Nikon took a brave step launching the Z6/Z7, the brand’s first full-frame mirrorless cameras, in September last year. After all, the brand has a strong pedigree producing quality DSLR cameras and moving properly into mirrorless was the start of a new chapter for Nikon.
Well, the 24-megapixel Z6 and 45-megapixel Z7 cameras are set to get even better as Nikon used the CES Show in Las Vegas to announce a host of upgrades thanks to a forthcoming firmware upgrade. Now, this isn’t just a simple 'tweak and tune up' upgrade as the new firmware will introduce a host of useful features that will make a real difference out in the field.
The planned firmware upgrade will make a real difference to the cameras.
The first big new addition is Eye AF, which Nikon explains; ‘will automatically detect the subject’s eyes to make attaining critical focus on the eyes easier. It will allow users to capture photos in which focus has been clearly acquired on the subject's eye, which is useful for portrait, event and street photography scenarios. ’
Nikon released a video previewing the Eye AF feature.
Next up in the planned firmware is a change to the storage technology as Nikon say the Z6 and Z7 will soon have support for CFexpress, which is compatible with the XQD memory card form-factor. However, the features delivered by the planned new firmware update will be excellent news for videographers, too.
The last big feature bundled in the firmware update is RAW video support as Nikon explains; ‘Nikon is currently developing a feature that works with the ATOMOS Ninja V to output video in RAW format, using the ProRes RAW codec. ’ The additions all represent a decent upgrade to the cameras, although Nikon didn’t release an exact date when the firmware would be available.
Along with RAW video support, Nikon is launching a Filmmaker's kit that combines the Z6 with additional gear.
Also at CES, Nikon announced the planned release of the Nikon Z6 Filmmaker’s Kit - an impressive bundle of kit for videographers that includes the Nikon Z6 camera, NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens, Mount Adapter FTZ, Atomos Ninja V 4K HDR 5-inch Monitor Recorder, Rode VideoMic Pro Plus, MOZA Air 2 3-Axis hand-held Gimbal Stabilizer, an additional EN-EL15b battery, a coiled HDMI cable, a 12-month Vimeo Pro membership and a complimentary Nikon School Online class for $3,999. 95, which will be available from late January.
. digitalrev.com2019-1-10 03:00
