Is that supposed to be good or bad news? Not sure how to take it.
Taken from Engadget … It took a while, but Nikon has finally delivered 12-bit external RAW video recording for its Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras, along with new storage options. Starting today, owners will be able to bring those cameras into any authorized Nikon service center and pay $200 to get the upgrade. After that, they’ll be able to record 12-bit RAW video via the HDMI connector to select Atomos video recorders.
Nikon announced the upgrade all the way back at CES 2019, so it’s taken nearly a year to deliver it. By recording RAW to the Atomos Ninja V, you’ll get a lot more flexibility for color grading than with any other option. “As RAW video is not subjected to in-camera processing, all information that is outputted from the image sensor is preserved,” Nikon said in a press release. “This abundance of information can later be used in post-production.”
You’ll have to be careful to choose the right type of external recorder. “Operation is not guaranteed with recorders other than the [$695] Ninja V (as of December 2019),” Nikon clarified. In addition, full-frame RAW 4K is only available on the Z6, while it’s cropped down to an APS-C (DX) size on the higher-resolution Z7. Nikon also said that the RAW video upgrade will be available for free to buyers of its Nikon Z6 Filmmaker’s kit, shown below.
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