Or two, Nikon’s choice here is a bit confusing since the new, much more capable Z6 II will not get support for this feature until next year and does not come from the factory with the capability for RAW video built-in.

One, Nikon clearly is prioritizing current owners of its mirrorless systems with firmware updates, giving the original iterations of its cameras access first to a technology that hasn’t found its way to any other competitor. You can look at Nikon’s choice to first give this update to the Z6 and Z7 one of two ways.

Nikon does not state why the upgrade for RAW video recording capability requires servicing at a Nikon facility. Support for the Z6 II and Z7 II will come in February, but will still require the cameras be sent in to a Nikon care facility for the same $200 fee. However, if you’ve already unlocked ProRes RAW on your Z6 or Z7, you can immediately give your camera access to Blackmagic RAW by upgrading to firmware version 3.2 here for the Z7 and here for the Z6. In order to access Blackmagic RAW, this step will still need to take place, and the process of sending the camera in and getting it back will likely take more than a week. “The initial RAW video upgrade must be performed by a Nikon Service center.” ProRes RAW Support via Atomos External Recorder “Customers who have previously purchased the ProRes RAW video upgrade for their Z 6 or Z 7 will simply need to download and install a firmware upgrade which is available starting today, free of charge,” Nikon tells PetaPixel.

Blackmagic support