Nikon are adding Eye AF, RAW video output and CFexpress Support to the Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras. The new features will be incorporated in new firmware being developed for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6, which will be displayed at the CES 2019 show in Las Vegas. There's no confirmed release date yet for the firmware update.

Nikon UK Press Release

Nikon to deliver imaging innovation at CES 2019, one of the world's largest international trade shows

London, United Kingdom, 8^th January 2019: Nikon will be exhibiting at CES 2019, one of the world's largest international consumer electronics trade shows, held annually in Las Vegas, Nevada (event dates: January 8 – 11, 2019).

The mirrorless Z mount system will be exhibited at the Nikon booth along with the NIKKOR Z 14-30mm f/4 S, a new NIKKOR Z S-Line high-performance, ultra-wide-angle zoom lens compatible with the Nikon Z mount system.

Displays of new features, including Eye AF and support for RAW video output which will be incorporated in new firmware being developed for the full frame mirrorless cameras Nikon Z 7 and Z 6, will take place as part of the Z series exhibition.

The Z series will continue to flexibly respond to changing user needs and offer next-generation imaging experiences that stimulate users' creative intentions.

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:

Nikon Z6 and Z7 - 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.

Nikon Z6 and Z7 - 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.

Nikon Z6 and Z7 - CFexpress

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

Atomos Press Release 

World First: Atomos unveils Apple ProRes RAW recording solution compatible with Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras at CES 2019

ATOMOS—Las Vegas, Nevada January 7, CES2019:  2019 is all about taking content creation to the next level. Video makers everywhere are looking to add that elusive cinematic quality to their work, whether that be on social media, YouTube or on TV. To answer those needs, Atomos today unveils the next revolution in digital imaging - RAW video output and capture from Nikon’s full frame mirrorless cameras. The Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras will work together with the Atomos Ninja V 4K HDR monitor/recorder to record Apple’s ProRes RAW video format.

The upcoming feature will be on display in the Nikon booth (#14006) during the CES® 2019 show.

Capturing Apple ProRes RAW video with the Ninja V unlocks complete control of the video image at the highest quality possible. The maximum dynamic range, color accuracy and detail are preserved, while at the same time every aspect of the video image can be controlled with precision for maximum creativity. Colors can be easily matched and the extra information means footage can be easily be manipulated in post-production, which is especially useful for grading and VFX shots.

Atomos and Nikon Inc. (Melville, NY) are offering video creators the new Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit too – also announced at CES. The full-frame Nikon Z 6 camera is the video production powerhouse at the center of the kit. Paired with the Atomos Ninja V monitor/recorder and other accessories, it has everything required for professional video shooting and beautiful photographs. The combination can currently shoot brilliant full-frame video in 10-bit 422 ProRes and DNx professional video formats, with ProRes RAW to be added.

Atomos CEO Jeromy Young said: “It’s a really exciting time for high quality cinematic video on every platform from Facebook to Netflix. Our customers are increasingly making their livings creating this content and we love giving them the affordable tools they need to do it. Our $695 Ninja V delivers better image quality without sacrificing amazing features like autofocus and high megapixel stills. Through partnering with great companies like Nikon, we have built solutions that are easy to use and look great.”

Until now, RAW video has been the domain of dedicated cinema cameras that are either limited in features or priced far beyond the reach of most consumers. Now Atomos is giving content creators the same quality and flexibility in video that they have come to expect from RAW photos.

How it works

In simple terms, the camera outputs a stream of RAW data via a 4K HDMI cable to the Ninja V. This data is then repacked into the ProRes RAW format and recorded to a removable SSD drive in the Ninja V. When shooting is finished, the drive is removed and connected to a computer via USB. Footage can then be decoded (debayered) and edited in the highest possible quality. Using ProRes RAW format keeps file sizes manageable, easy to edit and future-proof.

The upcoming feature will be on display in the Nikon booth (#14006) during the CES® 2019 show. Additional details, including the release timing will be shared at a later date.

About the Ninja V monitor/recorder

The Ninja V is a recorder with a touchscreen-controlled 5” HDR monitor that allows the user to accurately expose and deliver cinematic quality from Log or RAW video. It has display modes for PQ and HLG HDR standards, plus standard video. Users can also load their own custom creative looks on the Ninja V. The high brightness 1000nit screen can be easily viewed outside and provides users with a brilliant window into the world, allowing flawless composition, focus and the exposure of shots to perfection.

The Ninja V runs Atomos’ own AtomOS operating system with an intuitive user interface. A series of modules will allow for multi-camera sync, control and ethernet-based video transmission capabilities in the near future.

The Ninja V costs $695 before local taxes and is available from all authorised Atomos dealers.

About Atomos

Atomos exists to help creative professionals cut through technology barriers by creating easy to use, cutting-edge 4K and HD Apple ProRes monitor/recorders. These products give video professionals a faster, higher quality and more affordable production system, whether they create for social media, YouTube, TV or cinema.

Atomos continues to demonstrate its commitment to putting users first through continual innovation at amazing price points. The company developed the AtomOS operating system dedicated to video recording with an elegant and intuitive touchscreen user interface and was also the first to implement the professional Apple ProRes RAW format for recording with cinema cameras. Atomos is based in Australia with offices in the USA, Japan, China, UK and Germany and has a worldwide distribution partner network. Further product information can be found at:

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