Nikon has formally introduced the ZR, a groundbreaking release that represents the first collaborative camera project with RED, the prestigious cinema technology company that Nikon acquired in April of the previous year. This announcement not only signals Nikon’s intention to solidify its presence in the high-end filmmaking market but also embodies the merging of two distinct legacies: Nikon’s decades of photographic innovation and RED’s long-standing reputation for industry-leading digital cinema tools.
The ZR is designed to enhance and amplify the features Nikon has already been recognized for in recent years. At its foundation lies the well-established Z-mount system, renowned among creators for its versatility and capacity to support an expansive array of lenses, both native and adapted. Building upon this, the ZR offers advanced internal RAW video recording capabilities, enabling filmmakers to bypass many of the limitations imposed by compressed formats. Nikon’s respected approach to color science—valued by professionals for producing rich, natural, and gradable tones—has also been refined for this model. However, what truly distinguishes the ZR and elevates it specifically for demanding cinematographers is its native ability to capture RED’s proprietary R3D NE files. This format, well known throughout the professional market, allows for unparalleled flexibility in post-production. Key exposure parameters, such as ISO sensitivity and white balance, can be non-destructively modified after footage has been captured, granting editors and colorists an exceptional degree of creative control. This capability is one of the main reasons RED cameras defined modern digital cinema, and its inclusion ensures seamless integration when matching the ZR’s footage with existing RED-shot material.
Structurally, the new camera draws heavy inspiration from the Nikon Z6III, which made its debut just last year. The technological backbone remains similar: a partially stacked 24-megapixel full-frame sensor that balances resolution with speed, in conjunction with an In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) system rated for an impressive 7.5 stops of compensation, and a sensor dynamic range exceeding 15 stops—critical for handling both nuanced highlights and complex shadow detail in cinematic contexts. Yet, while retaining this advanced foundation, the ZR refines and reimagines the physical form. The unit has been meticulously engineered into a more compact chassis, measuring just 133 x 80.5 x 48.7 millimeters, ensuring portability without sacrificing performance. This more manageable form factor makes it particularly appealing for production environments that demand agility, such as handheld shooting, gimbal setups, or on-location documentary work.
Acknowledging the expanding needs of video-focused professionals, Nikon has further augmented the ZR’s usability with several specialized features. Chief among these is high-quality 32-bit float audio support, accessible via both the hot shoe and microphone input, which ensures robust sound capture with extraordinary dynamic headroom. Complementing these audio improvements is the addition of a large, highly responsive 4-inch articulating touchscreen. With a brightness rating of 1000 nits, the display remains visible even in direct sunlight—a critical enhancement for productions that operate outdoors or under unpredictable lighting conditions. This screen is engineered not only for monitoring but also for intuitive control over the camera’s expansive video toolset.
The Nikon ZR, which seamlessly integrates Nikon’s forward-thinking imaging technology with RED’s hallmark innovations in digital cinema, will be released to the public on October 20th at a retail price of $2,199. Its introduction underscores Nikon’s evolving strategy to position itself as a formidable player in the professional video domain, while simultaneously honoring the creative demands of filmmakers who require uncompromising image quality, flexibility, and efficiency in their storytelling workflows.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/cameras/775373/nikons-first-red-co-brand-is-the-nikon-zr
