Atomos, the company that specializes on improving and enhancing the images coming from the camera sensor, just found a way to record ProRes RAW from Nikon Z6 and Z7 via Ninja V Recorder. That achievement made the Nikon Z series to be the first FF mirrorless that allows shooting RAW.

As we thought that the “Filmmaker’s Kit“ was defined as News, it seems that there is much more important news for filmmakers. The ability to get that RAW data from full frame cameras is always welcome. It appears that Atomos has found a way to do that with the Nikon Z mirrorless series.

World’s first full-frame mirrorless to give RAW video output

As being announced by Atomos at CES 2019: “Atomos is excited to work with Nikon on the development of ProRes RAW recording from Nikon’s Z series. This expands ProRes RAW to Ninja V and is the world’s first true full-frame mirrorless to give raw video output. The combination will enhance content creation at all levels, from Social, through Pro Video, and into Entertainment”.

Atomos is excited to work with Nikon on the development of ProRes RAW recording from Nikon’s Z series. This expands ProRes RAW to Ninja V and is the world’s first true full-frame mirrorless to give raw video output

The are many advantages shooting ProRes RAW, which is a new codec that was built upon the same technology as other ProRes codecs, but is directly applied to the raw data coming from the sensor, thus delaying the debayering process to the post-production stage. ProRes RAW, therefore, aims at quality and better color reproduction, rather than performance.

Atomos Ninja V

The recorder that is used to get that ProRes RAW from the Nikon Z is the Atomos Ninja V 5″, which is a 4K HDMI Recording Monitor that records and plays back DCI 4K, UHD 4K, and HD video from purpose-built mini-SSDs. It features a 10-bit FRC IPS screen with a brightness of 1000 cd/m², which makes it suitable for use in both exterior and interior conditions.

Ninja V + ProRes RAW

Capturing Apple ProRes RAW video with the Ninja V unlocks complete control of the video image at the highest quality possible. The maximum dynamic range, color accuracy, and detail are preserved. It’s important to mention that capturing RAW was the domain of dedicated and expensive cinema cameras. The ability to achieve this in cheap mirrorless cameras is really impressive.

The process of getting that ProRes RAW

As explained in the press release, the camera outputs a stream of RAW data via a 4K HDMI cable to the Ninja V. This data is then repacked into the ProRes RAW format and recorded to a removable SSD drive in the Ninja V. When shooting is finished, the drive is removed and connected to a computer via USB. Footage can then be decoded (debayered) and edited in the highest possible quality. Using ProRes RAW format keeps file sizes manageable, easy to edit and future-proof.

It seems that the process is not locked yet and ready for implementation, but it’s getting there.

Furthermore, there is no indication regarding image quality of that ProRes RAW from the Nikon Z. Anyway, the solution is being previewed at the Nikon booth CES 2019, so hurry to their booth and check it out by yourself.

Do you own Nikon Z? Would you use this solution for capturing ProRes RAW? Let’s know your insights in the comments section below.