Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 Get Firmware 2.0, Some Recalled due to Vibration Reduction Issue

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by Jakub HanMay 18^th, 2019

Both Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 mirrorless cameras got a firmware update 2.0, which improves autofocus and fixes some bugs. At the same time, Nikon issued a recall on some Nikon Z 6 and Nikon Z 7 cameras due to an issue with vibration reduction (VR).

Nikon has both good and bad news regarding their Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 mirrorless cameras.

Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 full-frame mirrorless cameras have both been introduced last summer and they caught attention of many filmmakers. Lately, Nikon assured us that filmmakers are very important customer group for the company by enabling RAW video signal output via HDMI. Both Z 6 and Z 7 are now getting a new firmware update 2.0 which improves autofocus, but some cameras will have to be recalled due to vibration reduction (VR) issue.

Firmware Update for Nikon Z 6 and Z 7

The new free firmware update adds Eye-Detection autofocus (AF) for still-image shooting. It works in AF-S and AF-C focus modes. For capturing both photos and videos, the low-light autofocus performance got better.

The update also adds auto-exposure (AE) tracking capability to the continuous high-speed (extended) mode (for photos capture). Now the cameras will be able to track exposure just as they do with focus (AF tracking). This helps to ensure that all images captured with a burst of high-speed continuous shooting are in focus and exhibit optimal exposure, even when the brightness of the scene changes.

The firmware update also fixes following video recording issues:

• The camera would stop responding if certain operations were performed while HDMI output was in progress with 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) selected for frame size.
• The value selected for maximum sensitivity would sometimes be exceeded during movie recording in mode M with Onselected for Auto ISO control (mode M) if Active D-Lighting was enabled.
• The display would sometimes briefly behave unexpectedly in movie mode before or during recording.

For more information about the free firmware update and how to get it, check Nikon’s official page.

Recall Due To Vibration Reduction Issue

On May 16th Nikon has released “Technical service advisory” note on their site, which informs users of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras, that there might be an issue with the vibration reduction (VR) feature on those cameras. They are saying that the vibration reduction (VR) feature in some Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras may not function fully.

Nikon offers corrective service for affected Z 6 and Z 7 cameras free of charge, including the cost of shipping an affected Z 6 and Z 7 camera to Nikon as well as its return. They are covering all these costs even for those Z 6 or Z 7 cameras with expired warranty.

Obviously there have only been certain production series affected by this issue. To determine whether your camera is one of those affected, you can insert your serial number on Nikon website and immediately get feedback. You can check Nikon Z 6 serial number here and Nikon Z 7 serial number here. If your camera is one of those affected, instructions for requesting service, including receiving your free shipping label, will be displayed onscreen. If your Nikon Z 6 or Z 7 camera is NOT one of those affected, this will be displayed onscreen and you may continue using your camera without concern for this issue.

Location of the serial number on Nikon Z 6. Source: Nikon

To locate your camera’s serial number, open the camera’s monitor on the back and the serial number will be the 7-digit number printed on the label affixed to the camera body, as indicated by the red frame in the image above. You may also contact Nikon Customer Relations for assistance.

Do you own a Nikon Z 6 or Z 7? Did you notice any issues with the vibration reduction feature? Let us know in the comments below the article.

Source: Nikon Rumors