The previously rumored Nikon Zr cinema camera is now officially announced – it combines Nikon and RED video technology, including RED colour science and in-camera R3D NE recording. This compact camera features a 24.5MP partially stacked full-frame sensor, capable of recording 6K 60p RAW and 4K 120p capture. It offers 12-bit RAW in-camera with R3D NE, N-RAW, and ProRes RAW options, along with myriad pro-video specifications, including the world’s first in-camera 32-bit float audio. Pre-orders are now open at:
The first Nikon Camera in the Z Cinema Series Combines Nikon’s Optical expertise and High-Performance AF with RED’s Color Science and Cinematic DNA
Melville, NY — Today, Nikon 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 NE1 RAW video file format with RED color science based on RED’s popular R3D RAW codec, with 15+ stops2 of dynamic range. This new codec uses color science and exposure standards of RED cameras to ensure accurate color matching, even for multi-cam shoots. The impressively huge 4 in. 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 OZO3 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 adaptors4.
“We aren’t holding anything back – our first Nikon camera developed with RED has all the creative controls that filmmakers need, with features that have never been seen in this level of handheld cinema camera,” said Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The Nikon ZR is the camera that will challenge the established video market and will demonstrate Nikon’s commitment to advancing the tools available to video production professionals.”
Legendary RED Color 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 colors consistent with RED color science, with true RED color 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 64005, allowing users to choose the best option for a particular scene or situation such as bright daylight or low-light 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 color grade in real time using the monitor. Three types of LUT data (17-point, 33-point, 65-point6) 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 color. 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 first7 cinema camera to support 32-bit float audio recording with both built-in and external microphones, as well as through the 3.5mm 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 patterns8 — [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% 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 minutes9. 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
RED Digital Cinema, Inc. Releases the V-RAPTOR XE
RED Digital Cinema, Inc., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to announce the release13 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 suggested retail price of $2,199.95* for the body only. Additional kit configurations include: the body with the NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 lens for $2,749.95*, with the NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.4 for $2,849.95*, or with the NIKKOR Z 24-50mm f/4-6.3 for $2,499.95*. The ME-D10 shotgun microphone, also scheduled for release in late October, has a suggested retail price of $339.95*.
[R3D NE] is equipped with a full-frame sensor and supports internal recording of 12-bit RAW 6K/59.94p and 4K/119.88p*1 video. Two base ISO sensitivities are available, ISO 800 and ISO 6400, allowing users to choose the best option for a particular scene or situation. By leveraging its broad 15+ stop dynamic range, it achieves well-balanced image quality from highlights to shadows. Support for Log3G10 and REDWideGamutRGB gamut reproduces exposure standards and colors consistent with RED color science. Similar color matching is also possible when the ZR is used alongside RED cinema cameras. The camera also features [Cinematic video] mode, a preset user setting, for those who want to easily enjoy the RED cinematic look. What’s more, nine RED-curated cinematic Imaging Recipes*2 will be available through Nikon Imaging Cloud, expanding possibilities for more diverse imaging expression.
*1Image area will be cropped to [DX] format (APS-C size).
*2Imaging Recipes must be downloaded from Nikon Imaging Cloud beforehand.
The built-in microphone supports the same 32-bit float audio recording as external microphones, enabling the recording of clear, distortion-free sound from quiet to loud, without requiring on-location volume adjustment. It supports recording of a wide range of sound sources, from interviews to live concerts. The three high-performance mics built into the camera use Nokia’s OZO Audio technology to realize cutting-edge audio recording. Choose one of the five pickup patterns*1 — [Front (Super directional)], [Front], [All directions], [Rear], and [Stereo (binaural)]*2 — that best suits the situation, from interviews and vlogging to immersive ASMR.
*1Available when recording with H.264 or H.265 at 59.94p or lower.
*2A stereo mode that more realistically reproduces the ambience of a shooting location when played back through headphones.
With approx. 3070k-dot resolution, 1000 cd/m2 brightness, and full DCI-P3 color space coverage, the display makes it easy to confirm accurate focus and ensures clear visibility even in bright surroundings. A 16:10 aspect ratio has been adopted, allowing key parameters to be displayed outside the live image, improving visibility of the entire frame, including its periphery. The large monitor also enables the use of a compact system that doesn’t require an external monitor.
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 enable more accurate subject detection and tracking for optimal image processing in accordance with the subject, scene, and situation. This makes it much easier to capture the special moment with greater accuracy, significantly expanding possibilities for film production. The camera also detects nine types of subjects automatically, including people, animals, and vehicles, with great accuracy. It even detects small faces occupying as little as 3% of the long side of the frame for precise focusing on distant human subjects. In addition, 5-axis image-sensor-shift vibration reduction reduces the effects of camera shake, even with hand-held video recording.
The entire camera body is designed for efficient heat dissipation. Uninterrupted recording for up to 125 min.*1 with USB power delivery allows for long takes and worry-free shooting at events that require extended recording, such as weddings, concerts, and interviews.
*1R3D NE 6K/59.94p: [Auto temperature cutout]: [High], at 25°C/77°F, using portable battery or other external power source.
The ZR supports LUT monitoring to the 4.0-inch LCD, which makes it easy to preview the effects of color grading. Three types of LUT data (17-point, 33-point, 65-point*1) can be loaded into the camera. 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.
*1With recording at video frame rates of 23.976p, 25p, 29.97p, 50p, and 59.94p.
For the first time* in a Nikon camera, a digital accessory shoe has been incorporated. This new accessory shoe 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 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 imaging professionals.
*Among full-frame digital cameras with interchangeable lenses available as of September 10, 2025.
*1Certain features may be unavailable when other brands lens adapters are used.
*2Supports Cerevo tally lamps.
*3Up to six cameras can be connected.
