Nikon adds Eye AF while shooting video to the Nikon Z50 with new firmware

Jan 24, 2023 by John Aldred Leave a Comment

Nikon has released the new version 2.4.0 firmware for the Nikon Z50, and it looks like the focus (no pun intended) for this one is eye-detection autofocus. Among other eye-detection AF performance improvements, the big one is eye-detection autofocus being added to the camera’s AF modes while recording video.

The last few updates for the Nikon Z50 have essentially been bug fixes or adding support for various new lenses. This one actually brings a new feature that should make the Nikon Z50 a much more attractive option for activities like vlogging. The notes for the new firmware all list improvements to the Eye-AF system.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 2.30 to 2.40

• Eye-detection AF is now available during video recording.
• Improved eye-detection performance for [Auto-area AF].
• Improved the refresh rate for the focus points displayed in live view during subject-tracking and face/eye-detection AF.

As you can see from the above list, there aren’t too many changes, but they’re important ones for Nikon Z50 owners who want to shoot video or rely on the Eye-AF system at all. You can download the Nikon Z50 version 2.4.0 firmware update from the Nikon website.

About John Aldred

John Aldred is a photographer with over 20 years of experience in the portrait and commercial worlds. He is based in Scotland and has been an early adopter - and occasional beta tester - of almost every digital imaging technology in that time. As well as his creative visual work, John uses 3D printing, electronics and programming to create his own photography and filmmaking tools and consults for a number of brands across the industry.

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Dave Williams is an accomplished travel photographer, writer, and best-selling author from the UK. He is also a photography educator and published Aurora expert. Dave has traveled extensively in recent years, capturing stunning images from around the world in a modified van. His work has been featured in various publications and he has worked with notable brands such as Skoda, EE, Boeing, Huawei, Microsoft, BMW, Conde Nast, Electronic Arts, Discovery, BBC, The Guardian, ESPN, NBC, and many others.