New firmware lets Nikon Z8 users create 180MP images and improves autofocus precision

Nikon has announced a massive firmware update for its Z8 camera. Firmware 3.0 introduces an extensive list of new features and performance enhancements. It offers upgrades for both video users and photographers of multiple types, including a new ultra-high resolution tool, improved autofocus, improved VIew Assist for N-Log and more. The most significant update is the ability to create files up to 180MP by combining Pixel Shift (Nikon's high-resolution feature) with focus shift or AE bracketing, which Nikon says is the world's first camera to do so. This tool allows for greater depth of field, resolution and dynamic range, which is ideal for commercial, fine art and architectural photography. The Pixel Shift plus focus shift or AE bracketing feature unlocks the ability to combine high-resolution images with focus shifting or exposure bracketing. Image: Nikon To use the new focus stacking features, users will need to merge the Pixel Shift structures in NX Studio on a computer, and then they can use their preferred software for focus stacking. With AE bracketing, Nikon says the Z8 creates a Pixel Shift cluster at every exposure bracket, which you can then merge for a higher resolution with enhanced dynamic range. Neither one can be completed in-camera. Autofocus has also been improved in many ways. Nikon added an in-camera focus limiter, allowing users to define near and far focus ranges for faster and more precise autofocus. The custom Wide-Area AF feature now enables users to set the focus area at the edge of the frame with smaller increments for more precise control over the size of the custom area. Nikon added a 400% magnification option, making it possible to dial in focus to a highly precise degree. Subject Detection was also added to manual focus and Hi-Res Zoom. Users can now set near and far focus limits for faster autofocus. Image: Nikon On a creative front, users now have the ability to create custom Flexible Picture Controls using NX Studio. These can be saved to the camera via a memory card, allowing users to apply custom looks in real-time. N-log View Assist was also updated, offering enhanced highlights, contrast and details for a more accurate waveform exposure. Nikon says it provides a look very similar to its Rec. 709 LUT. Image: Nikon Photojournalists and professional sports photographers also get some specific updates. The Z8 now allows users to record voice memos using an external mic, providing better quality for voice notes on the go. The camera is now fully compatible with NX Field, allowing users to control and monitor up to 10 cameras with an iPhone or iPad and transfer files automatically to an FTP server. Nikon also added a Maximum Aperture Live View feature, which switches the lens to its widest aperture no matter what is selected. This switch gathers more light for Live View purposes and enables faster autofocus. It then switches back to the selected aperture when taking the shot. Nikon hasn't announced a release date for the Z8 Ver. 3.0 firmware update, only stating it will be available soon. Most of these are not currently available on the Z9, but it is reasonable to expect that a firmware update for Nikon's flagship camera could be coming as well. You can see all of the coming upgrades and monitor availability at Nikon's website and firmware download page.

Jun 11, 2025 - 21:35

New firmware lets Nikon Z8 users create 180MP images and improves autofocus precision

Nikon has announced a massive firmware update for its Z8 camera. Firmware 3.0 introduces an extensive list of new features and performance enhancements. It offers upgrades for both video users and photographers of multiple types, including a new ultra-high resolution tool, improved autofocus, improved VIew Assist for N-Log and more.

The most significant update is the ability to create files up to 180MP by combining Pixel Shift (Nikon's high-resolution feature) with focus shift or AE bracketing, which Nikon says is the world's first camera to do so. This tool allows for greater depth of field, resolution and dynamic range, which is ideal for commercial, fine art and architectural photography.

two images of pink flower with zoomed in versions on black background

The Pixel Shift plus focus shift or AE bracketing feature unlocks the ability to combine high-resolution images with focus shifting or exposure bracketing.

Image: Nikon

To use the new focus stacking features, users will need to merge the Pixel Shift structures in NX Studio on a computer, and then they can use their preferred software for focus stacking. With AE bracketing, Nikon says the Z8 creates a Pixel Shift cluster at every exposure bracket, which you can then merge for a higher resolution with enhanced dynamic range. Neither one can be completed in-camera.

Autofocus has also been improved in many ways. Nikon added an in-camera focus limiter, allowing users to define near and far focus ranges for faster and more precise autofocus. The custom Wide-Area AF feature now enables users to set the focus area at the edge of the frame with smaller increments for more precise control over the size of the custom area. Nikon added a 400% magnification option, making it possible to dial in focus to a highly precise degree. Subject Detection was also added to manual focus and Hi-Res Zoom.

two live view screens with flowers on black background

Users can now set near and far focus limits for faster autofocus.

Image: Nikon

On a creative front, users now have the ability to create custom Flexible Picture Controls using NX Studio. These can be saved to the camera via a memory card, allowing users to apply custom looks in real-time. N-log View Assist was also updated, offering enhanced highlights, contrast and details for a more accurate waveform exposure. Nikon says it provides a look very similar to its Rec. 709 LUT.

person holds ipad with camera controls on the display

Image: Nikon

Photojournalists and professional sports photographers also get some specific updates. The Z8 now allows users to record voice memos using an external mic, providing better quality for voice notes on the go. The camera is now fully compatible with NX Field, allowing users to control and monitor up to 10 cameras with an iPhone or iPad and transfer files automatically to an FTP server.

Nikon also added a Maximum Aperture Live View feature, which switches the lens to its widest aperture no matter what is selected. This switch gathers more light for Live View purposes and enables faster autofocus. It then switches back to the selected aperture when taking the shot.

Nikon hasn't announced a release date for the Z8 Ver. 3.0 firmware update, only stating it will be available soon. Most of these are not currently available on the Z9, but it is reasonable to expect that a firmware update for Nikon's flagship camera could be coming as well. You can see all of the coming upgrades and monitor availability at Nikon's website and firmware download page.