This page contains all the updates, corrections, additions and changes to the guide from its inception. It’s sorted date-wise, with the latest on top.
February 9th 2021
I’ve finally sold my Nikon Z6 and lenses. Sadly, they haven’t been finding any use over the last year. I’ll still support this guide, though.
December 19th 2020
Finally we have some controls with FCPX, with firmware update v3.20. Definitely a recommended download.
From Nikon:
- With Blackmagic Design external video recorders (currently the Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR and Video Assist 7″ 12G HDR) you can record Blackmagic RAW. This will be a small subset because most people have Atomos recorders by this point.
- You can now adjust ISO sensitivity and adjust color temperature for ProRes RAW.
Nikon recommends these settings for RAW to select between Prores RAW and BRAW:
SETUP MENU > HDMI > Advanced > RAW output options > RAW output type
- Select Type A for Ninja V for Prores RAW
- Select Type B for Video Assist recorders BRAW
August 29th 2020
Even though Apple updated FCP X (to 10.4.9) with support for Prores RAW controls (Exposure, ISO, WB), it is still not available for RAW footage from the Nikon Z6!
Most other cameras have made their information available to Apple, but for some reason Nikon haven’t. This means the RAW workflow hasn’t changed.
May 12th 2020
Sandisk has officially announced new variants of their CFexpress cards that are now compatible with the Z6.
Western Digital has renewed the SanDisk brand CFexpress card “Extreme Pro CFexpress Type B Card” on May 1st.
New products have the suffix “xxxNN” in the model number, and old products have “xxxIN” in the model number. 64GB, 128GB, 256GB, 512GB Current lineup All capacity products are targeted.
Nikon Rumors
More details on CFexpress cards now in the Batteries, Media cards and Accessories lesson.
March 31st 2020
Apple has released support for Windows as a beta. Currently it only works for four products:
- Adobe After Effects (Beta)
- Adobe Media Encoder (Beta)
- Adobe Premiere Pro (Beta)
- Adobe Premiere Rush (Beta)
Here’s the download page. The thing is, Apple hasn’t officially announced support with other NLEs, even though some claim support for Prores RAW.
Here’s the official list as of today. This was last updated in Oct 2019 and Ninja V isn’t on the list, but other Atomos products are.
Atomos also has a new firmware update for the Ninja V. This is v10.3. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have any updated tools for Prores RAW. Still, worth an update.
February 20th 2020
There is a new firmware update from Nikon. The new version is v3.0. Click here to download or learn more.
The main differences for video are:
- Animal Face Detection added, which is available in movie mode.
- Minor updates
The differences are not many, and it’s sad even after the RAW update we don’t have any helpful exposure tools for video.
Should you update? Probably, if you use autofocus. There’s a minor improvement. But otherwise, I would pass.
In other news, Tokina have updated the results of tests with Tokina lenses for the Nikon Z6. It’s not good news either. Read the official release here.
February 11th 2020
I’ve had the opportunity to review a few Nikon S-line lenses. You’ll find my reviews here.
I’ll be publishing more in the coming weeks. Hopefully Nikon will oblige and send me more lenses.
January 28th 2020
I’ve updated the guide with Prores RAW videos:
Finally, the guide is complete!
January 27th 2020
I’ve finally put Prores RAW through its paces, and the two lessons are coming in a day or so.
For now, here’s my Prores RAW review:
January 9th 2020
I’ve added the first lesson on getting Prores RAW to work with the Z6 and the Atomos Ninja V:
How to setup RAW recording in the Nikon Z6 and Atomos Ninja V
I’m currently testing workflow options and there’s a lot of confusion about the Prores RAW exposure system, so let’s wait for things to settle a bit.
I’m in touch with Nikon and any updates will be shared here first. Stay tuned.
January 2nd 2020
Wish you a happy 2020!
We finally have the promised ProresRAW update. It is a paid update officially, but in some countries it is free (like India). In some countries it is free if you’ve purchased the filmmaker’s kit.
Either way, you have to take the camera in to the nearest service center to get it upgraded. It’s not a firmware update, the latest firmware version is still v2.2. It might take a day or more to get your camera back, so plan accordingly.
I’ve also begun testing ProresRAW with the Z6 and have made this preliminary video:
Important: This is not a lesson yet because of these issues. I’m still testing to find the right workflow. And, we need to give Nikon and Apple some time to update FCP X with the right transform.
I tried this all three ways: Wide Gamut HDR, plain SDR, and plain SDR + Custom HDR. All the same. I just didn’t show it because it would have made the video too boring.
I also tried RAW to Log on and off. With On I tried all the currently available ones for V-Log, S-Log and so on. They all look bad. What’s the point of shooting Nikon if you can’t get Nikon colors?
August 28th 2019
Unfortunately Nikon released a “bombshell” yesterday regarding ProresRAW.
The good news is ProresRAW is coming. The bad news is:
- It is a paid upgrade.
- You’ll need to take it to a service center because it’s a physical upgrade.
I don’t think Nikon Z6 owners will be too happy about it.
August 27th 2019
Nikon has finally released a 3D LUT for N-Log, and it converts an image to Rec. 709.
To download it, head to the download center. Then select ‘Software’:
Click on ‘View download page’:
Click on either ‘Windows’ or ‘Mac OS’ depending on your computer. If you select Windows, you’ll download a *.exe file, and for Mac it’ll be a *.dmg file. Double click and run it to unzip.
Inside, you’ll find a folder called ‘3D LUT’, and there are two LUTs, one for the Z6 and the other for the Z7.
The filename for the Z6 LUT is Z_6_N-Log-Full_to_REC709-Full_33_V01-00.cube
Copy this to your LUT folder, depending on the application you are using. It is supported on Resolve, Premiere Pro and FCP X.
If you don’t know how to use LUTs Nikon has published a beginner’s guide. You’ll find it in the download center under ‘Manuals’.
I have also updated How to Grade N-Log for the Nikon Z6.
July 20th 2019
Here’s a new cage option for the Z6, and every other camera: The Best Universal Cage for Mirrorless and DSLR Cameras
May 18th 2019
Nikon has released firmware update v2.0 for the Nikon Z6. Should you upgrade? I don’t think it’s worth it if you’re not depending on AF. Eye AF is only for stills mode. I think if your camera is stable and performing well wait for the RAW update.
To download the version for the Z6, click here. The steps are pretty simple:
For a complete list of what’s included in the upgrade, click here.
May 17th 2019
Nikon has issued a service advisory for some Z6 and Z7 cameras. You can find more information here. According to Nikon:
…it has come to our attention that the vibration reduction (VR) feature in some Nikon Z 6 and Z 7 cameras may not function fully.
Not all cameras are affected. To check if you need to contact support, enter your serial number on this page. If everything’s okay, you should see something like this:
May 11th 2019
The making-of video of Fashion Film 004 is now available as a bonus in Module D. Enjoy!
April 8th 2019
Added a new lesson: The Cost of a Nikon Z6 Camera Cinema or Video Kit
I’ve also added a new section to the first lesson. Settings you don’t need for video: How I’ve setup my camera for video shooting
March 31st 2019
Welcome to the Nikon Z6 Cinematography Guide!
Bonus guides and downloads are accessible in Module D 24 hours after your purchase. All lessons should be immediately accessible.
Enjoy your guide, and stay tuned for updates!
