Nikon Z-series video shooters can now let out the long-awaited ‘finally. ’ Today, Nikon released a dedicated 3D Look Up Table (LUT) for its flat N-Log profile, a move that should make it much easier to grade footage captured with its Z6 and Z7 camera systems.
Unfortunately, that’s where the good news might end, because Nikon has also announced that its much-anticipated Raw video update for its Z6 and Z7 cameras will not come as a free update and instead be a paid upgrade.
While it’s been possible to capture 10-bit N-Log video with the Nikon Z6 and Z7 cameras when paired with an external recorder, Nikon hadn't released an N-Log LUT for use in color grading, making it difficult to get the best results without some tinkering. This new, dedicated 3D LUT from Nikon addresses that issue and should provide a better starting point for those recording 10-bit N-log video.
The dedicated LUT for Nikon’s N-Log profile is compatible with the Rec. 709 color space and has two different ‘. cube’ files depending on whether you’re working with footage captured on a Z6 or Z7 camera. The 3D LUT has been tested and confirmed working with Adobe Premiere Pro CC, Final Cut Pro X and Blackmagic Design Davinci Resolve 15. You can download the free 3D LUTs for the Z6 and Z7 camera on Nikon’s website.
Nikon has also announced, in the same press release, that its much-anticipated Raw video updated for its Z series cameras will not come free. Nikon says ProRes Raw video recording will be possible with Atomos’ Ninja V 4K HDR monitor/recorder, but notes the additional functionality ‘will require an additional internal upgrade that will need to be performed at a local Nikon service center, which will incur a service charge. ’
The update is ‘scheduled to arrive later this year,’ but Nikon doesn’t elaborate on how much the update will cost.
Press release:
Nikon Z Series Adds More Capability for Pro Video and Production With the Dedicated 3D LUT for N-Log
Additional Details Announced for Upcoming RAW Video Output Update
MELVILLE, N. Y. , Aug. 27, 2019 — Today, Nikon has introduced a dedicated LUT (lookup table) for users of the N-Log feature on the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 cameras, allowing greater creative control in post-production. Further adding to the Z series' capabilities for professional and advanced video creators, a new update will also be released later this year for the Z series cameras, which will enable the support of RAW video output from the camera when using a compatible ATOMOS Ninja V digital recorder.
N-Log and LUT: Next Level Control in Post
While Nikon's legacy in color science delivers an appealing palette and tones, this free upgrade takes color control to the next level. For even more flexibility, the dedicated LUT available for Nikon's N-Log is compatible with the Rec. 709 color space and is available in several versions, allowing users to easily apply different looks to their content. This 3D LUT is a preset of RGB color values, used to transform the appearance of video footage in post-production color grading, and enables adjustment of brightness, saturation and hue. The Nikon Z 7 and Z 6's N-Log HDMI output is optimized for 10-bit recording, bringing out the image sensor's full dynamic range. It records rich gradation information in highlights and shadows to allow for more flexible color grading.
To download the LUT free of charge, please visit the following links:
For Nikon Z 7 users, click here to download
For Nikon Z 6 users, click here to download
Support for RAW video output
Scheduled to arrive later this year, the output RAW data stream will enable recording in ProRes RAW video format on the Ninja V 4K HDR monitor/recorder made by ATOMOS, Nikon's collaborator in developing RAW video output technology. RAW video files provide the richest information, just like still image RAW data. By bringing even more flexibility to post-production color grading, RAW video output support firmly places the Nikon Z series as an affordable contender for professional-level production and filmmaking of any scale. This feature will require an additional internal upgrade that will need to be performed at a local Nikon service center, which will incur a service charge.
For more information about ProRes RAW and the advanced video capabilities of the Nikon Z series mirrorless cameras, please visit www. nikonusa. com.
2019-8-27 19:58
