When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission. Photo: Richard Butler Nikon has announced the 2. 0 firmware for its full-frame Zf camera. The update adds a dedicated bird mode to the camera's subject recognition autofocus, support for connecting to the company's Imaging Cloud service and other improvements that will make shooting video and using older, manual-focus lenses more convenient.
The company says the dedicated bird subject detection mode will be quicker and more accurate at detecting and tracking birds than the Auto or Animal modes, especially in complex scenarios like shooting in forests or mountains. While the Zf likely isn't the first camera people reach for when doing wildlife photography – its gripless retro design is better suited to smaller lenses – it's nice that Nikon is making this mode available on the camera regardless.
Nikon Imaging Cloud lets your camera automatically upload photos to the cloud and download color mode "recipes. "
Image: Nikon
Support for Nikon Imaging Cloud is also a nice addition. It allows the camera to automatically upload images when connected to a Wi-Fi network, rather than requiring you to connect it to your phone or a computer to offload your shots. Additionally, you can configure Nikon Imaging Cloud to automatically offload those images to other services, like Dropbox, Google Drive, Lightroom and more. The service can also be used to sync additional color profiles to your camera – the Zf can store nine – and to automatically keep your camera's firmware up-to-date.
The 2. 0 update also adds Nikon's 'Hi-Res Zoom' mode for video, which lets you progressively apply a digital crop up to 2x your lens' actual focal length when shooting 1080p. The company says it doesn't introduce any loss in resolution, as the camera is still using a 1080p region of the sensor. However, in other cameras like the Z9, the feature does incur some loss of detail, as you're no longer getting oversampled video. Still, if you want to make your footage look like you're zooming in, you'll at least have the option to do so.
The final big change with the update revolves around using manual-focus lenses. The company has improved the focus magnification feature, letting you quickly exit it by half-pressing the shutter button so you can see your full composition before actually taking the picture. When you're using the display, the maximum magnification has been increased from 200% to 400%. You can now also assign ISO and exposure compensation to the cameras' command dials in the manual shooting mode and manually record your aperture value if you're using a lens that doesn't electronically communicate with the camera.
It's not surprising that features like Hi-Res Zoom, Imaging Cloud and bird subject detection are coming to the Zf. After all, they're included in the just-launched Z5II, which uses very similar internals. However, it's nice to see them come so quickly, so users who bought the more expensive Zf won't have to be envious of Z5II owners. It's also one more step to making the company's lineup more cohesive, with most of its latest-gen cameras getting Imaging Cloud.
The update is available now from Nikon's website.
Press release:
Nikon Releases The Upgraded Firmware Version 2. 00 For The Nikon Zf Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
MELVILLE, NY (April 8, 2025) -- Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2. 00 for its full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Zf.
This is the first major firmware update for the Zf since its launch and the next step in the camera’s evolution, adding new functions inherited from the Nikon Z9 flagship camera and full-frame mirrorless model, the Nikon Z6III. Firmware version 2. 00 also adds support for Nikon Imaging Cloud, enabling the automatic transfer of images to third-party cloud storage services, automatic camera firmware updates, and access to a wide range of creative Imaging Recipes.
The Zf now incorporates a dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option, providing more powerful detection and tracking performance to enhance bird photography support. In addition, the Hi-Res Zoom function has been added, and functions have been expanded for greater usability when manual-focus lenses are used.
Firmware version 2. 00 makes shooting with manual-focus lenses, including vintage lenses, even more enjoyable, with the ability to quickly exit the magnified display simply by half-pressing the shutter-release button and a function that allows users to record the aperture values used when shooting.
Primary Features of Firmware Version 2. 00 for the Nikon Zf:
Support for Nikon Imaging Cloud enables more creative imaging expression
Nikon Imaging Cloud is Nikon’s cloud service accessible via computers and smart devices. It hosts the Imaging Recipes color presets, both those recommended by Nikon and those carefully crafted by established creators. Up to nine recipes can be downloaded to the Zf, allowing users to get the look and style of their favorite creators easily. Connection to Nikon Imaging Cloud also facilitates updating the camera firmware without the need for a computer or smart device. Furthermore, the advanced setup enables the automatic transfer of captured images to various third-party cloud storage services when the Zf is connected via Wi-Fi, providing even greater convenience for storing and sharing images captured with the camera.
Dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option enhances support for bird photography
A dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option has been added. It offers better bird-detection and tracking performance than when [Auto] or [Animal] subject-detection is selected. It also ensures quicker, more accurate detection and tracking of birds in various shooting scenarios, such as when complex, high-contrast backgrounds like rocky mountains or forests are in the frame. The [Birds] option satisfies the expectations of those who enjoy photographing birds with a greater ability to detect birds whether in flight, at rest, or characterized by a unique size or visual feature such as a long neck or vibrant colors.
Addition of the Hi-Res Zoom function enables zooming even when a prime lens is used
With firmware version 2. 00, users can zoom-in to up to twice the actual focal length with no loss in resolution in full-HD recording*. This enables recording that makes the most of the superior rendering characteristics of prime lenses. Selection from 11 different zoom speeds expands possibilities for imaging expression during video recording, allowing users to achieve the exact look and feel they want. The Hi-Res Zoom function can also be assigned to the Fn ring or control ring on a lens.
More convenient functions when shooting with a manual focus lens
A new function has been added that lets users exit the magnified display by half-pressing the shutter-release button, making shooting with manual focus more convenient. Additionally, in the live view display, the maximum magnification has been increased from the previous 200% to 400%, providing greater convenience when shooting portraits and other situations that require more precise focusing. Furthermore, exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity can now be assigned to the main or sub-command dial in manual shooting mode. A new function has also been added that allows users to manually record aperture values to the Exif data when using non-CPU lenses. This enables them to review and appreciate the subtle differences in image results when shooting with different aperture values at or near the maximum aperture.
Nikon will continuously meet users' needs through firmware updates that expand the functionality of its cameras.
For more information about the latest Nikon products, including the vast collection of NIKKOR Z lenses and the entire line of Z series cameras, please visit nikonusa. com.
*AF-area mode is fixed at [Wide-area AF (L)]. The focus point is not displayed. [Electronic VR] in the video recording menu is fixed at [OFF].
2025-4-8 07:01
