Nikon releases two firmware updates for Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras
Even better AF performance and increased flexibility in imaging expression
TOKYO – The release of firmware Ver. 3.00 for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras, and firmware Ver. 1.10 for the Z 50 DX-format mirrorless camera is announced by Nikon Corporation today.
Updating the Z 7/Z 6 firmware to Ver. 3.00 adds the new Animal-Detection autofocus (AF) feature to the existing Face/Eye-Detection AF. Face/Eye-Detection AF recognizes human faces and eyes, while Animal-Detection AF recognizes the eyes and faces of dogs and cats for focusing. Using this feature, the user can concentrate on framing and composition, without worry for focus, to easily capture the intended images.
In addition, subject tracking has been modified for an operational feel that is more like that of the 3D-tracking feature built into DSLR cameras for increased usability. Support for more brands of CFexpress[1] memory card has also been added.
Firmware Ver. 1.10 for the Z 50 improves AF operation with recording of self-portraits in movie mode. This improvement was made in response to user demands for the camera to maintain focus on the face(s) being recorded.
Firmware Ver. 3.00 for the Z 7 and Z 6, and Firmware Ver. 1.10 for the Z 50 are now available at the Nikon Download Centre:
FUNCTIONS IMPROVED WITH THE FIRMWARE UPDATES
Z 7/Z 6 FIRMWARE VER. 3.00
Animal-Detection AF for automatic focusing on the face and/or eyes of dogs and cats
Animal-Detection AF adds support for dogs and cats to the face and eye detection feature. When multiple animal faces or eyes are detected, the user can use the left and right indicators to choose the face or eye on which the camera focuses. Only the faces of animals (face detection) can be detected with video recording.
* Sample images are provided for illustrative purposes only to explain functions.
* Sample images are provided for illustrative purposes only to explain functions.
Increased usability for subject-tracking AF
Subject tracking with still-image shooting in AF-C mode has been modified for an operational feel that is more like that of the 3D-tracking feature built into digital SLR cameras. The camera tracks the subject while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway, or the AF-ON button is held down. Subject tracking ends when the user takes their finger off the button, and the focus point selected before subject tracking began is again activated for increased operability. In addition, the transition from the auto-area AF display to the subject selection display can be assigned to a custom control. All of these improve subject tracking operation and make it easier to activate and to change the target subject while looking through the viewfinder.
Support for CFexpress memory cards
In addition to Sony CFexpress memory cards, Type B CFexpress cards manufactured by ProGrade and Lexar will also be supported with Z 7/Z 6 firmware Ver. 3.00.
Z 50 FIRMWARE VER. 1.10
Modification of control specifications for recording of self-portraits in movie mode
Previously, when self-portraits were recorded in movie mode, the focus mode was locked at AF-S mode. With the update to Ver. 1.10, the focus mode will be locked at AF-F mode. This change to specifications improves operation by allowing the camera to maintain focus on the user's face with movie recording.
Nikon will continue to flexibly respond to changing user needs and offer imaging experiences that stimulate users' creative intent.
[1] CFexpress is a trademark of the CompactFlash Association (CFA)
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