When the Nikon Z cameras were released one missing feature was Eye Detection Auto Focus with many complaints from photographers. The other somewhat focus issue was the Z cameras was not as good in low light situations. With the new Nikon Firmware 2.0 both these issues have been addressed.
This article make it clear the benefits of owning a Nikon Product along with improvements included in Firmware Update 2.0.
Me personally I am more interested in the overall Focus Performance since I do mostly sports, and bird photography but I also greatly appreciate the eye detection auto focus technology that Nikon promised and now has delivered in firmware 2.0
How well does eye detection AF work? In my opinion well enough to shut the critics up. In a nutshell, firmware 2.0 has made several free enhancements to the Nikon Z cameras so it is a no brainier not to download and update your Z camera. Link to the download is included below. After using it for a couple days now I am very pleased with this new addition to the Nikon Z.
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What Enhancements are Included in 2.0? |
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- 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
If the camera detects the face of a portrait subject, the face will be enclosed in an amber border indicating the focus point. If the subject’s eyes are detected, an amber border indicating the focus point will appear around either eye. If the camera detects more than one face or eye, triangles will appear to either side of the focus point; to position the focus point over a different face or eye, press the multi- or sub-selector left or right.
- Improved auto focus 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 On selected for Auto ISO control (mode M) if Active D-Lighting was enabled.
- The items in My Menu would sometimes not display correctly.
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What Are The Benefits of Being a Nikon Customer?
- Superb Customer Service both in repairs and support
- The most robust selection of Lenses bar none
- Some products are backed by a lifetime replacement warranty - such as Nikon Binoculars
- Nikon stands behind product defects with excellent customer care - recalls, repair or replacements