Nikon N-RAW vs ProRes RAW: A preliminary comparison with real world tests
When Nikon introduced its new N-RAW video format, it sparked interest across the filmmaking and content creation community. Positioned as a powerful, efficient RAW codec, N-RAW promises full-fidelity video with significantly reduced file sizes designed to be recorded straight to the memory card. But how does it really compare to industry staples like Apple’s ProRes RAW?
In this post, we’ll explore what N-RAW is, how it stacks up against other RAW formats, and share the results of our real-world tests conducted using two Nikon Z6III cameras. If you're a filmmaker or content creator considering RAW video, this guide is for you.
What Is RAW Video, and Why Does It Matter?
RAW video is unprocessed footage — a direct readout from the camera sensor. Unlike compressed codecs such as H.264 or H.265, RAW retains all the image data for maximum flexibility in post-production: adjusting exposure, white balance, colors, and other parameters of the image.
Traditional RAW formats, such as ARRI RAW, which is recorded at zero compression, are known for their uncompromised quality — but at the cost of massive file sizes and demanding workflows. Today’s hybrid shooters need something more efficient — which is where modern compressed RAW formats come in.
Modern RAW Formats: A Quick Overview
Here’s how some of the major RAW video formats compare:
ARRI RAW: 12/16-bit, uncompressed. Gold standard, huge file sizes.
ProRes RAW: 12-bit, lossless compressed. Fully supported in Final Cut Pro.
Blackmagic RAW: 10/12-bit, compressed (constant bit rate), good quality, efficient.
REDCODE RAW: 12/16-bit, compressed (variable bit rate). High-end cinema.
Nikon N-RAW: 12-bit, compressed, intraframe lossless. Nikon-exclusive, highly efficient, recorded straight to memory card.
What Is Nikon N-RAW?
N-RAW is Nikon’s proprietary 12-bit RAW video format designed for internal recording. It’s supported on their flagship Z9, the Z8, and the newer Z6III — and even the entry level Z5II (to SD cards!). N-RAW is compressed but lossless, retaining full dynamic range and color information while cutting file sizes dramatically compared to ProRes RAW.
Our Real-World Experiment
To evaluate N-RAW, we conducted side-by-side tests using two identical Nikon Z6III cameras. Here's what we did:
- Used identical lenses (Nikkor 24-70mm S)
- Recorded using the same settings and cards
- Enabled N-Log for both N-RAW and ProRes RAW recordings
- Graded all footage in DaVinci Resolve (N-RAW) and Final Cut Pro (ProRes RAW)
N-RAW vs ProRes RAW: The Comparison
File Size Efficiency:
Test 1 - N-RAW: ~7.85 GB (both cameras)
Test 2 - N-RAW: 10.45 GB | ProRes RAW: 19.53 GB
Test 3 - ProRes RAW: 28.64 GB | N-RAW: 15.63 GB
Result: N-RAW files were consistently 40–50% smaller than ProRes RAW.
Image Quality:
- Banding: None observed.
- Sharpness: Slightly better sharpness before processing in ProRes RAW but hardly noticeable.
- Noise: Similar before processing, N-RAW slightly better after denoising (which could be the byproduct of using different NLEs).
- Color/White Balance: Excellent in both formats.
Software Compatibility:
- DaVinci Resolve: Full support for N-RAW (except ISO); no support for ProRes RAW.
- Adobe Premiere: Full N-RAW support coming soon, partial ProRes RAW support (no RAW controls).
- Final Cut Pro: Full support for ProRes RAW; no support for N-RAW.
Stability & Overheating:
We filmed multiple long takes in varying environments. The Z6III showed no signs of overheating while recording in N-RAW — a reassuring sign for documentary or event shooters.
Final Verdict: Is N-RAW Worth It?
Absolutely. If you’re shooting on Nikon, N-RAW is a no-brainer. It delivers true RAW quality at nearly half the storage cost of ProRes RAW, works smoothly in DaVinci Resolve, and offers flexible frame rate/resolution options — even up to 8K on the Z9/Z8.
What’s Next for N-RAW?
N-RAW is still evolving. Nikon is investing in video innovation — and we expect better software support, LUTs, and editing plugins to follow.
Watch the Full Video
We go deeper into N-RAW vs ProRes RAW on our YouTube channel, with visual comparisons, tests, and post-production insights. Watch it here: CLICK HERE!
