Nikon has announced the new Nikon Z6 II Essential Movie Kit and new firmware Ver. 1.10 to improve the performance of the Nikon Z7 II & Z6 II.
The new Nikon Z6 II Essential Movie Kit includes the Atomos Ninja V external video recorder allowing ProRes RAW recording.
Nikon has also announced firmware updates for the Z6 II and Z7 II to improve focus on both cameras, and movie options available (4k 60p mode on the Z6 II). The firmware will be available from the 25th of February.
Firmware Ver. 1.10 will be released on 25th February 2021. This firmware update improves the performance of Eye-Detection AF on the Z 7II and Z 6II, and enables additional recording formats and video workflows when shooting with the Z 6II. The new Z 6II Essential Movie Kit gives filmmakers all the core tools needed to take video content to the next level.
Following the firmware 1.10 update, the Z 6II and Z 7II cameras will be able to detect the eyes of human subjects even when the subject’s face size within the frame is small. Improvements will be seen when shooting in auto-area AF (people) and wide-area AF (L-people). This firmware update will also add support for 4K UHD/60p1 to the Z 6II video recording options, and enable RAW video output2,3 to Blackmagic Design external recorders4 6 for both the Z 7II and Z 6II. Following the update, movie shooters will be able to record5 in Blackmagic RAW format as well as ProRes RAW format.
Blackmagic RAW is an easy-to-use codec that has all the benefits of RAW recording. Featuring multiple new technologies, such as a new advanced de-mosaic algorithm, Blackmagic RAW gives you visually lossless images that are ideal for high resolution, high frame rate, and high dynamic range workflows.
The new Z 6II Essential Movie Kit will be available from the end of February. This filmmaker’s kit includes the Nikon Z 6II full-frame mirrorless camera with the RAW video output function already enabled. It also includes the Atomos Ninja V, the Nikon FTZ Mount Adapter, a SmallRig quick-release camera cage, and key accessories such as batteries. All the core tools needed to take video content to the next level.
- Download firmware 1.10 for Z 7II (from 25th February) here.
- Download firmware 1.10 for Z 6II (from 25th February) here.
- When this option is selected, image area is fixed at the DX-based movie format, and movie quality is fixed at Normal.
- The RAW video output function can be enabled by a Nikon service facility for a fee. Find your Nikon service centre here. Nikon Z 6II cameras purchased as a part of Z 6II Essential Movie Kit have the RAW video output function already enabled.
- With the Z 7II, full-HD RAW video can be recorded using the FX-based movie format, and 4K UHD RAW video can be recorded using the DX-based movie format. When the Z 6II is used, recording of either 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video is possible with both FX- and DX-based movie formats.
- The Atomos NINJA V and now the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR and 7″ 12G HDR can be used to record Nikon RAW video in the ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW format, respectively. Operation is not guaranteed with recorders other than those noted above (as of 18th February 2021). Furthermore, for the ProRes RAW video recorded to the Ninja V external recorder manufactured by Atomos, compatibility with the ISO settings and colour temperature controls added to Apple’s Final Cut Pro Version 10.4.9 and later is supported. This expands video editing options when using Final Cut Pro.
- RAW video output at a frame size/frame rate setting of 4K UHD/60p is not supported.
- In a future update, Blackmagic Design will release a software update that adds the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II as models supported for the recording of Blackmagic RAW on Video Assist 12G models.
One of the most obvious changes to the Mark II models is the provision of dual card slots. Both cameras gain a UHS-II SD memory cards slot in addition to the XQD/CFexpress Type B socket.
If you are looking for recommended memory cards for Z6 II and Z7 II, here we list the best ones based on the speed and price.
Nikon Z6 II body: $1,996.95 at Amazon | B&H | Adorama
Nikon Z7 II body: $2,996.95 at Amazon | B&H | Adorama
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