Nikon and RED Unveil the ZR Cinema Camera
Key Points
- Nikon ZR is co‑designed with RED, merging RED’s color science with Nikon’s autofocus and stabilization.
- Features a 24‑MP partially stacked sensor with Dual Base ISO 800/6400 and over 15 stops of dynamic range.
- Records up to 12K RAW video; supports RED R3D NE, Log3G10, Nikon N‑RAW, ProRes, and H.265 formats.
- Hybrid AI‑driven autofocus tracks people, animals, and vehicles across nine types.
- Five‑axis in‑body stabilization provides up to 7.5 stops of shake reduction.
- 4‑inch, 1,000‑nit HDR touchscreen replaces a viewfinder.
- Built‑in 32‑bit float audio with three OZO microphones and five selectable pickup patterns.
- Body‑only price of $2,200, significantly lower than comparable Sony and Canon models.
- Shipping expected to start on October 20, 2025; compatible with Nikon Z and F lenses via adapter.
Nikon has introduced the ZR, its first cinema camera co‑designed with RED. The hybrid model blends RED’s color science and video codecs with Nikon’s advanced subject‑detect autofocus and five‑axis in‑body stabilization. Featuring a partially stacked 24‑megapixel sensor with Dual Base ISO 800/6400 and 15+ stops of dynamic range, the ZR can record up to 12K RAW video and supports multiple RAW and ProRes formats. Built‑in 32‑bit float audio, versatile mic patterns, and a high‑brightness 4‑inch display round out a feature set aimed at creators seeking high performance at a lower price point.
Design Collaboration and Positioning
Nikon announced the ZR, a cinema‑focused camera developed in partnership with RED, the company it acquired while acquiring its own video expertise. The naming hints at the collaboration, with the "R" representing RED. By merging RED’s renowned color science and video codec technology with Nikon’s expertise in subject‑detect autofocus and in‑body image stabilization, the ZR aims to occupy a niche between creator‑oriented models such as Canon’s C50 and Sony’s FX3, while offering a substantially lower price.
Imaging Engine and Performance
The ZR is built around a partially stacked 24‑megapixel sensor that delivers a Dual Base ISO of 800 and 6400, delivering more than 15 stops of dynamic range. This sensor architecture provides high low‑light sensitivity and preserves detail in both shadows and highlights. Video capabilities include up to 12K RAW recording, 6K video at 60 frames per second, and 4K at 120 frames per second. Internally, the camera uses RED’s new R3D NE RAW format and a Log3G10 profile that inherits RED’s color science. In addition to these formats, the ZR supports Nikon’s N‑RAW, Apple ProRes/ProRes RAW, and H.265, and it can load up to ten RED LUTs for monitoring.
Autofocus, Stabilization, and User‑Facing Features
The autofocus system combines hybrid phase‑detect sensors with AI‑driven subject tracking, covering people (eyes, head, and body), animals, vehicles and other categories across nine tracking types. Digital focus‑breathing compensation further refines focus performance for video work. Five‑axis in‑body image stabilization provides up to 7.5 stops of shake reduction, a notable advantage over competing models that lack this capability.
The camera’s rear display is a 4‑inch, 16:10 touchscreen offering 1,000 nits of brightness, full DCI‑P3 HDR coverage, and a resolution of 3,070K dots, designed to compensate for the absence of a viewfinder. The body weighs 540 grams (approximately 1.2 pounds) and incorporates efficient heat dissipation that permits continuous 6K 60‑fps RAW recording for up to 125 minutes at an ambient temperature of 25 °C (77 °F).
Audio, Connectivity, and Accessories
Audio capture is handled by a 32‑bit float internal recording engine and three built‑in microphones that employ Nokia’s OZO surround‑sound technology. Users can select from five pickup patterns: a super‑directional front mode, a standard front mode, an omnidirectional mode, a rear mode, and a binaural stereo mode, supporting a range of applications from interviews to ASMR.
Connectivity options include a digital hotshoe and a 3.5 mm audio input, a USB‑C port for charging, data transfer, webcam or streaming use, as well as a headphone jack. Video output is provided via a micro HDMI connector, described as small and less robust than standard HDMI ports.
Pricing, Availability, and Compatibility
The ZR is priced at $2,200 for the body only, positioning it at roughly half the cost of Sony’s FX3 and $1,700 less than Canon’s C50. Shipping is slated to begin on October 20, 2025. The camera accepts any Nikon Z‑mount lens and can also use Nikon F‑mount lenses with an adapter. In conjunction with the camera launch, Nikon introduced the ME‑D10 digital shotgun microphone, priced at $339 and fully compatible with the ZR’s audio capture system.