Blackmagic has updated their RAW codec to support not only the latest M1 architecture on Apple Macs but also support for Panasonic and Nikon cameras when capturing using the VideoAssist 12G HDR external recorder.

With Apple moving off the Intel platform in favor of their own ARM-based M1 architecture, it was only a matter of time before other companies would begin to expand support to include it.

Adobe leads the way with Premiere Pro M1 support out of the box, and now Blackmagic is joining the party with version 2.1 of Blackmagic RAW.

In addition to being able to natively import BRAW files into your M1 workflow, Blackmagic has optimized CPU decoding for clips captured using the URSA Mini Pro 12K, as well as adding support for both the Panasonic Lumix S1H, S1, and S5 cameras, and the Nikon Z6II and Z7II.  RAW clips filmed through both camera lines, however, must be captured using the Blackmagic Video Assist 12G HDR, as internal RAW recording is not supported just yet.

Here’s a complete breakdown of the RAW update’s other new features:

  • Added native support for Apple Silicon on Mac
  • Added optimized CPU decoding for clips captured by Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K
  • Added Blackmagic Generation 5 Color Science Technical Reference document
  • Added support for Panasonic Lumix S1H, S1, and S5 Blackmagic RAW clips captured by Blackmagic Video Assist
  • Added support for Nikon Z 6II and Z 7II Blackmagic RAW clips captured by Blackmagic Video Assist
  • Blackmagic RAW Adobe Premiere Pro plugin performance and stability improvements
  • General performance and stability improvements

There are also several performance and stability improvements added in version 2.1 of BRAW, including betterment to the raw plugin for Adobe Premiere Pro.  Lastly, Blackmagic has added Generation 5 of their Color Science Technical Reference document.

Minimum requirements for the latest 2.1 upgrade include Windows 10 and macOS Catalina or later (vs. 10.15). Linux users can also get in on the fun if they run CentOS 7.3 or later.

Download Blackmagic RAW here. 

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