What Is N-RAW, and Which Nikon Cameras Shoot It?
N-RAW is Nikon's 12-bit RAW video format, now on cameras from the Z9 to the Z5 IIC. Here's how it works, which cameras shoot it, and when to use it.
If you're shopping for a Nikon camera for video, you'll keep seeing one feature listed near the top: N-RAW. It's Nikon's own RAW video format, and it's now available in cameras ranging from the flagship Z9 to the new $1,400 Z5 IIC.
Here's what N-RAW is, how it compares to other formats, which Nikon cameras record it, and whether you should actually shoot it.
What Is N-RAW?
N-RAW is Nikon's 12-bit RAW video format. It records much more of what the sensor captured than standard compressed video, giving you far more flexibility to adjust exposure, white balance, and color in post.
It debuted on the Nikon Z9 and uses a compression technology called TicoRAW, developed by intoPIX. N-RAW files use the .NEV extension.
Why Shoot RAW Video?
Most video formats bake in decisions like white balance and some of the color processing when you record. RAW keeps more of the original sensor data, so those decisions can be made later.
In practice, that means:
- More room to fix exposure in post
- White balance you can change after shooting
- More color data to grade, especially helpful for difficult lighting or a specific look
The tradeoff is file size and workflow. RAW files are larger and usually need more capable editing software and hardware.
How N-RAW Compares to ProRes RAW
Several Nikon cameras can record both N-RAW and ProRes RAW, Apple's RAW video format. The biggest practical difference is file size. According to Nikon, N-RAW files are about half the size of equivalent ProRes RAW HQ files.
On higher-end Nikon bodies, N-RAW also reaches higher resolutions. The Z9, for example, records N-RAW up to 8.3K at 60fps, while its ProRes RAW HQ tops out at 4.1K.
Your editing software can also decide the choice. ProRes RAW has historically been most closely tied to Apple's ecosystem, while DaVinci Resolve has supported N-RAW for years.
Which Nikon Cameras Shoot N-RAW?
As of September 2026, N-RAW is available on these Nikon cameras:
- Nikon Z9: N-RAW up to 8.3K 60p, plus ProRes RAW HQ
- Nikon Z8: N-RAW up to 8K 60p, plus ProRes RAW HQ
- Nikon Z6III: N-RAW plus ProRes RAW HQ
- Nikon ZR: N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, and RED's R3D NE format
- Nikon Z5II: N-RAW
- Nikon Z5 IIC: N-RAW up to 4K30
Not every current Nikon body includes it. The Zf and Z50II, for example, don't record internal RAW video.
How Big Are N-RAW Files?
Even compressed, N-RAW files are large. Nikon puts 4K30 N-RAW at about 1GB for every 10 seconds of footage.
That makes fast cards and plenty of storage essential. On SD-based cameras like the Z5 IIC, Nikon recommends V90 cards for N-RAW. Higher-end bodies record to faster CFexpress cards.
How to Edit N-RAW
DaVinci Resolve is the most common choice. It has supported N-RAW since version 17.4.6, and you can set Nikon RAW options in its camera RAW settings for grading.
Other editors have varying levels of support, so check your software before committing to N-RAW on a real project. RED's REDCINE-X Pro has also added N-RAW support.
Should You Shoot N-RAW?
Shoot N-RAW if you plan to color grade seriously, work in tricky or mixed lighting, or want maximum flexibility in post, and you have the storage and editing setup to handle it.
Skip it if you need fast turnaround, shoot long events or interviews where file size adds up quickly, or deliver with minimal grading. Nikon's 10-bit N-Log H.265 is a very capable, much lighter alternative.
A good middle ground: use N-RAW for key shots and difficult lighting, and N-Log for everything else.
A Quick Exposure Tip
Nikon's guidance is to expose N-RAW much like you would N-Log. Nikon lists N-Log base ISOs of 800 and 6400 for the Z6III, Z5II, and ZR, and 800 and 4000 for the Z9 and Z8. Shooting at those base values generally gives you the cleanest results.
Competitive Context
Internal RAW video used to be rare outside dedicated cinema cameras. Nikon has pushed it steadily down its lineup, from the flagship Z9 to the entry-level Z5II and Z5 IIC.
That's a real differentiator. Sony's compact a7C II, for example, doesn't record internal RAW video, while Nikon now offers it in a sub-$1,400 body.
The Signal in the Noise
N-RAW gives Nikon shooters a genuinely flexible RAW option at file sizes smaller than ProRes RAW, and it's now available across nearly every price point in Nikon's video-capable lineup.
The question isn't whether N-RAW is good. It's whether your storage, editing setup, and turnaround time can handle it.
Do you shoot RAW video for most of your work, or save it for shots that really need it?
The Details
- N-RAW: Nikon's 12-bit RAW video format, .NEV files
- Compression: TicoRAW, developed by intoPIX
- Vs. ProRes RAW HQ: about half the file size, per Nikon
- Cameras: Z9, Z8, Z6III, ZR, Z5II, Z5 IIC
- Not available on: Zf, Z50II
- File size: about 1GB per 10 seconds at 4K30
- Editing: DaVinci Resolve (supported since 17.4.6); REDCINE-X Pro; check other editors
- Card recommendation: V90 for SD-based cameras like the Z5 IIC
- N-Log base ISOs: 800/6400 (Z6III, Z5II, ZR); 800/4000 (Z9, Z8)
