The Nikon Z9 is a high-end mirrorless camera that offers advanced video recording capabilities, supporting various formats and resolutions that cater to professional videographers and photographers alike. Here’s a detailed overview of the video formats available, quite a few to sift through.
As a small footnote if you are uploading to Youtube or similar quite a few won’t load so I have included a quick guide. Video Recording Formats
1. 8K Video: Be careful files sizes can be rather large depending on the format see below !!
- Resolution: 7680 x 4320 pixels
- Frame Rates:
- 24p (23.976 fps)
- 30p (29.97 fps)
- File Formats:
- ProRes 422 HQ: Offers high-quality recording with efficient data compression, suitable for professional editing workflows.
- HEVC (H.265): A newer codec that provides better compression than H.264, allowing for high-quality video at lower file sizes.
- Bit Rates: The Z9 can record in high bit rates (up to 400 Mbps in some settings) for enhanced video quality.
2. 4K Video: Excellent choice really after quite a few tests for normal shoots.
- Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels (UHD)
- Frame Rates:
- 24p (23.976 fps)
- 30p (29.97 fps)
- 60p (59.94 fps)
- File Formats:
- ProRes 422 HQ
- ProRes 422
- HEVC (H.265)
- H.264: A widely used codec for 4K video, giving good quality while keeping file sizes manageable.
- Bit Rates: Similar to 8K, the Z9 supports high bit rates, which yield better video quality and color depth.
3. Full HD (1080p) Video:
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Frame Rates:
- 24p (23.976 fps)
- 30p (29.97 fps)
- 60p (59.94 fps)
- 120p (for slow-motion playback)
- File Formats:
- H.264
- HEVC (H.265)
- Bit Rates: Lower bit rates compared to 4K and 8K due to the reduced resolution, but still maintaining sufficient quality for most uses.
Key Video Features
- RAW Video: The Nikon Z9 allows for the recording of 8K and 4K video in the N-RAW format, enabling a high dynamic range and a greater flexibility in post-production. This format retains more details compared to standard codecs, making it ideal for professional workflows.
- Timecode Support: The video recording features support for timecodes, which is essential for synchronizing multiple cameras in professional video productions.
- Video Color Profiles:
- N-Log: A flat color profile designed for maximum dynamic range in post-processing.
- HDR (High Dynamic Range): Includes settings for HDR video to capture more detail in highlights and shadows.
- Picture Control: Various presets are available for different looks, such as Standard, Vivid, Monochrome, etc.
- Dual Card Slots: The Z9 features two card slots (CFexpress Type B), allowing for simultaneous recording or backup during shoots, which is crucial in professional environments where data loss is a concern.
Sound and Connectivity
Audio Inputs: The Z9 supports professional audio recording with the inclusion of a microphone input and headphone output, allowing for monitoring of audio during recordings.
Oh Yes the camera features a full-size HDMI output for direct connections to external monitors or recorders, providing high-quality video output.
My Conclusion
The Nikon Z9 is a powerful tool for videographers looking to capture high-resolution video with versatility and flexibility. Its ability to record in various formats, along with high bit rates and advanced audio options, makes it suitable for professional use in diverse settings, from cinematic production to documentary filmmaking, but maybe some are far advanced for normal bird watchers, and like I said previously if being viewed on phones or Youtube for example simple 4k H264. Whether using it in 8K or 4K, the Nikon Z9 delivers exceptional video quality tailored to the needs of modern content creators. Also if using editing software to add mutlipe clips together it is best to keep one format throughout your shoot say 60fps and then you can add them all on the timeline and slow which sections need it on the fly, if you excuse the birding pun. 60fps is a good starting point for us mere mortals.
When uploading content to YouTube, choosing the right video format is crucial to ensure optimal quality, compatibility, and performance. Below is a detailed overview of the best video formats for YouTube content based on quality, file size, and editing capabilities, not only for the Z9 this applies to most vloggers.
Recommended Video Formats for YouTube
1. MP4 (MPEG-4 ):
- Extension: .mp4
- Codec: H.264 (video) + AAC (audio)
- Description: The most recommended format for YouTube, MP4 strikes a balance between high-quality video/audio and reasonable file size. It is widely compatible with various devices and platforms, making it an excellent choice for streaming.
2. MOV (Apple QuickTime Movie):
- Extension: .mov
- Codec: H.264 or ProRes (varies by settings)
- Description: MOV files are commonly used in professional filmmaking and offer high-quality video. While MOV can be larger than MP4, it is suitable for those using Mac-centric workflows, especially if editing with software like Final Cut Pro.
3. AVI (Audio Video Interleave):
- Extension: .avi
- Codec: Various (e.g., DivX, Xvid)
- Description: AVI is an older video format that maintains high quality but often results in larger file sizes. While it is less commonly used for YouTube due to these size issues, it may still be suitable for certain professional editing environments.
4. WMV (Windows Media Video):
- Extension: .wmv
- Codec: Windows Media Video codec
- Description: WMV is a format developed by Microsoft; however, it is less suitable for YouTube as it may have compatibility issues across devices. It tends to yield smaller file sizes, but quality may be sacrificed.
5. FLV (Flash Video):
- Extension: .flv
- Description: While you may find older videos in FLV format, it is not recommended for new content. YouTube no longer supports Flash and has transitioned to HTML5 for video playback.
6. WebM:
- Extension: .webm
- Codec: VP8/VP9 for video, Vorbis/Opus for audio
- Description: WebM is an open-source format that provides high-quality video at lower file sizes, making it great for web use and supported by YouTube. However, it may not be as widely compatible with all devices and software as MP4.
Regardless of the format you choose, consider the following settings for the best quality on YouTube:
1. Resolution:
- Minimum: 1080p (1920 x 1080)
- Recommended: 4K (3840 x 2160) for higher quality content, especially with 60p (frames per second) settings for smoother motion.
2. Aspect Ratio:
- Standard Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- This is the ideal format for YouTube as it fits perfectly on the platform’s player.
3. Frame Rate:
- Maintained at 24, 30, or 60 fps, depending on your content type. Choose a frame rate consistent with your editing frame rate for the best results.
4. Bitrate:
- Target bitrate will depend on resolution and frame rate. YouTube provides guidelines for recommended bit rates according to the format:
- 1080p at 60 fps: 12 Mbps
- 4K at 30 fps: 35-45 Mbps
- 4K at 60 fps: 53-68 Mbps
5. Audio:
- Codec: AAC-LC
- Bitrate: 384 Kbps or higher for optimal audio quality.
Conclusion
For YouTube content, the MP4 format using the H.264 video codec is the most versatile and widely accepted option, providing an excellent balance of quality and compatibility
This Camera comes with a personal warning after trying some of the higher rate formats
Be very careful of the format you use as 8k for example can create huge files and you will need quite a large CFexpress with high bit rates to accomodate the higher professional rates for a days shoot
The file size of 8K video recorded on the Nikon Z9 can vary significantly depending on the codec and bit rate chosen:
Format Bit Rate Estimated File Size (1 minute)
N-RAW ~1.5 Gbps ~11.25 GB
ProRes 422 HQ ~880 Mbps ~6.6 GB
HEVC (H.265) ~200 Mbps ~1.5 GB
HEVC (H.265) ~100 Mbps ~750 MB