New Nikon firmware updates for the Z50, Z5, Z6 and Z7 cameras improve AF performance: Digital Photography Review

Nikon has released minor firmware updates for nearly its entire line of Z-mount mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Z6 and Z7 received firmware version 3.40 while the Z5 and Z50 received firmware version 1.20 and 2.20 respectively.

Each firmware update improves autofocus (AF) across the board, but the updates for the Z5 and Z50 are not as significant as those for the Z6 and Z7. For the Z5 and Z50, Nikon says both Face and Eye Detection autofocus modes have been improved when the flash unit is used. The Z6 and Z7 get that improvement, as well as improved eye-detection performance when shooting with ‘auto-area AF’ or ‘wide-area AF (L)’ and an increased refresh rate for points. focus is displayed in the EVF when using the face/eye detection and subject tracking autofocus modes.

Nikon Z6 (left) and Nikon Z5 (right).

Firmware version 3.40 for the Z6 and Z7 also reduces display flicker when recording N-Log or Raw footage to an external video recorder via HDMI when recording in low light, and fixes the following bugs:

• The camera sometimes stops responding when Auto is selected for Set Picture Control in the PHOTOGRAPHY MENU.
• The camera sometimes exceeds the value selected for the ISO sensitivity > Maximum sensitivity setting in the MOVIE SHOOTING MENU.

Nikon Z50 (left) and Nikon Z6 (right).

All firmware updates also add support for the new version of Nikon FTZ II . mount adapter and NIKKOR Z 24-120mm f/4 Lens. Updates are available for download today for their respective cameras. Here are the links to each update:

Nikon Z50 – Firmware Version 2.20
Nikon Z5 – Firmware Version 1.20
Nikon Z6 – Firmware Version 3.40Nikon Z7 – Firmware Version 3.40