Nikon have today publicly announced that the future RAW video output from the Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras will be 12-bit in either 4K UHD or Full HD. There is no official date for the future firmware update, however I believe this to be announced sooner rather than later. NAB 2019 is coming up in April, and it seems like the perfect platform to launch such a major video-oriented feature from mirrorless camera.
There are still a lot of technical questions that remain unanswered – how is it possible to output 12bit signal via HDMI? Not to mention will there be extended support for NLEs other than FCP X as well as in what frame rates will the new format be supported? Will there be other Atomos recorders such as the Shogun Inferno that will be able to accept this signal and record ProRes Raw from the Z7/Z6? And so on…
Atomos have confirmed (see this post) their Ninja V will be able to record this 12-bit output in the Apple ProRes RAW format allowing filmmakers and content creators to have more flexible options in the grade regardless of HDR or SDR workflows. ProRes RAW recording will come in a future AtomOS update for Ninja V from Atomos.
Image by Atomos
Speaking of the Nikon Z6 and Z7 full-frame mirrorless cameras, Nikon announced recently a new Z-mount version of their much beloved 24-70mm f2.8 lens. The new Nikkor Z 24-70mm f2.8 S has been designed to take full advantage of the wider, brighter and faster Z mount, while delivering stunning sharpness all the way to the corners of the frame, even when used at its maximum aperture.
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is apparently the first NIKKOR lens to use the all new Nikon-designed ARNEO coat, which is used in conjunction with Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat to significantly minimize flare and ghosting.
The lens also includes Nikon’s new Multi-Focus System to help ensure fast and accurate autofocus even when shooting close-up subjects. Additionally, the lens gets a dedicated manual focus ring independent of the customizable control ring, a Function (L-Fn) button, and an Organic EL Lens Information Panel (a-la Zeiss Batis?) for quick reference of key settings such as focus distance, depth-of-field, aperture and focal length.
In order to offer a fast, accurate and silent autofocus, the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S combines a powerful stepping motor with Nikon’s new Multi-Focus System. This system uses two actuators to move two focus groups at once, enabling the lens to achieve critical focus rapidly from nearly any distance, including close-up shooting.
NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S Highlights:
- Z-mount for Nikon Z6/Z7 and future Z mount cameras
- Go-to one lens for all purposes ideal for:
- landscapes, weddings, events,
- studio and street photography.
- Constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range
- 9-blade diaphragm for pleasing bokeh
- Edge-to-edge sharpness and minimal aberration
- New ARNEO coating for minimizing ghosting and flare artifacts
- Fast, accurate and quiet autofocus; Multi-Focus System and Stepping Motor
- Built-in Function (L-Fn) button, Organic EL Lens Information Panel and independent focus ring
- Fully compatible with in-camera 5-axis VR found in the Nikon Z6 and 7
- Optimized for video, with reduced focus breathing, a quiet stepping motor, customizable control ring
- dust and drip resistance, fluorine coating to repels dust, water droplets, grease and dirt
The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S is expected to start shipping in April at a suggested retail price of $2,299. You can pre-order from B&H here.
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