New TicoRAW Codec Enables Nikon Z9 To Shoot 8K at 60fps

Last Updated on December 9, 2021 by Anu Joy

Nikon has partnered with intoPIX to integrate the TicoRAW codec in its Z9 professional camera. TicoRAW is a new alternative codec developed by intoPIX, which facilitates efficient compression, higher picture quality, higher frame rates, and fast transfer speeds when compared to the traditional RAW codec. It does that with 10 times less bandwidth and storage when compared to the regular RAW format.

The Nikon Z9 was launched recently in the Indian market and is the company’s first attempt at making a full-frame mirrorless camera without a mechanical shutter. Now, with the integration of the new recording codec, the company attempts to bring more value to its offering. 

“intoPIX is really proud to work with Nikon. Together we share the same ideals and passion: offer ever more beautiful images and videos, at anytime, anywhere in the world. Experience image-making like never before”, explained Gael Rouvroy, CEO at intoPIX.

Advantages Of TicoRAW Codec

The Nikon Z9’s stock setup allows it to capture 8K videos at 30fps, but the addition of the TicoRAW codec has unlocked its potential to shoot at 60 frames per second. TicoRAW preserves the captured sensor data while reducing the bandwidth and memory needs. The codec can be used for both stills and video capture. It empowers professional photographers to manage high resolution, high frame rates, and high dynamic workflows. However, this feature will be enabled via an update scheduled for early 2022.

intoPIX says, “TicoRAW is the world’s first RAW codec, handling both RAW pictures and RAW videos, that can offer compression efficiency with such low complexity on RAW Bayer and other Color Filter Arrays (CFA) patterns.” 

Nikon Z9 Features, Specifications

The Nikon Z9 is a traditional-looking and rugged mirrorless camera. According to Nikon, the Z9’s body is 20% smaller than the outgoing Nikon D6. It is built of magnesium alloy and the body is fully weather-sealed. The improved design provides better ergonomics for both vertical and horizontal shooting. It features a dual-axis monitor that tilts 90-degrees in both horizontal and vertical directions, enabling the user to shoot from a variety of angles with lesser effort. The Nikon Z9’s info display also rotates when you turn it into portrait mode. The Nikon Z9 comes with a bright 3000-nit EVF (Electronic View Finder) and is claimed to have no lags or blackouts. The company promises it will provide a real-time view as a traditional optical viewfinder.  

The Nikon Z9 sports a 45.7MP stacked CMOS sensor that offers an ISO range of 64 to 24,600. It promises to deliver the world’s fastest scanning speed and 12x faster data readout than the popular Nikon Z 7II. It can track human subjects (faces, eyes, heads and upper bodies), animals (bodies, eyes and heads), and vehicles (cars, motorbikes, planes and trains). The camera can detect up to ten different types of subjects in a single frame and track them all individually. For nighttime shooters, the subject detection and the AF goes all the way down to -6.5 EV. Activating its ‘Starlight’ mode takes it even further down to -8.5 EV. It also comes with backlit buttons, which can be turned off for a stealthier shooting. 

The Nikon Z9 is powered by an EXPEED 7 processor, which promises to be 10x faster than its previous generation. It enables you to shoot 120fps still images and 8K video recording. The EXPEED 7 processor can handle complex AF and AE calculations at 120 cycles per second. The Z9 is also said to shoot continuously at 20fps to capture over 1,000 frames in JPEG or RAW formats. Additionally, the camera offers support for multiple codecs including H.265/ HEVC (8 bit/ 10 bit), Apple ProRes 422 HQ (10-bit), and H.264/ AVC (8-bit).

The Nikon Z9 comes with an electronic shutter in place of a mechanical shutter. It offers up to 1/32000 second shutter speeds without the noise, shutter vibration, and concerns of shutter wear owing to its electronic shutter. Nikon has added a new sensor shield, which drops down when you remove the lens to protect it from dust. 

The Nikon Z9 offers dual card slots for CFexpress and XQD for transferring data. It gets WiFi, Bluetooth v5, and GPS support. The camera can be charged via its USB port. Buyers will get a BF-N1 body cap, EN-EL18d rechargeable Li-ion battery, MH-33 battery charger, UC-E24 USB cable, EH-7P charging AC adapter, and a BS-1 accessory shoe cover in the retail box. 

Nikon Z9 Price and Availability

The Nikon Z9 full-frame mirrorless camera went on sale in India at the end of November this year. It is available for purchase via all major Nikon retail outlets in India. The camera comes with a price tag of ₹4,75,995 just for the body.