Nikon Firmware Update Brings Animal Eye Autofocus and a Few Upsettingly Jaunty Videos

Nikon has just released firmware updates for the Z 6 and Z 7 (firm ware up dates?), and there’s a video demonstrating the new animal eye autofocus. If jaunty melodies, guitars, and people whistling make your skin crawl, make sure to keep the sound turned off.

Firmware 3.0 brings improved focus tracking, support for the new lens controls such as the lens function buttons found on the NIKKOR 70-200mm  f/2.8 VR S, and expanded support for CFexpress cards. Z cameras will now accept Type B cards made by ProGrade and Lexar. Unfortunately, this firmware update does not add any extra slots.

Initial comments suggest that the improved focus tracking is noticeable, and Nikon mirrorless shooters will be keen to see how the autofocus performs overall. There have been a few minor frustrations that it wasn't quite up to scratch when it came to moving subjects, as detailed in this video from photographer Manny Ortiz.

You can read an overview of all of the improvements on the Nikon USA website (warning: more skin-crawling music) and download the firmware update by clicking here.

Does Canon need to pull its finger out? Will the autofocus upgrades bring significant improvements to the Z 6 and Z 7? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Andy Day's picture

Andy Day is a British photographer and writer living in France. He began photographing parkour in 2003 and has been doing weird things in the city and elsewhere ever since. He's addicted to climbing and owns a fairly useless dog. He has an MA in Sociology & Photography which often makes him ponder what all of this really means.

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