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The Latest News:
New Nikon Z9 Firmware Update
credits: Nikon
Nikon has rolled out firmware version 5.30 for the Z9, continuing what has been a pretty remarkable run of post-launch support for its flagship mirrorless camera. Even though the Z9 has been around since late 2021, Nikon is still pushing meaningful updates rather than just maintenance fixes. This release lands more than a year after the major 5.00 update and builds on the smaller 5.20 update from earlier this year.
The headline of the update is autofocus. Nikon says subject acquisition, tracking, and overall stability have been noticeably improved, especially for fast-moving subjects like athletes and wildlife. Subject detection powered by Nikon’s deep-learning system now works across more AF modes, including single-point and dynamic AF, instead of being locked to specific configurations. There is also a new option to quickly toggle subject detection on or off via a custom button, which should be useful for photographers who like to switch approaches on the go. Another practical addition is an in-camera focus limiter, letting users define specific focus ranges to prevent the camera from hunting, a feature that first appeared on the Z8.
Auto Capture, which turns the Z9 into a smart remote camera, also gets ‘smarter’. It now supports face detection and a new AF standby position, making it more reliable for unattended sports or wildlife setups. On the imaging side, firmware 5.30 adds Flexible Color Picture Control, allowing you to create and preview custom looks in NX Studio and load them directly into the camera. Smaller updates round things out, including higher live-view magnification, expanded AF area options, new monochrome profiles, improved audio controls, and refined HDMI output behaviour.
Firmware 5.30 is available now from Nikon’s download centre here
The Latest Viltrox Rumours
credits: Viltrox
Rumours are starting to swirl that Viltrox could soon enter Canon’s APS-C mirrorless ecosystem, something that would be a pretty big deal for RF-S users. According to multiple reports from sites like Canonrumors and Canonbuzz, Canon may be preparing to allow Viltrox to release its own APS-C prime lenses for RF-mount cameras. Nothing is confirmed yet, but if it happens, it would mark the first time Viltrox brings its modern APS-C lineup to Canon’s current mirrorless system.
For years, Canon, Nikon, and Sony have clearly focused most of their energy on full-frame cameras, even though all three still sell plenty of APS-C bodies. Sony users are in the strongest position when it comes to lenses, with broad third-party support from Sigma, Tamron, and Viltrox. Nikon Z APS-C shooters have gained access to some third-party primes, mainly from Sigma and Viltrox, but zoom options remain limited. Canon RF-S is the most restricted of the three, Sigma and Tamron offer several APS-C zooms, but third-party prime lenses are almost entirely absent.
That is precisely where Viltrox could make a difference. The company already has a mature APS-C lineup on other mounts, covering focal lengths from ultra-wide 9mm through short-telephoto 75mm, often with fast apertures and compact designs. Viltrox also previously supported Canon’s EOS M system, so there is precedent. For EOS R7, R10, R50, and R100 owners, native RF-S primes from Viltrox would open up far more creative and affordable options. All that being said, please remember that these are just rumours for now and despite the optimism, there is still no official sign Canon plans to allow third-party full-frame RF lenses.
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Photographer Spotlight
Discover amazing photographers
This time in the Spotlight: Oliver Duncan
You can find him on Instagram as: @oliverkodachrome
A few photos of his:
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