Yesterday, Nikon released firmware version 3.0 for the Z9 mirrorless camera. Most of the major changes centered around video functions, but there a lot of hidden features that to me are most welcome. Here’s what stood out to me:
New C60 (60fps) burst shooting option: This isn’t really something I need, because it requires shooting in DX crop mode and capturing normal-quality JPEGs (not raw). Still, it’s nice to have more options for burst shooting.
Change the AF point in 3D-tracking AF to red: This is great! The default AF point in 3D-tracking AF was white, and could sometimes be hard to see.
New option for Prioritize Viewfinder mode: Thank you, Nikon. The original behavior for Prioritize Viewfinder (firmware 1.x) is what I preferred, because it lets you start on the LCD monitor and then hand off that view to the viewfinder. Firmware 2.x changed this behavior to always putting the camera in “shooting mode” when you held it up to your eye. Now you can choose the behavior you like (I prefer Mode 1) to suit your own shooting style.
More custom buttons & functions: With firmware 3.0, Nikon has given photographers even more ways to customize their camera. You can now assign functions to the ISO and exposure compensation buttons, and some new functions were added. My favorite? Toggle FX-DX crop with a single button, instead of a button + dial combo. Very nice!
AF sensitivity has been improved by 0.5EV, down to -7EV, giving the Z9 one of the most sensitive low-light AF systems available. Only the Canon R3 (which is 24MP) has a more sensitive system.
Extended LCD brightness range: Nikon added 4 additional brightness settings to the rear LCD, which should help in very bright and very dark conditions.
I’ve been down in New Mexico since Wednesday, leading a travel photography workshop with my Image Doctors podcast co-host, Rick Walker. We’ve had a great group of clients who are very enthusiastic about photography and learning new ways to approach subjects for their travelogues. Here’s some photos I’ve captured along the way…
All my photos are available for printing with the purchase of a digital print license
Basilica of St. Francis de Assisi, Santa FeChurch San Francisco de Asis, TaosTaos PuebloCanyon Road, Santa Fe
Master the art of digital infrared photography with Jason Odell & Rick Walker Feb 23-26 in Tucson, AZ
Join me and Rick Walker in Tucson, Arizona for an infrared photography master class that goes far beyond the basics and teaches you the skills to truly master infrared processing. This workshop includes field photography sessions in the Tucson area, where we will photograph subjects that are ideal for infrared capture, plus in-depth classroom time to learn how to work with digital infrared images.
Learn how to create channel-swapped, and “blue sky” infrared images directly in Lightroom Classic on your digital raw files!
Rick and I have spent the last year developing a unique processing workflow for infrared digital images using only Adobe Lightroom Classic and, to a lesser extent, Adobe Photoshop. In this class, you’ll learn our secrets for processing raw infrared images exclusively in Lightroom/ACR, including channel-swapping and color infrared.
What You’ll Learn
How to set up ACR/Lightroom with a custom camera preset for your own infrared converted camera
How to adjust white balance on digital infrared images using ACR/Lightroom Classic
How to adjust infrared images from cameras with different spectra (590-720nm)
How to correct hot-spots in infrared images
How to perform channel-swapping directly in ACR/Lr
How to create the “blue-sky” effect on raw digital infrared images directly in ACR/Lr
How to create dramatic monochrome infrared images in Lightroom and using Silver Efex Pro (Nik Collection by DXO).
How to fix common artifacts including banding and noise
How to create unique creative infrared styles using plug-in software
What’s Included
Field and classroom instruction with a student-teacher ratio not to exceed 5:1
Custom camera profile for processing infrared images in ACR/Lr that is specific to your personal camera that includes our unique channel-swapping settings
A tremendous diversity of birds, reptiles, and mammals in a protected setting
Discover the diverse wildlife of Panama’s Caribbean island regions
In 2019, I visited a private eco lodge on Isla Bastimentos, Panama. This protected island is home to a huge number of birds and other wildlife. Join me as I share my experience photographing the rainforest wildlife of Panama, and learn how you can join me on a photo adventure there in 2023.
I’m working on a revision to my Z9 eBook to include the newly released Nikon Z8. The two cameras share the same autofocus system, and new Z8 owners can start reading about it by getting my Z9 book. The Z8 version will be a FREE upgrade to all existing eBook owners.
What’s New in the Second Edition
I’ve fully updated the printable PDF guide to include new features in Z9 firmware 2.1, including:
Wide-area Custom AF
Recall shooting settings (hold)
Focus recall
Pre-burst capture
Focus point selection speed
High FPS viewfinder display
I completely revised my custom settings to incorporate the new features in the Z9 and my most recent control configurations for both BBF and Shutter AF
Coming Soon: Firmware 3 (Z9) and Z8 updates
There are a few tweaks I’ve made to my Z9 settings after the release of firmware version 3, and those will be in the updated edition, along with settings for Nikon Z8 owners.
