Nikon has announced new firmware updates for numerous Nikon Z series cameras. The updates, available today, include firmware version 3.40 for the Nikon Z6 and Nikon Z7, firmware version 1.20 for the Nikon Z5 and firmware version 2.20 for the Nikon Z50.

Across the board, the firmware updates include increase autofocus performance. Nikon writes, ‘AF usability is enhanced when shooting in low-light situations, through improvements to Face and Eye-Detection performance in scenes where it was difficult to detect faces and eyes when using an external speedlight, as well as improved subject visibility during live view shooting through the viewfinder or monitor.’

Further, firmware 3.40 for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras includes improved tracking frames used for face and eye detection, as well as subject-tracking AF. Eye detection will also be more effective when photographing faces that occupy less space in the frame.

To download the new firmware updates, click the links below:

• Nikon Z6
• Nikon Z7
• Nikon Z5
• Nikon Z50

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Nikon has announced firmware updates for its Z series mirrorless cameras. The updates, which will be available to download from April 26, cover the Nikon Z7 II, Nikon Z6 II, Nikon Z7, Nikon Z6, Nikon Z5 and Nikon Z50.

The Nikon Z6 II and Z7 II will be brought to version 1.20 with the upcoming update. These cameras will see increased autofocus performance, including faster focusing when shooting using autofocus in low light situations. Nikon also states that ‘AF usability when using an external Speedlight will also increase, through improvements to detection performance in scenes where it was difficult to detect faces and eyes, as well as improvements to subject visibility during live view shooting.’ Finally, tracking frames used for face and eye detection, plus subject-tracking AF, will improve, promising a smoother and more stable shooting experience.

Nikon Z7 II

The Nikon Z6 and Z7 will also be updated to version 3.30, while the Z50 will be updated to version 2.10. These cameras are receiving a ‘Save Focus Position’ option. This allows the current focus position to be saved when the camera is powered off and restored when the camera is turned back on. The Z6 also receives voice memo recording/play functionality with the upcoming update. This feature proved popular with the Nikon D6 DSLR, so Nikon is adding it to the Z6. The function will be added to the Z6 II in a future firmware update.

Nikon Z6

Rounding out the Nikon Z series firmware updates, the Nikon Z5 is being updated to version 1.10. This update adds faster AF detection speed during low light shooting when shooting in the Low-Light AF mode. Further, the Z5 is also receiving the Save Focus Position option.

Nikon Z5

All new firmware updates will be available to download for free starting on April 26 directly from Nikon.

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It’s that time of year, everyone… Camera of the Year time! We’re extra excited about it this year at Imaging Resource because this is our first awards season under our new awesome parent company, Madavor Media. It’s more special than ever to be unveiling our choices for the Best of the Best cameras and lenses from 2020 for you!

And even though 2020 was a trying year in many ways for most of us, it sure was an exciting year for new cameras and lenses rolling off the manufacturer assembly lines. So rather than letting the year get the better of us, let’s focus on the bright spots like the awesome gear that still makes its way to our eager fingertips!

As we do most years in these awards, we’re going to roll them out in daily waves across this entire week. Today, we’re pleased to showcase two very special cameras that deserve your attention if you’re serious about capturing terrific imagery without breaking the bank. Even in trying financial times we still need photography to get us through, and the manufacturers who bring us terrific gear at affordable prices certainly get our vote!

Best Entry-level Full Frame Camera 2020: Nikon Z5

Nikon wisely chose to take their time entering the world of Full Frame mirrorless, and the decision resulted in superb models such as the Z6 and Z7. In 2020, the line took a step further in feature sets, only lowering the model number… and the price! Meet a Full Frame camera with an entry-level price tag and an enthusiast feature set: The Nikon Z5.

Best Entry-level Full Frame Camera 2020: Nikon Z5

Start with a 24-megapixel full-frame sensor paired with an EXPEED 6 processor, then add enthusiast-grade weather sealing, 4k/30p video, dual card slots and 5-axis in-body IS. Despite all that, Nikon kept the price to an affordable $1299, a number that won’t likely rattle your accountant nor your significant other. This should surely turn the heads of many enthusiast photographers out there, in addition to those looking to step into the exciting world of Full Frame for the first time.

Want to go enthusiast-grade full frame at an entry-level price? The Nikon Z5 ranks very highly in our experienced book.

Nikon Z5 Best Prices – Image Gallery

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Best Fixed Lens Camera 2020: Fujifilm X100V

Simplicity. Sometimes that’s what a photographer needs most in the field, yet still maintaining high image quality with a relatively large sensor and an excellent lens. No camera line in modern times has done this better than the Fujifilm X100 line, and this latest Mark V model makes a great thing even better.

Best Fixed Lens Camera 2020: Fujifilm X100V

For starters, let’s add weather resistance to this classic street camera! And let’s improve the 23mm f/2.0 lens so that it’s even sharper wide open when used up close. Perhaps amp-up the focusing horsepower just a tad, too. Oh yeah, let’s update the LCD and other ergonomics for just the right balance between retro and modern, yet still keeping the familiar old-school feel we’ve come to know and love.

That’s the Fujifilm X100V, folks, and it fills a very important niche in the world of modern classic photography. It’s a terrific primary photographic tool and an almost “must-have” as a second camera for your bag. Shooting on drizzly afternoons in the Lower East Side of Manhattan or the East End of London never felt so good.

Fujifilm X100V Best Prices – Image Gallery

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Imaging Resource Camera of the Year 2020:

Best Entry-level Full Frame & Fixed Lens Cameras (this page)

Best Enthusiast Full Frame, Crop Frame and Professional (coming soon)

Best Prime and Zoom Lenses (coming soon)

Readers’ Choice! (coming soon)

Best Overall Camera 2020! (coming soon)

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Historically, full-frame cameras tend to be large, bulky and expensive, putting them well into the realm of professional photography tools. However, these days, full-frame technology has become less expensive, and with the advent of mirrorless cameras, things aren’t so heavy and cumbersome. Nonetheless, an “entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera” is still a fairly rare sight, with the Canon’s EOS RP model kicking off the trend of a large-sensored camera with a wallet-friendly price point.

It’s now Nikon’s turn to jump into this segment with their new Nikon Z5. But despite the entry-level focus of the camera, the Z5 still carries a $1400 body-only price (minus any sales and promotions). That’s a bit above a truly “entry-level” price for a lot of folks, but the Z5 still serves as Nikon’s most affordable entry into their full-frame Z camera lineup. In all honesty, the Nikon Z5 feels more like an “intermediate-level” camera, offering several higher-end features, such as dual memory card slots, weather-sealed construction,‚ 5-axis in-body image stabilization, phase-detect AF, 4K video and more. Plus, with a 24MP sensor, the Nikon Z5 offers overall excellent image quality performance at a wide range of ISO levels, much like its higher Z6 sibling.

Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Z + TC-1.4x: 280mm, f/8, 1/320s, ISO 450
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Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Z : 200mm, f/2.8, 1/500s, ISO 5000

Our intrepid Maine-based photographer and reviewer Jeremy Gray recently put the new Nikon Z5 through its paces with a variety of still and video subjects. Does Nikon’s newest and most affordable mirrorless camera deliver a good user experience? Dive into Jeremy’s Nikon Z5 Field Test for his hands-on shooting experience and findings. And be sure to also jump over to our Nikon Z5 Gallery Page for a wide array of real-world sample images.

Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S Z: 200mm, f/7.1, 1/2000s, ISO 100 (EDITED)

– Nikon Z5 Field Test – Gallery Images – Sample Images –

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Full-frame mirrorless cameras are all the rage these days, but those looking to buy such a camera on a budget are left with few options. The used market is one, while grabbing a previous-generation model at a discount is another. But if you wanted a brand-new camera, you were likely looking at a hefty price tag. The new Nikon Z5 changes that. Based around a 24MP full-frame sensor and EXPEED 6 image processor, the new Z5 incorporates a pleasing amount of high-end features yet comes in at a rather pleasing $1400 body-only. Sure, that’s not the “holy grail” $999 price tag for a new full-frame camera, but given that the Z5 also sports the Z6’s hybrid AF system, has 5-axis IBIS, shoots 4K video, features weather-sealed construction and dual UHS-II card slots, it certainly doesn’t seem like the typical “entry-level” camera.

Though it shares a similar 24MP image resolution as the higher-end Z6, the two cameras use different sensors; the Z6 uses a backside-illuminated chip, while the Z5 does not. They do, however, utilize the same generation image processor. As such, the ISO range of the new Z5 is similar to the Z6, though not exactly the same. The native ISO is the same, spanning ISOÂ 100 up to ISO 51,200, but the expanded high ISO tops-out at 102,400 rather than 204,800 on the Z6. (Low expanded dips down to ISO 50 for both cameras.)

To see how the new Nikon Z5 looks across its full ISO range, check out our classic First Shots series of lab sample images. As always, our standardized First Shots series of sample images span the camera’s full ISO range, and we also have a series shot at the Z5’s default setting of in-camera noise reduction processing and with it disabled. Of course, we also have RAW files available for download.

See below for a couple of quick comparison crops from the Nikon Z5 against a popular 24MP competitor, the Sony A7 III. For more side-by-side comparisons, use our handy Comparometer tool.

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7 III – ISO 100

ISO 100 – Nikon Z5 (left) vs. Sony A7 III (right)

Nikon Z5 vs Sony A7 III – ISO 6400

ISO 6400: Nikon Z5 (left) vs. Sony A7 III (right)

– Nikon Z5 Preview – Sample Images –

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