Firmware updates drop for Sony FX6, FX3 and FX30, Nikon ZR

Sony delivers the long-awaited FX6 v6.00 update — BIG6, Blackmagic RAW, and more — while Nikon tidies up the ZR.

Sony sketched out its firmware update program for its Cinema Line cameras at the start of the year, and true to its word the update for the FX6 dropped yesterday. It wasn't the only update to be released though, with the FX3 and FX30 also picking up minor point releases. Nikon squashed a few bugs too.

Sony FX6 Ver 6.00

This is a hefty one. You can read the full release notes below, but the headlines are that it introduces quick access to frequently used shooting functions through the BIG6 interface initially developed for Sony’s CineAlta cameras.

This also places FPS, ISO, shutter, iris or ND filter, look, and white balance in a single view. The shooting screen layout has also been updated with black borders.

The firmware adds support for Blackmagic RAW recording via HDMI output, HLG Mild in custom shooting mode, and the ability to combine Paint and Look settings into one scene file for easier sharing.

Download here.

Sony FX30 Ver. 6.01

A much smaller update here as the FX30 already had its big update to the BIG6 interface and more last year. Nevertheless this release optimizes user LUT processing and improves the camera’s overall performance and stability.

Download here.

Sony FX3 Ver. 7.02

Even less to say about this point release — again following a BIG6 etc update last year — as Sony says that it only improves the camera's overall performance and stability.

Download here.

Nikon ZR firmware v1.11

While we're talking firmware updates, Nikon also dropped v1.11 for its ZR camera. This doesn't add any new features, but does squash a few bugs (though unfortunately doesn't address the hardware issues surrounding the current ZR recall).

According to Nikon these are:

• Fixed an issue where the camera touch control would not respond as intended when [ON] was selected for [Touch controls] > [Glove mode] in the [SETUP MENU].
• Fixed an issue where the set shutter speed changed when returning to S or M mode after switching to a user setting mode while [High-frequency flicker reduction] was enabled.

Download here.

FX6 Ver 6.00 full release notes

ILME-FX6 System Software (Firmware) Update Ver. 6.00

Benefits and Improvements

• Adds a home screen (BIG6) where you can easily review the shooting settings and equipment configurations when shooting movies
• Improves the display layout of camera status and settings to enhance visibility during shooting and video playback
• Allows you to add the following assignable functions to the Assignable Buttons tab:
  • Crop Select
  • LUT On/Off
  • AE Level/Mode
• Changes the notation of the 1/50 shutter speed to 1.2F (1/50) when the system frequency is 59.94P
• Improves the network configuration method as follows:
  • Changes the classification of the network menu in the Full Menu
  • Adds the ability to change network settings on the status screen
• Displays an explanatory message when camera operations are disabled due to configuration limitations
• Adds support for the Camera ID and Reel Number settings on the status screen
• Changes the display when the Camera ID and Reel Number of the next clip are changed
• Adds the Index screen to the status screen
• Ends support for WPA and WEP functionalities. You will no longer be able to select WPA or WEP when connecting to Wi-Fi. Please use the more secure WPA2 or WPA3moving forward
• Adds support for connecting the smartphone to the Internet while connected to the camera via Wi-Fi Direct
• Adds support for displaying network speed on the shooting screen
• Adds support for the following Monitor & Control functions:
  • Frame rate settings for S&Q Motion
  • Setting attributes and deleting of 3D LUT files
  • Low-resolution mode for network monitoring
    Notes:
    • Ver. 2.5.0 or later of the Monitor & Control app is necessary to access these functions.
    • The Monitor & Control app may not be available in some countries or regions.
• Adds support for a new HLG Mild Base Look preset when the target display is HDR (HLG)
• Adds optical density (logarithmic notation) to the display format for ND filter light transmittance level
• Improves the image quality when using a User 3D LUT file
• Adds support for importing/exporting scene files from external media
• Improves auto focus performance when the system frequency is 29.97, 25, 24, or 23.98
• Adds support for the HDMI Focus Magnifier function
• Adds support for external recording of Blackmagic RAW when using RAW video output via HDMI
  • We recommend checking with Blackmagic Design regarding the corresponding Blackmagic Design products.