The Nikon Z9, the premier camera in the Nikon Z mirrorless lineup, has been updated to firmware version 5.10. This full-frame mirrorless camera now features the option to select shutter angles, akin to shutter speeds in traditional film cameras, and offers enhanced monitoring tools, including histogram, waveform, and zebra settings.
Launched in 2021, the Nikon Z9 quickly became a highly sought-after flagship model. It boasts a 45.7-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, the capability to record 8K UHD video in the N-RAW codec (12-bit) directly onto memory cards, a robust and high-quality build, and exceptional autofocus performance.
These attributes have contributed to the Nikon Z9’s remarkable success; Sales of the Z9 surpassed those of all Nikon flagship models combined over the past 15 years. This milestone was pivotal for Nikon, leading to the acquisition of RED and positioning the company as a significant contender in the mirrorless camera market focused on video production.
Building on the momentum of the Z9, Nikon introduced the Z8 model. established a new headquarters in Tokyo, and, following the completion of the RED acquisition, unveiled the Nikon Z6 III. This new model features RAW video recording capabilities, an innovative sensor architecture (with a partially folded sensor), and a fully articulating display.
The company continues to provide systematic updates for the Nikon Z9. The earlier released Version 2.0 enabled the camera to record 12-bit N-RAW video at a resolution of 8.3K, supporting frame rates of up to 60 fps. Additionally, it introduced ProRes RAW HQ recording at resolutions up to 4.1K at 60 fps.
Following this, Version 4.0 was launched, which incorporated several new features, including Hi-Res Zoom, Auto Capture, enhanced flicker suppression, a minimum ISO value for N-Log, and additional improvements.
Nikon has introduced firmware version 5.10 for the Nikon Z9, nearly four years after the camera’s initial launch, focusing specifically on enhancing video recording capabilities.
The update includes the addition of a shutter angle mode, allowing users to select a shutter angle in 15 increments ranging from 5.6° to 360°. This feature eliminates the need to adjust shutter speed according to frame rate, functioning exclusively in manual shooting mode.
Furthermore, users can now personalize their monitoring tools, including the ability to modify the zebra pattern’s display color. Adjustments can also be made to the position, size, and transparency of brightness indicators, which encompass the histogram and waveform.
The Nikon Z9 firmware update 5.10 is now available for free. Users can access the new software through the official Nikon website.
Looking ahead, there are indications that Nikon may unveil its first dedicated movie camera, with reports suggesting a potential announcement in 2025. Nikon engineers are reportedly collaborating on the next generation of RED movie cameras under the Nikon brand, which is expected to feature 8K recording capabilities and support for both Z-mount and PL-mount options. It has been noted that working prototypes are currently undergoing extensive testing, and the design of the Nikon/RED movie camera is anticipated to resemble the previously launched RED V-Raptor model.
