Nikon Releases Major Firmware Update for the Z5 II

Nikon has released a substantial firmware update for the Z5 II full-frame mirrorless camera. Firmware version 1.20 fixes several issues while adding new features and controls across photography, Picture Control, display, networking and video.

The update also brings changes to the camera’s wireless and FTP functionality, along with additional options for managing focus positions and the camera’s displays.

New Photography and Picture Control Features

Firmware 1.20 updates the available minimum shutter speed range under the ISO sensitivity settings. This gives photographers additional control over how Auto ISO works with shutter speed.

Nikon has also changed some of the terminology surrounding Picture Control files. “Cloud Picture Control” has been renamed “Imaging Recipe,” while the option to add Cloud Picture Control files has been replaced with “Download Imaging Recipes.”

The update also adds an “On saving user settings” option to the Save Focus Position function in the Setup Menu, giving users more control over focus behavior when saving user settings.

Nikon released new firmware updates for the Coolpix P1000 & Z5II cameras:https://t.co/PuyxgY9GO3

— Nikon Rumors (@nikonrumors) August 18, 2026

New Display and Wi-Fi Controls

Nikon has added an Automatic Monitor Display Switch option to the Setup Menu. This provides another way for users to control how the Z5 II handles its displays.

The Network Menu also gets a new “Wi-Fi Always On” option for connecting to a smart device over Wi-Fi in access point mode.

This should be particularly useful for photographers who regularly connect the Z5 II to Nikon SnapBridge. Keeping Wi-Fi active can eliminate the need to repeatedly turn the wireless connection back on during use.

For photographers using FTP, Nikon has also added an inactive connection timeout option. This gives users more control over network behavior when an FTP connection remains idle.

Video Gets a Small But Useful Change

Nikon has also made an adjustment to video recording.

With firmware 1.20 installed, the aperture is no longer restricted when recording video in Shutter-priority auto (S) mode. This gives videographers more flexibility when using the camera’s automatic exposure controls.

Nikon COOLPIX P1000 Also Gets an Update

Nikon is also releasing firmware version 1.9 for the COOLPIX P1000.

The update fixes an issue where, in rare circumstances, the camera could stop responding when the zoom was adjusted during continuous burst shooting.

Where to Download the Firmware Updates

Firmware 1.20 for the Nikon Z5 II and firmware 1.9 for the COOLPIX P1000 are now available from Nikon’s Download Center.

Nikon also provides installation instructions for both updates on its website.