©︎ Nikon
On August 27, 2025, Nikon Corporation released Firmware Ver.2.00 for the full-frame mirrorless camera 'Z6III.' This marks the first major update since the product's launch in July 2024, focusing on inheriting features from higher-end models like the 'Z9' and 'Z8,' while significantly enhancing shooting performance and reliability.
High-Precision Subject Tracking with 'Bird Mode'
One of the key features of Firmware Ver.2.00 is the addition of a new 'Bird' detection mode. This dedicated algorithm enables high-precision recognition and tracking of birds, even small ones in flight or in complex backgrounds, offering performance on par with the 'Z9' and 'Z8.' Additionally, the 'In-Camera Focus Limiter' function allows users to restrict focus to a specific distance range, significantly reducing misdetections.
©︎ Nikon | Example shot using the 'Bird' detection mode
Additionally, high-quality 'JPEG FINE' can now be selected during pre-capture shooting. Combined with uncropped continuous shooting at 60 frames per second, users can capture decisive moments, such as birds taking flight, in high resolution.
Enhancing Reliability with 'Nikon Authenticity Service'
This update introduces a provenance recording feature to ensure content reliability. By supporting the 'Nikon Authenticity Service,' which complies with the C2PA (Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard, metadata and digital signatures can be embedded in captured images to verify that they were taken with the Nikon Z6III.
To use this feature, users must obtain a digital certificate via the 'Nikon Imaging Cloud.' Once obtained, the history of the image, from capture to editing, can be linked to the image, enabling the creation of highly reliable content that can be distinguished from AI-generated or tampered images.
Automated Shooting with the 'Auto Capture' Feature
The newly added 'Auto Capture' feature enables flexible shooting tailored to various scenarios. By pre-setting multiple conditions such as subject type, movement direction, and shooting distance, the camera can automatically trigger the shutter in locations where human presence is restricted or in environments with frequent sudden movements.
Additionally, scheduled shooting allows users to start capturing images at a specified time, while the design supports long-term placement with low power consumption. High-speed data transfer via a USB-LAN adapter is also supported, making it highly effective for fieldwork and remote monitoring in professional settings.
Enhanced Usability and Creative Expression
Numerous usability improvements have been made. These include disabling the eye sensor when using the vari-angle monitor, canceling magnification with a half-press of the shutter in manual focus mode, combining pixel shift shooting with focus shift, and a 'Shooting Function Recall' feature that allows users to call up various shooting settings with a single touch.
Furthermore, USB streaming (UVC/UAC) is now supported, enabling the camera to be used as a high-quality webcam simply by connecting it to a PC or smartphone. Enhanced integration with the 'Nikon Imaging Cloud' also enables automatic firmware updates and simplifies operational workflows.
Key Specifications of the New Features
- Bird Mode: High-precision detection and tracking of birds, even in complex backgrounds
- In-Camera Focus Limiter: Restrict focus to a specific range
- Pre-Capture: Supports JPEG FINE quality and 60fps continuous shooting
- Provenance Recording: C2PA-compliant metadata and digital signatures
- Auto Capture: Automated shooting based on subject conditions
- Monitor Display Auto-Switch: Disable eye sensor when vari-angle monitor is used
- Focus Shift and Pixel Shift Combination: Enables high-resolution stacked shooting
- Shooting Function Recall: Apply shooting settings with one button
- USB Streaming (UVC/UAC): Use as a webcam via PC connection
- Automatic Firmware Updates: Integrated with Nikon Imaging Cloud
