Nikon’s latest Z f firmware update breathes new life into the retro-styled mirrorless, introducing an in-camera film grain feature, vertical video support, and a range of usability improvements for both photo and video shooters. Let’s dive into Nikon Z f Firmware 3.0.
With firmware version 3.00, Nikon continues to evolve its Z f hybrid camera, bringing updates that blend nostalgic aesthetics with modern digital convenience. The new film grain options headline this release, designed to emulate the organic texture and variability of analog film photography. Found in both the photo and video menus, the feature lets users adjust grain size (three levels) and intensity (six levels), while ensuring subtle randomness from frame to frame for a natural, filmic look.
Filmmakers can combine this new setting with Nikon Imaging Cloud’s Picture Controls and Imaging Recipes, offering over 100 downloadable profiles for unique, stylized looks straight from the camera.
Improved usability for hybrid creators
Beyond the film grain addition, Nikon Z f firmware 3.0 makes several refinements aimed at hybrid content creators. Nikon has added vertical video recording, complete with a responsive user interface and metadata rotation, so files automatically display correctly in editing software. The update also introduces 4:3 and 9:16 framing guides, ideal for social media content, ensuring consistent composition for both horizontal and vertical output.
ISO adjustments can now be made silently via the command dial in video mode, allowing smoother operation during takes. In addition, the headphone volume level is now adjustable from the “i” menu, providing quicker access when monitoring audio.
Expanded customization and focus control
For manual shooters, Nikon introduces an “Only during zoom” focus peaking mode, helping maintain an unobstructed view when composing. A new focus limiter enables users to define both near and far focusing distances with any Z-mount lens, optimizing autofocus speed and precision for specific shooting ranges.
Photographers can also display the maximum aperture level while composing, mimicking the experience of shooting through an optical SLR. Meanwhile, a new C15 high-speed frame capture mode delivers up to 15fps full-resolution JPEG bursts with continuous autofocus, accompanied by a customizable electronic shutter sound for tactile feedback.
The “vintage look” digital rangefinder Nikon Z f camera. Image credit: NikonEnhanced connectivity and workflow features
The update further expands the camera’s connectivity suite, adding USB streaming (UVC/UAC) for direct plug-and-play use as a webcam, plus a Wi-Fi STA mode for connecting to wireless access points. Nikon has also refined its Imaging Cloud integration, streamlining how Picture Controls are imported.
Other improvements include the ability to record voice memos via external microphones, pixel shift support in self-timer mode, and Pre-Release Capture functionality through Bluetooth remotes. The tonal response in “View Assist” has also been tuned for a more accurate monitoring experience.
Availability of Nikon Z f firmware 3.0
Firmware 3.00 for the Nikon Z f is available now via the Nikon Download Center or through the SnapBridge and Nikon Imaging Cloud platforms.
Nikon’s steady expansion of the Z f’s feature set shows continued commitment to refining this modern classic for photographers and filmmakers alike.
What do you make of this Nikon Z f firmware 3.0, is it useful for you? Let us know in the comments.