Nikon recently announced the release of firmware Ver. 2.0 that reportedly will further enhance the performance of its full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6.
According to Nikon, users will enjoy three main additional features following the Ver. 2.0 upgrade. These include:
1. Eye-Detection autofocus (AF) for still-image shooting
2. Extension of the low-light AF detection range
3. Addition of auto-exposure (AE) tracking capability to the continuous high-speed (extended) mode
PRIMARY FEATURES OF THE NEW FIRMWARE
Eye-Detection AF for still-image shooting
The new firmware offers Eye-Detection AF functionality that, according to the company, automatically detects and focuses on human eyes when using the Auto-area AF mode in both AF-S and AF-C. When the eyes of multiple subjects are detected, the multi-selector or sub-selector can reportedly be used to select the eye upon which the camera should focus. According to Nikon, this enables precise focus on the eye of the intended individual, even when looking through the Electronic Viewfinder. This function is applicable even when the subject’s face is partially covered by another object, or in the event when a subject is frequently changing their pose.
AF performance improvements in low-light situations
The new firmware also reportedly enables even faster autofocusing when capturing photos and video in dark or dimly lit scenes, for both stills and video. It will extend the AF detection range from −1 EV to −2 EV with the Z 7, and from −2 EV to −3.5 EV with the Z 6 as claimed by the company. In addition, the Z 6 will reportedly be able to autofocus with even darker scenes, as the available low-light AF detection range will be extended from −4 EV to −6 EV when the Low-light AF function is enabled.
AE tracking in continuous
high-speed (extended) mode
With earlier firmware versions,
auto exposure (AE) was locked with the first shot in a burst of
high-speed continuous shooting at approx. 9 fps (Z 7) or 12 fps (Z 6)
in continuous high-speed (extended) mode. Firmware Ver. 2.0 adds
support for AE tracking in continuous high-speed (extended) mode,
allowing the cameras to track exposure just as it does focus (AF
tracking). This, the company claims, will help to ensure that all
images captured with a burst of high-speed continuous shooting are in
focus and exhibit optimal exposure, even when the brightness of the
scene changes.