Today, Nikon releases major new firmware update for the Nikon Z6III, birds added to subject detection

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Nikon Z8 with the NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S lens

Today, as first reported by Robert G Allen Photography, Nikon releases major new firmware 2.0 update for the Nikon Z6III camera. These changes bring the Nikon Z6III more in alingment with the Nikon Z8.

The changes are many as listed below:

■ 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.

Download the update here: Nikon | Download center | Z6III Firmware