The collaboration between Nikon and RED continues to yield exciting results, now marked by Nikon’s first foray into the cinema camera market with the introduction of the Nikon ZR.
This full-frame, handheld cinema camera is the inaugural model in Nikon’s Z Cinema series.
Designed in partnership with its sister company RED, the Nikon ZR boasts impressive capabilities found in models such as the Z9 and Z6 III, including internal 6K video capture with the choice of Nikon N Raw, 12-bit REDcode Raw, or ProRes Raw formats, offering frame rates of up to 60 frames per second.
Notably, the ZR is the first camera to support RED’s new 12-bit R3D NE RAW codec, among various other formats.
Image Credit – NikonUSA
Equipped with a RED-designed 6K image sensor, the ZR works seamlessly with Nikon’s Expeed 7 image processing engine, the same processor found in the flagship Z9 mirrorless camera.
Nikon has integrated AI deep learning technology to enhance subject detection and tracking for up to nine subject categories, including people, animals, and vehicles.
The system can even identify and lock onto small faces, ensuring precise focus on distant human subjects.
The ZR utilizes RED’s color science based on the R3D Raw codec, delivering over 15 stops of dynamic range and 7.5 stops of five-axis in-body image stabilization.
It captures video using Log3G10 and REDWideGamutRGB, aligning with the exposure standards and color accuracy characteristic of RED’s color science.
Image Credit – NikonUSA
Moreover, users can achieve color matching when using the ZR alongside RED cinema cameras. The camera features a dual base ISO of 800 and 6400 and can store up to ten custom LUTs.
The 4-inch LCD touchscreen display allows users to monitor three types of LUT data: 17-point, 33-point, and 65-point, with frame rates ranging from 23.97 to 59.94 fps.
Additionally, the ZR supports 32-bit float audio recording from built-in and external microphones, accessible through a 3.5mm microphone jack.
It also features Nokia’s OZO3 directional audio recording, offering up to five directional pickup patterns for maximum coverage.
A digital hot shoe on top enables two-way communication between the camera and compatible accessories, supporting features like a tally lamp or microphone LED control.
Image Credit – NikonUSA
Other notable features include a 4-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD, automatic camera-to-cloud transfer via Frame.io and Nikon’s NX Mobile Air app, a short 16mm flange focal distance for Z-mount lenses, and the ability to switch from shutter speed to shutter angle video recording (ranging from 5.6° to 360°).
The ZR retains still photography features found in other Nikon models, along with multiple camera status displays, adjustable histograms, waveforms, and zebra pattern colors.
The camera also has dual media card slots, including a Type B CFExpress slot and a microSD card slot for stills.
Image Credit – NikonUSA
Pricing and Availability:
The Nikon ZR will be available in late October 2025 at a suggested retail price of $2,199.95 (body only). Kit variations include:
- Body with the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 lens for $2,749.95
- Body with the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 lens for $2,849.95
- Body with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 lens for $2,499.95
In related Nikon/RED news, the company also announced the V-Raptor XE as part of the Z Cinema lineup.
This streamlined, compact large-format DSMC3 cinema camera will carry the Nikon name, retaining the same 8K image resolution and color science, along with a large format VV global shutter sensor and all the essential cinematic tools found on the V-Raptor X.
The V-Raptor XE will be available through RED Digital Cinema, Inc. and authorized RED dealers.
[source: Nikon]
Order Links:
- Nikon ZR Cinema Camera (B&H)
- Nikon ZR Cinema Camera with Nikkor 35mm f/1.4 Lens Kit (B&H)
- Nikon ZR Cinema Camera with Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 Lens Kit (B&H)
- Nikon ZR Cinema Camera with Nikkor 24-50mm f/4-6.3 Lens Kit (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR XE 8K VV Camera (B&H)
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