Nikon releases the NX Field remote shooting system for professional agencies

June 2, 2021

Realizing incredibly stable remote camera operation with simultaneous high-speed image transfer

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation (Nikon) is pleased to announce that NX Field, a remote shooting system for professional agencies is scheduled to be released on June 17, 2021. The system will support those on the frontlines of news reporting by allowing a user to link multiple Nikon digital SLR cameras, operate and adjust settings, and automatically upload images captured with the cameras to an FTP*¹ server.

This system is compatible with the Nikon D6 and Nikon D5 digital SLR cameras. Support for mirrorless cameras such as the Nikon Z 9, Z 7II, and Z 6II is planned for the future.

NX Field will be released by NPS (Nikon Professional Service), an organization through which Nikon offers support and services to professional photographers throughout the world. To use NX Field, the dedicated camera firmware must be installed (for a fee) and the NX Field app*² must be downloaded to a smart device. Visit the NPS website for details regarding installation.

https://nps.nikonimaging.com/technical_info/nx_field/

By connecting multiple compatible Nikon digital SLR cameras, the designated master camera can simultaneously control the shutter release on the remote cameras. Cameras can be connected via a wired LAN cable or wireless LAN*³.

Further, with additional use of the NX Field app for smart devices, the shutter release on remote cameras connected via a wired LAN cable or wireless LAN, can be controlled from the smartphone or tablet on which it is installed. The app can also be used to easily perform a number of tasks remotely, including checking the live view image, changing camera settings, and confirmation/uploading of images captured with the cameras. A user interface that pursues flexibility and usability streamlines the on-site workflow. NX Field supports remote shooting via the internet *⁴ such as the 5G high-speed communications standard, which, for example, would permit operation of cameras located in Tokyo from outside of Japan.

What's more, the system enables the immediate and automatic upload of images captured with the master and remote cameras to an FTP server. When a wired LAN cable connection is utilized, the system is extremely stable as is not easily affected by external factors such as a lack of sufficient Wi-Fi signal or high Wi-Fi traffic.

By enabling remote cameras to be positioned in places that people cannot easily access, such as at the finish line of a race, just beneath the roof of a stadium, or in situations where the number of photographers allowed on-site is restricted, NX Field supports reliable capture of decisive moments, achieving immediacy in the workflow with images taken from previously difficult perspectives and angles for a greater diversity of viewpoints.

Nikon will continually update NX Field to support professional photographers who are active on the frontlines of reporting and recording decisive moments.

*1FTP stands for "file transfer protocol".
*2The NX Field app for smart devices can be downloaded free of charge from the App Store^®. Once the dedicated camera firmware has been installed, an iPhone^®or iPad^®on which the app has been installed can be used. See the NPS website for further information.
*3Wireless connection is possible when the WT-5 or WT-6 Wireless Transmitter is used.
*4There are some limitations. A router that supports port forwarding is required. Using a virtual private network (VPN) for secure communication is recommended when using the Internet to operate a remote camera.

See Nikon Stories for secrets behind the development of NX Field.

Pushing the limits of the photojournalism frontline — Part 2

Primary features

Shutter release for multiple, remote compatible Nikon digital SLR cameras can be synchronized with a single master camera.
The ability to use AF on remote cameras enables photo compositions that were previously difficult to achieve from conventional perspectives and angles.
Shutter release can be synchronized, camera settings can be adjusted remotely, and the live view image on remote cameras can be checked, all while uploading images at high speed to an FTP server.
Simple network configuration using wired LAN cable realizes excellent stability less likely to be affected by difficulties common with wireless networks.
Support for remote shooting and settings adjustment, as well as the uploading of images, via the internet such as the 5G high-speed communications standard.
Works with the robotics of Mark Roberts Motion Control Limited, a Nikon subsidiary, to reliably capture decisive moments.
Simplifies complicated workflows by using the dedicated NX Field smart device app to change settings on multiple remote cameras.
Using the master camera or dedicated NX Field smart device app enables the user to remotely check the camera connection status, battery level, number of possible shots, and image upload status.
The dedicated NX Field smart device app can also be used to restart the network functions on remote cameras and recover connections if networks fail.

Compatible cameras

Nikon D6, D5
Support for the Nikon Z 9, Z 7II, Z 6II, Z 7, and Z 6 is planned for the future.

Smart Device Models and OS supported by the app

iPhone 8 or later, iPad Pro (2018 model) or later, iPad Air 4 or later
iOS and iPad OS (version 14.4 or later for both)

*App Store^®, iPhone^®, iPad^®, iOS, and iPad OS are trademarks of Apple Inc. registered in the U.S. and/or other countries.
*The iPhone trademark is used under license from Aiphone Co., Ltd.
*Other trade names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.