Nikon have just announced a new firmware version (1.10) for the Nikon Z7 II and Z6 II full-frame mirrorless cameras which will improve Eye-Detection AF and enable 4K UHD/60p and RAW video output, including the Blackmagic RAW format.

Firmware 1.10 will be made available to download on February 25th 2021.

Nikon UK Press Release

Today, Nikon is pleased to announce new firmware for the Z 7II and Z 6II full-frame (Nikon FX-format) mirrorless cameras.

Firmware Ver. 1.10 will be released on 25th February 2021. This firmware update improves the performance of Eye-Detection AF on the Z 7II and Z 6II, and enables additional recording formats and video workflows when shooting with the Z 6II.

Following the firmware 1.10 update, the Z 6II and Z 7II cameras will be able to detect the eyes of human subjects even when the subject’s face size within the frame is small. Improvements will be seen when shooting in auto-area AF (people) and wide-area AF (L-people). This firmware update will also add support for 4K UHD/60p¹ to the Z 6II video recording options, and enable RAW video output² ³ to Blackmagic Design external recorders⁴ ⁶ for both the Z 7II and Z 6II. Following the update, movie shooters will be able to record⁵ in Blackmagic RAW format as well as ProRes RAW format.

Blackmagic RAW is an easy-to-use codec that has all the benefits of RAW recording. Featuring multiple new technologies, such as a new advanced de-mosaic algorithm, Blackmagic RAW gives you visually lossless images that are ideal for high resolution, high frame rate, and high dynamic range workflows.

Download firmware 1.10 for Z 7II (from 25th February) here
Download firmware 1.10 for Z 6II (from 25th February) here

¹ When this option is selected, image area is fixed at the DX-based movie format, and movie quality is fixed at Normal.
² The RAW video output function can be enabled by a Nikon service facility for a fee. Find your Nikon service centre here. Nikon Z 6II cameras purchased as a part of Z 6II Essential Movie Kit have the RAW video output function already enabled.
³ With the Z 7II, full-HD RAW video can be recorded using the FX-based movie format, and 4K UHD RAW video can be recorded using the DX-based movie format. When the Z 6II is used, recording of either 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video is possible with both FX- and DX-based movie formats.
⁴ The Atomos NINJA V and now the Blackmagic Design Video Assist 5″ 12G HDR and 7″ 12G HDR can be used to record Nikon RAW video in the ProRes RAW or Blackmagic RAW format, respectively. Operation is not guaranteed with recorders other than those noted above (as of 18th February 2021). Furthermore, for the ProRes RAW video recorded to the Ninja V external recorder manufactured by Atomos, compatibility with the ISO settings and colour temperature controls added to Apple’s Final Cut Pro Version 10.4.9 and later is supported. This expands video editing options when using Final Cut Pro.
⁵ RAW video output at a frame size/frame rate setting of 4K UHD/60p is not supported.
⁶ In a future update, Blackmagic Design will release a software update that adds the Nikon Z 7II and Z 6II as models supported for the recording of Blackmagic RAW on Video Assist 12G models.