Whew – it was a busy night for Nikon! The new Z series firmware (2.0) has been released. I’ve just updated my Z6 and Z7, but have not had the chance to test any of the new features yet – although on paper there does seem to be a lot of nice updates and improvements.
However, there is some bad news – Nikon has issued a recall for some of the Z cameras due to VR / IBIS issues. Not all cameras are affected – you can see the full recall info at this page. There’s a link to check the serial number of your camera to see if you are in the recall. (Luckily, neither of my cameras were in the recall – hope you discover the same.)
That bit of unpleasantness out of the way, let’s talk firmware. First, here’s my firmware update video (from the previous post) that will show you how to install the updates step by step:
.
Now, the firmware updates. (The update takes just over 3 minutes to install.)
Z7 Firmware – 2.0 (click here)
- Added eye-detection AF for use when taking photographs. To enable eye-detection AF, select:
- – AF-S or AF-C for Focus mode in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
- – Auto-area AF for AF-area mode in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
- – Face and eye detection on for Custom Setting a4 (Auto-area AF face/eye detection) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU
- • Improved autofocus performance for photos and movies shot under low light: -2 – 19 EV (low light autofocus -4 – 19 EV), measured in photo mode with single-servo AF (AF-S) at ISO 100 and 20°C with an f/2 lens.
- • The following improvements have been made to the Continuous H (extended) option for Release mode:
- – Not only focus but now also exposure will respond to changes in the subject during shooting
- – The burst shooting display after the memory buffer fills is now easier to read
- • Reduced the length of time the display turns off (the blackout period) when pictures are taken with On or On (monitor only)selected for Image review in the PLAYBACK MENU.
- • Item d5 in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, formerly Electronic front-curtain shutter, has been renamed Shutter type and offers a choice of Auto, Mechanical shutter, and Electronic front-curtain shutter. If Auto is selected, the camera will automatically choose a shutter type according to shutter speed.
- • Changed the color the focus point turns when the AF-ON button is pressed or the shutter-release button is pressed halfway with Auto-area AF selected and face detection or target tracking active.
- • Edited and revised help text.
- • Fixed the following issues:
- – The camera would stop responding if certain operations were performed while HDMI output was in progress with 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) selected for frame size.
- – The value selected for maximum sensitivity would sometimes be exceeded during movie recording in mode M with Onselected for Auto ISO control (mode M) if Active D-Lighting was enabled.
- – The display would sometimes briefly behave unexpectedly in movie mode before or during recording.
- – The items in My Menu would sometimes not display correctly.
Z6 Firmware – 2.0 (Click here)
- • Added eye-detection AF for use when taking photographs. To enable eye-detection AF, select:
- – AF-S or AF-C for Focus mode in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
- – Auto-area AF for AF-area mode in the PHOTO SHOOTING MENU
- – Face and eye detection on for Custom Setting a4 (Auto-area AF face/eye detection) in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU
- • Improved autofocus performance for photos and movies shot under low light: -3.5 – 19 EV (low light autofocus -6 – 19 EV), measured in photo mode with single-servo AF (AF-S) at ISO 100 and 20°C with an f/2 lens.
- • The following improvements have been made to the Continuous H (extended) option for Release mode:
- – Not only focus but now also exposure will respond to changes in the subject during shooting
- – The burst shooting display after the memory buffer fills is now easier to read
- • Reduced the length of time the display turns off (the blackout period) when pictures are taken with On or On (monitor only)selected for Image review in the PLAYBACK MENU.
- • Item d5 in the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, formerly Electronic front-curtain shutter, has been renamed Shutter type and offers a choice of Auto, Mechanical shutter, and Electronic front-curtain shutter. If Auto is selected, the camera will automatically choose a shutter type according to shutter speed.
- • Changed the color the focus point turns when the AF-ON button is pressed or the shutter-release button is pressed halfway with Auto-area AF selected and face detection or target tracking active.
- • Edited and revised help text.
- • Fixed the following issues:
- – The camera would stop responding if certain operations were performed while HDMI output was in progress with 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) selected for frame size.
- – The value selected for maximum sensitivity would sometimes be exceeded during movie recording in mode M with Onselected for Auto ISO control (mode M) if Active D-Lighting was enabled.
- – The items in My Menu would sometimes not display correctly.
Whew – a long list! Now, time to see how all of this plays in the real world.
~Steve
PS – If you enjoyed this post, I think you’ll REALLY like my e-books and video workshops! Thousands of pages and hours of videos filled with tips, tricks, and techniques – all my best content! Check ’em out – click here (hey, it’s free to look).
I sold my z6 to get a D500. Even after latest firmware, autofocus of the D500 is way better for wildlife! Im happy with my D500 8)
Are you still considering a book on the AF of the Z cameras? The system is different and you cannot just jump and use the same approaches you used with your Nikon DSLRs.
Yup, the only problem is that there’s only so much time in the day 🙂 Right now, I’m starting to mess with the AF system a little, but I have so many projects and workshops it’s tough to get anything done. That, and the truth is, the AF system just isn’t that good. I have a feeling that the moment I write a book about it, they’ll do some huge update and render all the work irrelevant.
That make sense. If the 2.0 upgrade is any indication of the way Nikon is moving.
Hi Steve,
Bit of a different topic, Sony alpha mirrorless cameras have become more and more popular with the wildlife photographers and their A7riii aparently a fantastic landscape camera. I recently bought a nikon d850 and im an hobbiest photographer. Just wandering should i switch to mirrioless? Are you planning to move to mirrioless? Any adcvice is greatly appriciated.
I like the idea of mirrorless, just not at the current level. About the only camera I think is really suitable for wildlife is the a9, but the lack of long glass in Sony’s lineup keeps me from adding it to my kit. Also, when doing workshops I always have a few people using mirrorless and in almost every case, the DSLR people are easily getting shots while the mirrorless participants struggle. My advice is to hold off for a bit. I’m using the Z7 at the moment for some work, but there’s no way I’d trade it for my… Read more »
All manufactures are doing the same thing. Short term profits, if the companies go under the management leaves.
Filson clothing, designed to survive the Klondike. One generation bought it, broke it in. Then passed it down. Filson shoes, was the world’s best built. Rebildable, for life. Toyota, corolla and even (dare I say) Honda? I am glad I bought this a few years ago. If I pass, my family will have something.
Allen Edmonds shoes, sorry.
Thanks so much for providing all of the info and help you supply us…..You have helped me immensely!
Thank you for posting all the pertinent info. With your Nikon connections, do you have any insight as to -Exactly what the problem is and how it could be demonstrated, I.e. testing the camera -Exactly what the repair will require? My Z7 is on Nikon’s “affected” list. I’m wondering about whether to send it in, or wait for Nikon to perfect the repair. I recall that Nikon’s repair of D800 left side autofocus problems was haphazard, some people having their cameras returned no better or even worse, some people having to send cameras in 2 or 3 times, some Nikon… Read more »
Sadly, I have zero Nikon connections, so all I know is what is on their page.
In light of all he has done to demonstrate, popularize, and sell truckloads of gear, I hereby nominate Steve Perry to be a Nikon Ambassador with all the rights and privileges duly accorded to him, including use of all Nikon products at no charge, for life.
I absolutely agree with you. Steve Perry is the definitive source for advice on Nikon gear.
I AGREE! Steve should apply to Nikon. I am sure Nikon would consider him given his quality comments on photography and the application of Nikon equipment. His reviews still have a sense of neutral bias toward equipment and more to functional use.
Thanks for the step by step instructions. It made it so easy to update my Z6. Yesterday I found out that there was a lens update for the Tamron 150-600. I had to call for help. Not fun. Before I did the update I took the z6 and Tamron out this morning. I was very frustrated with the lens hunting so much. So I will try again tomorrow to see how much the update will help. Two updates in 2 days for a lens and a camera. Frustrating to say the least. Love your e books
Nikon cameras & glass were always made in JAPAN and not Thailand or China etc etc. Without being negative, its disappointing to see that proper quality control in such critical areas of ALL camera manufacturers has been dropped. Outsource your manufacturing to other countries (that are only interested in qty output) and this is what happens. Nikon & others once produced fine optics with Japanese precision & discipline, its a shame that this has not continued, and that profits are the only driving force ! 🙁
Steve, Oh, and thank you for this valuable information & your fantastic efforts in teaching us your fine art 🙂
Thank you for the firmware update and recall info.
Thank you, I appreciate not only the instructions to update and install. But also where in the menu to select the new options.
Thank you Steve for making all our lives a little bit easier! will update both D850 and Z6 today. Any word on the depth-of-field preview fix on the Z6 when it wide open? Your e-books are great!
Thank you for keeping us in the loop. I updated my D850 firmware following your video prompts. Much appreciated. I am hopping D850 firmware update won’t have any issues.
Hi Steve,
Thank you very much for this critically important information regarding my Z7 and it sure makes me thankful that I purchased your excellent books and signed up for your news releases