Nikon Z9 Firmware C 5.30 Expands Deep Learning Autofocus Controls and Adds a New Flexible Color Workflow
Image Source: Nikon
Nikon has released firmware version C 5.30 for its flagship Z9 mirrorless camera, with the company putting the emphasis on AI assisted autofocus behaviour for fast moving subjects, plus new automation and colour workflow tools. Nikon Imaging USA dated its announcement 15 December 2025.
What is New in the AI Autofocus Stack
The headline change is that subject detection is now available in more AF area modes for stills, including Single point AF and Dynamic area AF (S, M, L). Nikon says this subject detection is built using its deep learning technology, and it frames the update as improving acquisition, tracking and stability for fast moving subjects such as athletes.
From a usability point of view, Nikon also says subject detection can now be toggled on or off using a custom function button, which matters in real shooting where photographers may want to quickly switch between classic AF behaviour and AI subject detection depending on the scene.
Separately, Nikon added a new Active subject detection options item in the Custom Settings menu, and documentation shows it can be used to manage which subject types are active depending on the AF area mode in use. Nikon also added Cycle subject detection options as an assignable control role, making it quicker to rotate between subject types without diving back into menus.
In Camera Focus Limiter
Firmware C 5.30 introduces an in camera focus limiter setting (new Custom Settings menu item), and Nikon highlights it as a way to restrict the focusing range to specific distances.
In practical terms, that is a workflow feature that complements AI subject detection: subject detection helps the camera decide what to prioritise, while a focus limiter helps constrain where the lens is allowed to hunt. Together, they are aimed at reducing misfocus and delay when shooting fast action, wildlife, or cluttered backgrounds.
Auto Capture Gets More Face Oriented Options
Nikon’s Auto capture function has been updated with Reset focus after shooting and a new Face option added to the subject detection type choices. Nikon also says Auto Capture received an AF standby position and other updates including face detection related operability and performance changes, positioning Auto Capture as part of a more capable remote camera workflow.
Flexible Color Picture Control Ties the Z9 Closer to NX Studio
On the imaging pipeline side, Nikon added support for Flexible Color Picture Control, alongside new Flat Monochrome and Deep Tone Monochrome Picture Controls.
Nikon’s description of the Flexible Color workflow is software led: users create a custom look in NX Studio by adjusting parameters such as colour hue, brightness, and contrast, using tools including Color Blender and Color Grading. Those settings can then be saved to a memory card and loaded into the camera as Custom Picture Controls, with Nikon noting that the effect can be previewed in live view to reduce reliance on later editing.
The Nikon Download Center lists NX Studio version 1.10.1 dated 18 December 2025 for Z9 support, but the 1.10.1 changelog shown there focuses on stability fixes rather than new creative features.
Smaller But Meaningful Workflow Additions for Video and Connectivity
Beyond stills AF, the firmware adds a video related improvement: when Hi Res Zoom is enabled, the camera can now display a focus point on the detected subject in the shooting display.
For connectivity, Nikon added USB streaming (UVC/UAC) under the Network menu’s USB settings, alongside other network profile and time sync additions. These are not AI features directly, but they support modern creator workflows where cameras increasingly double as live production devices.
The Wider Market Trend
Within Nikon’s own line, the Z9 update aligns with a broader pattern of shipping meaningful feature upgrades via firmware. For example, Nikon’s Australia site describes the Z8 firmware 3.00 upgrade (11 June 2025) as expanding subject detection related behaviour and increasing custom wide area AF patterns. Nikon also previously promoted adding Auto Capture to the Z8 via firmware in early 2024, showing that capture automation has been rolling through the system over time rather than being a one off feature.
Across brands, Sony has taken a similar direction. Sony Europe announced free software updates starting 30 October 2025 for the Alpha 1 II and Alpha 9 III that add Real time Recognition AF+ with improved recognition performance, and also mentions recording authenticity information for videos. The shared theme is clear: camera makers are using firmware to push more capable on device recognition and tracking, while also building tighter links between camera settings and desktop workflows.
Availability and Update Notes
The Nikon Download Center lists the firmware as Z9 Firmware C 5.30, and notes that some users may need to run firmware updates twice depending on the GNSS module firmware version shown in camera.
Source: Nikon Download Center, Nikon USA
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