The new firmware versions 1.01 for the Nikon D700 and 2.01 for the Nikon D3 share a couple of updates, and also include a variety of changes specific to each camera model. Both cameras' updates fix a potential issue with black dots in images captured using long exposure noise reduction, address a glitch with distance display on the Speedlight SB-800 flash strobe, and correct the spelling of the Bahraini capital Manama in the World Time setup.

The Nikon D3 firmware v2.01 also improves AF performance in continuous AF mode, enables AF point selection on the LCD monitor using the multi-selector, corrects potential underexposure with the 105mm Micro and 80-400mm zoom lenses, caters for display of GPS info in ViewNX and CaptureNX, and alters the naming conventions of a few items in playback mode. The D3 v2.01 firmware update is available for both Windows and Mac OS users.

Nikon D700 firmware v1.01 also fixes an issue with the Speedlight SB-900 flash strobe when used in concert with a Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 containing no batteries, as well as correcting a focusing problem when custom setting A4 was set to disable focus tracking with lock-on. Note that the Speedlight SB-900 fix also requires the Speedlight to be updated to firmware v5.02. As with the D3 update, the D700 v1.01 firmware update is available for both Windows and Mac OS users.

The updates linked in this item are being provided by Nikon USA. We'd recommend that customers in other markets check with their local Nikon office or website for information on obtaining updates for their equipment. The Nikon Global Network page contains contact information for Nikon offices around the world. Following is a more detailed list of the changes in the new firmware, courtesy of Nikon USA:

Nikon D3 firmware v.2.01

• Geodetic information is now displayed in ViewNX 1.2.0 or later and Capture NX 2 2.1.0 or later shooting information for images captured with the GPS Unit GP-1 mounted on the camera.

• Autofocus-response performance in focus mode C (Continuous-servo AF mode) with relatively dark subjects has been increased.

• When the AF-ON button is pressed, the monitor turns off and a focus point can now be selected using the multi selector.

• Photo information displayed in full-frame playback has been modified as follows:

  • HI-, LO- has been changed to Hi, Lo

  • WARM TONE has been changed to WARM FILTER

  • COLOR CUSTOM has been changed to COLOR BALANCE

• Manamah, displayed in the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu, has been changed to Manama.

• An issue that, in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR in the shooting menu set to On has been resolved.

• When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to Distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and then the exposure meters were reactivated or the camera was turned on, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved.

• An issue that, in some rare cases, caused images captured with the following lenses to be under-exposed, has been resolved.

  • AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED

  • AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED (5.0x

Nikon D700 firmware v1.01

• When Custom Setting a4 Focus tracking with lock-on was set to Off in Continuous-servo AF, the lens drive moved gradually without achieving focus. This issue has been resolved.

• When the Speedlight SB-800 was mounted on the camera with flash mode set to Distance-priority manual (GN) mode, and then the exposure meters were reactivated or the camera was turned on, the distance information displayed on the SB-800 changed. This issue has been resolved.

• When the Multi-Power Battery Pack MB-D10 was mounted on the camera and an EN-EL3e battery inserted in the camera but no batteries inserted in the MB-D10, and SB-900 flash mode set to TTL auto flash mode, the flash mode changed to A mode when the exposure meters turned off or were reactivated, or the camera was turned off or on. This issue has been resolved.(This issue has also been resolved with SB-900 firmware Ver. 5.02.)

• An issue that, in extremely rare cases, resulted in noticeable black dots in images captured with Long exp. NR in the shooting menu set to On has been resolved.

• Manamah, displayed in the Time zone options for the World time item in the setup menu, has been changed to Manama.