Nikon "I AM Advancing" Program - Firmware updates for D750, D810, D800, D800E, D610 and D600

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Not sure if this deserves a thread but it does cover 6 different Nikon cameras. The full article can be read here - http://nikonrumors.com/2015/01/08/n...0-d810-d800-d800e-d610-and-d600-cameras.aspx/

The first updates would appear to include the following -

Features

The “I Am Advancing” program is starting with support for 6 full-frame Nikon DSLR cameras: Nikon D750, D810, D800, D800E, D610 and D600. All of the cameras in the program will receive a new White Balance update, containing Nikon’s latest algorithms for high-quality color balance in any light. Each camera is also receiving a brand new “Metallic” Picture Control option, providing photographers with a unique high-contrast setting which is both natural and eye-catching.

For photographers using Nikon RAW (NEF) mode, the most exciting new feature is Nikon’s new RAW Histogram. This feature displays impressive full-screen histograms for all 3 color channels (red, green and blue) simultaneously, based on data directly from the image sensor. The new feature allows advanced photographers to fine-tune perfect exposure for each shot. RAW Histogram is available for all cameras in the “I AM Advancing” program.

Finally, Nikon is bringing 2 of the best features of the revolutionary Nikon D810 camera to other cameras in the Nikon DSLR line-up. Nikon’s new “Flat” Picture Control, which allows photographers more options for adjustment in post-processing, is now available for all cameras in the program. In addition, Nikon’s Electronic First-Curtain Shutter feature, which eliminates vibrations caused by the shutter, is newly available for the recently announced Nikon D750 camera.
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At the moment it would seem that the program will be free to join but Nikon Rumors have mentioned possible paid firmware upgrades in the future. Maybe this will be the start of that?

Firmware updates tend to usually be boring bug fixes so if we start getting new features then that's great. Can't complain at free updates, especially if they are useful, maybe I'm just being cynical in wondering what Nikon's angle is with this!
 
I can't see it as a bad thing if you get 3yrs of free feature upgrades software wise. I get that with my phone so why not my camera?
 
If its done via registering a camera serial number so you get genuine new features it could make gray sales less interesting.
 
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Seems like an attempt to counteract mirrorless functionality to me, a very welcome one though :)
 
Big fuss over nothing really. Just means you wonlt have to manually got to the Nikon website to download firmware updates as it will all be handled by a the new programme you will have to install on your p.c, about time really.
 
If it just an easier way of downloading firmware etc, then great. Much better than the faff with loading a program onto a sd/cf card. Never know, the info exchange may be two way.
Maybe Nikon will be able to upload performance and use age issues from the cameras?
 
As far as I know this is the first time Nikon have actually added new functionality and features to a camera (other than updating compatibility) so I'm hoping its a good sign for the future...
 
As I said in the opening post, it's certainly not a bad thing to get "free" new features just from a firmware upgrade. I still think this is the start of something else though. I've always felt Nikon have held back features on certain models to try and get you to upgrade to a more expensive model. Simple stuff like the missing 100% OK button preview on the D6** range. That's something they could easily add in firmware. Now all of a sudden they are going to add the EFCS feature to the D750 which brings it in line with the D8** line.

I can't imagine they are going to give too many features for free as they'd be losing money from less people feeling the need to upgrade. Interesting times.
 
It'll be interesting what mods/upgrades are available via a firmware change.
Not that they will, but how many of these could be applied to say a D700?
 
Makes total sense and is long overdue.
 
Graham W said:
I've always liked Fuji's attitude to firmware updates. I have an XP1 and the updates don't just correct bugs, they improve usability and add to the fuctionality.
I hope Nikon are following the lead.
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I have always liked Fuji cameras full stop.. Not had any of the new models but had a few of their bridge cameras and the Fuji S5 which is excellent
 
If true, it would definitely be a change of tack by Nikon, who have generally used Firmware updates to fix problems, rather than add extra features. The Canon 7D got a significant Firmware upgrade which arguably extended the life of that camera, and maybe deterred Canon users from looking elsewhere. Though for a crop sensor camera there may not have been that many better options. ;) :rolleyes: Maybe it is to do the same as other manufacturers, or maybe it is a way to extend the shelf life of their cameras, but the user can only reap the benefits. I would particularly like a RAW histogram, and am surprised no one has done it before, as it seems an easy thing to implement. Again, if this info turns out to be true. ;)

Bit disappointing that it only applies to FX cameras, :( as DX would always be my primary format should I ever get a FF camera. Then again, if I'm not with Nikon in the future it would be just interesting. :)
 
I've regarded Nikon firmware updates with some suspicion as a result of others finding out the hard way that the third party battery or battery grip no longer works after an update. So why not delight customers who have already spent money on Nikon bodies and lenses (both DX and FX) with firmware updates that genuinely add functionality rather than annoying users with crippleware. For example, the WIFI dongle works on the D3200 but not the D7000, even though the connection is the same and the device is known to have been tested by Nikon on the D7000. Nikon could do with some good PR right now after a succession of quality control issues on the D600/D800/D750 bodies and a rapidly falling set of sales figures.
 
Rapid falling sales figures? Is that right?

Looks like an interesting software would like to see its implementation and user feedback before I personal fiddle with it and end up with a dodgy D610
 
The electronic first curtain shutter for the D750 is probably the biggest feature seen in any DSLR firmware update. This should bring about even sharper images when shooting long range/macro etc
 
HarveyM said:
Article re Nikon sales figures.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/latest/photo-news/nikon-3-38898
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Its "in line with the overall market" meaning everyone else had a decline in sales. Which makes sense as no new cameras were released in that period. And that's why D750 was introduced and newer DX camera D5300 this year...

Don't think people are giving up on Nikon as yet ;)

Also its a lot cheaper to keep the loyalty of customer throw firmware updates - introducing additional features. Than constantly release bodies with marginal upgrades. And best part is that if you can charge your customer 60/year (guess figure) for the subscription of that service. Suddenly u save a heck a lot in R&D and still massively make money on the human need for newer and better things. People also won't feel too begrudged as its a lot cheaper than buying a new body.
 
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These firmware up dates are going to be interesting.

If you look up canons performance in the same quarter they had a net sales drop of 4.5% and an operating profit drop of 20.7%. Both nikon and canon released new cameras in the next quarter so people were not going to buy whilst they waited for the new releases. I'm sure both are going to pick up with sales of the d750 and 7d2.
 
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Personally I would of thought they would have brought out focus peaking to the d810
 
ricky1980 said:
Also its a lot cheaper to keep the loyalty of customer throw firmware updates - introducing additional features. Than constantly release bodies with marginal upgrades. And best part is that if you can charge your customer 60/year (guess figure) for the subscription of that service. Suddenly u save a heck a lot in R&D and still massively make money on the human need for newer and better things. People also won't feel too begrudged as its a lot cheaper than buying a new body.
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People will like getting improvements to their cameras for free, which is fine if they have found a way to get the hardware and software able to do something that it couldn't have done when it was designed, but, if people get the feeling that they are getting cameras that are deliberately crippled from the outset so as to altruistically add features, or even worse, charge people for extra features, it could back fire on them big time.

It could be if it was so easy to add this feature, why wasn't it included from the start? And if it is so easy to be added to that camera, why can't it be added to that camera?

There was a feeling that D7100 buffer was crippled for no apparent reason, or maybe badly designed. And I have no doubt that it hurt sales. If they were to suddenly able to get the buffer to hold more images, current users may be happy, but it could look like it was actually crippled from the start if it is part of a planned raft of firmware updates.

Canon did something very similar with the 7D, but because it was a one off, it was perceived as Canon doing something good for their users.
For the record, the upgrade contained the following;
improved continuous-shooting buffer depth (to 25 Raws, up from the original 15), customizable Auto ISO, control of audio recording level for video and the ability to re-process Raws and rate images in-camera. The update will also enable the use of the GP-E2 GPS module.
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Because it was a couple of years in, contained a lot of improvements, and was free, it was seen as a big positive. And gave the feeling that Canon hadn't forgotten 7D users once they had their money. If they had done those improvements almost straight away in dribs and drabs, users may not have been as positive.

Hopefully we will see if it is true or not, and get a bit more detail from Nikon on what they have planned.
 
Fwiw, a few other people have commented on this firmware program here (don't know if a mod can bring those comments over here) -

http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/th...d800-d800e-d610-and-d600.574278/#post-6662627

Certainly going to be interesting to see how this develops. Wouldn't surprise me if things like Focus Peaking could be added to the D810, D750 etc in a few months time but we'd have to pay £20 - £30 for the privilege ...
 
Alejandro said:
Certainly going to be interesting to see how this develops. Wouldn't surprise me if things like Focus Peaking could be added to the D810, D750 etc in a few months time but we'd have to pay £20 - £30 for the privilege ...
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Hopefully not as it's reported to be free for the first 3 years (of the program or camera not sure).
 
stumeech said:
Hopefully not as it's reported to be free for the first 3 years (of the program or camera not sure).
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I'm assuming Nikon are talking about 3 years from when a camera is released. i.e The D750 was announced 12th Sept 2014 so I'd expect it would be in this program until 12th Sept 2017. Could be totally wrong though!

As far as I can tell, it'll be free to join when they announce it but there's nothing to say there won't be optional charges in the future.

I'm just one big cynic. ;)
 
I reckon we will all be going in circles with what is coming (if anything) suppose we will all have to wait and see..... quite exciting though :)
 
Yep, I agree. Best to wait for it to be released officially and go from there. Extra features added to a camera for a free (for a time limited period) is nothing to knock, its what we've all come to expect with our iPhones or Android phones and no one moans about that!

;-)
 
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