Nikon Releases Supports for CFExpress Cards and RAW Video for Z6 and Z7 Cameras
Nikon has released firmware version 2.20 for their Z 6 and Z 7 mirrorless cameras, and with it comes support for CFexpress cards and more impressively, raw video output capabilities for filmmakers.
Developed in conjunction with Atomos, this capability enables recording of RAW video, which has greater flexibility for color grading compared to other video formats.
With this upgrade, 12-bit 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video can be recorded to select models of Atomos video recorders connected to a Z7 or Z6 camera via an HDMI connector. As RAW video is not subjected to in-camera processing, all information that is outputted from the image sensor is preserved. This abundance of information can later be used in post-production.
To get this capability, you will need to ship your camera to Nikon, pay them $200, and cover the cost of shipping. However, customers who purchase the Nikon Z6 Filmmaker’s Kit will receive the feature free of charge, and anybody in the US who has already purchased a Z6 Filmmaker’s Kit will have the fee waived.
Updating Z7 and Z6 firmware to Ver. 2.20 enables the use of CFExpress cards. CFExpress cards are robust and reliable and support even faster data transfer than XQD cards for a smoother and more efficient photographic workflow.
CFExpress cards use a similar form factor to XQD, eliminating the need to physically modify the camera’s memory card slot. After upgrading, users will be able to use CFExpress as well as XQD cards in their cameras interchangeably. In addition to the Z7 and Z6, CFExpress memory card support will be added to the Nikon D5 (XQD-Type), Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 digital SLR cameras in the future.
Initially, only limited CFExpress card types are fully supported and the number of supported cards will continue to expand as additional cards are tested and certified (Type B CFExpress cards manufactured only by Sony Corp. Availability date for the cards may vary by market).
Nikon Z6 and Z7 firmware version 2.20 is available starting today free of charge.
More info on Nikon’s firmware page.
