A few years ago it was clear: mirrorless cameras were the future, and only getting better.

As a long time Nikon user, the double DSLR bodies, multi lens, music shoots, were getting heavier that I wanted to carry. Enter mirrorless. I went Fuji. And then……

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……Nikon did what I wished for. A solid Full Frame mirrorless WITH an adaptor to use legacy glass! The Z series!

Sure, that glass was best balanced with my Nikon 810s, but I could still use those beauties already in my kit. And with a operating menu that was oh so familiar, it was a new deal.

One other note: the Z7 balances fast on my Zhiyun Weebill Lab! HUge advantage, when using the 4K video. And I do!

Today they are announcing one of the newest additions to a lens line made for the mirrorless Nikon Z series: part of the holy trinity of lenses, the 24-70 2.8. Huzzah! With a weight that compliments the size of the Z series, it may be time to rebuild.

Key Features:ideal for environmental portraits, landscapes, weddings, events, studio and street photography.

Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range delivers the subject separation, speed and gorgeous bokeh .

Exceptional optical performance achieves edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal aberration in an incredibly lightweight and portable package.

All-new ARNEO coating works in conjunction with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to minimize ghosting and flare when the light source is within the frame.

Fast, accurate and quiet autofocus throughout the zoom range, thanks to Nikon-designed Multi-Focus System and Stepping Motor.

Built-in Function (L-Fn) button, Organic EL Lens Information Panel and independent focus ring give creators more control .

Fully compatible with in-camera 5-axis VR found in the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, providing up to 5stops of image stabilization without adding to the size or weight of the lens.

Optimized for video, with reduced focus breathing, a quiet stepping motor, customizable control ring, and the ability to take advantage of the in-camera 5-axis VR + eVR of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7.

Designed with consideration to dust and drip resistance, and featuring a fluorine coat that effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease and dirt.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S will be available in spring 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,299.95².

And taking a cue, I think, from the good folks at Fuji, they have announced the plans to do a firmware upgrade affecting the Eye AF features, plus more.

I have to applaud any company that upgrades the produce with firmware instead of insisting you but a new cameras for the new features. Unlike the film camera of old that never needed an upgrade (Get off my lawn!), Cameras are computers that need an upgrade now and again. Firmware is the best! Details below-

DEVELOPMENT OF NEW FIRMWARE FOR NIKON’S FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERAS

MELVILLE, NY (February 13, 2019 at 11:01 P.M. EST) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce additional details regarding the development of new firmware for its full-frame mirrorless cameras, the Nikon Z 7 and Nikon Z 6. The firmware in development includes new functions for the Z 7 and Z 6, such as Eye-Detection AF, RAW video output, and support for CFexpress memory cards. In addition, the cameras’ AF/AE functions will be further improved.

The Z series will continue to flexibly respond to changing user needs and offer next-generation features that give users new creative opportunities.

Functions and capabilities to be added and improved with new firmware

1. Support for Eye-Detection AF for still image shooting (scheduled for release in May 2019)

Eye-Detection AF is convenient for portrait photography. The Eye-Detection AF in development will work not only with the AF-S (Single AF) focus mode that is convenient when photographing still human subjects, but also with the AF-C (Continuous AF) focus mode, which is effective when photographing human subjects that frequently adjust or change their pose. What’s more, the function is capable of detecting multiple eyes, from which the user can select the eye upon which the camera should focus, allowing the photographer greater flexibility when photographing multiple people to suit their intent.

2. Increased AF/AE performance (scheduled for release in May 2019)

AE (auto exposure) tracking will be newly possible in continuous high-speed (extended) mode, in addition to the AF tracking that existed previously. In addition, low-light AF performance will be improved, enabling faster autofocusing in dark or dimly lit surroundings with both still-image shooting and movie recording.

3. Support for RAW video output

Output of 4K UHD and Full HD RAW data stream from the camera will be supported. The output RAW data stream can then be recorded in the compatible RAW format using an external recorder. This will allow users to utilize rich 12-bit colors to achieve flexible color grading.

Release timing for this feature will be announced at a later date.

4. Support for CFexpress memory cards

The new firmware will provide support for CFexpress, a new standard for memory cards. Having passed durability tests in which they were inserted and removed from a camera 12,000 times, these memory cards offer users a greater sense of security. They also offer high-speed performance that will provide users with a more efficient workflow. After upgrading, users will be able to use both CFexpress as well as XQD cards in their camera interchangeably. In addition to the Z 7 and Z 6, in the future, CFexpress memory card support will be added to the Nikon D5 (XQD-Type), Nikon D850, and Nikon D500 digital SLR cameras as well.

So, if you were thinking about getting into the mirrorless future, and don’t want to relearn all new camera functions., the Nikon Z7 with all of the legacy deserves strong consideration. Heck, I’m the same boat!

Tags: @nikonusa, #mirrorlesscamera, #photogear, #Z7, #zhiyun, Digital imaging, Nikon, photography, weebilllab