Atomos and Nikon have teamed up to give content creators increased shooting power with their mirrorless cameras. Owners of the Nikon Z 6 and Z 7, and Atomos Ninja V can now shoot and record in ProRes RAW with a single firmware upgrade. More information on the process and features below.
Key Features:
- Firmware update for Nikon Z6 / Z7 cameras and Atomos Ninja V monitor
- Allows recording of ProRes RAW format via HDMI cable between camera and monitor
- 10-bit to 12-bit 4K UHD
- RAW shooting with a mirrorless camera
- Flexibility of RAW format, and quickness of ProRes codec
- Files recorded on removable SSD on Ninja V
- Nikon update: $199.95
- Atomos 10.2 update: Free
How it works:
What does it take to upgrade from 10-bit color to 12-bit color? The new Nikon and Atomos firmware upgrade achieves this by bypassing camera processing and sending the signal from the Z6/Z7 camera’s image sensor directly to the Ninja V monitor via an HDMI cable. The result: ProRes RAW. Using the Ninja V, creators can view their shot in RAW and adjust settings with the waveform monitor, peaking focus, etc. The resulting shot is then recorded with the Ninja V on an external SSD. Users can then take all their files and quickly drop them into editing via USB.
Nikon is offering the firmware upgrade for $199.95 (free if you have the Z6 Filmmaker’s Kit). Owners of the Z6 and Z7 will need to ship the body of their camera to Nikon, the manufacturer will upgrade the firmware, clean and service the camera within 48 hours, and then users will receive their product back in three business days. On the Atomos Ninja’ side, all you’ll need to download and install the free AtomOS 10.2 update.
RAW quality with a mirrorless camera:
The most significant point of the firmware upgrade is the ability to shoot in the RAW format on a mirrorless camera with a full-frame sensor. Prior to this, the RAW format was mostly reserved for bigger, more expensive setups. Now users can capture cinema quality on a Nikon Z6 and Z7.
The ProRes RAW format is significant for a couple reasons. First, RAW files preserve more information and color data than other formats. As stated, the jump is from 10-bit to 12-bit color. With RAW, users can adjust the deepest blacks and brightest whites to have ultimate quality and creative control over their projects. The color data and range is especially useful in an HDR workflow.
The ProRes codec has been popular for some time thanks to its ability to lower file sizes — even RAW files — and smooth out the production to post-production process. Note: the ProRes RAW format is only compatible with Final Cut Pro at this time, but Adobe and Avid announced Premiere and Media Composer will accept the codec in 2020.
