Retro cameras, fresh tech! Nikon Zf and Z fc get new firmware and a big battery

A Nikon Zf camera face-to-face with a Nikon Z fc camera
(Image credit: Nikon)

Nikon has launched firmware updates for its two retro cameras, the Zf and Z fc – the latter of which adds support for a newly revealed high-capacity battery. 

The Nikon Zf – the full-frame big brother of the pair – receives its first ever firmware update, though it's quite a lean one, adding one new feature and a lone bug fix.

While the firmware for the Nikon Z fc – the smaller APS-C half of the throwback tag team – receives an even leaner update, it's arguably more significant, adding support for the new EN-EL25a battery that Nikon stealth launched on its Japanese website. 

Here's an overview of all the new stuff:

Nikon Zf

In firmware version 1.10, the Nikon ZF receives the following updates (from Nikon's official firmware notes):

• Added slow-motion video recording

• Fixed an issue, which the viewfinder live view display may not show correctly under some conditions

To download the new firmware and for instructions on how to update your camera, visit Nikon's Download Center here.

Nikon Z fc

In firmware version 1.41, the Nikon Z fc receives the following update (from Nikon's official firmware notes):

• Added support for EN-EL25a rechargeable Li-ion batteries

To download the new firmware and for instructions on how to update your camera, visit Nikon's Download Center here.

Li-ion rechargeable battery EN-EL25a

(Image credit: Nikon)

According to the Nikon Japan website, the EN-EL25a "is a rechargeable battery pack that can be used for a long time with one full charge. It can be charged and used repeatedly with a dedicated battery charger."

The new battery is compatible with the Nikon Z fc, Nikon Z50 and Nikon Z30, and is supported by the MH-32 charger.

Take a look at the best Nikon cameras, and the best Nikon lenses (including the best Nikon Z lenses) to use with them. If you're looking for a bargain, check out the best Nikon Black Friday deals along with the best Black Friday camera deals across all brands. 

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.