UPDATE BRINGS EYE-DETECT AF FOR VIDEO TO NIKON Z50

New firmware brings a raft of autofocus upgrades to an already great camera

Nikon has released firmware version 2.40 for the Z50. This update includes eye-detection AF for video, improved eye-detection for Auto-area AF, and improved refresh rate for focus points in live view when you’re shooting with subject tracking or eyedetection AF.

Released in October 2019, the Nikon Z50 was the company’s first Z-mount APS-C mirrorless camera. With a 20.9MP sensor, up to 11fps continuous shooting speeds, 4K 24p video, a 180-degree flipping screen and a compact, lightweight design, it was already an impressive camera before the latest update. It’s perfect for anything from vlogging to travel photography, street photography or even wildlife – and these latest updates will make it even easier to use.

Nikon is well known for keeping its cameras up to date with software upgrades. It recently released firmware for the six-year-old D850 that added the Portrait Impression Balance function found on the Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z7 II.

If Nikon can achieve so much with a simple firmware update, it makes us wonder why other brands can’t do the same. Recently Sony users have become frustrated by the company’s outdated firmware strategy, with some of its flagship cameras, such as the Sony A1 or FX3 not benefitting from more advanced features found in cheaper cameras such as the Sony FX30.

We had a few grumbles with the release of the Nikon Z9, when it was advertised with an array of features that would only become available at a later date via firmware, but we can’t complain about Nikon’s overall approach to firmware updates. No longer are they just about fixing bugs; firmware updates can almost entirely change a camera. You can download the v2.40 Z50 update at http://bit.ly/3wNyBHC.