This is an update to the previous blog, Nikon Firmware (May 2019) for the Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras, Nikon Z 7 and Z 6: New Functions & Improvements, Including Faster Low-light AF with Both Still-image Shooting & Movie Recording.
The following video presents Z Series Firmware Update Has Arrived:
“Watch to see some of our Nikon Ambassador’s first impressions of the new Z series firmware updates including:
• Eye-Detection AF for still image shooting
• Improved low-light AF
• Additional auto-exposure tracking capabilities in continuous high-speed (extended) mode
Download these exciting updates now to evolve your Z series right before your eyes!…
Video by Nikon Ambassador Chris Hershman with the Z 6.“
The new firmware for the Z Series mirrorless cameras is now availbale.
Nikon Z 6: Photo by Brandon Woelfel
Eye-Detection AF
Nikon Z 7: Photo by Vivien Liu
- Continuously tracks eyes, even when subjects move within the frame
Nikon Z Cameras: Eye-Detection AF continuously tracks eyes, even when subjects move within the frame: Image grab from video above
- Works in AF-S and AF-C focus modes
- Intelligently recognizes the eyes of multiple people in the frame, giving you the freedom to choose which person and eye to focus on
- Remains locked on the eyes even when face is partially or temporarily obstructed
- Built on a legacy of Nikon autofocus and facial recognition innovations
Nikon Z Cameras: Eye-Detection AF remains locked on the eyes even when face is partially or temporarily obstructed: Image Courtesy of Nikon
Even Better AF Performance in Low Light
- Faster, more accurate focusing indoors and for night portraits
- Reduces the need to switch to Low-Light AF mode to acquire focus
- Extends the AF detection range1 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 range1 will be extended2 from −4 EV to −6 EV when the Low-light AF function is enabled
AE Tracking in Continuous H+ (extended) Shooting
- Auto Exposure (AE) continues to track in every shot throughout the entire burst sequence
The following video presents Nikon Z 7 Product Tour Video (updated):
“Enter the world of the outstanding Z 7. Equipped with the large Z mount in a compact body, 45.7 megapixels, an FX-format CMOS image sensor, and the EXPEED 6 image-processing engine, experience image quality like never before. Shoot under any lighting conditions with an ISO range of 64 to 25600, and never miss a crucial moment with the 493-point focal-plane phase-detection AF. Capture cinematic videos in 4K UHD/30p and Full HD/120p.“
The new firmware can be downloaded (FREE of charge) for:
- Nikon Z 6 at: https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com./en/products/493/Z_6.html
- Nikon Z 7 at: https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com./en/products/492/Z_7.html
PRESS RELEASE
May 16, 2019
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.
MISSISSAUGA, ON –
Nikon Z 6 (left) and Nikon Z 7 (right)
Today, Nikon Canada 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:
Eye-Detection autofocus (AF) for still-image shooting
Extension of the low-light AF detection range
Addition of auto-exposure (AE) tracking capability to the continuous high-speed (extended) mode
Nikon Z 6 camera and gear: Image Courtesy of Nikon
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.
Nikon Z 7 camera and gear: Image Courtesy of Nikon
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 range1 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 range1 will be extended2 from −4 EV to −6 EV when the Low-light AF function is enabled.
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.
Nikon will continue to flexibly respond to the evolving needs of our users and offer next-generation imaging experiences that foster creativity. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the Nikon Z Series, please visit www.nikon.ca.
About Nikon
Nikon is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo and video capture technologies; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enable visual storytelling and content creation. In 2017, Nikon celebrated a legacy of innovation with its 100-year anniversary celebration. Nikon Canada Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Canada Inc., announced the production of 100 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, visit www.nikon.ca, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon Canada on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.
1With still-image photography in AF-S mode, ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, at 20° C/68° F.
2The low-light AF detection range will remain the same with the Z 7.
The following video presents Nikon Z 6 Product Tour Video (updated):
“Compact body. Big mount. Bright lenses. Strong build. Bring your ideas into the light with the Nikon Z 6 full-fame mirrorless. When you have a fast full-frame sensor to shoot with, you have the power to make your mark.
The Nikon Z 6’s wide 55 mm mount diameter means your Z series camera takes in more light. Just 16 mm between the mount and the camera’s full-frame image sensor means more of that light reaches the sensor.
The powerful optical design of Nikon Z mount lenses, combined with the wide mount, gives you the power to work magic with light.
With the Mount Adapter FTZ attached to your Z 6 camera, you’re free to use existing F-mount NIKKOR lenses. There’s no loss of image quality. Plus non-VR lenses will find new levels of sharpness with in-camera VR.“
