Nikon has posted Z Series Firmware 3.0 which includes the following important features and improvements to the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 full-frame mirrorless cameras:
Nikon’s Animal Detection AF, available as part of the Firmware 3.0 upgrade for Z 7 and Z 6: Image Courtesy of Nikon
- Animal Detection AF: Just like Eye AF for humans, Animal Detection AF will reliably lock focus on a dog or cat’s eye.
Nikon: Improved Focus Tracking Operation: Image Courtesy of Nikon
- Improved Focus Tracking Operation: Turning on Subject tracking is now easy and convenient: simply press the shutter-release button halfway or hold down the AF-ON button while shooting stills in AF-C mode. Release either button and the focus point returns to its previous setting. Additionally, subject tracking can be assigned to a camera or lens Fn button for convenient tracking while using the EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) in Auto-Area AF mode.
- Support for New NIKKOR Z Lenses: Firmware 3.0 adds support for advanced NIKKOR Z lens controls like those found on the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S. Two Lens Fn buttons can be assigned, the focus limit switch can be employed and autofocusing with manual override (M/A mode) is fully supported.
Nikon Z 7 with NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
- Expanded Support for CFexpress: In addition to Sony® CFexpress memory cards, Type B CFexpress cards made by ProGrade® and Lexar® are now also supported.
The following video presents Animal-detection AF for Z 7 and Z 6 Mirrorless Cameras:
“Pet photography just got easier. Version 3.00 firmware update for the #Z7 and #Z6 adds Animal-detection AF to Face/eye detection AF, recognising the eyes and faces of dogs and cats for enhanced focus.“
The video is convincing enough, especially the one showing the Eye AF locking “doggedly” on a shaggy black dog with black eyes.
Image grab from video above
Additionally, Nikon has also released Firmware 1.1 for Nikon Z 50 for the following changes:
Nikon Z 50
- Movie footage shot in self-portrait mode is now filmed using AF-F (full-time autofocus), regardless of the option selected for autofocus mode.
- Added support for the focus limit switch available on certain Z mount lenses (as of February 12, 2020, only the NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S). The lens Fn2 button is not supported.
Nikon NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
To download the updates and for other important info:
PRESS RELEASE
February 17, 2020
Nikon Z Series Mirrorless Cameras Continue to Evolve: Nikon Releases Two Firmware Updates
Free Ver. 3.00 Update Adds Animal-Detection AF Plus Enhanced Subject Tracking Functionality for Z 7/Z 6, and More
Melville, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the release of firmware Ver. 3.00 for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras and Ver. 1.10 for the Z 50 DX-format mirrorless camera. These latest updates offer several significant improvements and feature additions to make Nikon’s Z series mirrorless cameras even more powerful.The Nikon Z series is designed to evolve and adapt; it’s a capable platform that adds features and functionality as technology advances, all while incorporating feedback from users and creators.
Firmware Ver. 3.00 for the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 adds the following features:
- Addition of Animal-Detection AF: The Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 will now recognize the eyes and faces of dogs and cats, allowing users to concentrate on their creativity and easily capture intended images without worrying about focus. When multiple animal faces or eyes are detected, photographers can use the camera’s left and right indicators to select the face or eye that the camera focuses on. When recording videos, face detection will be enabled.
- Enhanced Functionality for subject-tracking AF: Subject tracking for still shooting in AF-C mode has been modified to provide a more familiar operational feel similar to that of 3D-tracking feature built into Nikon DSLR cameras. To enable the feature, users can hold the AF-ON button or half-press the shutter-release button to initiate. Subject tracking disengages when users take their finger off the button, causing the camera to switch back to the original focus point before subject tracking began. Additionally, the transition from the Auto-area AF display to the subject selection display can be assigned to a custom control button, allowing for a more customized user-experience. These improvements to subject tracking operation will make it easier and quicker for users to activate and change the subject while looking through the viewfinder.
- Support for CFexpress memory cards: In addition to Sony® CFexpress (1) memory cards, select Type B CFexpress cards manufactured by ProGrade Digital® and Lexar® will also be supported with the firmware update.
For further information and to download the free firmware please visit Nikonusa.com/evolve
Firmware Ver. 1.10 for the Nikon Z 50:
- Improved AF Operation in Movie Mode: Nikon has improved autofocus operation in the Z 50 when recording movies in self-portrait mode. The new feature will lock focus at AF-F mode, allowing the camera to better maintain focus on a user’s face while recording video.
To learn more about the Z 50 firmware upgrade or to download free of charge, please visit here.
For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
About Nikon
Nikon Inc. 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. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products, as well as the revolutionary Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, which achieve a new dimension in optical performance. In 2018, Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., announced the production of 110 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web’s most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Flickr.
1. CFexpress is a trademark of the CompactFlash Association.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
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