Nikon ZR is First Camera in Z Cinema Series That Combines Technology from RED

The first full-frame mirrorless camera in the Nikon Z CINEMA series, the ZR, combines Nikon’s expertise with the cinematic prowess of RED Digital Cinema, which they acquired in 2024.

Measuring 133 x 81 x 49mm and weighing in at 630g with battery and media, the ZR doesn’t have an electronic viewfinder or mechanical shutter. Two card slots—CFexpress Type B for high-bitrate RAW and microSD for proxies or LUTs—are located inside the battery compartment.

The ZR excels in video, shooting 6K at 60p or 4K at 120p using a new RAW format called R3D NE, created specifically for Nikon cameras. This format is based on RED’s acclaimed REDCODE RAW and includes the REDWideGamutRGB color space and Log3G10 gamma curve. You can adjust ISO and white balance in post-production without affecting quality, making the RED workflow more affordable. Dual native ISO (800 and 6400) and 15+ stop dynamic range means balanced video. For those who prefer simpler workflows, the ZR has H.264, H.265, N-RAW and ProRes RAW, but the latter is limited at higher frame rates.

Audio sets the ZR apart as a pioneer, with the world’s first 32-bit float audio recording for both built-in and external microphones. This means no clipping of sound levels, no need to adjust gain on the fly during recording. Whether you’re capturing whispers in an interview or the roar of a concert, the ZR’s three built-in microphones, powered by Nokia’s OZO Audio technology, have five pickup patterns—Front (Super Directional), Front, All Directions, Rear and Stereo (Binaural)—for versatile and high-quality sound. A new digital accessory shoe adds to this, allows two-way communication with compatible accessories like the ME-D10 shotgun microphone which draws power from the camera, so no extra cables or batteries needed.

A 4-inch, 3.07-million-dot touchscreen display is the star of the show with 1,000 nits of brightness and full DCI-P3 color gamut. 16:10 aspect ratio keeps histograms and zebras out of the frame so you can see the shot. This bright, responsive screen means you don’t need an external monitor, perfect for solo shooters or those who prioritize mobility. The user interface is familiar to Nikon users with a customizable “i Menu” for quick access to settings like frame rate and autofocus mode and a new shortcut for video assist tools like peaking and waveform monitors. Anamorphic de-squeeze and false color are not available at launch but Nikon’s history of robust firmware updates suggests they may come later.

Autofocus uses the EXPEED 7 processor and deep learning-based AI from the Z9 to detect subjects for people, animals and vehicles even when faces are only 3% of the frame. 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilization (IBIS) means handheld shots are smooth and adapted, non-electronic lenses with manual focal length input are supported. The ZR’s Nikon Z mount with 16mm flange focal distance (the shortest of any full-frame camera) opens up a world of lenses from vintage glass to PL-mount cinema lenses via adapters. With customizable focus gear settings this is a tool for filmmakers with multiple lens collections.

Heat management is another win with a fanless design that dissipates heat well, allowing for up to 125 minutes of 6K/60p recording with USB power delivery. This is great for long shoots like weddings or documentaries where overheating is a concern with other cameras. Integration with Frame.io Camera to Cloud via NX MobileAir makes post production a breeze by automatically transferring footage to the cloud and 17-, 33- and 65-point LUTs for real time color grading on the LCD.

For stills, the ZR has the same capabilities as the Z6III, 20 fps continuous shooting and all the advanced features like starscape photography presets. But no mechanical shutter may be a deal breaker for some photographers who need it for certain situations. The camera’s weather sealed body and tally lamp support via HDMI-CEC makes it a great tool for multi camera setups so it’s a strong contender for professional environments.

Priced at $2,199.95 and available October 20, 2025, the ZR is targeting two main audiences: aspiring filmmakers looking for an affordable high performance cinema camera and RED V-RAPTOR or KOMODO-X owners who need a compact B camera with matching color science.
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