Nikon Z9 Gets 8K 60FPS RAW Video Recording Feature Via Firmware Update

Nikon has started seeding a new firmware 2.0 update for its mirrorless Z9 camera. The update brings a comprehensive set of features and allows the camera to perform at its full potential. The Nikon Z9 mirrorless camera was launched last year in 2021 and could shoot 8K videos at just 30fps, but now the update allows it to shoot 8.3K videos at 60p in N-RAW format. This, along with other updates, puts the Nikon Z9 in the league of the Canon EOS R5 and Sony A1 cameras, as far as videography is concerned. 

Nikon’s press release states, ”N-RAW records a vast amount of scene information, yet is a significantly smaller file size, allowing for much more recording time and [a] less intensive workflow.” 

Apart from 8.3K 60p, the Nikon Z9 can capture N-RAW 4.1K 120p, 60p, 30p, and 24p (plus equivalent PAL formats) in full frame FX mode. The camera can also shoot 5.3K 60p, 30p, and 24p with a 1.5X crop and 3.8K 120p with a 2.3X crop. 

Along with shooting in Nikon’s new N-RAW format, the update also enables the camera to shoot 12-bit ProRes RAW HQ videos at 4.1K 60p. Additionally, 4K UHD 60p footage can now be oversampled from 8K footage, thus allowing for detailed and clean 4K content. However, it will require a very fast CFexpress card to achieve the effect. 

Other noteworthy feature additions include a waveform monitor, a Red “REC” frame indicator on the monitor and viewfinder, Fine ISO control (Mode M), Fast AF-ON function, twenty types of Custom Wide-Area AF selection patterns, improvements in low-light photography, and many more. You can check out the full list of feature additions here. 

You can download the latest firmware 2.0 from April 20, 2022 onwards via Nikon’s website.