Nikon have released a firmware update for the Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras which enables 12-bit RAW video streaming to an Atomos Ninja V external recorder and adds support For CFexpress memory cards. Nikon is the first camera manufacturer to enable RAW video output direct from a full-frame mirrorless camera over HDMI.

After downloading the firmware 2.20 update, support for RAW video output can be installed on Z7 and Z6 cameras at Nikon service centres for £179 / $199.

Nikon UK Press Release

London, United Kingdom, 17th December 2019: Nikon today announces RAW video output will be enabled for the Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. The upgrade comes with the release of firmware 2.20.

Nikon is the first camera manufacturer to enable RAW video output direct from a full-frame mirrorless camera over HDMI. Users of the Z 7 and Z 6 cameras will be able to output a 12-bit RAW video stream to an Atomos Ninja V external recorder, which is included in the Nikon Z 6 Essential Movie Kit.1, 2 The video stream is recorded as ProRes RAW,3 which preserves colour accuracy and extends brightness and shadow details. Video shooters will benefit from maximum flexibility in post-production without slowing down the edit: ideal for HDR workflows.

After downloading the firmware 2.20 update, support for RAW video output can be installed on Z 7 and Z 6 cameras at Nikon service centres with a £179 fee. Otherwise this service will be free of charge on all Nikon Z 6 cameras that were purchased as part of the Z 6 Essential Movie Kit.4

Superior image quality is the foundation of the Nikon Z series, and enabling RAW output via HDMI is a key enhancement for videographers of every kind. The Z series will continue to respond to changing user needs and offer next-generation features through future firmware updates.

1 Ready your Z 7 or Z 6 camera for 12-bit RAW video output. Please download the firmware 2.20 update and then take your camera to a Nikon service centre to activate RAW. Fees will apply, please contact your local Nikon service centre for more details.

Download firmware 2.20 for your Z 7 here: https://bit.ly/344sGNj

Download firmware 2.20 for your Z 6 here: https://bit.ly/2scY52T

Find your Nikon service centre: https://bit.ly/2LGgPid

2 In order to be compatible with Nikon RAW video, Atomos Ninja V external recorders may also require a firmware update. For more information, please check the Atomos website.

3 ProRes RAW is a RAW video format developed by Apple Inc. in 2018.

4 If your Z 6 was purchased as part of a Z 6 Essential Movie Kit, and does not have support for RAW video output pre-installed yet, your nearest Nikon service centre will install it free of charge. Proof of purchase is required.

Nikon USA Press Release

Nikon Z Series Evolves To Become Even More Powerful: Firmware Ver. 2.20 Released, Adds Support For CFexpress Memory Cards; Paid Service To Install RAW Video Output Function Also Begins

MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware Ver. 2.20 for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. This firmware update offers several improvements that make these cameras even more powerful, including the addition of support for the next generation memory card, CFexpress. Additionally, Nikon has announced that beginning today, service to install RAW video output functionality will be available for those wishing to add enhanced professional video capabilities.

Support for CFexpress, the New Standard for Speed and Durability

Updating Z 7 and Z 6 firmware to Ver. 2.20 enables the use*1 of CFexpress*2 cards. CFexpress cards are robust and reliable, and support even faster data transfer than XQD cards for a smoother and more efficient photographic workflow.

CFexpress cards use a similar form factor to XQD, eliminating the need to physically modify the camera's memory card slot. After upgrading, users will be able to use CFexpress as well as XQD cards in their camera interchangeably. In addition to the Z 7 and Z 6, CFexpress memory card support will be added to the Nikon D5 (XQD-Type), Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 digital SLR cameras in the future.

Initially, only limited CFexpress card types are fully supported and the number of supported cards will continue to expand as additional cards are tested and certified (Type B CFexpress cards manufactured only by Sony Corp. Availability date for the cards may vary by market).

RAW video output function (4K UHD and Full HD)

Developed in conjunction with Atomos, this capability enables recording of RAW video, which has greater flexibility for color grading compared to other video formats.

With this upgrade, 12-bit 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video can be recorded*3 to select models of Atomos video recorders*4 connected to a Z 7 or Z 6 camera via a HDMI connector. As RAW video is not subjected to in-camera processing, all information that is outputted from the image sensor is preserved. This abundance of information can later be used in post-production.

The RAW video output capability upgrade can be installed at a Nikon service center and will incur a fee but will be included free of charge as part of Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit bundles. Those customers in the United States who have already purchased a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit (Product #13545) will be eligible to have the fee waived (proof of purchase required). For more details about the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit, please visit here.

For additional technical information, equipment requirements and instructions on requesting the RAW video output upgrade, please visit:  www.nikonusa.com/RAWvideo.  

Price and Availability 

The firmware update Ver. 2.20 which enables CFexpress functionality is available now, free of charge. Please visit the Nikon Z series Firmware update page to download and find more information.

The RAW video output upgrade is available starting today and will require installation by a Nikon Service Center. A $199.95* fee will apply.

For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the Nikon Z mount system, please visit www.nikonusa.com.  

About Nikon

Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo and video capture technologies; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enable visual storytelling and content creation. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories, Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras and Nikon software products, as well as the revolutionary Nikon Z series of mirrorless cameras and NIKKOR Z lenses, which achieve a new dimension in optical performance. In 2018, Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., announced the production of 110 million NIKKOR lenses, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers and visual storytellers to the Web's most comprehensive learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Flickr. 

The information contained herein is accurate as of the date of this press release.

Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.  

Trade names mentioned in this document are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

All Nikon products include Nikon Inc. limited warranty. Images are for illustrative purposes only. All Nikon trademarks are trademarks of Nikon Corporation. Nikon Authorized Dealers set their own selling prices, which may vary. Nikon is not responsible for typographical errors.

*1 Type B CFexpress cards manufactured by Sony Corp. only. Operation is not guaranteed with cards from other manufacturers (as of December 2019).

*2 CFexpress is a trademark of the CompactFlash Association.

*3 With the Z 7, full-HD RAW video can be recorded using the FX-based movie format, and 4K UHD RAW video can be recorded using the DX-based movie format.

When the Z 6 is used, recording of either 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video is possible with both FX- and DX-based movie formats.

See the cameras' Technical Guide, available from the Download Center, for details on differences between Z 7 and Z 6 specifications.

Nikon Download Center (https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/index.html)

*4 The Atomos Ninja V supports Nikon RAW video output, and records videos in ProRes RAW format. Operation is not guaranteed with recorders other than the Ninja V (as of December 2019). RAW video output from a Nikon camera is supported by Ninja V firmware Ver. 10.2 and later.

See the Ninja V firmware download site (https://www.atomos.com/firmware/ninja-v).

*5 See our website for instructions on requesting the RAW output options activation service (www.nikonusa.com/RAWvideo).

*Pricing and availability of the service will vary by region

Ninja V® and ATOMOS® are registered trademarks of ATOMOS.

Apple® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Final Cut Pro® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

ProRes RAW® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc.

Please speak with Nikon customer service for further details.

Atomos Press Release

Atomos Ninja V and Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 upgrade enables RAW over HDMI

Melbourne, Australia – December 16, 2019 — Atomos today released the revolutionary RAW over HDMI recording solution for the Ninja V HDR monitor/recorder when combined with the Nikon Z 6 or Z 7 cameras*. The transformative innovation frees users from the choice between mirrorless features but lower video quality, or full-frame RAW cinema cameras with a budget-busting price tag.

“Until now, RAW video was the domain of dedicated cinema cameras that are either limited in features or priced far beyond the reach of most filmmakers,” said Jeromy Young, CEO of Atomos.

“Working in collaboration with Nikon, we’ve given two mirrorless cameras the capability to record in the Apple ProRes RAW format, and the message this sends to video content creators everywhere is game-changing. It tells them to upgrade their ambitions even more, and to aim for the cinematic quality they probably assumed was out of their reach – because it’s now possible.”

In particular, the Z 6 and Ninja V combination will allow users to experience the full quality and flexibility of RAW video shooting with a full-frame sensor, recording in stunning 12-bit 4K UHD resolution**. Together they form an affordable state-of-the-art cinema setup – which is also the first at any price to feature full-frame RAW video with in-body image stabilization, opening up new possibilities for shooting handheld RAW video.

Creators are granted complete creative control of their video images in post-production as ProRes RAW combines the flexibility of RAW video with the real-time performance of ProRes. The format gives filmmakers incredible latitude when adjusting the look of their images and extending brightness and shadow detail — making ProRes RAW ideal for HDR workflows.

Ninja V users can now update with the free AtomOS 10.2 to enable RAW recording from HDMI.  At the same time, a new Nikon service procedure*, beginning today, installs RAW video output functionality to the two popular Z series cameras. This empowers Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras to output 12-bit 4K UHD or full-HD RAW via a 4K HDMI 2.0 cable*** to the Atomos Ninja V.

The upgraded Z 6 or Z 7 camera delivers the RAW data from its image sensor to the Ninja V without in-camera processing. The Ninja V records the RAW data onto removable SSD drive in the ProRes RAW format. When shooting is complete, the drive is removed and connected to a computer via USB for offload and editing.

In addition to providing the groundbreaking combination of flexibility and performance, ProRes RAW files are smaller than other RAW files which simplifies and accelerates file transfer, media management, and archiving. ProRes RAW is fully supported in Final Cut Pro X along with a collection of other apps including ASSIMILATE SCRATCH, Colorfront, FilmLight Baselight, and Grass Valley Edius. Adobe and Avid have announced that Premiere Pro and Media Composer will support ProRes RAW in 2020.

The Ninja V also allows users to accurately monitor the RAW signal on its daylight-viewable 5” HDR screen, previewing it for HDR in a choice of HLG and PQ (HDR10) formats. It offers touchscreen access to tools like waveforms, magnify or engage peaking check focus for each angle and make any adjustments to get the perfect HDR or SDR shots.

This all makes ProRes RAW on the Ninja V and Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 an ideal combination for the creative filmmaker. The release marks another huge stride forward in Atomos’ mission to make filming in high quality RAW the new standard for creative video content creation.

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