Well-played with the Z9, Nikon: Two internal RAWs unleashed! As for today, Nikon Z9 shooters can download a powerful (and FREE) firmware update that unleashes not one, but two types of raw codecs (ProRes RAW and N-RAW) that can be recorded internally(!) straight to the media cards. Nikon Z9 has just turned into a robust highly capable filmmaking machine and the first mirrorless camera that can record compressed RAW internally.

Nikon has succeeded where others failed

We‘ve reported Nikon’s promise to execute the capability of recording compressed raw internally (Apple ProRes RAW). Others have tried, but with no success. For instance, DJI eliminated the ProRes RAW internal recording in its flagship, the Ronin 4D. Another case is Kinefinity MAVO Edge which has removed the ProRes RAW capability as well. The main reason that DJI and Kinefinity killed the feature of internal ProRes RAW recording, is that this compressed codec (not real raw) is patent protected by RED Digital Cinema application US 8,878952, B2 titled “Video Camera” from 2014. That means the patent will expire in 2028. Hence, till then, the only way to record ProRes RAW was via HDMI with the help of Atomos. Nevertheless, Nikon is the only camera that made it. Footnote: DJI Zenmuse X7 was defined as the first camera to record ProRes RAW without an external recorder, but it’s done via an external device attached to the drone —it’s not completely internal.

Not one, but two types of RAWs

Today, Nikon has released Firmware 2.0 for the Z9, which includes tons of new features for video shooters. There’re plenty of features for photographers as well, but we focus on the videography segment of this firmware 2.0. Here are some of the new features:

1. Record pristine 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ or new N-RAW video straight to the Z 9’s memory cards—no external device required.
2. 12-bit N-RAW video at up to 8K 60p, allows videographers to harness 68 billion colors and an extreme tonal range for the ultimate post-production flexibility.
3. A newly integrated Waveform display to monitor and con rm your exposure (although we didn’t find this feature in the release notes published today).

Basically, from today Nikon allows you to record two flavors of raw codecs: Apple ProRes RAW, and N-RAW (by intoPIX). Nikon states that its own raw (N-RAW) is half the size of the ProRes RAW. And again, both RAWs can be recorded internally (R.I.P Atomos?).

Here’re the release notes of FW 2.0 regarding video recording:

• Added Wide-area AF (C1) and Wide-area AF (C2) AF-area modes.
• Changed the procedure for choosing a color temperature when Choose color temperature is selected for white balance.
• Changed the size of the area the camera uses to meter values for Preset manual white balance.
• Added display zoom ratios of 50% and 200% for use during video recording.
• The control panel now displays the current frame size and frame rate in video mode.
• Made the following additions to the VIDEO RECORDING MENU: Added N-RAW 12-bit (NEV) and ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV) RAW video recording options under Video file type | Added Extended oversampling.
• Made the following additions to the CUSTOM SETTINGS MENU: Added a View video info option for Custom Setting, Customize “i” menu. | Added a Fast AF-ON option for Custom Setting, Custom controls. | Added Fine ISO control (mode M). | Added Extended shutter speeds (mode M). | Added Brightness information display. | Added Red REC frame indicator.
• Made the following addition to the SETUP MENU: Added a 1080i (interlaced) option under HDMI > Output resolution.

As you can see, the waveform is not included. However, 4K ProRes RAW and 8K N-RAW can be achieved, and that constitutes a marvelous millstone for mirrorless cameras.

Final thoughts

On paper, spec-wise, and as of today, the NikonZ9 is the most powerful mirrorless camera on the market. Nevertheless, we don’t want to ruin the party, but from what we’ve seen, the N-RAW and ProRes RAW videos look….video-ish. In our personal opinion, Nikon Z9 imagery lacks the cinematic ‘look & feel’ into it. However, it’s too soon to be judged. Let’s see what kind of dishes filmmakers cook out of it since now they have of the necessary ingredients. Furthermore, it will be interesting to explore if the Z9 will pave the way for other mirrorless cameras to be capable of shooting ProRes RAW internally. Are you a Nikon Z9 shooter? Click here to download the firmware.

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.

• Nikon Z9 Mirrorless Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA