The IT Nerd

Nikon Canada Inc. announced their first cinema camera made for filmmakers, the ZR. The ZR is an ultra-lightweight, full-frame camera that marks an audacious introduction to the Z Cinema series, a collection that invokes the best technologies and philosophies of both companies. Designed for emerging cinematographers and high-end content producers, the supremely capable Nikon ZR packs an unparalleled amount of professional video production features at a price that puts cinematic quality within reach for all types of filmmakers. 

The Nikon ZR is as versatile as it is powerful, with a multitude of original and class-leading capture and workflow features never seen before in this level of camera. The new Nikon ZR can record up to 6K/60p (59.94p) and incorporates the new R3D NE 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 uses colour science and exposure standards of RED cameras to ensure accurate colour matching, even for multi-cam shoots. The impressively huge 4 inch DCI-P3 LCD is nothing short of stunning, and bright enough to be used even in direct sunlight, while often eliminating the need for an external monitor. It also has class-leading audio capabilities such as 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 unlocks a whole new world of optical versatility, since the wide Nikon Z mount enables a large variety of lenses to be adapted using third-party lens adaptors.

Legendary RED Colour Science, Built-In

The new ZR features a full-frame sensor for excellent depth of field and video quality 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—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 users to choose the best option for a particular scene or situation such as bright daylight or lowlight interior scenes. However, just like REDCODE RAW, ISO in R3D NE files is fully adjustable in post for maximum flexibility.

Furthermore, users also have the option to shoot in N-RAW, ProRes RAW, and other formats to best suit their production and workflow. The camera also features a new view assist function which allows the user to store and select from up to ten 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 here. 

The ZR features a new Cinematic video mode, 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 gorgeous yet simple cinematic colour. What’s more, nine RED-curated cinematic Picture Controls based on RED creative LUTs will be available for free download via Nikon Imaging Cloud, expanding possibilities for more diverse imaging expression.

Incredible Audio: 32-Bit Float Audio Recording + OZO Audio Support for Built-In Mic

With uncompromising attention to audio capabilities, the ZR is the world’s first cinema camera to support 32-bit float audio recording with both built-in and external microphones, as well as through the 3.5 mm microphone jack. This unique ability 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 to realize cutting-edge audio recording. Filmmakers can choose from one of the five polar pickup patterns — [Front (Super directional)], [Front], [All directions], [Rear], and [Stereo (binaural)] — that best suits 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, allowing for advanced functionality such as 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 excellent dust and drip resistance, ensuring reliable performance in a variety of shooting environments. Going forward, Nikon will collaborate with third-party accessory manufacturers to offer a wide range of solutions that meet the diverse needs of filmmakers.

High-Performance Autofocus with Nikon’s Deep Learning-Based AI Technology

The impressive processing power of the EXPEED 7 image-processing engine installed in Nikon’s flagship camera Z9 and AI technology that utilizes deep learning enables 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 much easier, significantly expanding possibilities for film production. The camera also detects nine types of subjects automatically, including people, animals and vehicles. It even detects small faces occupying as little as 3 per cent of the long side of the frame for precise focusing on distant human subjects. Users can also adjust AF speed and sensitivity to suit their creative style, enabling a slow rack for cinematic effect or fast-paced focus for action. 

Designed to Thrive in any Production Environment

The ZR uses an innovative 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, such as weddings, concerts and interviews. 

With its magnesium alloy chassis, the ZR inherits the same rugged durability standards of Nikon’s Z6III. This means it’s designed to handle the pressures of professional production environments—indoors or out. The body is resistant to dust, sand and moisture, thanks to careful sealing at critical points like buttons, seams and ports. It’s a tool designed for real-world filmmaking—resilient under pressure and ready to shoot on location. The controls on the ZR also reflect a new filmmaker-oriented UI, with familiar menus, a new quick menu for filmmakers, as well as customizable button placement made for a cinematographer’s most used features. 

Additional Features of the Nikon ZR

• Super lightweight with small footprint at just 1.19 lb (body only).
• A short 16mm flange focal distance (the shortest among full-frame cameras) offers greater flexibility in the lenses that can be used, allowing filmmakers to make the most of their existing lens assets.
• 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.
• Automatic rotation of vertical video for social media content creation.
• A front tally light /rec lamp lets subjects know you are recording. Additionally, it receives tally control signals input via HDMI-CEC and displays the status of each camera when multiple cameras are used.
• A superior dust- and drip-resistant, durable construction expands shooting possibilities.
• Equipped with advanced still photography features inherited from the Z6III, as well as new features such as a preset for starscape photography and a new dehaze function. 
• Slow-motion presets: Instant access to 4K/119.88p and Full HD/239.76p cinematic motion, as well as user modes for 4x and 5x slow-motion. 
• It also supports Frame.io Camera to Cloud using NX MobileAir, automatically transferring video data directly to the cloud for a faster and more efficient post-shooting workflow.

RED Digital Cinema, Inc. Releases the V-RAPTOR XE

RED Digital Cinema, Inc., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to announce the release of the new V-RAPTOR XE digital cinema camera, which was released on September 9, 2025. The newest addition to its acclaimed Z CINEMA camera lineup, this streamlined version of the revolutionary V-RAPTOR [X], curates the essential tools for cinematic storytelling. Designed for independent creators who demand uncompromising image quality, the V-RAPTOR XE delivers large-format, cinema-grade features at a more accessible price point. The new camera retains RED’s industry-leading 8K large format (VV) global shutter sensor found in the V-RAPTOR [X] series, ensuring cinematic image fidelity, dynamic range, and low-light performance that filmmakers trust. Nikon and RED will meet a wide range of needs in film production with an extensive lineup of cinema-oriented products under the Z CINEMA series.

New ME-D10 Shotgun Microphone

The ME-D10 is a 32-bit float shotgun microphone compatible with the new digital accessory shoe developed for the ZR. It requires no battery or cable and has built-in shock mounts to minimize any interference. It offers two recording modes, PURE and FOCUS, which can be selected with a switch on the microphone. PURE mode features a wide dynamic range and a sound design true to the original source, allowing natural and accurate capture of raw audio, including the ambient atmosphere. FOCUS mode accurately captures the intended voice, even in noisy surroundings such as those outdoors, ensuring clear audio for product presentations and live streams.

Price and Availability

The new Nikon ZR Cinema Camera will be available in late October 2025 for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $2,999.95 for the body only. The ME-D10 shotgun microphone, also scheduled for release in late October, has a suggested retail price of $459.95.