Nikon’s ZR full-frame mirrorless camera offers internal raw video with R3D, Nikon RAW, or ProRes RAW codec up to 6K60 or 4K120. The partially-stacked sensor has IBIS, and the camera body is compact without EVF, but with a 4″ vari-angle touchscreen monitor. There is internal 32-bit float audio, RED color science, and a hot shoe that accommodates an optional new ME-D10 microphone. The Nikon ZR will be shipping in October for €2.349. Make sure to check out a hands-on article about the camera from my colleague, Francesco.
Since Nikon announced the acquisition of RED digital cinema back in March 2024, we have been waiting for a proper outcome of this move – meaning a new “cinema” camera combining Nikon and RED technology into one. While Nikon, in the meantime, introduced a few new Z cameras as well as Z-mount versions of RED cameras, we had to wait until today to see the true fruit of the Nikon RED merger – the Nikon ZR. Let’s take a look at this little camera, which promises to cater to the needs of modern filmmakers.
Nikon ZR – 24.5MP, full-frame, IBIS
The new Nikon ZR (Z-mount) sports a 24.5MP full-frame semi-stacked (or partially stacked) CMOS sensor, the same found in the Nikon Z6 III. As the company puts it, this sensor combines wide dynamic range and fast read-out speeds that effectively minimize rolling shutter distortion.
The sensor features a dual-base ISO of 800 and 6400 when shooting in Log3G10. According to Nikon, this should provide the highest dynamic range of 15+ stops. We are, of course, looking forward to putting this camera through its paces in our CineD lab test and bringing you the results soon.
Thankfully, the sensor features Nikon’s 5-axis in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). Although the camera is a ‘filmmakers-first’ tool, it is also a capable stills camera. It only includes an electronic shutter, however.
When it comes to autofocus, there is intelligent subject detection and tracking, custom wide-area AF, and selectable AF speeds for repeatable focus transitions.
Video features – R3D with RED color science
What is new here is the internal R3D compressed raw video codec (here called R3D NE, which I suppose stands for “Nikon Edition”) option. As Nikon puts it, the camera also employs RED color science (4 creative video modes and nine custom RED presets).
For added flexibility, the camera offers a wide variety of codecs:
- R3D NE (12-bit)
- N-RAW (12 bit)
- Apple ProRes RAW HQ (12 bit)
- Apple ProRes 422 HQ (10 bit)
- H.265/HEVC (8 bit/10 bit)
- H.264/AVC (8 bit)
Regarding available resolutions and framerates, the ZR offers the following options:
- 5.4K / 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
- 4K UHD / 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
- FHD/240p, 200p, 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
- (RAW) 6K / 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
- (RAW) 4K (4032×2268) / 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
- (RAW) 4K (3984×2240) / 120p, 100p, 60p, 50p, 30p, 25p, 24p
6K/60p, 50p, and 4K/120p, 100p are only available in N-RAW and R3D NE.
There are four different gamma curves available:
When it comes to media, the Nikon ZR has a CFexpress Type B slot and a microSD card slot. Nikon ZR also features a focus-breathing compensation function.
Audio – internal 32-bit float and optional hot-shoe microphone
As a first full-frame mirrorless/cinema camera ever, the Nikon ZR offers internal 32-bit float audio recording. Simply put, this enables capturing sound without worrying about the gain and adjusting the levels in post without clipping. We have seen this included in LUMIX cameras, for instance, but only with the optional XLR unit attached. The ZR can do this internally.
The camera’s three internal mics offer a 72dB signal-to-noise ratio as well as five different pickup patterns to choose from. Furthermore, there is an adjustable audio input sensitivity, OZO audio directivity, attenuator, frequency response, and wind noise reduction functions. External audio devices can be used via LINE input.
Nikon also launches a new ME-D10 digital shotgun mic. It is compatible with the 32-bit float audio format and boasts a 77 dB signal-to-noise ratio. The cool thing is that it connects cable-free through the camera’s hot shoe.
Camera body – very compact with a large vari-angle display, but no EVF
Looking at the Nikon ZR camera body, it is very compact, measuring approximately 134 x 80.5 x 49mm (5.28 x 3.17 x 1.93 in) and weighing around 630g (1.39 lb) with battery and memory card. The body is fully weather-sealed, and Nikon claims it has a well-designed thermal management system to dissipate heat.
In the spirit of some popular compact cinema cameras (such as the Sony FX3 or the new Canon C50), the Nikon ZR does not have an EVF. Instead, the camera has a 4” vari-angle touchscreen monitor. This covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut and boasts a 16:10 display format. Up to 10 3D LUTs can be loaded into the camera for viewing on the monitor while filming.
Last but not least, in terms of connectivity, the ZR has a USB Type-C SuperSpeed connector. Unfortunately, there is only a Type D HDMI connector for video out (microHDMI). For audio, there are separate stereo input/output mini-pin jack connectors (3.5 mm diameter; plug-in power and line input supported).
The ZR has a digital accessory shoe and an accessory terminal (can be used with MC-DC3 remote cords and other accessories).
Price and availability
Nikon ZR should start shipping at the end of October 2025. The price for the camera (body-only) will be $2,196.95/€2.349. The kit with the Z 24-70mm f/4 S lens will sell for €2.949. The digital shotgun microphone ME-D10 will be available for €299.
What do you think about the new Nikon ZR? Is this a good start to the Nikon-RED collaboration? Do you like working with the R3D codec? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section underneath the article.
