Nikon Z5 firmware adds Eye AF support when shooting video

Nikon has announced a new firmware update for the Nikon Z5 full-frame mirrorless camera. The new v1.40 update expands the previous v1.22 update with support for the iOS version of NX MobileAir, the Nikon MC-N10 remote grip, the Nikon ML-L7 remote, as well as adding saved focus position support for a range of telephoto zoom and prime lenses. It also brings some pretty significant changes to Eye autofocus.

For a start, Eye-Detection autofocus is now available on the Nikon Z5 when shooting video. Previously, it was confined to shooting stills. The performance of Eye AF has also been improved when shooting in Auto-area AF mode. The refresh rates of the focus points in live view has also been increased to help you more easily ensure it’s tracking what you want it to.

Here is the complete list of changes in the new v1.40 firmware update.

Changes from “C” Firmware Version 1.21 to 1.40

• Added support for the iOS version of NX MobileAir. Use NX MobileAir version 1.0.4 or later.
• Added support for MC-N10 remote grips.
• Added support for ML-L7 remote controls.
• Eye-detection AF is now available during video recording.
• [Save focus position] and [Recall focus position] have been added to the roles that can be assigned using Custom Setting f2 [Custom controls] in the [CUSTOM SETTING MENU]. As of February 14, 2023, these options were supported with the following lenses:
  • NIKKOR Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S
  • NIKKOR Z 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 VR S
  • NIKKOR Z 400mm f/2.8 TC VR S
  • NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 VR S
  • NIKKOR Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S
• 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.
• The behavior of autofocus during memory recall has been improved to ensure that the focus position will not change in any focus mode even if the shutter-release button is pressed halfway while focus recall is in progress.
• Fixed an issue that sometimes caused the camera to stop responding when [Auto] was selected for [Set Picture Control] in the [PHOTO SHOOTING MENU].

The Nikon Z5 v1.40 firmware is available to download now from the Nikon website.