Nikon just released firmware update 2.0 for the Z6 and Z7 camera with eye AF, improve low light focus capability and other fixes improvements.

Eye-Detection autofocus (AF) for still-image shooting

The new firmware offers Eye-Detection AF functionality that 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 be used to select the eye upon which the camera should focus. 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 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^*1 from −1 EV to −2 EV with the Z 7, and from −2 EV to −3.5 EV with the Z 6. In addition, the Z 6 will be able to autofocus with even darker scenes, as the available low-light AF detection range^*1 will be extended^*2 from −4 EV to −6 EV when the Low-light AF function is enabled. (*1 With still-image photography in AF-S mode, ISO 100, f/2.0 lens, at 20° C/68° F,  *2 The low-light AF detection range will remain the same with the Z 7).

Addition of auto-exposure (AE) tracking capability to the 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 helps 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.

Download links and additional information:

Nikon Z7 firmware update version 2.00

• 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 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.

Nikon Z6 firmware update version 2.00

• 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 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.

Nikon released also new updated Z6/Z7 product videos.

More info on Nikon dedicated firmware update 2.0 page.