Nikon has published a video shot entirely on its new flagship, the Z9, utilizing its 8K N-RAW coded. All footage was captured on 8K 60p RAW. A BTS video was published as well, demonstrating the filmmaking capabilities of the Z9. Nikon wants to prove that the Z9 can be used in cinema applications, including aerial FPV. Watch this intriguing experiment.
Nikon Z9: Developed for filmmakers
The Z9 is Nikon’s flagship per definition. According to Nikon’s latest IR reports, the Z9 seems to be selling very well. Indeed, the Z9 is a big deal, since it allows two types of raw codecs. The Z9 is the first mirrorless that is able to record ProRes RAW internally. Moreover, the camera owns a new flavor of raw codec developed by a company called IntoPix. According to the ‘dry data’, this new type of raw which is called N-RAW can output reduced raw files without the need of an external recorder. Hence, when examining the specs, Nikon Z9 seems like a very capable camera for videographers. However, what about the quality of the video?
Firmware 2.0: Updated release notes regarding raw video recording
The firmware that allows the options for ProRes RAW and N-RAW can be downloaded for free (article here). Furthermore, Nikon has documented the changes in Firmware 2.0 as stated in the updated manual:
[N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)]
- This option assumes the footage will later undergo RAW processing and editing on a powerful computer.
- Video is recorded in NEV format.
- The camera simultaneously records an H.264 8-bit MP4 video (proxy video) at a frame size of 1920 × 1080 for playback on the camera.
- You have a choice of two-tone modes: [SDR] and [N-Log].
- Quality can be adjusted using [Video quality (N-RAW)] in the video recording menu.
- Audio is recorded in Linear PCM format.
[ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV)]
- This option assumes the footage will later undergo RAW processing and editing on a powerful computer.
- Video is recorded in MOV format.
- The camera simultaneously records an H.264 8-bit MP4 video (proxy video) at a frame size of 1920 × 1080 for playback on the camera.
- You have a choice of two-tone modes: [SDR] and [N-Log].
- Audio is recorded in Linear PCM format.
As for the data rates, have a look at the slides below that show the ‘High Quality’ and ‘Normal’ options of the NEV files, and their bitrates. For instance, shooting 8K N-RAW at 24p will result in a data rate of 2310 Mbps (approximately 290 Mb/sec). For shooting raw, that’s a relatively low bit rate that reminds us of the RED’s R3Ds.
Short film: Shot on Z9 (8K N-RAW)
In order to demonstrate the Z9’s filmmaking capabilities, Nikon has battle-tested the camera in actual production. The codec used was: a 12-bit RAW video at up to 8k 60P. As stated by Nikon: “Shot exclusively on the Z 9. Groundbreaking. Stunning. Best-in-Class. How can it get any better than that? With the free firmware 2.0 upgrade introduced in April 2022, the already-powerful video and stills feature set of Nikon Z 9 level up. Watch these elements come to life in Anthony Arendt’s short film captured in 8K N-RAW”. In this project, the Z9 was treated as a cinema camera per se, including pairing the Z9 with an FPV drone. Explore the BTS video below:
And here is the final result:
Final thoughts
We don’t know why the production has decided to shoot at 60p instead of shooting at 24p which is more filmic. The whole point is to demonstrate the filmmaking capabilities of the Z9. If so, why not shoot 24p? As expected when shooting in 60p, the short film looks smooth and video-ish, which totally misses its purpose. Moreover, although the BTS video shows some of the post-processes, and thus we’d be eager to know how the NEV files cut in an actual NLE (in that case, DaVinci Resolve) from a speed perspective. However, we’d appreciate hearing your voice about it. What do you think? What are your thoughts about this 8K N-RAW project shot on the Z9?
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera
The image quality look very good, unfortunately the camera body form factor is a huge nightmare for a filmmaker and a down side that can be a deal breaker.
The one thing missing on the Z9 are framelines.
Question: If the camera supports capture at 5780 megabits, which is 5.7 gigabits per second in the max N-RAW recording mode, then why do they not have an “uncompressed RAW” mode at 8k 24 frames per second? Uncompressed RAW is not covered by the RED patent. Which leads to, why is there not an “uncompressed RAW” mode for 4k at 24 frames per second either?
I had the chance to shoot with the Z9 in N-Raw recently and it blew me away. I am a BM & B-Raw kind of guy and I totally loved what the Z9 offered in term of image and RAW. I would totally see myself shooting more Run & Gun with a Z9. I just wish Nikon would offer more VR lenses to go along the IBIS in the camera. Their 24-120F4 is perfect Run & Gun Lens, but no VR ?
2,35.1 and 1,85.1 framelimes are available