Nikon has announced the release of a firmware update for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras (version 3.0) and the Z50 DX-format mirrorless camera (version 1.10).

These firmware updates offer a number of improvements to existing features, making the mirrorless series of cameras even more powerful.

The latest firmware releases offer a number of improvements to features in the Z-series mirrorless cameras.

Updates at a Glance

Firmware Version 3.0 for the Z7 & Z6

  • NEW Animal-detection AF feature
  • Increased usability for Subject-tracking AF
  • Support for CFexpress memory cards

Firmware Version 1.10 for the Z 50

  • Improved AF operation when recording self-portraits in Movie mode.

Animal Face & Eye AF should make capturing images of our four-legged friends a bit easier. Credit: Angela Nicholson

 

How do the updates improve functionality?

NEW Animal-detection AF feature

Whilst the Z7 & Z6 already have advanced face & eye detection with an autofocus (AF) that recognises human faces the addition of animal detection provides enhanced focussing for the fury faces in our lives! Because the animal detection AF takes care of focus for you it means that you can concentrate your energy into the creative setup. More than one pet? Not a problem as the multi-selector or touch operation can be used to choose which face or eye you want to focus on and the function even works during video recording too!

Increased usability for Subject-tracking AF

Subject tracking with still-image shooting in AF-C mode has been modified to give an operational feel more like the 3D-tracking in Nikon DSLR 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 reactivated, for increased operability.

They’ve also added the ability to assign a custom-control to improve subject-tracking operation whilst looking through the viewfinder. The transition from Auto-area AF display to Subject selection display can be assigned to a custom control making it much easier to activate and change the target subject when looking through the viewfinder.

Support for CFexpress memory cards

Sony CFexpress and type B CFexpress memory cards by Prograde and Lexar will now be supported, giving you more choice and control with storage.

 Improved AF operation when recording self-portraits in Movie mode. 

When shooting in Movie mode the focus mode is currently locked at AF-S mode. The update locks it at AF-F mode meaning that it will maintain focus on the users face whilst recording a movie. This is great news for all of you who want to get vlogging!