Nikon has finally released the anticipated firmware for Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras that allow users to use eye autofocus. The firmware was announced a while ago, but now, it is officially available for download.
Nikon started following Sony's and Fujifilm's footsteps by adding new features via firmware updates. With this update, the Z 6 and Z7 will get better on paper in terms of specs and features. As many of you know, the Nikon Z 7 is the more capable version of the Nikon Z 6, but both models will receive the same new features with the latest firmware. Without a doubt, the biggest news about this update is the newly added eye autofocus feature, which has been a default feature on many mirrorless cameras these days.
Here are the highlights of this update:
- Eye autofocus system that can even be used in multi-model scenarios
- Improved low light performance
- Improved autofocus system, both for photo and video
- Responsive exposure when shooting a dynamic subject
- Improvement in the menu system and texts
- Bug fixes for the previous firmware
Due to technical differences between two models, the Z 6 and Z 7 will benefit differently from the improved low light autofocus features. You can read the full details and download the latest firmware at Nikon's official website.
If you don't know how to update the firmware on your Nikon Z series camera, don't forget to check this post for an in-depth explanation of the process.
What do you think about this update? What would you like to see on the next release? Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
The eye focus is the least interesting aspect of this update, I think. General and low light AF improvement strikes me as far more important.
Just throwing out that part of the update was:
• Edited and revised help text.
Awesome! Now I just need to send my Z7 back to Nikon because a service advisory covering my serial number was released on the same day. YAY~!
I would actually be happy that Nikon did acknowledge the issue and fix it for free than denying it all.
Also, you always have the option of not sending it.
installed yep, works fine. Turned off now though until I need an auto-area focus setup.
Installed works great love it on both Z7 and Z6. Z6 will focus in lower light than my 810 will now, Z7 is close to the 810 in low light but still not as good. I have not shot any portraits yet but eye focus seems to work very well shot a concert last night nothing hard on a focusing system but came home with 100% in focus shots which is not unusual with the Z6. And for the record Z7 is not necessarily more capable Z6 blows it away in low light, low light focusing, Frames per second, focusing speed, more shots on the XQD card and video. Z7 has more resolution other than that Z6 kicks its butt. Unless I'm shooting for large print my go to camera is the Z6.