The Nikon Z 6 Might Be the Most Underrated Camera for Video: Full Frame Raw Video

For many of us, a Sony mirrorless camera was the default option if you wanted to shoot high quality full frame video. Sony first offered this feature in the a7R II and I bought into that system too. More recently however, it seems Nikon are taking a shot at offering high quality video features; but is anyone taking notice? 

The Nikon Z 6 now offers you the ability to shoot 4k raw using the full width of the sensor. As far as I know , there isn't another mirrorless camera on the market right now that offers that feature. Of course, it's important to mention that is not something available in-camera and an external recorder like the Atomos Ninja is required to unlock this feature. Honestly, I don't this is a huge downside. Having that larger screen and all of the features an external recorder offers is for the most part, worth the cost. 

I'm sure many of you know the benefits of shooting raw and how it offers much more flexibility to your files. In a recent video by Matti Haapoja, he takes a look at the video quality. I'm actually surprised at the quality you can produce with this camera. I mean sure, the autofocus isn't great, and the video is limited to 30p, but, if that doesn't bother you then this combination might offer the best video quality. 

I wonder if the video industry will start taking more notice of Nikon and the cameras they have available. 

Check out the full video linked above to see how the Z 6 performs with the external recorder. 

Usman Dawood's picture

Usman Dawood is a professional architectural photographer based in the UK.

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10 Comments

We all learn about new systems at different paces.

Given that everyone is shooting everything in slow-mo these days I think the 30fps rate is going to be a problem for the run and gunners. It would be nice if they could at least offer a 4K 60FPS in crop mode option.

Remember when slo mo used to be an effect not a way cover up lack of vision or story?

I do. I am so sick of slow-mo, but the people who would buy a mirrorless camera for video love it.

I’d love a Z camera to be honest, excellent piece of kit with a selection of awesome lenses and more to come.

it does good video and I would rather buy the same brand for my video needs but that banding issue at higher iso that others have noted turns me to look for something else. I may just get 2 sony a7III, although im not content with that decision. sony has their own issues. no pansonic for me. and only ff,

This is why I just got the Blackmagic EF mount for video. No DSLR does both well yet IMHO.

It's look like Nikon RAW is not so RAW after all
https://www.eoshd.com/2020/01/nikon-z6-proresraw-may-be-pixel-binned-goo...

Well that sucks.