Nikon's brilliant full-frame mirrorless gets new firmware – but don't expect dramatic changes
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Fresh off earning an iF Design Award for delivering "superior performance, including advanced shooting functions from higher-end models," the Nikon Z5 II is now getting a firmware refresh.
While the release doesn't add major new features, Nikon has quietly refined the camera's lens and aperture behavior during standby operation – a subtle improvement for the camera's shooting performance.
If you use the Nikon Z5 II, this is one update worth knowing about. Here are the notes from Nikon:
New firmware: Nikon Z5 II
Firmware Ver.1.11
Nikon recently earned seven iF Design Awards , recognizing products across its lineup | Credit: Nikon
Update The firmware update Ver.1.10 to Ver.1.11 incorporates: Changed the way the aperture was adjusted on a lens when the standby timer expired.
Caution: Updating the Firmware Do not update the camera firmware with lenses other than Z-mount Nikkor lenses or mount adapters other than FTZ II / FTZ attached; failure to observe this precaution could result in camera malfunction.
Pairing the SnapBridge App with Your Camera (Bluetooth) A camera previously registered to SnapBridge may not automatically reconnect after the camera "C" firmware was updated from version 1.00. This does not indicate a malfunction as it is due to the change in camera display name following the "C" firmware update to version 1.01. Select [Forget camera] on the SnapBridge app and pair your camera with the app again.
Pro Advice
If you caught Episode 4 of Bokeh Face: The Digital Camera World podcast , we discussed the best time to install firmware updates, why they matter, but also what issues they can cause. It's a helpful listen if you're unsure when – or if – you should update.
It's smart to wait a week or two after release to see if any users hit snags. In the past, brands have had a few hiccups with major updates – for instance, introducing memory-setting bugs or minor interface glitches before being reissued.
Such problems are less likely this time, as Ver. 1.11 is a very minor update, but it always pays to be safe!
You can check out the episode for more insights, potential risks, and expert advice on our YouTube channel, Spotify , Apple Podcasts, and all your favorite podcast services.
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Read more about what firmware updates are, and if you really need to install them .
