Nikon to add Eye AF option in firmware update

Nikon has announced that it will be adding a so-called Eye-AF option to the Nikon Z series (in addition to promising support for RAW video output using the Atomos Ninja V) and has confirmed that the XQD card slot will be updated to support CFexpress.

If the Eye AF feature is as good as that found on the Sony a7 (later models) and a9, and the new Canon EOS R which has seen a fair amount of negative press (and mostly unwarranted in my opinion), then it will be a highly-prized option.

From the Nikon UK Press release:

Display of cameras running new firmware

The following new features to be added to firmware that is currently being developed for the Z 7 and Z 6 will be displayed at CES 2019:

Eye AF

The Eye AF allows for the convenient detection of the subject’s eyes, making focusing easier. It will allow users to capture photos in which focus has been clearly acquired on the subject’s eye, for situations such as portrait and street photography.

Support for RAW video output

Nikon is currently developing a feature that works with the ATOMOS Ninja V to output video in RAW format, using the ProRes RAW codec.

CFexpress

Coming soon to the Z 6 and Z 7 cameras is compatibility with CFexpress, which is compatible with XQD memory cards.