Add Support for Z6III

[sunando94]

Hi Team,

I would really like to add support for my new camera Nikon Z6iii.

If you are occupied how do I contribute and build the program.

[capricorn8]

The problem is not with the plugin itself but with exiftool that is unable to properly decode Nikon AFInfo version 0400 and later. This partially affects Z8 and Z9 (0400) for which only CAF-based (contrast AF) focus points can be displayed. For Z6iii, Zf (0401) and Z50ii (0402) neither CAF, nor PDAF=phase detect AF) focus points can be displayed.

I have filed a bug report for exiftool. As soon as a fix will be available, I will release a new plugin version.

[capricorn8]

I have created a pre-release that supports Nikon Z6iii, at least partially:
https://github.com/capricorn8/Focus-Points/releases/tag/v2.1.0.1

Currently, focus point display is only supported for those images where the camera's hybrid AF (cooperation of phase-detect and contrast autofocus modes) determines the focus point using contrast AF. I haven't found any images (online, as I don't have access to this camera) where the focus point in EXIF is given using PDAF logic, so I assume that CAF focused images is the normal case and PDAF is rather an exception.

In order to fully support Z6iii I would need one image that has been taken using PDAF.

If you would be willing to contribute, you could run a sample exiftool command on your NEF images (or JPG OOC) to identify potential candidates:

[D:\FocusPoints\Nikon\Mirrorless\Z9]exiftool -AFPointsUsed DSC_16*.nef
======== DSC_1622.NEF
AF Points Used : (none)
======== DSC_1657.NEF
AF Points Used : (none)
======== DSC_1663.NEF
AF Points Used : I7,I8,I9,J7,J8,J9,K7,K8,K9
======== DSC_1687.NEF
AF Points Used : (none)
4 image files read

In this example, DSC_1622, 1657 and 1687 do not have an "AFPointsUsed" tag, but 1663 does.

If I can any get such a file for Z6iii, I would be able to setup up the matrix for mapping the focus point names (I7, I8 etc) to pixel coordinates which is required to display PDAF focus points.

[poozu]

Happy to provide such a file.
How can I send you the download Link?

[capricorn8]

@poozu Excellent!!! 👍

You could post the link here and as soon as I have grabbed the file edit your post and remove the link.

[poozu]

https://fromsmash.com/9D5YTr0pM8-dt

[capricorn8]

Perfect, many thanks - the file looks good 👍

[capricorn8]

I will work on the mapping matrix and provide a new pre-release in 1 or 2 days.

[poozu]

Great. The link is invalid now.
Is there a chance for Nikon D600 support as well?

[capricorn8]

Is there a chance for Nikon D600 support as well?

Yes!

Now that I have found an easy and convenient way to create the entire focus points matrix (w/o the need to have access to the camera) and tune the pixel coordinates to accomplish the same focus point positions as displayed by NX Studio it's just a matter of doing.

I plan to add support for the most recent Nikon DSLR models in a few weeks from now and I can add oldie D600 as well 😉

For Mirrorless cameras using hybrid AF, it's a bit more complicated.
As with Z6iii (up to now), also for Z f and Z 50II the plugin currently supports only CAF focused images.
Images you can find online (eg dpreview) are purely CAF focused.

So, if anyone can provide "AfPointsUsed" test images for any of the two cameras that would allow me to add full support!

[capricorn8]

Here is the next pre-release that adds PD AFPoint support for Nikon Z6iii:
https://github.com/capricorn8/Focus-Points/releases/tag/v2.1.0.2

If you can do some testing and feedback on the results this would be greatly appreciated!

[poozu]

Prima, @capricorn8
First testing looks great and works with the Z6III on NEF and JPGs.
I will do thorough testing these days.
Version display of v2.1.0.2 did not get updated, I noticed

[capricorn8]

Many thanks, and yes - I forgot to update the build no in plugin version. Irgendwas ist immer 😄

[poozu]

Did some distinctly set focus field shots and all fields were identified correctly. Great job, thanks a lot.
You need some D600 shots?

[capricorn8]

Great news!

At this time, I don't think I need anything else than someone to do the user testing and "approve" the feature 😊

[poozu]

Will do.