custom control.
- Adds support for USB streaming (UVC/UAC), which allows the camera to be used as a webcam by simply connecting it to a computer or smartphone.
- By default, firmware updates are now installed automatically after the camera connects to Nikon Imaging Cloud (a note about setting the camera’s date and time has been added to the instructions for connecting to the cloud to prevent connection errors between Nikon Imaging Cloud and the camera).
- Operation has been simplified by automatically displaying an update confirmation dialog on the camera monitor after registering an imaging recipe in Nikon Imaging Cloud.
Nikon Z6III owners can visit the website here to learn more about the new firmware. Nikon will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also fostering an environment in which all photographers and creators can engage in creative and professional activities with confidence and peace of mind.
