As we have with the Z 9 and Z 8, firmware 2.0 for the Z 6III adds INCREDIBLE features and welcomes insane technologies including Bird AF, Auto Capture and Image Authenticity! Here are my 2.0 Settings.

Please see the full list below and SHARE this amazing update with EVERYONE!

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.11 to 2.00

Note: The changes listed below under “Still Photography”, “Video Recording”, “Playback”, “Controls”, and “Network” are detailed in the Supplementary Firmware Update Manual.

Note: Due to the addition of new menu items, some Custom Settings menu items have been renumbered.

■ Still Photography

• Added [Birds] to [AF/MF subject detection options] in the photo shooting menu.
• The maximum shooting display zoom ratio is now 400%.
• Added [Auto capture] to the photo shooting menu. Users can select capture criteria from [Motion] (the direction the subject is moving), [Distance] (how far the subject is from the camera), and [Subject detection] (whether or not a subject of a given type is detected), and the camera will take photographs automatically while it detects subjects that meet the selected criteria. Note that [Distance] is available with NIKKOR Z lenses and may not function as expected when used with other lenses. The [FX (36×24)] and [DX (24×16)] image areas are available with auto capture.
• Added a [C15] high-speed frame capture + release mode option.
• The image quality for high-speed frame capture + can now be set separately from other release modes.
• [Options] has been added under [Focus shift shooting] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] to allow [Pixel shift shooting] to be used together with focus shift shooting.
• [Options] has been added under [Pixel shift shooting] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU] to allow [AE bracketing] to be used together with pixel shift shooting. [Starting storage folder] has also been added.
• [Pixel shift shooting] options can now be set when the self-timer mode is selected.
• The Profoto A10’s continuous LED light can now be used as an AF-assist illuminator.
Note: The firmware update is needed for Profoto A10. See Profoto’s corporate website for details.

■ Video Recording

• Added [Birds] to [AF/MF subject detection options] > [Subject detection] in the video recording menu.
• The maximum shooting display zoom ratio is now 400%.
• Added [Auto capture] to the video recording menu. Users can select capture criteria from [Motion] (the direction the subject is moving), [Distance] (how far the subject is from the camera), and [Subject detection] (whether or not a subject of a given type is detected), and the camera will record video automatically while it detects subjects that meet the selected criteria. Note that [Distance] is available with NIKKOR Z lenses and may not function as expected when used with other lenses. The [FX] and [DX] image areas are available with auto capture.
• The color of the in-focus AF-area brackets shown on the shooting display when Hi-Res Zoom is enabled has been changed.
• Hi-Res Zoom operations can now be performed using the sub-selector.
• Selecting [ON] for [Hi-Res Zoom] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU] now displays a focus point on the detected subject in the shooting display.
• Added a function to include file names used in the camera when recording videos to an external recorder that supports file name transmission via HDMI. The following Atomos external recorders support this function (as of August 2025).

* Some recorders may require an ATOMOS OS upgrade or paid activation of the recorder. Contact ATOMOS for details.
– Ninja V *
– Ninja V+ *
– Ninja (2023 models)
– Ninja Ultra
– Shogun (2023 models)
– Shogun Ultra
– Shogun Connect *

■ Playback

• Added [Loop playback] in the playback “i” menu.
• Added [Playback speed] in the video playback “i” menu.
• Added [Record camera orientation] in the playback menu.
• Added [Auto series playback options] to [Series playback] in the playback menu.
• Made changes to the [Select for upload to computer] and [Select for upload (FTP)] items in the playback “i” menu and added [Select for priority upload to computer] and [Select for priority upload (FTP)].
• Added [Date] to [Filtered playback criteria] in playback menu and playback “i” menu.
• Added [Customize retouch options] to [Retouch] in the playback “i” menu.
• Added [Auto-rotate during playback] to the playback menu.

■ Controls

• Added support for the Nikon Authenticity Service.

* The Nikon Authenticity Service enhances content credibility by using provenance information and other data in accordance with the C2PA standards.

* You must register with Nikon Imaging Cloud and apply for use of the service.

* The Nikon Authenticity Service may not be available in some countries and regions.
• Added [Focus point border width] to a10 [Focus point display] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Added a [Maximum aperture Lv] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a13.
• Added a [Focus limiter setting] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in position of a15.
• Added a [Minimum] option to Custom Setting c2 [Self-timer] > [Interval between shots] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Added [Half-press to cancel zoom (MF)] item to the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] in positions d19 and g18.
• Added [Auto capture] to the roles assignable to the “i” menu via [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > f1 and g1 [Customize menu].
• Added assignable custom controls and roles to the following items in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU]. Also, the options for [Zoom on/off] have changed.
– f2[Custom controls (shooting)]
– f3[Custom controls (playback)]
– g2[Custom controls]
Choose [Prefer focus point] or [Prefer focus point (face priority)] for f3 [Custom controls (playback)] > [Main command dial] or [Sub-command dial] > [Frame advance zoom position].
The settings for f3 [Custom controls (playback)] > [Main command dial] or [Sub-command dial] > [Frame advance] can now be applied during playback zoom.
• Added assignable custom controls and roles (for example, [Jump to the source image] and [Trim]) to [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU] > f3 [Custom controls (playback)].
• Made changes to the f4 [Touch Fn] > [Move focus point] item in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• Changes have been made to how a full format is performed with [Format memory card] in the [SETUP MENU].
• Made updates to [Non-CPU lens data] in the [SETUP MENU].
• Added [Automatic monitor display switch] to the [SETUP MENU].

■ Network

• Added [USB streaming (UVC/UAC)] to [USB] in the [NETWORK MENU].
• A warning now appears when the connection to an ATOMOS AirGlu BT accessory is unstable or disrupted.
• Changed some messages and the default values related to Nikon Imaging Cloud.
• A new method for adding Picture Controls from Nikon Imaging Cloud is now available.
• ATOMOS AirGlu BT accessories and MC-N10 remote grips can now be used together.
• Made changes and additions to the [Connect to FTP server] item in the [NETWORK MENU].
• Changed the procedure used when configuring the camera for synchronized release, increasing to twenty the number of groups that can be created, while the number of cameras in each group that can be controlled from the master camera has been increased to sixteen.
• Added [Group settings] and [Overwrite copyright info] to [Connect to other cameras] in the [NETWORK MENU].

■ Other Changes

• Changed the specifications for uninterrupted video output to HDMI devices such as external monitors when recording ended.
• The headphone volume level can now be adjusted in the “i” menu during video recording.
• Direct measurement of white balance is now available also for still photography via applications, such as NX Tether.
• Voice memo recording is now available with external microphones.
• The tonal characteristics have been changed when [ON] is selected for Custom Setting g13 [View assist] in the [CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU].
• The camera now records company and model names in the video metadata recorded with [ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit (MOV)] selected for [Video file type] in the [VIDEO RECORDING MENU].
• Added support for “NX Field*”, a remote shooting system for corporate users.
* Visit the “NPS” website for overview and user’s manual of NX Field.
Nikon Professional Services (NPS) (English)
Note: “NX Field” app for smart devices may not be available in some countries and regions.
• Automatically obtained IP address will be maintained after automatic IP addressing disabled.

Generally, I use the GPS Log in the Z 9 to create a video tracking of my movements. When I’m shooting with the Z 8 or Z 6III, I don’t have that option, so I went looking for a simple and clean solution. There are many that are available. I went with GPS Tracks. The reasons are many, simplicity and functionality top most. I just start it on my iPhone and it goes until I stop it, working perfectly even buried in my pocket. It has a number of modes, including flight and boating, along with walking. It stores your Tracks and can replay them from any point and output them in many formats. This particular track was from a couple of weeks ago when we hopped into the Goose and went to a fly-in pancake breakfast. Afterwards, we went splashing, which is great fun. All was recorded seamlessly on GPS Tracks. It’s just a great, simply tool you might wanna check out!

I wanted to work Magee Marsh with the Z180-600 / Profoto A10 on a Monopod. I wanted the stability and ease for a long-term shoot while having as little of a footprint as possible. The Benro Supadupa was the obvious choice. Why obvious? With that name, how could I pass it up? Yes, its 62″ height was part of it, weighing only 2lbs also part of it (it’s carbon fiber), able to handle the Z600f4TC helped as well, but the main reason is its built-in fluid head. I’ll be honest, using it was a bit of a learning curve for me. The first thing I realized was that when wanting to tilt up and shoot, the monopod didn’t tilt. So after Magee, I got the TH62 Tilt Head (blue head above) that turned out to be a twofer.

The Tilt Head made it possible to keep the Supadupa planted on the ground while pointing the camera high into a canopy. The Tilt Head also found a home on the Benro Tortoise, being the perfect head for the Z180-600. It’s smooth and stable, it’s a great little head.

When it comes to working with the Supadupa, the main thing I’ve come to learn (and have not mastered yet) is the placement of the monopod. It makes a difference how close or far from your feet you plant it. I’ve turned to using the Supadupa around The Ranch to shoot because it makes it a whole lot easier to work in the flower beds and not crush Sharon’s flowers. If you look at the Supadupa above, you see a lever. That is a quick-release segment of the monopod, permitting rapid change in height of the monopod. I love learning new techniques and tools and have found that the Benro Supadupa is teaching an old dog new tricks.

The Dakota Territory Air Museum is a one-of-a-kind collection of flying aircraft. We’re very fortunate they are opening their doors and collection to our cameras for a one-of-a-kind A2A Clinic! Possible subjects range from Spitfire to P-51D, P-47 to FM-2B with the possibilities of Staggerwing, Waco, Monocoup, and so much more. One of the world’s finest collection of flying WWII aircraft will light you passions and fill your viewfinder with magic! 

Some of the Details

Date: 08-10 May, 2026 / starting 18:00 Friday ending 12:00 Sunday

Location: Minot, ND (you’d fly into Minot)

It starts about a month prior when you’ll receive an extensive PDF on the art of aviation photography. This will get your creative juices flowing and excitement building. The weekend starts on Friday evening with intense classroom work at the Museum. Items to be covered during the A2A Photo Clinic are:

The art and craft of aviation photography

Safety on the ground and in the air

Gear for static / ground-to-air / air-to-air

Photographic techniques for aviation photography

Working from a photo platform

Working with pilots

How to organize your own A2A photo mission

Professionally finishing your aviation images

and so much more!

Saturday morning we’ll have a sunrise ramp static shoot, images that we’ll finish and review during the Clinic in preparation for your A2A photo mission. Then more classroom time prepares you for your flight. You’ll be shooting from a Harvard and Cessna 185, two of the best photo platforms. You’ll have an A2A photo mission Saturday evening and then another Sunday morning, timed for the best light weather permits. The price for the Clinic is $3800 which includes all instruction and flights (meals, lodging, and transportation not included).

This is your opportunity to test the skies, take your camera in the air, and learn from the best aviation photography team! To register or ask a question or two, give the office a call 406. 240. 3503 (9-5MT M-F) and we’ll put you in the seat for a photographic experience like none before! Moose’s A2A Photo Clinic!

(You will be required to sign a liability release prior to flying.)

NOTE: If the flying is canceled because of weather, there is no refund

I love hummers! My love of them goes back to when I was six at my aunt’s home, watching them out the kitchen nook window, feeding their young. They were literally one of the first nesting birds I photographed back in the dark ages, and I’ve jumped at the challenge of bringing their world to you ever since. Not having sharp wings is a big part of the story I want to visually express. The jewel quality of their plumage as well. Using biology and combining it with technology makes it a joy to photograph these miniature gems. Here’s how I’m doing it in 2025 (it has evolved continually for over forty years).

The Profoto A10s are all about color and typically set manually in the 3-5 range based on the ambient light. The ISO is set so I have a shutter speed in the 1/250 range, which blurs the wings. That ISO is in the 400-1600 range. I always shoot at f8. The Z 9 AF is Wide C2 bird mode. The HUGE upgrade this year is the Z180-600! Having an incredibly sharp lens is only part of it, that zoom is everything. Keep in mind that flash works on the inverse square law, the bottom line, the closer to the subject not only does the light wrap around the hummer smoother, the flash has to work less. This year at Madera Canyon, the Costa’s was the smallest hummer at less than 2″, and the Rivoli’s the largest over at 5″. Being able to zoom in for the Costa’s and out for the Rivoli’s is huge! The aperture doesn’t change since it’s set to f8. Flash exposure doesn’t change cause it doesn’t physically doesn’t move. The lens is focused down the “alley” as the hummers come to the feeders, just hit the AF-ON button and shoot. It’s not shooting fish in a barrel, plenty of images with nothing, literally nothing in the frame as the little suckers can move! But there are plenty of images where you catch them and that’s the fun, the fun of Hummer Rig ’25!

Just take a gander at that color, that sharpness, I can’t peel my eyes off it! Just back from a week working with the Z 9 / Z180-600f5.6-6.3 w/Z1.4x @840mm with the Profoto A10 and I just relish the results! The MFD of the Z180-600 permits one to get a large image in the frame, and that MFD makes the power of the flash even greater. Just a kiss from the A10 brings out the color of that Indigo so all the shades of blue sing out even though it’s in shadow while maintaining that plump gestor. To me, it’s the ultimate bird photography rig I’ve desired for a long, long time. Whata big rig, the Z180-600 & A10!