Nikon today updated the firmware for the Z9 to version 5.30. The changes are, well, strange. And, no, they don't equate to matching what we got from Zf, Z6III, and Z8 firmware updates.
First up are some changes to autofocus. Subject detection now works with Single point and Dynamic-area AF. This is something new and not seen on the other Z9-generation cameras. The sizes available in Wide-area AF (C1/C2) are now broadened to allow choice of almost the entire capture area. We also get the Focus limiter setting function (CSM #A17). Nikon also notes "improvements to the autofocus operation and its reliability including subject acquisition...".
Auto capture also gets some focus tuning, including adding Face to the subject detection options, another Z9-generation first. All the focus changes mentioned above apply to both still and video use.
The Flat Monochrome and Deep Tone Monochrome Picture Controls were added, as well as support for Flexible Picture Controls.
In terms of customization, Focus limiter setting and Cycle subject detection options were added, the latter one that I had been advocating for, but it's nice that you can now toggle both via button customizations. Strangely, we get a Cycle image area using built-in TC option. I wasn't aware of anyone asking for that (all the above were requests that were made to Nikon).
UVC/UAC streaming has been added, as well as a number of NETWORK menu operations getting extended, as well. As usual, there are bug and performance fixes, too.
Key items still missing are: Nikon Imaging Cloud, Pixel shift, and a host of other small individual items.
