Nikon Z 50 gets Eye Detection AF for video in latest firmware update

The latest firmware update (v2.40 “C”) for the Nikon Z 50 expands the camera’s autofocus features to include Eye Detection AF for video as well as improving the refresh rate for it’s articulating LCD touch screen.

Released back in 2019, the Nikon Z 50 was the first DX-format (APS-C) Z Series camera and utilizes the same larger 16mm Z-mount flange as the larger full-frame Z 6 and Z 7 series cameras.

It features a 20.9-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor powered by Nikon’s EXPEED 6 image-processing engine and boasts a native ISO of up to 51200 and a 209-point Hybrid AF system.

Perfect for video content creators, it can record 4K video as well as 120p slow-motion and time-lapse footage and offers in-camera video trimming, 20 creative picture controls as well as several special effects and scene modes.

View Nikon Z 50 Pricing and Availability at Vistek

Firmware Update v2.40 “C” for Nikon Z 50

The update not only enables Eye Detection (ED) AF for video, it also improves ED AF performance for stills photography allowing for more accurate subject tracking.

Additionally, the refresh rate for the camera’s articulating touch screen has also been improved, allowing users to see the focus points when using Live View with any of the three different Tracking AF modes enabled.

What’s new and improved in firmware v2.40 “C”

• 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

Update Notes from Nikon

• This service supplies software that can be used to update the Z 50 camera “C” firmware to version 2.40. Check the camera firmware version before proceeding. You will not need to download this update if the firmware listed above is already installed.
• This update includes all changes made in previous updates.
• Users of ViewNX-i will need to upgrade to ViewNX-i version 1.4.3 or later, users of Capture NX-D to Capture NX-D version 1.6.3 or later.

You can download the firmware update from the Nikon Z 50 support page here.