Nikon ZR Released – First Nikon RED Camera with Internal R3D, 6K60, 4K120, 32-bit Float Audio, and More

Nikon’s ZR full-frame mirrorless digicam presents inside uncooked video with R3D, Nikon RAW, or ProRes RAW codec as much as 6K60 or 4K120. The partially-stacked sensor has IBIS, and the digicam physique is compact with out EVF, however with a 4″ vari-angle touchscreen monitor. There’s inside 32-bit float audio, RED shade science, and a scorching shoe that accommodates an elective new ME-D10 microphone. The Nikon ZR will likely be transport in October for €2.349. Ensure to take a look at a hands-on article concerning the digicam from my colleague, Francesco.Since Nikon introduced the acquisition of RED digital cinema again in March 2024, we’ve got been ready for a correct consequence of this transfer – that means a brand new “cinema” digicam combining Nikon and RED know-how into one. Whereas Nikon, within the meantime, launched a couple of new Z cameras in addition to Z-mount variations of RED cameras, we needed to wait till as we speak to see the true fruit of the Nikon RED merger – the Nikon ZR. Let’s check out this little digicam, which guarantees to cater to the wants of recent filmmakers.Nikon ZR. Supply: Nikon / REDNikon ZR – 24.5MP, full-frame, IBISThe new Nikon ZR (Z-mount) sports activities a 24.5MP full-frame semi-stacked (or partially stacked) CMOS sensor, the identical discovered within the Nikon Z6 III. As the corporate places it, this sensor combines extensive dynamic vary and quick read-out speeds that successfully decrease rolling shutter distortion.The sensor encompasses a dual-base ISO of 800 and 6400 when taking pictures in Log3G10. In accordance with Nikon, this could present the best dynamic vary of 15+ stops. We’re, after all, trying ahead to placing this digicam via its paces in our CineD lab check and bringing you the outcomes quickly.Fortunately, the sensor options Nikon’s 5-axis in-body picture stabilisation (IBIS). Though the digicam is a ‘filmmakers-first’ device, additionally it is a succesful stills digicam. It solely consists of an digital shutter, nevertheless.On the subject of autofocus, there may be clever topic detection and monitoring, customized wide-area AF, and selectable AF speeds for repeatable focus transitions.Nikon ZR. Supply: Nikon / REDVideo options – R3D with RED shade scienceWhat is new right here is the interior R3D compressed uncooked video codec (right here known as R3D NE, which I suppose stands for “Nikon Version”) possibility. As Nikon places it, the digicam additionally employs RED shade science (4 inventive video modes and 9 customized RED presets).For added flexibility, the digicam presents all kinds of codecs:R3D NE (12-bit)N-RAW (12 bit)Apple ProRes RAW HQ (12 bit)Apple ProRes 422 HQ (10 bit)H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit)H.264/AVC (8 bit)Relating to accessible resolutions and framerates, the ZR presents the next choices:5.4K / 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p4K UHD / 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24pFHD/240p, 200p, 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p(RAW) 6K / 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p(RAW) 4K (4032×2268) / 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p(RAW) 4K (3984×2240) / 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p6K/60p, 50p, and 4K/120p, 100p are solely accessible in N-RAW and R3D NE.There are 4 completely different gamma curves accessible:On the subject of media, the Nikon ZR has a CFexpress Kind B slot and a microSD card slot. Nikon ZR additionally encompasses a focus-breathing compensation operate.Nikon ZR – vari-angle monitor, ports. Supply: Nikon / REDAudio – inside 32-bit float and elective hot-shoe microphoneAs a primary full-frame mirrorless/cinema digicam ever, the Nikon ZR presents inside 32-bit float audio recording. Merely put, this permits capturing sound with out worrying concerning the achieve and adjusting the degrees in submit with out clipping. Now we have seen this included in LUMIX cameras, as an example, however solely with the elective XLR unit connected. The ZR can do that internally.The digicam’s three inside mics provide a 72dB signal-to-noise ratio in addition to 5 completely different pickup patterns to select from. Moreover, there may be an adjustable audio enter sensitivity, OZO audio directivity, attenuator, frequency response, and wind noise discount capabilities. Exterior audio gadgets can be utilized by way of LINE enter.Nikon additionally launches a brand new ME-D10 digital shotgun mic. It’s suitable with the 32-bit float audio format and boasts a 77 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The cool factor is that it connects cable-free via the digicam’s scorching shoe.Nikon ZR. Supply: Nikon / REDCamera physique – very compact with a big vari-angle show, however no EVFLooking on the Nikon ZR digicam physique, it is vitally compact, measuring roughly 134 x 80.5 x 49mm (5.28 x 3.17 x 1.93 in) and weighing round 630g (1.39 lb) with battery and reminiscence card. The physique is absolutely weather-sealed, and Nikon claims it has a well-designed thermal administration system to dissipate warmth.Within the spirit of some common compact cinema cameras (such because the Sony FX3 or the brand new Canon C50), the Nikon ZR doesn’t have an EVF. As a substitute, the digicam has a 4” vari-angle touchscreen monitor. This covers the DCI-P3 color gamut and boasts a 16:10 show format. As much as 10 3D LUTs may be loaded into the digicam for viewing on the monitor whereas filming.Final however not least, by way of connectivity, the ZR has a USB Kind-C SuperSpeed connector. Sadly, there may be solely a Kind D HDMI connector for video out (microHDMI). For audio, there are separate stereo enter/output mini-pin jack connectors (3.5 mm diameter; plug-in energy and line enter supported).The ZR has a digital accent shoe and an adjunct terminal (can be utilized with MC-DC3 distant cords and different equipment).Nikon ZR – high buttons. Supply: Nikon / REDPrice and availabilityNikon ZR ought to begin transport on the finish of October 2025. The worth for the digicam (body-only) will likely be $2,196.95/€2.349. The package with the Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens will promote for €2.949. The digital shotgun microphone ME-D10 will likely be accessible for €299.What do you consider the brand new Nikon ZR? Is that this a superb begin to the Nikon-RED collaboration? Do you want working with the R3D codec? Tell us your ideas within the feedback part beneath the article.