Nikon has released a new firmware update for its Z 8 mirrorless camera. Firmware update 3.00 adds the ability to take high-resolution pixel shift images with focus shift and exposure bracketing.
What is pixel shift photography?
On the Nikon Z 8, the Pixel Shift feature allows you to take multiple pictures while shifting the camera’s image sensor by a single pixel or less. These images are merged to create a much higher-resolution image than you could capture through normal single-frame shooting. Once you have taken the photos in Pixel Shift mode, you can use Nikon’s NX Studio to combine the separate images.
Also, to increased resolution, the technique reduces moiré, colour fringing and noise.
Firmware update 3.00
The headline feature of firmware update 3.00 for the Nikon Z 8 is an improvement to pixel shift photography. With the new firmware, you can create photos up to 180-megapixels in size. These images can now also have an increased depth of field and dynamic range. To achieve this, the Z 8 can adjust the focus point when it takes the pixel shift images. When combined, this means your image can be in sharp focus at more distances to give a greater depth of field.
Additionally, the camera can adjust the exposure settings between images to give a greater dynamic range in the final combined photo.
What we think
If you take photos of architecture or landscapes with your Nikon Z 8, this is a fabulous update. With the addition of focus shift and exposure bracketing, you will get much more impressive images when using the pixel shift shooting feature. There are also a number of other improvements for both video and still shooting across the camera’s features. If you use the Nikon Z 8, you should update to the new firmware now.
Pricing and availability
Firmware update 3.00 for the Nikon Z 8 is available to download from the Nikon website for free now.
