With the release of some much-anticipated Nikon Z-series updates, working with the Z6 and Z7 video cameras will now be easier and more fun. Nikon has unveiled a dedicated 3D Look Up Table (LUT) for users of its Z-series flat N-Log profile feature. This new feature update will give users of Nikon’s Z6 and Z7 camera systems more creative control in post-production as they can easily grade any footage that they capture.
Even though Nikon already has a reputation in color science for delivering appealing palettes and tones, this new free upgrade promises to give video creators greater color control. To allow more flexibility, the dedicated 3D LUT for Nikon Z cameras’ N-Log is available in several versions and is compatible with the Rec. 709 color space. This means that video creators can play around with colors and easily give different looks to their content.
The output of Nikon’s Z6 and Z7’s N-Log HDMI 10-bit recording is optimized to utilize the full dynamic range of the image sensor. As a result, it records rich gradation information in shadows and highlights which allows for more flexible color grading.
The new 3D LUT is preset with RGB color values which are used to transform the appearance of video footage through post-production color grading. It also enables adjustment of parameters like saturation, brightness, and hue.
Even though the Z6 and Z7 can shoot 10-bit N-Log videos when they are paired with an external recorder, there was no LUT for use in color grading which made it difficult to get the best results without some tinkering. Fortunately, this new dedicated 3D LUT Nikon Z-series update will address that issue and serve as a better starting point for users interested in shooting 10-bit N-log video.
Upcoming Nikon Z-series Update to Support RAW Video Output
Further increasing the capabilities of its Z-series for pro-level and advanced video creators, the company has announced that a new update will also be released later this year for the Z-series camera system. The release of the upcoming Nikon Z-series update will enable the support of RAW video output from its Z6 and Z7 camera systems.
Like still image RAW data, RAW video files offer the richest information. The company said that the ProRes RAW video recording will be possible when using a compatible Ninja V 4K HDR monitor/digital recorder from ATOMOS – the company that collaborated with Nikon in developing the RAW video output technology. With the new Nikon Z-series updates (LUT flexible color grading and upcoming RAW video output support), Nikon’s Z6 and Z7 could become affordable contenders for any scale of filmmaking and Pro-level production.
Sadly, though, users are not going to get the Raw video output update for free as they are required to pay for the upgrade. Furthermore, the company notes that the additional capabilities come with the need for an additional internal upgrade which must be performed at any of its local service centers. This will, of course, incur a service charge.
Availability and Pricing
Interested video creators can download the new 3D LUTs for the Z6 and Z7 cameras free of charge from the support section on Nikon’s website through the following links:
Nikon Z6 users can click here to download the appropriate LUT.
Nikon Z7 users can click here to download the appropriate LUT.
As for the ProRes RAW video output, Nikon has said that the update is scheduled to arrive later this year. However, there’s currently no official information on the exact amount users will be expected to pay for the upgrade. You can find more information about ProRes RAW and the advanced video capabilities of the Nikon Z-series mirrorless cameras on Nikon’s website.
