Nikon Releases The Upgraded Firmware Version 2.00 For The Nikon Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

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Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2.00 for its full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Zf.

This is the first major firmware update for the Zf since its launch and the next step in the camera’s evolution, adding new functions from the Nikon Z9 flagship camera and full-frame mirrorless model, the Nikon Z6III. Firmware version 2.00 also adds support for Nikon Imaging Cloud, enabling the automatic transfer of images to third-party cloud storage services, automatic camera firmware updates, and access to a wide range of creative Imaging Recipes.

The Zf now incorporates a dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option, providing more powerful detection and tracking performance to enhance bird photography support. In addition, the Hi-Res Zoom function has been added and functions have been expanded for greater usability when manual-focus lenses are used.

Firmware version 2.00 makes shooting with manual-focus lenses, including vintage lenses, even more enjoyable, with the ability to quickly exit the magnified display simply by half-pressing the shutter-release button and a function that allows users to record the aperture values used when shooting.

Primary Features of Firmware Version 2.0 for the Nikon Zf:

Support for Nikon Imaging Cloud enables more creative imaging expression: Nikon Imaging Cloud is Nikon’s cloud service, accessible via computers and smart devices. It hosts the Imaging Recipes color presets, both those recommended by Nikon and those carefully crafted by established creators. 

Up to nine recipes can be downloaded to the Zf, allowing users to get the look and style of their favorite creators easily. Connection to Nikon Imaging Cloud also facilitates updating the camera firmware without the need for a computer or smart device. Furthermore, the advanced setup enables the automatic transfer of captured images to various third-party cloud storage services when the Zf is connected via Wi-Fi, providing even greater convenience for storing and sharing images captured with the camera.

Dedicated [Birds] subject-detection options enhances support for bird photography: A dedicated [Birds] subject-detection option has been added. It offers better bird-detection and tracking performance than when [Auto] or [Animal] subject detection is selected. It also ensures quicker, more accurate detection and tracking of birds in various shooting scenarios such as when complex, high-contrast backgrounds like rocky mountains or forests are in the frame. 

The [Birds] option satisfies the expectations of those who enjoy photographing birds with a great ability to detect birds whether in flight, at rest, or characterized by a unique size or visual feature such as a long neck or vibrant colors.

Addition of the Hi-Rez Zoom Function enables zooming even when a prime lens is used: With firmware version 2.00, users can zoom-in to up to twice the actual focal length with no loss in resolution in full-HD recording. This enables recording that makes the most of the superior rendering characteristics of prime lenses. Selection from 11 different zoom speeds expands possibilities for imaging expression during video recoding, allowing users to achieve the exact look and feel they want. The Hi-Res Zoom function can also be assigned to the Fn ring or control ring on a lens.

Panasonic Highlights Connected Solutions To Shape The Future Of Visual Storytelling At NAB Show 2025

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Panasonic logoPanasonic Video and Audio Systems North America (PAVNA), a business unit of Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd, announced its plan to showcase the company’s connected solutions for broadcast and live entertainment to help production teams create unforgettable viewer experiences as they embrace IP-based workflows.

With the growing demand to make every moment live and capture high-quality content, creators need flexible, reliable, and intuitive solutions that cut through the noise to deliver an exceptional viewer experience.

On display at the National Association of Broadcasters’ NAB Show 2025, Panasonic’s new solutions give production teams the freedom to advance workflows at their own pace and achieve greater efficiency. Supporting a range of key markets, from sports broadcast studios, classrooms, and corporate environments to broadcast, live media, production, and connected meeting rooms, the latest additions to Panasonic’s complete AV ecosystem include:

The AG-CX370 Handheld Camcorder, which builds on the advanced capabilities of the AG-CX350 to offer a compact, lightweight design and energy efficient operation for a reliable production, broadcasting, and streaming solution. Specific upgrades include 12G-SDI Output for high-quality streaming GENLOCK input for broadcast-quality synchronization in multi-camera systems, and a 4-channel audio input to support up to four external microphones.

Updates to the KAIROS Live Production Platform, including the latest KAIROS version 1.8, which offers multi-unit control for KAIROS Core, integration with graphics platforms such as Singular.live and Viz Flowics, and expanded support for various resolutions, including 16:10 and 5:4.

The “KAIROS Alliance Partner” network added EIZO to its roster. EIZO’s 30.5-inch HDR “ColorEdge PROMINENCE CG!,” the first EIZO monitor to support SMPTE ST 2110, has been verified to work with KAIROS, making it easier to use the ST 2110 ecosystem for video input and output. This partnership gives production teams a more flexible, higher-quality video production environment and workflow improvements.

New plug-ins enhance Media Production Suite, the software platform that centralize the management and monitoring of Panasonic cameras. Specifically, the Video Mixer Plug-in for Media Production Suite (AW-SF400G Ver. 2) allows for seamless video composting. AI Keying makes it easy to replace backgrounds without a green screen, and Smart Switching provides quick access to multiple composting patterns with a single click. Additionally, the Advanced Auto Framing Plug-in for Media Production Suite supports professional-quality automatic framing with PTZ cameras for on-site workflows with professional-content quality.

Joe Dart And Music Man Introduce The Joe Dart Artist Series

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Sterling by Music Man introduces the Joe Dart Artist Series Collection, featuring the Dart I, II, and III bases. 

The original Dart I features the Sterling-shaped body with a single humbucker and volume knob. The Dart II, featuring the beloved Ernie Ball Music Man Caprice body, swaps the humbucker for two single-coil pickups, each with its own volume knob for precise hum-free control. 

Completing the trilogy, the Dart III is a short-scale StingRay bass with a split single-coil pickup and single volume knob.

A blank canvas, the bass collection embodies the no-frills philosophy of the Ernie Ball Music Man design – everything you need and nothing you don’t. All three bases are equipped with passive electronics, Ernie Ball flatwound strings, and are available in Natural or Black finishes No tone knobs here.

“Jack Stratton and I are thrilled to team up once again with Sterling by Music Man to build affordable versions of the three best basses I’ve ever held in my hands. The Joe Dart I, II, and III represent three different sounds and feels, three different eras of bass, and three different shades of my own work as a bassist,” said Dart.  “The feel of these instruments is incredible, and the quality would be remarkable at any price point.”

This is a special “Timed Edition” release, only available for pre-order on the Sterling by Music Man website for two months. Each bass is made to order, with the window closing on May 31st and shipping starting in September. 

The back of the headstock will be marked with a “2025Crop” stamp to commemorate the harvest year for this special, one-of-a-kind release. A gig bag will be included with each purchase.

All bases are priced at $499.00

Carl Martin Unveils The HeadRoom Mini

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Get premium spring reverb tones in a compact and practical format with the Carl Martin HeadRoom Mini. Featuring two independent reverb channels, mono and stereo I/O, and durable metal construction, this pedal is perfect for musicians on the go.

The Carl Martin HeadRoom Mini is a digital emulation of the beloved HeadRoom spring reverb pedal, offering the same warm, natural tone — plus a little extra — in a more compact and practical format. It delivers everything from subtle room ambiance to deep, cathedral-like reverberation, making it a versatile addition to any setup.

With two independent reverb channels, each featuring dedicated tone and level controls, you can easily switch between two different reverb setting — for example, rhythm and lead. The two footswitches allow seamless toggling between channels or full bypass.

Unlike the original HeadRoom, the Mini also includes both mono and stereo inputs and outputs, providing greater flexibility for stereo rigs. Built to withstand the rigors of live performance, it features a durable metal enclosure, buffered bypass for signal integrity, and a remote jack for external channel switching.

Key Features

Two independent reverb channels with individual tone and level controls

Mono and Stereo I/O for versatile routing options

Buffered bypass ensures a strong, clear signal

Rugged metal construction for durability

Remote jack for external channel switching

Compact and pedalboard-friendly design

Headroom Mini brings premium spring reverb tones in a flexible space-saving format – perfect for any musician looking for high-quality, studio-grade reverb on the go.

You can purchase HeadRoom Mini for $279 directly from carlmartin.com, and, of course, also from leading music retailers worldwide. 

Canon U.S.A. To Unveil Advanced Unit For 4K Field Box Lenses At NAB 2025

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Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announces its new optical unit for 4K broadcasting at NAB 2025. The new optical unit can be integrated into UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGSUPER 111 field box lenses to help create captivating images- a “Novel Look” – with a shallow depth of field.

These lenses, in combiation with the new optical unit provide high magnification zoom and video expression the make focusing easy and help the subject even in fast aperture.

The demand for impressive footage that highlights the subject with a shallow depth continues to grow in the sports and live production industries. However, keeping focus in fast aperture at a live event can be channeling since subjects can move rapidly and unpredictably. This unique optical unit produces stunning video with a shallow depth of field even at fast apertures and is easier to focus due to the extended focus range.

Lenses with this optical unit installed, allow camera operators to effortlessly shift between traditional broadcast and enhanced shallow depth of field looks. Additionally, the optical design enables users to capture high-quality visuals in a familiar shooting environment, without requiring new cameras, lenses, workflow or additional operating equipment.

The optical unit and lens combination covers a long focal length length that larger format lenses are unable to reach and provides greater versatility in various shooting situations. Users can select between 1x standard, 1x Novel Look, and 2x extender all from the same lens.

Frequently demonstrated at major marquee sporting events and concerts including major football, baseball, basketball, hockey, and auto racing, the Novel Look has already helped capture unforgettable moments during these exciting, fast-paced events.

The UHD-DIGISUPER 122 Novel Look lens will be on display for the first time at NAB, an exhibition of broadcasting and video production equipment, in Canon’s booth #N2103, held in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 6-9, 2025.

Availability

During the third quarter of 2025, the optical unit is scheduled to be available for installation in the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UHD-DIGISUPER 111 at Canon Service locations for broadcast equipment. Versions of the UHD-DIGISUPER 122 and UND-DIGISUPER 111 with the optical unit preinstalled is planned for a future release. For additional information, please contact a Canon broadcast representative.

About Canon U.S.A. Inc.

Cannon U.S.A. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $28.5 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc., as of 2024 has ranked in the top-10 for U.S. patents granted for 41 consecutive years. 

Wampler Pedals Unleashes The Cryptic Fuzz

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An all-new circuit designed to blend the best of vintage fuzz character with modern flexibility, offering guitarists a shape-shifting fuzz experience.

Features:

The Character Control (Bias Knob) – the heart of the Cryptic Fuzz, this knob redefines your fuzz tone. 

  • Turn it down for a smooth, distortion-like fuzz with warm sustain.
  • Crank it up for gated, Velcro, glitchy chaos inspired by the Fuzz Factory and experimental fuzz sounds.

Chime & Tight Switches

  • The Chime switch adds three levels of harmonic sparkle without making your tone harsh
  • The Tight switch sculpts three levels of low-end response, getting you dial in a thick, heavy fuzz, or a sharper, punchier tone that cuts through any mix.

Fuzz That Cleans Up – Like the best vintage fuzz pedals, the Cryptid Fuzz reacts dynamically to your guitar’s volume and tone knobs. Roll back the fuzz control for glassy cleans or turn it up for full-throttle fuzz intensity.

More than Just A Fuzz – With Volume, Tone, Fuzz, and Character controls, the Cryptid isn’t limited to one sound — it goes from gnarly, woolly sustain to tight, distortion tones, making it entire usable as an overdrive as well.

A Unique Circuit, Not Just a Clone – The Cryptid Fuzz is a blend of transistors, FETs, an an op-amp stage, designed from the ground up to provide a brand-new fuzz experience — this isn’t yet another copy of any other existing fuzz pedal.

Brian Wampler posted the following on his Wampler Pedals site:

I love a good fuzz pedal. There’s just something about how they transform your guitar’s sound, and each one doe sit in its own way. A Fuzz Face has that fat lead tone that responds to every touch. The Tone Bender circuit took things a stage further (literally) and added even more grunt. The “Big Muffin” style circuit is a legendary successor to both of these. The Wampler Velvet Fuzz was one of my early takes on an improved fuzz circuit but with a twist — it was designed to be easy to dial in for folk who just didn’t get on with regular fuzz pedals.

I wanted to put all of those classic tones into a single compact guitar pedal. I wanted the ability to dial in glassy cleans by backing off your guitar’s volume like a Fuzz Face while also retaining the sparking tonality and usability of the Velvet Fuzz. I wanted to create something that could be stacked with other pedals or played on its own, something that wasn’t just another clone. 

So I designed the Cryptid. It is a unique circuit designed to give you my favorite aspects of all those classics while also offering up unique tones and inspiring you to find your new sound.

Tweaking your tone is easy. The Cryptid’s Volume, Tone, and Fuzz are pretty self-explanatory. The Character (bias) control goes from distorted fuzz sounds, similar to what we did with the Velvet Fuzz, all the way through other classic tones, including muff, bender, and even steps into “Fuzz Factor” territory. The 3-position Tight switch shapes the pedal’s low end for anything from doom-approved sub-sonics to a tight, distortion-esque vibe. Finally the Chime toggle adds a bit of extra harmonic air on top without any harshness.

The Cryptic Fuzz pedal is $199.97.

Introducing Polaroid Now & Now+ Generation 3

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The Polaroid Now Generation 3 Instant camera is the classic analog instant camera, optimized for sharper pictures in more lighting conditions. Featuring a better light meter position, improved ranging sensor, upgraded two-lens autofocus system, built-in tripod mount, filter compatibility and even self-timer and double-exposure modes. All in a classic Polaroid look made with 40% recycled materials.

Available in six new colors, rechargeable with USB-C and compatible with Polaroid I-Type Film to capture real life in iconic, full-sized Polaroid pictures.

Optimized exposures to take sharper pictures in bright lighting. Thanks to ranging sensor, flash and autofocus upgrades, the Gen 3 Now camera takes cleared pictures -even on sunny days.

Shoots original full-size Polaroid film. Capture modern life in the original Polaroid aesthetic. And see every detail of each picture on our iconic full-sized i-Type.

Iconic Polaroid Design. The classic Polaroid look that generations have come to know and love, now made from more future-friendly materials.

Two-lens autofocus = twice the clarity. The Generation 3 Polaroid Now’s twin-lens autofocusing system chooses which lens is right for the shot. Capturing the moment is as simple as clicking the big red shutter button.

Price: $119.99 / €129.99 / £119.99 

Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant Camera

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 Instant Camera is unlocking new creative possibilities  by being paired with the Polaroid app. Access aperture priority, remote controls, double-exposure, self-timer, manual mode and more. This takes sharper pictures in bright lighting, results in a classic-look camera packed with modern tech.

Available in four new colors, made with 40% recycled materials and compatible with iconic, full-sized Polaroid i-Type Film.

Available from March 4th on polaroid.com and select retailers worldwide.

Walrus Audio Introduces The Walrus Audio Canvas Clock

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Sync all of your time-based devices, seamlessly move through preset setlists, and simplify tempo matching with the Canvas Clock! Designed for any kind of rig you through at it and deeply customizable, users can put their full trust in the Clock to be an all-in-one tempo solution for their board.

The Canvas Clock can interface to any device in your rig that accepts clock signal, whether MIDI (via the 1/8 in or 5-pin MIDI ports) or analog (via the 1/4in jacks). Clock will send time signals for both MIDI and analog devices, and will continue to do so as you move through your song list or manually adjust the tempo. As you edit, save, and recall songs in real-time or via the online editor at walrus audio.io, Clock will send your specific settings for whichever song you are currently on out to all of the time-based devices you are connected to.

Customize your Clock

The four 1/4 in jacks aren’t just for ending tempo. They can be assigned one of four functions: 

Tempo Out: Connect to any pedal of device that accepts external tap inputs or analog time controls (ex: our Arp-87 Delay or Monument Tremolo). Canvas Clock can send analog clock and MIDI clock at the same time. No more relying on your feet to keep perfect time.

CV (Control Voltage) Out: Control any device that accepts CV. Good for Analog Synths, Drum Machines, or similar devices.

Switch Input: Each jack can be configured to receive input from two external footswitch controls. The switches are connected to the Tip (left) and Ring (right) of the associated 1/4 jack. These can be assigned to many functions available on the pedal with the ability to add more options via a software update.

Expression In:

Connect an expression pedal, and use it to send a MIDI CC message out to a pedal connected to the Clock. The “Toe Down” and “Heel Down” values can be adjusted to fine-tune the controlled parameter range. Use this to adjust the mix of a reverb or the depth of a tremolo (via MIDI out).

Footswitches

Footswitches for the Clock are customizable. Eliminate the “bending over between songs to make adjustments portion of a set” by assigning one of the onboard functions to the A and B switches:

  • Advance to the next song
  • Go back to the previous song
  • Advance to the next setlist
  • Go back to the previous setlist
  • Toggle the metronome start and stop
  • Global tap tempo

Sync

The “Sync” jack found on the top of the pedal can be set in two ways:

  • Input – Great for accepting BPM from an external source
  • Output – Great for syncing external devices, such as a Eurorack device, a Roland Volca Synth, and many other devices.

Some external devices send/receive clock signals that are “double” the standard timing signals, so we included the option to send/receive a 1x or 2x signal, depending on the specific device’s needs. Users can also determine the subdivision of the BPM to send out.

New From Great Eastern FX – The OC201 Preamp

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Great Eastern FX Co. has released the limited-edition OC201Preamp, featuring vintage Mullard OC201 transistors for a unique fuzz sound. Part of the ‘Obsolete Devices’ series, this pedal combines classic circuits with modern components for optimal tone and reliability.

Boutique British pedal designers GreatEastern FX Co. have released a new pedal. Limited to just 50 units, the OC201 Preamp is an intriguing twist on the familiar two-transistor fuzz circuit, built around a part of new-old-new Mullard OC 201 transistors. 

“The OC201 is a very early silicon transistor,” company founder David Greeves explains. “It was actually the first silicon transistor made by Mullard, using the same method as their germanium devices. It’s pretty crude by modern standards, with very low gain and limited bandwidth, but that’s exactly what makes it so great in a fuzz pedal.”

This little-known low-gain silicon transistor is responsible for the OC201 Preamp’s palette of sounds, which GreatEastern FX say ranges from dirty boosts and garage rock drive sounds up to a raw and richly textured fuzz, all with the excellent volume knob clean-up characteristics this style of fuzz is famous for. The circuit has also been tweaked to delver a healthy kick of volume to your amp.

This limited-edition pedal is the first in a new series that GreatEastern FX are calling ‘Obsolete Devices’. According to the company, the Obsolete Devices series will feature the company’s take on a range of classic circuits, constructed using a mixture of vintage and modern components. It’s a distinct departure from GreatEastern FX’s main range of pedals.

“With pedals like the Design-a-drive and the XO Variable Crossover, we’re really committed to developing original designs that bring something new to the table,” founder David Greeves explains.

“I’m always very conscious of choosing part that aren’t going to go obsolete so we can go on making the pedals for as long as people want to buy them. But I also love messing around with old parts and classic circuits, which is a totally different mentality. The Obsolete Devices series is basically a way for me to have fun modifying these classic circuits and experimenting with my stash of NOS components, then share the results.

“The name is a little bit of an inside joke,” he continues. “I think what gets labelled as ‘obsolete” is very subjective. As pedal designers and guitar players, we obsess over obsolete components and what, in any other field would be considered outdated designed. So the name is a nod to that. I also loved the thought of us coming out with some brand-new Obsolete Devices of our own!”

Alongside the pedal’s new-old-stock Mullard OC201 transistors — which are the reason only 50 of them are being made — the OC201 Preamp uses quality modern components, including high-tolerance Dale metal film resistors and WIMA capacitors. GreatEastern FX say that this hybrid approach, using vintage parts where they make the most difference sonically and low-noise modern parts elsewhere, will deliver the best combination of tone and reliability while also keeping the price from spiraling out of control.

The OC201 Preamp will cost £249 in the UK, $299 in the US and €299 in the EU. It’s available now direct from GreatEastern FX Co. and from the following dealers:

UK – Andertons

Europe – pedaltown.nl

USA – Sound Shoppe NYC

Canada – Electric Mojo Guitars

Gibson Introduces The Firebird Platypus

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In early 1965, the original Firebird design transitioned through several different iterations. One of the significant transitions that occurred flipped the headstock to the Non-Reverse shape. Unlike the original Reverse Firebird headstock design, which featured a two-layer headstock with holly veneer, the new headstock was flat, like the bill of a platypus.

The Platypus-style Firebird featured six-in-line tuners rather than the banjo-style tuners that were used on previous Firebird models. The Firebird Platypus pays tribute to those rare transitional models.

It features a mahogany body with a glued-in, set neck and the appearance of a traditional neck-through Reverse Firebird body. The mahogany neck has a fast-playing SlimTaper profile and a rosewood fretboard with a 12” radius, 22 medium jumbo frets, and acrylic trapezoid inlays and sports the Platypus-style headstock with a Graph Tech nut and Grover Mini Rotomatic tuners.

The Platypus-style headstock features the flat, traditional style “platypus” headstock has been slightly modified to provide straight string pull for less friction and improved tuning stability. The other ends of the strings are routed over a Nashville Tune-O-Matic bridge for precise intonation and solidly anchored with an aluminum Stop Bar tailpiece for outstation sustain.

The Firebird is one of the most distinctive-looking guitar designs ever, and the Firebird Platypus takes this legendary guitar a step further with its unique appearance. It’s tone is just as unique due to its two articulate, historically accurate Firebird mini humbucker pickups.

They are equipped with Alinco 5 magnets and can deliver tones with a nearly bell-like chime when played clean and great rock and blues tones that easily cut through the mix when pushed. Individual volume and tone controls allow you to tailor the sound even further, and of course, the pickguard features the legendary hot-stamped Firebird graphic. A Gibson hardshell case is also included.

Key Features

Mahogany Body with the Appearance of a Traditional Neck-Through Firebird Body

Glued In Mahogany Neck with a SlimTape Profile

Rosewood Fretboard with 12” Radius, 22 Medium Jumbo Frets, and Acrylic Trapezoid Inlays

Platypus-style Headstock with Six Grover Mini Rotomatic Tuners

Two Firebird Humbucker Pickups

A Gibson Hardshell Case is Included