Firmware 3.20

• Support for RAW video output is available via a fee-for-service upgrade, * and firmware version 3.20 adds support under this service for Blackmagic Design external video recorders (currently the Video Assist 5" 12G HDR and Video Assist 7" 12G HDR). If you have already purchased the RAW video output upgrade for your camera, updating to firmware version 3.20 will add support for Blackmagic Design external video recorders automatically.
• Users of Apple's Final Cut Pro X (version 10.4.9 or later) can now adjust ISO sensitivity---and display and adjust color temperature---for ProRes RAW footage output to ATOMOS NINJA V external recorders using the fee-for-service RAW video output upgrade. *
  • < Choosing a RAW Output Type >
  • Before filming RAW video, choose an option for HDMI > Advanced > RAW output options > RAW output type in the SETUP MENU based on the type of recorder connected: select Type A for NINJA V recorders and Type B for Video Assist recorders.
• Added support for NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.2 S lenses.
• Fixed the following issues:
  • Rotating the focus or (if Focus (M/A) is assigned to the control ring) control ring would sometimes fail to activate manual focus during burst photography when a NIKKOR Z lens was attached.
  • The exposure indicator would not be displayed in mode M when a non-CPU lens was attached via an FTZ mount adapter.
  • Certain aperture values would not be selected when control rings for the following lenses were rotated to stop aperture down in movie mode:
    • NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3
    • NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR
    • NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
    • NIKKOR Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR
• Unexpected aperture values would sometimes be displayed during bracketing in mode M if a bracketing option that made changes to aperture was selected with a NIKKOR Z lens attached.
• Power aperture controls would sometimes stop responding after the standby timer had been on for an extended period in movie mode.
• The RAW video output upgrade is available on a fee-for-service basis. For more information, contact a Nikon-authorized service representative.

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/381.html

@VK that would be nice. I was thinking we may see allot of unexpected FW releases and features in the next few months as manufacturing is put on the back burner.

konjow, I don't think I answered my question, as it was not "if" it was "why". But thanks all the same. I may be wrong, but I think the reason may be related to the pixel skipping of the Z6 in FX. The Z6 can get away with it and be hard to spot since it is only degrading a 6k image, but with the Z7 it would be degrading something like a 10K image and the missing pixels may create some seriously noticeable moire among other nasties. So in this line of thinking, the lack of a full 6K readout on the Z6 may indeed be to protect the Z7 as some have speculated, because not only can the Z7 not do a clean FX pores 4k, but it may also struggle with a clean 6k even in cropped aps-c. Of course a pixel to pixel 6K for the Z7 would be a nice simple way out of that puzzle while giving the consumer's looking at a hybrid with higher megapixel photos an interesting Z7 exlusive mode look, while still having the videocentric Z6 look better on paper for most of the core market it is intended for.

@mee you answered you question already. 4K in DX only. For in cam recording is the same in Z7.

New firmware PR

Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware Ver. 2.20 for the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 full-frame mirrorless cameras. This firmware update offers several improvements that make these cameras even more powerful, including the addition of support for the next generation memory card, CFexpress. Additionally, Nikon has announced that beginning today, service to install RAW video output functionality will be available for those wishing to add enhanced professional video capabilities.Support for CFexpress, the New Standard for Speed and Durability

Updating Z 7 and Z 6 firmware to Ver. 2.20 enables the use1 of CFexpress2 cards. CFexpress cards are robust and reliable, and support even faster data transfer than XQD cards for a smoother and more efficient photographic workflow.

CFexpress cards use a similar form factor to XQD, eliminating the need to physically modify the camera's memory card slot. After upgrading, users will be able to use CFexpress as well as XQD cards in their camera interchangeably. In addition to the Z 7 and Z 6, CFexpress memory card support will be added to the Nikon D5 (XQD-Type), Nikon D850 and Nikon D500 digital SLR cameras in the future.

Initially, only limited CFexpress card types are fully supported and the number of supported cards will continue to expand as additional cards are tested and certified (Type B CFexpress cards manufactured only by Sony Corp. Availability date for the cards may vary by market).

RAW video output function (4K UHD and Full HD)

Developed in conjunction with Atomos, this capability enables recording of RAW video, which has greater flexibility for color grading compared to other video formats.

With this upgrade, 12-bit 4K UHD or full-HD RAW video can be recorded3 to select models of Atomos video recorders4 connected to a Z 7 or Z 6 camera via a HDMI connector. As RAW video is not subjected to in-camera processing, all information that is outputted from the image sensor is preserved. This abundance of information can later be used in post-production.

The RAW video output capability upgrade can be installed at a Nikon service center and will incur a fee but will be included free of charge as part of Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker's kit bundles. Those customers in the United States who have already purchased a Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker's kit (Product #13545) will be eligible to have the fee waived (proof of purchase required). For more details about the Nikon Z 6 Filmmaker's kit, please visit here.

For additional technical information, equipment requirements and instructions on requesting the RAW video output upgrade, please visit:  www.nikonusa.com/RAWvideo.

Price and Availability

The firmware update Ver. 2.20 which enables CFexpress functionality is available now, free of charge. Please visit The Nikon Z series Firmware update page to download and find more information.

The RAW video output upgrade is available starting today and will require installation by a Nikon Service Center. A $199.95* fee will apply.

Firmware v2.10

• Added supported for optical VR with NIKKOR Z DX 16--50mm f/3.5--6.3 VR and NIKKOR Z DX 50--250mm f/4.5--6.3 VR Z-mount lenses. Note that attaching these lenses disables the Mechanical shutter option for Custom Setting d5 (Shutter type) in Group d (Shooting/display) of the CUSTOM SETTING MENU, leaving a choice of Auto and Electronic front-curtain shutter options only.
• ISO sensitivity can now be adjusted using the lens control ring, and ISO sensitivity has been added to the options available for Custom Setting f2 (Custom control assignment) > Lens control ring in Group f (Controls) of the CUSTOM SETTING MENU.
• As of November 14, 2019, the aperture display in the lens info panel for NIKKOR Z 24--70mm f/2.8 S and NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lenses shows both the current aperture and adjacent aperture values in modes A and M.
•  When On was selected for Auto ISO sensitivity control and an option that does not include "slow sync" was selected for Flash mode, shutter speed was formerly restricted to values between those chosen for Custom Settings e1 (Flash sync speed) and e2 (Flash shutter speed), but this has now been changed to match the behavior of digital SLR cameras, with the result that the minimum shutter speed now corresponds to the value selected for Auto ISO sensitivity control > Minimum shutter speed.
•  Fixed an issue that in extremely rare cases resulted in the camera failing to correctly record movies with 1920x1080; 120p selected for Frame size/frame rate.
•  Fixed an issue that occasionally resulted in "noise" in the form of white lines at the bottom of the display when the electronic viewfinder was on.
• Fixed an issue that in rare cases resulted in "noise" in the form of fine horizontal lines appearing throughout the frame in movies and the live view display.
•  Fixed errors in the UTC time zones for the following three cities in the Time zone and date > Time zone display in the SETUP MENU:
  • Caracas: was -4:30, is now -4:00
  • Casablanca: was 00:00, is now +1:00
  • Ankara: was +2:00, is now +3:00
• Fixed an issue that resulted in an incorrect date of creation being displayed in the Windows 10 "properties" dialogs for movies and time-lapse movies created with the camera, as well as copies created with camera movie editing controls.

https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/339.html

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.

Nikon Z 7 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 24-70mm Lens (Refurbished), $2699

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1488629-REG/nikon_1594b_z_7_fx_camera_body.html

Meike MK-Z7G hand grip extender

• Anti-slip leather-like hand grip enhances comfort when holding the grip. fixes to the camera bottom to increase its weight for anti-vibration and anti-shaking.
• Features two 1/4 screw holes at the bottom of the grip, which enables you to attach the grip to the camera and a tripod so that shooting is handier.
• Replace batteries freely with no need to uninstall the hand grip.
• Size: 133.2x64.8x21mm

Firmware update version 2.0 for the Nikon Z6 and Z7 mirrorless cameras will be officially released on May 16th.