Hacking Photography - one Picture at a time
The one big downfall of mirrorless cameras over DSLRs is battery life. It’s a natural consequence of having to constantly power an LCD or electronic viewfinder. The Nikon Z7, for example, is rated for a measly 330 shots vs the Nikon D850 which is rated for 1,840 shots on a full battery charge.
But now Nikon appears to finally be getting ready to announce the MB-N10 battery grip for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras, after having registered it with the Korean Communications Commission.
Today’s a big of a mixed day for Nikon. On the good side, the Nikon Z6 & Z7 has just received a new firmware giving it Eye-Detection Autofocus. On the bad, Nikon has just issued a recall stating that some Z6 & Z7 cameras are having VR issues. Issues that can’t be solved with a quick firmware update. You’ll need to send it back to Nikon to get it sorted.
Nikon has now released Firmware Update 2.0 for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras. The new firmware brings improved low light performance a number of minor tweaks and fixes and, finally, Eye-Detection Autofocus.
Earlier this year, Nikon announced that its new Z6 and Z7 firmware update will include Eye AF among other features. There was no word on the exact release date, but now it has been officially revealed. You won’t have to wait much longer, as the Eye Detection AF is coming to the Z series on 16 May 2019. And what’s more, Nikon has shared a video to demonstrate how it performs.
Originally reported as just a weekend sale, it appears this deal might actually be a little more long term. Nikon previously bundled the FTZ F Mount to Z Mount adapter with their Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras as a promotional bundle offering $100 discount as a package. Now the FTZ adapter is included with the purchase of either camera completely free.
While Nikon’s lens roadmap is pretty clear, their intentions for future bodies isn’t, really. But Nikon has suggested that a lower entry level full frame mirrorless camera to compete with Canon’s recently announced EOS RP would be on the way. Now it looks like we might have the first leaked photo of that body, and it appears to have a name. The Nikon Z1.
Although Newsshooter might’ve been the first to see Nikon’s Eye AF in action at this year’s CP+ 2019, DPReview actually took along a Sony A7RIII with them to see how well Nikon’s new Eye AF, coming in a firmware update for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras, really compares side-by-side. At least under the environmental conditions set by Nikon on their stand.
Officially, the new Z6 & Z7 firmware is still under development, although it’s scheduled for release in May. Amongst various fixes, several new features are being added to both cameras, including the addition of Eye AF. The folks at Newsshooter got a chance to have a brief play with the new firmware in its current state and speak to one of the Nikon reps about the feature during CP+ 2019.
First teased last month at CES with the launch of the Nikon Z6 Filmmaker kit, Nikon has now officially announced that new firmware updates are coming for the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7 mirrorless cameras. One of the things this firmware update will introduce is RAW output via HDMI. Atomos has also now announced that the Atomos Ninja V will be able to record the 12-bit output to Apple ProRes Raw.
Another update mentioned before was that the Z6 and Z7 would also be getting CFexpress support. Well, Nikon has also now confirmed that their DSLRs containing XQD memory card slots (the Nikon D5, D850 and D500) will also receive CFexpress support in a new firmware update.
If you have planned to switch to Nikon Z mirrorless system, perhaps now is a good time. Nikon has launched a trade-in program which offers discounts on Z6 and Z7 cameras if you hand over your working DLSR or mirrorless. And on top of your old camera’s value, you will get up to $400 additional discount.
You can find out more about John on his website and follow his adventures on YouTube and Facebook.
can change a lens mid-rappel, swap a memory card while treading water, or use a camel as a light stand.
To see more of his work please visit his studio website blurMEDIAphotography, or follow him on Twitter, 500px, Google Plus or YouTube.
JP’s photography is available for licensing at Stocksy United.
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