Nikon refers to the new Nikon ZR is a “cinema camera made for filmmakers.” The ultra-lightweight, full- frame camera is the latest in the Z Cinema series, and it’s designed for emerging cinematographers and high-end content producers.
The Nikon ZR can record up to 6K/60p (59.94p) and incorporates the new R3D NE1 RAW video file format with RED colour science based on RED’s popular R3D RAW codec, with 15+ stops of dynamic range. This new codec, Nikon explains, uses colour science and exposure standards of RED cameras to ensure accurate colour matching, even for multi-cam shoots.
It comes equipped with a massive four-inch DCI-P3 LCD that is bright enough to be used even in direct sunlight, and large enough to eliminate the need for an external monitor. It also has 32-bit float audio from built-in and external microphones, plus OZO directional audio. The ZR also has 7.5 stops of built-in image stabilization (IBIS) and the wide Nikon Z mount enables a large variety of lenses to be adapted using third-party lens adaptors.
The full-frame sensor affords excellent depth of field and video quality, says Nikon, and supports internal recording up to 12-bit RAW 6K/60p. This is the first camera to use the new 12-bit R3D NE RAW codec, a new RAW format which REDCODE RAW users will find familiar. By leveraging its broad 15+ stop dynamic range, it achieves well-balanced image quality from highlights to shadows.
Support for Log3G10 and the REDWideGamutRGB gamut reproduces exposure standards and colours consistent with RED colour science, with true RED colour tonality, skin tone integrity, and tonal roll-off. It’s similar to the output of RED’s cinema cameras such as the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X.
Two base ISO sensitivities are available, ISO 800 and ISO 6400, allowing you to choose the best option for a particular scene or situation, like bright daylight or lowlight interior scenes. However, just like REDCODE RAW, ISO in R3D NE files is fully adjustable in post. Shoot in N-RAW, ProRes RAW, and other formats to best suit the production and workflow.
The camera also features a new view assist function that allows you to store and select from up to 10 LUTs in the camera. This will let the filmmaker preview the effect of the colour grade in real time using the monitor. Three types of LUT data (17-point, 33-point, 65-point) can be loaded into the camera. RED’s Creative LUT Kit is available for free via the RED website.
A new Cinematic video mode is a user preset for those who want to easily enjoy the RED cinematic look with a faster workflow in less data-intensive non-RAW formats. Cinematic mode automatically adjusts the shutter angle to 180 degrees, changes the frame rate to 24 fps, and applies the RED Cine Bias Picture Control for cinematic colour. Nine RED-curated cinematic Picture Controls based on RED creative LUTs will be available for free download via Nikon Imaging Cloud.
The ZR can support 32-bit float audio recording with both built-in and external microphones, as well as through the 3.5 mm microphone jack. This enables the recording of clear, distortion-free sound from quiet to loud, without requiring on-location gain adjustment. It supports recording a wide range of sound sources, from interviews to live concerts, with maximum audio flexibility in post. The three high-performance mics built into the camera use Nokia’s OZO Audio technology. Filmmakers can choose from one of the five polar pickup patterns – [Front (Super directional)], [Front], [All directions], [Rear], and [Stereo (binaural)] – that best suit the situation, from interviews or product tutorials to immersive audio applications.
The ZR is also the first Nikon camera to feature a digital accessory shoe, which enables two-way digital communication between the camera and compatible accessories. This allows for advanced functionality like tally lamp and microphone LED control. Additionally, the camera can supply power directly to supported accessories, eliminating the need for separate batteries or cables. The newly designed rubber shoe cover provides dust and drip resistance as well. Going forward, Nikon will collaborate with third-party accessory manufacturers to offer various complementary products.
The EXPEED 7 image-processing engine, the same installed in Nikon’s flagship camera Z9, along with AI technology use deep learning to enable more accurate subject detection and tracking for optimal image processing in accordance with the subject, scene, and situation. This makes capturing the intended subject with greater accuracy easier, says Nikon.
The camera also detects nine types of subjects automatically, including people, animals, and vehicles. It can even detect small faces occupying as little as 3% of the long side of the frame for precise focusing on distant human subjects. You can adjust AF speed and sensitivity to suit your creative style, enabling a slow rack for cinematic effect or fast-paced focus for action.
The ZR uses a fanless design, with the entire camera body contributing to efficient heat dissipation and thermal management. This design decreases audible noise, enhances battery life, and increases durability. The ZR can shoot uninterrupted recording for up to approximately 125 minutes. Additionally, USB power delivery capability allows for long takes and worry-free shooting at events that require extended recording, like weddings, concerts, and interviews.
With a lightweight magnesium alloy chassis (it weighs just 1.19 lbs.), the ZR inherits the same rugged durability standards of Nikon’s Z6III, so it can confidently be used both indoors and out. The body is resistant to dust, sand and moisture, thanks to careful sealing at critical points like buttons, seams, and ports.
The controls on the ZR also reflect a new filmmaker-oriented UI, with familiar menus, a new quick menu for filmmakers, and customizable button placement made for a cinematographer’s most used features.
Additionally, the camera has a short 16mm flange focal distance (the shortest among full-frame cameras) offering greater flexibility in the lenses that can be used. The shutter angle can be adjusted from 5.6° to 360° for video recording. Shutter speed is also available. The brightness of the information display (histogram/waveform monitor size, transparency and position, and zebra pattern colour) can be changed. Enjoy features like automatic rotation of vertical video for social media content creation and a front tally light /rec lamp to let subjects know you are recording.
The Nikon ZR Cinema Camera will be available in late October 2025 for an MSRP of $2,999.95 for the body only.