Mirrorless Camera News

Nikon just released free new firmware to upgrade its Z-Series full-frame mirrorless cameras: the 25.4MP Nikon Z6 and 45.7MP Nikon Z7. The new Nikon Z firmware adds a host of improvements to these two cameras including eye-detection autofocus (AF), better AF performance in low light, and auto-exposure tracking to continuous shooting high-speed (extended) mode, Nikon said.

The eye-detection AF feature, which is designed to lock in on a subject's eyes to keep them in focus for portraits and even in some action sequences, should be a helpful addition to the Nikon Z6 and Z7, but it's worth noting that similar eye AF tracking features have already been available on some competing mirrorless cameras from Sony. 

If the new Firmware Version 2.0 upgrade improves AF performance in low light for the Z6 and Z7 as Nikon says it will, that would be a key enhancement. In our review of the Nikon Z7, which we generally liked, we reported that it struggled finding focus and locking in on subjects in low light and mixed light shooting situations.

According to Nikon, the new Z-Series mirrorless camera firmware can be downloaded (free of charge) from Nikon's Download Center at the following link: https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com. When you click on the link, you will be prompted to follow the instructions from Nikon to help install the firmware on your camera.

Read Nikon's press announcement about the new Nikon Z Firmward Version 2.0 below with more details.

PRESS RELEASE

NIKON RELEASES THE NEW Z SERIES VERSION 2.0 FIRMWARE WITH ENHANCED FEATURES AND PERFORMANCE INCLUDING EYE-DETECTION AF

Firmware Upgrade Brings Further Improvements to the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 FX-Format Mirrorless Cameras by Adding Eye-Detection AF, Improving AF Performance in Low Light, and Adding Auto-Exposure Tracking to the Continuous High-Speed (Extended) Mode

MELVILLE, NY (May 16, 2019 at 2:00 a.m. EDT) -- Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware Ver. 2.0 that will further enhance the performance of its full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6.

Users will enjoy three main additional features following the Ver. 2.0 upgrade. These include:

1. Eye-Detection autofocus (AF) for still-image shooting
2. Extension of the low-light AF detection range
3. Addition of auto-exposure (AE) tracking capability to the continuous high-speed (extended) mode

These enhanced shooting functions will further increase camera functionality and performance and are a response to customer feedback for new and innovative ways to capture and create.

PRIMARY FEATURES OF THE NEW FIRMWARE

Eye-Detection AF for still-image shooting

The new firmware offers Eye-Detection AF functionality that automatically detects and focuses on human eyes when using the Auto-area AF mode in both AF-S and AF-C. When the eyes of multiple subjects are detected, the multi-selector or sub-selector can be used to select the eye upon which the camera should focus. This enables precise focus on the eye of the intended individual, even when looking through the Electronic Viewfinder. This function is applicable even when the subject's face is partially covered by another object, or in the event when a subject is frequently changing their pose.

AF performance improvements in low-light situations

The new firmware enables even faster autofocusing when capturing photos and video in dark or dimly lit scenes, for both stills and video. It will extend the AF detection range*1 from −1 EV to −2 EV with the Z 7, and from −2 EV to −3.5 EV with the Z 6. In addition, the Z 6 will be able to autofocus with even darker scenes, as the available low-light AF detection range*1 will be extended*2 from −4 EV to −6 EV when the Low-light AF function is enabled.

With still-image photography in AF-S mode, ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, at 20° C/68° F.

The low-light AF detection range will remain the same with the Z 7.

AE tracking in continuous high-speed (extended) mode

With earlier firmware versions, auto exposure (AE) was locked with the first shot in a burst of high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 9 fps (Z 7) or 12 fps (Z 6) in continuous high-speed (extended) mode. Firmware Ver. 2.0 adds support for AE tracking in continuous high-speed (extended) mode, allowing the cameras to track exposure just as it does focus (AF tracking). This helps to ensure that all images captured with a burst of high-speed continuous shooting are in focus and exhibit optimal exposure, even when the brightness of the scene changes.

The new firmware can be downloaded (free of charge) from Nikon's Download Center at the following link: https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com. Users will be prompted to follow the instructions provided to successfully install the firmware.