Nikon releases new firmware updates for its Nikon Z series
Updates include the highly-anticipated Animal-Detection AF support for the Nikon Z 50 mirrorless camera
SINGAPORE – Firmware version 2.00 for the compact Z 50 mirrorless camera and firmware version 3.10 for the award-winning Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 are officially released today by Nikon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
By popular demand, firmware version 2.00 for the APS-C (Nikon DX-format) Nikon Z 50 introduces Animal-Detection AF support which makes it possible for the camera to smartly detect the eyes and faces of dogs and cats. This enables creators to concentrate on interacting with these cuddly animals and creating the best compositions without worry of the autofocus. In addition, subject tracking with still-image shooting has also been modified for a more flexible operational feel.
The updates to firmware version 2.00 for the Z 50, and to firmware version 3.10 for the Z 7 and Z 6, also provide support for the new Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x teleconverters. These new teleconverters effectively expand telephoto shooting possibilities when used with compatible lenses, beginning with the NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S and future interchangeable lenses for Nikon mirrorless cameras.
Firmware version 2.00 for the Z 50, and firmware version 3.10 for the Z 7 and Z 6 are now available at the Nikon Download Center:
https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com
Sample images are provided for illustrative purposes only to explain functions.
FUNCTIONS IMPROVED WITH THE FIRMWARE UPDATES
Z 50 firmware version 2.00
Animal-Detection AF for automatic focusing on the faces 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. Face detection of the animals also works in video recording.
Increased usability for subject-tracking AF
Subject tracking with still-image shooting in AF-A, AF-C, and auto-area AF in AF-area mode has been modified for a more flexible operational feel. The camera tracks the subject while the shutter-release button is pressed halfway and ends when the user takes their finger off the button. Operation has improved so that the focus point returns to the original position when subject tracking starts.
A custom control can also be configured for switching between the auto-area AF screen and the subject tracking screen, allowing users to easily transition to subject tracking, or to change the target subject, while looking through the viewfinder.
Z 50 firmware version 2.00 and Z 7/ Z 6 firmware version 3.10
Support for the Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x teleconverters
The Z TELECONVERTER TC-1.4x and Z TELECONVERTER TC-2.0x are 1.4× and 2.0× teleconverters respectively that extend* NIKKOR Z lens’ telephoto capabilities by increasing the focal length of the main lens. As using these teleconverters does not change the minimum focus distance, they allow users to bring their subjects even closer with shooting. Usage of these teleconverters does not degrade the autofocus and Vibration Reduction performances of the main lens thus providing a comfortable shooting experience.
*When the TC 1.4× is used, the speed (brightness) of the main lens drops by one stop. When the TC 2.0× is used, lens speed drops by two stops.
Nikon will continue to pursue a new dimension in optical performance to meet our creators’ needs and to contribute to the development of imaging culture, with the hope of expanding possibilities for imaging expression.