Tag Archives: Nikon

News, Tips and Tricks, Videos

Nikon Z6 & Z7 Firmware Updates

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How to update the firmware in a Nikon Z mirrorless camera

Nikon has released updated firmware version C 2.10 for the Z6 and Z7 mirrorless digital cameras. In addition to bug fixes, this firmware update also adds support for the two new DX format Z-mount lenses, the 16-50mm and 50-250mm zooms released with the Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera.

Updating the firmware on a Nikon Z mirrorless camera is fairly straightforward. To do so, you’ll need:

  • A formatted XQD memory card
  • An XQD card reader for your computer
  • A fully charged EN-EL15 battery
  • Nikon firmware update file

After downloading the firmware update, copy the binary (.bin) file to the ROOT (main) directory of the XQD card. Put the card in your camera and navigate to the Firmware Version option in the Z6 or Z7’s SETUP (wrench icon) menu. Follow the on-screen prompts to update your firmware to the current version (currently 2.10).

Updating the firmware in the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras

Get more of Jason’s Nikon tips and tricks here

Podcasts, The Image Doctors

The Image Doctors #13

Nikon 85mm f/1.8S and then some

The Image Doctors Photography Podcast

This week, Jason is back from leading a photo tour to Scotland, and Rick is getting ready for a trip to Vietnam. We discuss the recently released Nikon 85mm f/1.8 S lens for Nikon Z mirrorless cameras, and then we decided to reach into the grab bag to offer up our thoughts on a slew of mini-topics that you might find interesting (or not).

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Gear, News

Nikon D6 DSLR & 120-300mm lens

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New Nikon Flagship DSLR Announced

The Nikon D6 flagship DSLR (Image courtesy Nikon)

Nikon has announced the development of their newest flagship DSLR, the Nikon D6. Given the timing of this announcement, and that 2019 marks the 20th year of Nikon single-digit “D” digital cameras (the D1 was released in 1999), I would speculate that we’ll see the D6 available sometime later this fall.

Shop Nikon gear at B&H Photo

The flagship D-series Nikon DSLRs are geared towards professional sports/action photographers who need the best autofocus, fastest frame rates, and superior low-light performance. These cameras offer superior weather sealing, long battery life, and an integrated vertical grip, ideal for using larger telephoto lenses.

Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8 FL ED SR VR Nikkor

Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR zoom Nikkor (Image courtesy Nikon)

Also announced today was a new fast telephoto zoom lens for sports photographers. The Nikon 120-300mm f/2.8E FL ED SR VR lens will use Nikon’s electronic aperture control for more reliable exposure control, and will incorporate fluorite (FL) elements as well as Nikon’s extra low-dispersion (ED) glass elements. This pro lens will be ideal for sports photographers who work from fixed locations, where having a zoom lens becomes extremely valuable. What’s interesting here is the as of yet undisclosed “SR” designation. I guess we’ll have to wait to see what that one means!

Webinars, Workshops/Training

Birding with the Nikon System

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Online Class February 7th with Jason P. Odell

Live webinar 7-9pm Eastern Time, Thursday, February 7th, 2019

hummingbird

Join professional photographer Jason P. Odell live online for tips and tricks for better bird photography using the Nikon digital system.

Topics include

  • Exposure & White Balance Settings for bird photography
  • Autofocus modes and settings for bird photography with Nikon DSLRs
  • Getting accurate focus in the field with Nikon DSLRs
  • Custom settings for Nikon DSLRs
  • How to photograph birds in flight
  • Gear recommendations
Register Here

Your registration includes live webinar access (you can ask me quesstions) and a video replay download for future viewing.

Please note that registration will close one hour prior to the class start time. Login information will be sent to the email you used to register; please ensure that your email address is correct when registering.

Tips and Tricks

My Go-To Focus Setting For Birds In Flight

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Better BIFs Starts With Better Focus

Nikon Group Area AF
Good flight shots start with fast focus acquisition.

I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve struggled with photographing birds in flight for years. The number one problem I and others have is focus acquisition. With birds in flight (BIFs), the ideal situation is to lock focus early while the animal is still at distance, track the approaching bird, and then capture a rapid burst of shots when the bird begins to fill the frame.

For me, my struggles have always been two-fold. First, when birds are very far away, it’s often hard for the camera to discern the difference between the subject and the background. Often times the camera will focus on the background instead of the bird. When this happens, you need to quickly re-cycle the focus system (pump the focus). The other challenge is when the bird drops below a background object such as trees or a mountain ridge. Again, the focus system can quickly lose track of the subject unless it’s fairly large in the frame. Continue reading My Go-To Focus Setting For Birds In Flight →