New Nikon Z6/Z7/Z50 firmware updates released (animal eye detection now available!)

The previously rumored Nikon Z firmware updates are now officially announced, here are the details:

Additional CFexpress support for ProGrade and Lexar cards

Animal detection AF

Improved subject-tracking AF

Added support for the NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S

Other fixes and improvements

Related videos (animal detection AF demos), download links and additional information:

Added support for ProGrade and Lexar CFexpress memory cards (Type B). For more information, see the Nikon website for your country or region.

Custom Setting a4 (Auto-area AF face/eye detection) now offers an Animal detection option that adds dogs and cats to the subjects supported by face- and eye-detection autofocus. As a result, the camera can now detect and focus on the faces and eyes of dogs and cats. Animal face detection (but not eye detection) is also available in movie mode.

Improved the functionality of subject-tracking AF (available when Auto-area AF is selected for AF-area mode) as follows:

Subject-tracking AF can now be initiated via the Fn1 or Fn2 button on the camera or the Fn1 or Fn2 button on the lens. Subject-tracking AF must first be assigned to the control using Custom Setting f2 (Custom control assignment) in Group f (Controls) of the CUSTOM SETTING MENU or Custom Setting g2 (Custom control assignment).
The behavior of the camera when tracking is end by pressing the AF-ON button or by pressing the shutter-release button halfway with AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) and subject-tracking AF enabled in photo mode has been changed to more closely resemble that of the 3D-tracking option for digital SLR cameras.

Custom Setting f2 (Custom control assignment) in Group f (Controls) of the CUSTOM SETTING MENU now offers a Lens Fn2 button option, which can be used to choose the role played by the L-Fn2 button available on certain Z mount lenses (as of February 12, 2020, only the NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S).

Added support for the focus limit switch available on certain Z mount lenses (as of February 12, 2020, only the NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S).

Optimized the responsiveness of the switch to manual focus when the focus or control ring on a Z mount lens is rotated during autofocus. Note that the control ring only functions in this capacity when assigned the Focus (M/A) role.

Fixed the following issues:

When Viewfinder brightness was adjusted manually, brightness would sometimes change when the standby timer was restarted.
iOS devices running iOS 13 would sometimes display a Bluetooth pairing request when pairing was complete.

Note: For information on the license for the open-source software included in the camera’s NVM Express driver, see “BSD License (NVM Express Driver)”.

Added support for ProGrade and Lexar CFexpress memory cards (Type B). For more information, see the Nikon website for your country or region.

Improved the functionality of subject-tracking AF (available when Auto-area AF is selected for AF-area mode) as follows:

Subject-tracking AF can now be initiated via the Fn1 or Fn2 button on the camera or the Fn1 or Fn2 button on the lens. Subject-tracking AF must first be assigned to the control using Custom Setting f2 (Custom control assignment) in Group f (Controls) of the CUSTOM SETTING MENU or Custom Setting g2 (Custom control assignment).
The behavior of the camera when tracking is end by pressing the AF-ON button or by pressing the shutter-release button halfway with AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) and subject-tracking AF enabled in photo mode has been changed to more closely resemble that of the 3D-tracking option for digital SLR cameras.

Added support for the focus limit switch available on certain Z mount lenses (as of February 12, 2020, only the NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S).

Fixed the following issues:

When Viewfinder brightness was adjusted manually, brightness would sometimes change when the standby timer was restarted.
iOS devices running iOS 13 would sometimes display a Bluetooth pairing request when pairing was complete.
Horizontal lines would sometimes appear in photographs.

Note: For information on the license for the open-source software included in the camera’s NVM Express driver, see “BSD License (NVM Express Driver)”.

Added support for the focus limit switch available on certain Z mount lenses (as of February 12, 2020, only the NIKKOR Z 70–200mm f/2.8 VR S). The lens Fn2 button is not supported.

Movie footage shot in self-portrait mode is now filmed using AF-F (full-time autofocus), regardless of the option selected for autofocus mode.

Press release:

Nikon Z Series Mirrorless Cameras Continue to Evolve: Nikon Releases Two Firmware Updates

Free Ver. 3.00 Update Adds Animal-Detection AF Plus Enhanced Subject Tracking Functionality for Z 7/Z 6, and More

MELVILLE, NY – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the release of firmware Ver. 3.00 for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras and Ver. 1.10 for the Z 50 DX-format mirrorless camera. These latest updates offer several significant improvements and feature additions to make Nikon’s Z series mirrorless cameras even more powerful.The Nikon Z series is designed to evolve and adapt; it’s a capable platform that adds features and functionality as technology advances, all while incorporating feedback from users and creators.

Firmware Ver. 3.00 for the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6 adds the following features:

-Addition of Animal-Detection AF: The Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 will now recognize the eyes and faces of dogs and cats, allowing users to concentrate on their creativity and easily capture intended images without worrying about focus. When multiple animal faces or eyes are detected, photographers can use the camera’s left and right indicators to select the face or eye that the camera focuses on. When recording videos, face detection will be enabled.

-Enhanced Functionality for subject-tracking AF: Subject tracking for still shooting in AF-C mode has been modified to provide a more familiar operational feel similar to that of 3D-tracking feature built into Nikon DSLR cameras. To enable the feature, users can hold the AF-ON button or half-press the shutter-release button to initiate. Subject tracking disengages when users take their finger off the button, causing the camera to switch back to the original focus point before subject tracking began. Additionally, the transition from the Auto-area AF display to the subject selection display can be assigned to a custom control button, allowing for a more customized user-experience. These improvements to subject tracking operation will make it easier and quicker for users to activate and change the subject while looking through the viewfinder.

-Support for CFexpress memory cards: In addition to Sony® CFexpress (1) memory cards, select Type B CFexpress cards manufactured by ProGrade Digital® and Lexar® will also be supported with the firmware update.

For further information and to download the free firmware please visit Nikonusa.com/evolve

Firmware Ver. 1.10 for the Nikon Z 50:

-Improved AF Operation in Movie Mode: Nikon has improved autofocus operation in the Z 50 when recording movies in self-portrait mode. The new feature will lock focus at AF-F mode, allowing the camera to better maintain focus on a user’s face while recording video.

To learn more about the Z 50 firmware upgrade or to download free of charge, please visit here.