Nikon Z Cameras Firmware Update Supports Blackmagic RAW External Recording and More

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanDecember 20^th, 2020

Nikon announces a new firmware update and in addition to ProRes RAW capture with the Atomos Ninja V, the Nikon Z 6, Z 7, Z 6II, and Z 7II cameras will now support Blackmagic RAW video recording output for Blackmagic Video Assist 12G recorders. This paid RAW output upgrade is available now and costs $199.95 per camera plus shipping.

Only a few days ago we informed you that Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II cameras finally support the ProRes RAW recording with the Atomos Ninja V recorder. Nikon now published more details about the upgrade fee and they also announced support for Blackmagic RAW recording with the Video Assist 12G recorders. Let’s take a look at the news.

Nikon Z Cameras RAW Video Output Upgrade

The Nikon RAW video output upgrade is – unlike with other camera manufacturers – a paid service and it is available now. Not all Nikon Z cameras are compatible with the upgrade though. Compatible models are:

• Nikon Z 6
• Nikon Z 7
• Nikon Z 6II
• Nikon Z 7II

Both Nikon Z 5 and Z 50 do not support the RAW video output upgrade.

The upgrade 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.). I suppose the shipping must be paid nevertheless.

Before sending the camera in, Nikon recommends updating it with the latest free firmware update v3.20 and saving the camera settings to an empty memory card. Nikon says they will perform the upgrade within 48 hours after receiving the camera and they will also do free clean and check service. You also need to take the shipping time into account, of course.

The firmware update v3.20 further adds the possibility to adjust ISO and color temperature in RAW controls when editing ProRes RAW video in Final Cut Pro X (version 10.4.9 or later). Finally, the firmware update also includes support for the Nikkor Z 50mm F1.2 S lens and various bug fixes.

Blackmagic RAW Support with Video Assist 12G

With the firmware update v3.20, along with the ProRes RAW support for the Atomos Ninja V, Nikon cameras will also support the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G recorders that can capture Blackmagic RAW. For users who work in DaVinci Resolve, the BRAW workflow might be, therefore, more suitable as Resolve does not support ProRes RAW natively.

It seems that Nikon Z and SIGMA fp are the only cameras that currently support the Blackmagic RAW capture over HDMI with the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 12G devices. Hopefully, more models will follow soon.

Links: Nikon Z 6 firmware, Nikon Z 7 firmware, Nikon US for additional information

What do you think about the paid Nikon Z cameras RAW video output? If you own one of these cameras, will you be sending it in for the upgrade? Let us know in the comments underneath the article.