Nikon Z6II Firmware Updates | Complete List

Come here to get a complete list of all the latest firmware updates for the Nikon Z6II.  Nikon has already announced three firmware updates for the Nikon Z6II so owners of this new camera will want a one stop shop to keep track of the latest updates for their cameras.

As an owner of the new Nikon Z6II camera I will be staying on top of these updates and posting them here.  Consider this your one stop shop for everything Nikon Z6II firmware related.

If you’re a wildlife photographer you will want to read my post on Nikon Z6II Autofocus Settings For Birds In Flight.  I’ve tested all of the autofocus settings on the Nikon Z6II and all things are not equal.  You can learn from my time in the field and improve on your keeper rate.  I’ve also included below four accessories for the Nikon Z6II that I think you might be interested in. I have these on my Nikon Z6II and 7II and have found them to be very useful.

Four Accessories Worth Considering For The Nikon Z6II:

1. HoodEYE Eyecup – Allows you to place your eye comfortably against the eyecup, a must have for long lens technique on a tripod or just for overall comfort. Buy from B&H $19.99.
2. L-Bracket No Grip – Used when you are shooting on a tripod. Its primary purpose is to allow you to rotate your camera from landscape to portrait perspective. Buy From B&H Sunwayfoto $49.95 / Kirk $130 / Really Right Stuff $135
3. L-Bracket With Grip – Buy From B&H Sunwayfoto $69.95 / Kirk $180 / Really Right Stuff $205
4. MB-N11 Power Battery Pack with Vertical Grip – Shoot vertically with all required function buttons, extend battery life and balance long lenses on your tripod.  Buy from B&H $396.95 / Vello $99

 

Nikon Z6II – 1.3 Firmware Update Released October 19, 2021

With the slow release of the Nikon Z9 the Real-Time Tracking updates that were expected in September have been delayed.  However Nikon did a minor dot release and below are the updates that are included in the Nikon Z6II 1.3 firmware release.

What’s Included in the Nikon Z6II 1.30 firmware release

• Portrait impression balance items have been added to the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU and MOVIE SHOOTING MENU.
• The monitor now shows the shooting display at all times while tilted when On is selected for Image review in the PLAYBACK MENU.
• Voice memo has been added to the options available for Custom Setting f2 (Custom controls) > Movie record button in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU. In this role, the movie-record button can be used during playback to record and play voice memos up to 60 seconds long.
• Fixed the following issues:
  • Custom Setting f4 (Aperture lock) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU was not available when an FTZ mount adapter was attached.
  • Although focus would normally remain locked if the AF-ON button was kept pressed while the shutter-release button was used to take a series of pictures, the camera would refocus without input from the AF-ON button if shooting was suspended with:
    • Custom Setting a6 (AF activation) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU set to AF-ON only with Enable selected for Out-of-focus release,
    • Continuous L or Continuous H selected for Release mode,
    • Single AF selected for Focus mode, and
    • Single-point AF selected for AF-area mode.
  • The flash-ready light on SB-5000 flash units would not light if a WR-R10 or WR-R11b was used for wireless remote flash photography.

How to install the Nikon Z6II 1.30 firmware.

1. Create a folder on the computer hard disk and name it as desired.
2. Download F-Z6II-V130W.exe to the folder created in Step 1.
3. Run F-Z6II-V130W.exe to extract the following file to a folder named “Z6IIUpdate”:
   • Z6_2_0130.bin (the camera firmware)
4. Using a card reader, copy “Z6_2_0130.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera.
   Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card. The camera will not recognize the new firmware if it is placed in a folder under the root directory.
5. Insert the memory card into the slot currently selected as the primary slot on the camera and turn the camera on.
6. Select Firmware version in the SETUP MENU and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.
7. Once the update is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.

• You will need to go to this specific link in the Nikon Download Center to download the F-Z6II-V130W.exe file.NOTE: Have a fully charged battery in your camera before beginning this procedure.

Epic Firmware News Expected September 2021 for the Nikon Z6II – Delayed

Real-time Tracking Coming Soon:

Nikon Rumors is reporting that this will be a simpler version of the real-time tracking system that will be implemented in the Nikon Z9 which is super exciting.  Sony has already introduced this in their line of mirrorless cameras.  I have been struggling with fast action shooting compared to my DSLR’s so this firmware update is one that I am really eager to test for my wildlife shooting.

What Is Real-Time Tracking?

Real-time tracking allows the photographer the option to select a subject that you wish your camera to track such as as osprey with a fish.   You would simply place your AF point over the subject, half-press the shutter or AF back button to focus on the osprey, and the camera will keep track of it no matter where it moves to in the frame.  By allowing the camera to track the subject, shifting the AF points as necessary, the photographer can now turn their attention to producing the best image image possible without being concerned with focus. This sounds great in theory and I can’t wait to test it for myself with fast moving wildlife subjects.

Nikon Z6II – 1.21 Firmware Update Released July 14, 2021

This is a very minor update which addresses an issue that would in rare circumstances result in unusually loud noises from the aperture mechanism when the zoom or focus rings on F mount lenses connected via an FTZ mount adapter were rotated.  I have never experienced this issue myself but will make the update to keep my Nikon Z6II firmware as current as possible.

How do I update my firmware for the Nikon Z6II?

1. Create a folder on the computer hard disk and name it as desired.
2. Download F-Z6II-V121W.exe to the folder created in Step 1.
3. Run F-Z6II-V121W.exe to extract the following file to a folder named “Z6IIUpdate”:
   • Z6_2_0121.bin (the camera firmware)
4. Using a card reader, copy “Z6_2_0121.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera.
   Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card. The camera will not recognize the new firmware if it is placed in a folder under the root directory.
5. Insert the memory card into the slot currently selected as the primary slot on the camera and turn the camera on.
6. Select Firmware version in the SETUP MENU and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.
7. Once the update is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.

You will need to go to this specific link in the Nikon Download Center to download the F-Z6II-V121W.exe file.

NOTE: Have a fully charged battery in your camera before beginning this procedure.

Nikon Z6II – 1.20 Firmware Update

The Nikon Z6II and Z7 II mirrorless cameras have received a new firmware version 1.20.  This firmware is focused around improving AF performance. Nikon details the AF improvements, saying:

‘[Firmware version 1.20 for the Z6 II and Z7 II include] faster focusing when shooting with AF in low light situations. Further, AF usability when using an external Speedlight will also increase, through improvements to detection performance in scenes where it was difficult to detect faces and eyes, as well as improvements to subject visibility during live view shooting. In addition, tracking frames used for face and eye detection, as well as subject-tracking AF have been improved, enabling smoother and more stable shooting.’

The instructions below are what you need to do to install the firmware.  You will need to go to this specific link in the Nikon Download Center to download the F-Z6II-V120W.exe file.

NOTE: Have a fully charged battery in your camera before beginning this procedure.

1. Create a folder on the computer hard disk and name it as desired.
2. Download F-Z6II-V120W.exe to the folder created in Step 1.
3. Run F-Z6II-V120W.exe to extract the following file to a folder named “Z6IIUpdate”:
   • Z6_2_0120.bin (the camera firmware)
4. Using a card reader, copy “Z6_2_0120.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera.
   Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card. The camera will not recognize the new firmware if it is placed in a folder under the root directory.
5. Insert the memory card into the slot currently selected as the primary slot on the camera and turn the camera on.
6. Select Firmware version in the SETUP MENU and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.
7. Once the update is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.

Note:  You can also make firmware updates using Snap Bridge however I am seeing too many reports from people having issues so I can not recommend it at this time.

I’m looking forward to testing this update in the field especially for birds in flight.

Nikon Z6II FTZ Firmware Update

In order to use your old F mount lenses you’ll need to purchase an FTZ adapter with your new Nikon z6ii.  The first time you mount your old lenses and FTZ adapter to your Nikon Z6II you are going to get an error message.  The error will advise you that you need to do and download the FTZ adapter firmware.  You’ll be required to go to the Nikon FTZ Firmware download site to get a firmware update.

The instructions below are what you need to do to install the firmware.

NOTE 1: YOU MUST HAVE THE FTZ ADAPTER MOUNTED TO YOUR CAMERA WHEN YOU PERFORM THE UPDATE.

NOTE 2: DOWNLOAD THE BIN FILE TO THE ROOT DIRECTORY ON ONE OF YOUR MEMORY CARDS AND ONLY HAVE THAT CARD IN YOUR CAMERA.

1. Create a folder on the computer hard disk and name it as desired.
2. Download F-FTZ-V0110W.exe to the folder created in Step 1.
3. Run F-FTZ-V0110W.exe to extract the following file to a folder named “FTZUpdate”:
   • MAFTZ0110.bin (the mount adapter firmware)
4. Using a card slot or card reader, copy “MAFTZ0110.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera.
   Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card. The camera will not recognize the new firmware if it is placed in a folder under the root directory.
5. Attach the FTZ mount adapter to the camera.
6. Insert the memory card into the camera and turn the camera on.
7. Select SETUP MENU > Firmware version and follow the on-screen instructions to perform the firmware update.
8. When a message is displayed stating that the update is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
9. Turn the camera on and confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.

The installation is surprisingly quick.  The splash screen says this will take several minutes but mine was done in 15 seconds or so it seemed.

Nikon Z6II – 1.10 Firmware Update – Available February 25th, 2021

Nikon has released a major firmware update for the Nikon Z6II.

You can download this firmware upgrade from the Nikon Download Center.  (This link will take you directly to the 1.10 firmware download)

Improvements From 1.02 to 1.10:

•  Added 3840×2160; 60p and 3840×2160; 50p to the options available for Frame size/frame rate in the MOVIE SHOOTING MENU. More information is available in the portions of the “Reference Manual (complete instructions)” devoted to this feature.
  • < CFexpress/XQD Memory Cards >
  • A card with a maximum data transfer rate of 250 MB/s or faster is recommended for recording and playback of movies at a frame size of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) 60/50p.
  • < SD Memory Cards >
  • A UHS Speed Class 3 or better card with a maximum data transfer rate of 250 MB/s or faster is recommended for recording and playback of movies at a frame size of 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) 60/50p.
• • Improved eye-detection performance in Auto-area AF (people) and Wide-area AF (L-people) AF-area modes.
• • Support for RAW video output is available via a fee-for-service upgrade, * and firmware version 1.10 adds support under this service for Blackmagic Design external video recorders (currently the Video Assist 5” 12G HDR and Video Assist 7” 12G HDR). If you have already purchased the RAW video output upgrade for your camera, updating to firmware version 1.10 will add support for Blackmagic Design external video recorders automatically. Note, however, that RAW video output is not available at a resolution of 4K UHD 60p/50p.
• • Users of Apple’s Final Cut Pro X (version 10.4.9 or later) can now display and adjust ISO sensitivity and color temperature for ProRes RAW footage output to ATOMOS NINJA V external recorders using the fee-for-service RAW video output upgrade. *
  • < Choosing a RAW Output Type >
  • Before filming RAW video, choose an option for HDMI > Advanced > RAW output options > RAW output type in the SETUP MENU based on the type of recorder connected: select Type A for NINJA V recorders and Type B for Video Assist recorders.
• • Fixed an issue that sometimes prevented the camera downloading location data via SnapBridge when used with an MB-N11 power battery pack.
• * The RAW video output upgrade is available on a fee-for-service basis. For more information, contact a Nikon-authorized service representative.

Instruction For Updating

1. Create a folder on the computer hard disk and name it as desired.
2. Download F-Z6II-V110W.exe to the folder created in Step 1.
3. Run F-Z6II-V110W.exe to extract the following file to a folder named “Z6IIUpdate”:
   • Z6_2_0110_01.bin (the camera firmware)
4. Using a card reader, copy “Z6_2_0110_01.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera.
   Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card. The camera will not recognize the new firmware if it is placed in a folder under the root directory.
5. Insert the memory card into the slot currently selected as the primary slot on the camera and turn the camera on.
6. Select Firmware version in the SETUP MENU and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.
7. Once the update is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.

Note: For detailed instructions or information on the equipment needed to complete the update, download the following pdf file: Z-series_FirmUp_Win_En.pdf (PDF) (0.30 MB)

Nikon Z6II – 1.02 Firmware Update (Released Dec 2020)

Nikon has released it’s second Nikon Z6ii firmware upgrade for the Nikon z6ii in addition to the FTZ adapter firmware mentioned above and the first firmware update 1.01 released in Nov 2020.

You can download this firmware upgrade from the Nikon Download Center.  (This link will take you directly to the 1.02 firmware download)

 The Fix:

Nikon fixed an issue that sometimes caused overexposure in photos taken in continuous release modes using an AF-area mode with human or animal face/eye detection.

Instruction For Updating

1. Create a folder on the computer hard disk and name it as desired.
2. Download F-Z6II-V102W.exe to the folder created in Step 1.
3. Run F-Z6II-V102W.exe to extract the following file to a folder named “Z6IIUpdate”:
   • Z6_2_0102.bin (the camera firmware)
4. Using a card reader, copy “Z6_2_0102.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera.
   Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card. The camera will not recognize the new firmware if it is placed in a folder under the root directory.
5. Insert the memory card into the slot currently selected as the primary slot on the camera and turn the camera on.
6. Select Firmware version in the SETUP MENU and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.
7. Once the update is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.

 

Nikon Z6II – 1.01 Firmware Update (Released Nov 2020)

Nikon has already released it’s first Nikon Z6ii firmware upgrade for the Nikon z6ii in addition to the FTZ adapter firmware mentioned above.

You can download this firmware upgrade from the Nikon Download Center.  (This link will take you directly to the 1.01 firmware download)

 The Fix:

Nikon fixed an issue that sometimes caused overexposure in photos taken in continuous release modes using an AF-area mode with human or animal face/eye detection.

Instruction For Updating

Note: You must create a new folder and place the F-Z6II-V101W.exe in it before you try to extract the exe file.

1. Create a folder on the computer hard disk and name it as desired.
2. Download F-Z6II-V101W.exe to the folder created in Step 1.
3. Run F-Z6II-V101W.exe to extract the following file to a folder named “Z6IIUpdate”:
   • Z6_2_0101.bin (the camera firmware)
4. Using a card reader, copy “Z6_2_0101.bin” to a memory card that has been formatted in the camera.
   Note: Be sure to copy the firmware to the root (top-most) directory of the memory card. The camera will not recognize the new firmware if it is placed in a folder under the root directory.
5. Insert the memory card into the slot currently selected as the primary slot on the camera and turn the camera on.
6. Select Firmware version in the SETUP MENU and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the firmware update.
7. Once the update is complete, turn the camera off and remove the memory card.
8. Confirm that the firmware has been updated to the new version.

The Nikon Z6ii with FTZ adapter or separate FTZ adapter can be purchased at B&H Photo.