Nikon has unveiled the ZR a video-centric camera that marks the company’s first major product since acquiring Red Digital Cinema. Priced at $2,199 (Amazon/B&H/Adorama) and release date on October 20th, the ZR represents Nikon’s ambitious entry into the professional video market, undercutting competitors while offering compelling features that could democratize advanced filmmaking tools.
The ZR builds upon the foundation of Nikon’s Z6III, sharing the same 24.5MP “partially stacked” full-frame sensor but reimagining it in a completely different form factor. Gone is the traditional camera body with viewfinder and grip, replaced by a compact, boxy design optimized for gimbal mounting and professional video work. The most striking visual element is the massive 4-inch rear display with 3.07 million dots, featuring a video-friendly 16:10 aspect ratio and impressive 1000-nit peak brightness with P3 color gamut support for accurate color preview.
Key Features
- Bright, large display. Built-in 4-inch Vari-angle display with touch control
- 32-bit float audio. Wide dynamic range audio recording built-in.
- Easily integrated into RED post-production workflow. Footage shot in RED CODE RAW (R3D NE) unlocks the same space (REDWideGamutRGB) and Log curve (Log3G10) as RED cameras
- Custom in-camera LUT support. Load up to 10 LUTs into the Z and preview the look in real-time via the built-in monitor
- Dual base ISO. More options for base ISO sensitivity: 800/6400 for both Log3G10 and N-Log
- Built-in stabilization. Powerful built-in stabilization with any lens – up to 7.5 stops
At a Glance
- 24.5MP full-frame ‘partially Stacked’ CMOS sensor
- Nikon Z-mount
- 7.5EV IBIS
- Up to 6K 60p
- R3D (NE) Raw video codec
- 4″ 1000 nit display
- CFexpress Type B / microSD
- Autofocus subject detection for people, animals, vehicles and planes
- Internal 32-bit float
- No mechanical shutter
R3D Raw and Video Formats
The ZR introduces R3D (NE), a new Raw video codec developed in collaboration with Red. While not identical to Red’s traditional Redcode Raw, it’s designed for seamless integration with Red cinema camera footage, sharing the same log curve and color gamut. This compatibility allows filmmakers to use existing Red LUTs and cut footage from different camera systems together without color matching headaches.
The camera supports impressive recording specifications: 6K and DCI 4K at up to 60fps, and UHD 4K at 120fps in both R3D and Nikon’s existing N-Raw format. Currently, R3D footage requires processing through Red Cine X Pro software before importing into standard editing applications, though native editor support is planned.
A key innovation is the “Cine EI” approach borrowed from professional cinema cameras. Unlike traditional photography where ISO directly affects sensor gain, R3D mode locks the sensor to either its low (ISO 800) or high (ISO 6400) gain setting. ISO adjustments become metadata tags that inform post-production processing rather than altering the captured image, providing greater flexibility in color grading and exposure adjustment.
