UPDATE: Nikon has announced the new firmware update for the Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II, which will be available 25 February
(Image credit: Nikon)
UPDATE:Nikon has now officially announced its latest firmware updates for the Nikon Z6 II and Nikon Z7 II, delivering 4K 60p video to the former, and improved Eye-Detection AF and RAW video output to both bodies.
Each firmware update (both of which are version 1.10) will be available from 25 February. In the case of the Nikon Z6 II it will activate the 4K 60p video shooting that was confirmed at launch – though like the same mode on the Nikon Z7 II, it is expected to impose a 1.08x crop factor on footage.
Both the Z6 II and Z7II will also benefit from improved eye detection autofocus, which Nikon says will be seen when shooting in auto-area AF (people) and wide-area AF (L-people).
In addition the cameras will also be capable of RAW video output to eternal video recorders such as the Atomos Ninja V, in both in Blackmagic RAW and ProRes RAW formats.
Firmware 1.10 for the Nikon Z 7II can be downloaded here, while firmware 1.10 for the Nikon Z6 II can be downloaded here, both from 25th February.
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ORIGINAL STORY (17 Feb): Finally, some good news for Nikon shooters! According to new rumors, Nikon is about to release a new firmware update for the Nikon Z6 II and the Nikon Z7 II cameras. This update includes improvements to the eye detect autofocus for both cameras. Plus, the Nikon Z6 II will also see a video upgrade, with the ability to shoot 4K60p added as well.
This update could prove to be incredibly popular among Nikon Z6 II shooters in particular, thanks to this intriguing video-focused potential firmware update.
Popular Twitter leakster Nokishita recently tweeted that Nikon is due to release a new firmware update for its latest Z mount mirrorless cameras. A translation of the tweet has been provided by Mirrorless Rumors, seemingly confirming that Nikon is set to announce a substantial update.
"It seems that Nikon will announce the details of CP+ content on February 18th. Details of firmware Ver1.10 for “Z 6 II” and “Z 7 II”, which will be downloaded on February 25, should also be announced (main updates are improved pupil AF performance and 4K UHD / 60p support for “Z 6 II. "
While this might not be the biggest upgrade in the world for Nikon Z7 II users, an improvement in Eye AF will definitely prove useful to sports and portrait photographers. However, Nikon Z6 II users have definitely got a lot to look forward to with the addition of 4K video at 60 frames per second. This higher frame rate video will enable users to experiment with slow motion features – or they can simply use it to create smoother footage when exported.
This upcoming upgrade to the video features in the Nikon Z6 II could put Nikon in quite a comfortable place among its competitors. The Nikon Z6 II is priced between the Sony A7 III and the Canon EOS R6. Although the R6 does offer some brilliant video features, the A7 III is a little behind - making the Nikon a comparatively pretty good option for videographers.
However, it's worth noting that this potential upgrade hasn't actually been announced yet, so if you're an excited Nikon Z6 II or Nikon Z7 II user, you might want to wait before you get too excited.
Usman is a commercial and architectural photographer based in West Yorkshire, who has been working professionally for over seven years. He has also spent over four years as a writer for the biggest photography sites in the world, including Staff Writer for Digital Camera World, senior staff writer for FStoppers, and tech writer for Petapixel.
With a particular interest in technology developments, high-resolution imaging and the high-end cameras, Usman has been on the cutting edge of camera news as well as writing features about medium format systems and global shutters, and has reviewed some of the latest Leica cameras as well as a tripod that’s even taller than Andre the Giant!
