Nikon has released a new firmware update for its Nikon Z6III mirrorless digital camera. As well as adding new features for video shooters, firmware update 1.10 also aims to reduce noise in the dark areas of your N-Log videos.
N-Log shadow noise
The Nikon Z6III was released in June 2024. However, users soon raised concerns over excessive noise in dark areas of the images when recording N-Log video. On YouTube, Robert May reported flickering in the shadows of RAW video as well as 10-bit h.265 footage. The issues were first noticed at higher ISOs, such as 51,200. However, it was also visible in the shadows at ISO 6400 which is the camera’s second native ISO for video.
Firmware update 1.10
Nikon has now released firmware update version 1.10 for the Z6III. The update page on the company’s website sets out a number of new features under the heading Video Recording. However, further down the list of updates, it states “Reduced noise in dark areas of N-Log videos”. The YouTube channel testcams has also looked at the impact of this update. It reported that “visually the flickering has been significantly reduced”. The channel is going to carry out more tests but said the “new version definitely looks much better”
New video features
Firmware update 1.10 adds new features aimed at video users. You can now use Hi-Res Zoom when you are shooting in DX crop sensor mode. Hi-Res Zoom lets you zoom in on your subject digitally with no loss in resolution. You can also customize the color of the pattern when using zebras to set exposure. In addition, there are new custom control options for when you are working with the Nikkor Z 28-135mm power zoom lens. The firmware update includes some bug fixes and stability improvements as well.
What we think
The Nikon Z6III is a popular camera and has been highly praised for its video features. Therefore, it’s great to see that Nikon has acted quickly to address the issues with excessive noise in the shadow areas of your videos. The other new video related updates are also welcome additions to the camera’s features. If you have a Nikon Z6III, you should update your camera as soon as possible.
Pricing and availability
Firmware update 1.10 for the Nikon Z6III is available to download free of charge from the Nikon website.
