Since Nikon acquired RED again in 2024, videographers have been eagerly awaiting the primary digicam launch from the brand new partnership. Now Nikon has introduced the brand new Nikon ZR, the primary Z Cinema sequence digicam, and it doesn’t appear to be it is going to disappoint. With over 15 stops of dynamic vary, inner 6K RAW recording, 32-bit float audio and onboard stabilization, the ZR is a powerful debut for the Z Cinema line.
Full-frame sensor
The Nikon ZR encompasses a full-frame sensor with greater than 15 stops of dynamic vary and two base ISO sensitivities of 800 and 6,400. It’s powered by the identical EXPEED 7 image-processing engine that’s utilized in Nikon’s flagship Z9 mirrorless digicam. The ZR additionally makes use of AI know-how to ship high-performance autofocus with monitoring for 9 sorts of topics.
Additionally, the digicam’s built-in picture stabilization (IBIS) delivers an astonishing 7.5 stops of stabilization.
6K RAW video
Picture courtesy: Nikon
The Nikon ZR can file 12-bit RAW video in 6K at as much as 60 fps (59.94p). You may also use the digicam’s gradual movement presets to shoot 4K at 120 fps (119.88p) and Full HD at 240 fps (239.76p). The ZR is the primary digicam to make use of the brand new 12-bit R3D NE RAW codec. It additionally helps Log3G10 and the REDWideGamutRGB gamut to ship colours per RED shade science. Nikon says that the ZR’s shade tonality, pores and skin tone integrity and tonal roll-off are much like the output of RED’s V-RAPTOR and KOMODO-X. Moreover, you possibly can select to file in N-RAW or ProRes RAW if you happen to choose.
Cinematic video mode
The Nikon ZR encompasses a new view help operate you should utilize to retailer and choose from as much as ten LUTs. You should use 17-point, 33-point or 65-point LUTs in addition to RED’s free Inventive LUT Package.
The ZR additionally presents a brand new Cinematic video mode. It is a consumer preset that delivers the RED cinematic look with a sooner workflow in much less data-intensive non-RAW codecs. Cinematic mode robotically units the shutter angle to 180 levels and modifications the body charge to 24 fps. It additionally applies the RED Cine Bias Image Management for “attractive but easy cinematic shade.”
Picture courtesy: Nikon
32-bit float audio
Nikon says that the ZR is the world’s first cinema digicam to help 32-bit float audio recording with each built-in and exterior microphones. This implies you don’t have to fret about setting achieve ranges when taking pictures, no matter how loud or quiet your audio sources are.
The digicam options three high-performance built-in microphones. These use Nokia’s OZO Audio know-how, and you may select between 5 polar pickup patterns to fit your recording state of affairs.
Construct
The Nikon ZR makes use of an modern fanless design, with your complete digicam physique contributing to environment friendly warmth dissipation and thermal administration. Nikon says that you may file for over 2 hours in consequence. The ZR additionally has a four-inch DCI-P3 LCD display, which is brilliant sufficient for use in direct daylight. Regardless of its wealthy specification, the ZR has a magnesium alloy chassis and weighs just one.19 kilos (540 g).
As well as, the physique is proof against mud, sand and moisture, due to sealing at crucial factors like buttons, seams and ports.
Different options
The ZR is the primary Nikon digicam to sport a digital accent shoe. This allows two-way digital communication between the digicam and suitable equipment, eliminating the necessity for separate batteries or cables. The ZR additionally makes use of a brand new filmmaker-oriented consumer interface. To regulate publicity, you possibly can regulate the digicam’s shutter angle from 5.6° to 360° or choose to make use of shutter velocity if you happen to choose.
What we predict
The Nikon ZR is an awe-inspiring first launch for the Z Cinema digicam sequence. It delivers the RED Colour Science in a compact type issue together with a wealthy characteristic set. Inner 12-bit RAW will seize all the 15+ stops of dynamic vary from the complete body sensor. The 7.5 cease IBIS is also a recreation changer for run-and-gun video. On-board 32-bit audio is one other first that can delight solo shooters.
Additionally, the quick flange depth of the Nikon Z mount means that you may work with different model lenses utilizing third-party adaptors. With the brand new ZR, Nikon has laid down the gauntlet to Canon and Sony.
Pricing and availability
The brand new Nikon ZR Cinema Digicam will probably be out there in late October 2025 at $2,199 for the physique solely. It can even be out there in package type with quite a lot of lenses.
