Nikon unlocks the Z9, 8K RAW in-house, ProRES Raw, N-Raw and 120 fps for its viewfinder

The arrival of N-Raw and ProRes Raw internally

When Nikon presented its Z9 armored hybrid, the firm announced that during the year 2022 the case would be entitled to an update unlocking important functions. From April 20, the shift 2.0 will thus give access to expected options and even a little more. Thus, the latter unlocks the video in 8.3K 60p (without cropped) and in N-Raw, the new in-house format, all in-house. We can also film directly from the box in 12-bit raw in N-Raw (8k 60p and 4k 120p) or in Apple ProRes Raw HQ (in 4k 60p).

The update also gives the device a 4K UHD video mode upsampled from 8K. We will also have access to wave form to facilitate exposure compensation in video. A red REC frame appears on the screen during video recording. We can, after the shift extract photos in 8K (33 Mpx) from the video.

The viewfinder goes to 120 fps

In photo as in video, the autofocus is seen equipped with 20 different AF models with collimators in wide area. The 2.0 update gives the Z9 a function that could be compared to the ProCapture mode of the OM System / Olympus boxes, with pre-trigger shooting. Concretely, once activated, the option will capture images during the second preceding the trigger. Finally, the viewfinder gains a refresh rate of 120 fps. This allows Nikon to catch up a bit with the competition in this area.

A small shift for Z7 II and Z6 II

On April 20, the Z7 II and Z6 II will also be updated. Firmware version 1.4 will improve subject detection, optimize manual focus in video and provide compatibility with Nikon’s ML-L7 Bluetooth remote control.

It will be possible to download these updates for free directly from the manufacturer’s website.