Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II Firmware Version 1.10 Coming Soon – Extends RAW Output

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanFebruary 22^nd, 2021

On February 25, 2021 Nikon will release a new free firmware update version 1.10 for the Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II, that will enable RAW output over HDMI to Blackmagic Video Assist 12G recorders, add new controls for ProRes RAW in Final Cut Pro X, add internal 4K UHD 60fps recording on the Nikon Z 6II, and improve eye-detect AF.

In December 2020 Nikon released a new firmware for its older cameras – the Z 6 and Z 7 that served as a base for the raw video output for these cameras. As previously stated, the RAW output upgrade must be done in an authorized Nikon Service Center and it costs $199.95 per camera plus shipping. It is free of charge only for those customers who bought the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker’s kit (includes Nikon Z 6 with 24-70mm f/4 lens, Atomos Ninja V, Nikon FTZ Adapter, Moza Air 2 gimbal, plus cables, etc.).

On February 25, 2021 Nikon will release the new firmware version 1.10 for the latest generation cameras – the Z 6II and Z 7II. Let’s take a closer look at the update.

Firmware Update Version 1.10

Nikon’s new generation full-frame mirrorless cameras Z 6II and ZII were announced in October 2020. Shortly after that Atomos released the new firmware for the Ninja V recorder that supports RAW video from the Nikon Z 7II.

The most recent firmware update 1.10 brings further support of RAW video output to Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G external recorders (both 5″ and 7″ model) for Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II. Please keep in mind that RAW output is NOT available in 4K UHD 60fps to any external recorder. The maximum output in 4K is 30fps.

The Nikon Z 7II can only record the Full-HD RAW video using the full sensor (FX). The 4K UHD RAW video is only available in APS-C crop mode (DX). With the Z 6II, both 4K UHD and Full-HD RAW output are possible with both FX and DX modes.

As I mentioned above, the raw output first needs to be activated for the cameras and this is a paid upgrade done in an authorized Nikon Service Center. If you have already enabled the RAW video output upgrade for your camera, updating to Firmware Version 1.10 will automatically add support for Blackmagic Design external video recorders. According to Nikon, Blackmagic Design will soon release a software update that adds the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II as models supported for the recording of Blackmagic RAW on Video Assist 12G models.

Another new improvement is that the ProRes RAW video recorded with the Atomos Ninja V from the Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II cameras now supports the ISO settings and color temperature control when using Apple’s Final Cut Pro Version 10.4.9 (and later).

Additionally, the update adds support for internal 4K UHD 60fps recording on the Nikon Z 6II. This mode is, however, only available in a cropped DX (APS-C) mode and the movie quality is fixed at normal setting.

Last but not least, this update also improves the performance of Eye-Detection autofocus (AF) on both Z 6II and Z 7II. The AF will be smoother and more precise when the face of the subject takes up a smaller portion of the frame.

Price and Availability

The firmware will be released on February 25, 2021. It will be available free of charge in the Nikon Download Center. Here is the link to the Nikon Z 6II firmware and here is the link to the Nikon Z 7II firmware.

Do you use any of the Nikon Z mirrorless cameras for your work? How are you satisfied with it? Do you film in ProRes RAW with the Ninja V? Let us know in the comments section below.