Nikon, in its first major collaboration since acquiring RED Digital Cinema, has officially announced the Nikon ZR. The ZR features the same high-performance 24.5MP partially stacked sensor as the Nikon Z6III but places it in a new, video-first cinema body. The camera introduces a new RAW video codec with RED colour science and becomes the first in the industry to offer internal 32-bit float audio recording.
Key Specs
– Sensor: 24.5MP Full-Frame ‘Partially Stacked’ CMOS Sensor
– Mount: Nikon Z-mount
– Stabilisation: 7.5EV In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS)
– Video: Up to 6K 60p RAW
– Codec: R3D (NE) Raw video codec
– Display: Large 4.0-inch, 1000-nit touchscreen
– Storage: 1x CFexpress Type B, 1x microSD card slot
– Autofocus: Subject detection for people, animals, vehicles, and planes
– Audio: Internal 32-bit float recording
– Shutter: No mechanical shutter
The camera has a boxy, squarish design without a viewfinder and with a minimal grip, making it perfect for mounting on gimbals and in tight rigs. Dominating the back of the camera is a huge 4.0-inch, high-brightness touchscreen display. With a peak brightness of 1000 nits and support for the DCI-P3 colour space, it’s designed to give you a clear and accurate preview of your footage, even when shooting outdoors.
Bringing RED’s Color to Nikon
The biggest news for filmmakers is the inclusion of a new RAW video format called R3D (NE). This codec was developed with RED and uses their colour science and Log curve. This means footage from the ZR can be easily matched with video from high-end RED cinema cameras, making it an ideal B-camera for professional productions.
When shooting in R3D (NE), the ZR can capture up to 6K video at 60p. This mode also uses a Cine EI (Exposure Index) approach. Instead of baking the ISO into the footage, the camera records at one of its two base ISOs (800 or 6400) and saves your chosen ISO setting as metadata. This gives you much more flexibility to adjust the brightness and control noise in post-production.
The Nikon ZR is the world’s first mirrorless camera to feature internal 32-bit float audio recording. This revolutionary feature allows the camera to capture an incredibly wide range of sound, from the quietest whisper to the loudest noise, without distortion or “clipping.” Best of all, you don’t need to worry about perfectly setting your audio levels on set. This works with both the camera’s built-in microphone, which features Nokia’s OZO Audio technology, and with external mics plugged into the 3.5mm jack.
Key Video Features
– Powerful Autofocus: Using the same EXPEED 7 processor as Nikon’s flagship cameras, the ZR features advanced AI-based subject detection. It can accurately track people, animals, vehicles, and planes, ensuring your subject is always in sharp focus.
– Excellent Stabilisation: The camera includes 7.5 stops of in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), helping you get smooth, steady shots even when shooting handheld.
Digital Hotshoe: A new digital accessory shoe allows for a direct connection with new accessories, like the ME-D10 shotgun microphone. It provides power and a digital audio connection without any extra cables.
– Flexible Recording Options: Besides R3D (NE), the camera also records in Nikon’s N-RAW, Apple ProRes RAW, and standard formats like H.265 and ProRes 422.
While it lacks an active cooling fan like some rivals, its body is designed for efficient heat dissipation, allowing for continuous recording of up to 125 minutes. One minor drawback may be its use of a micro-HDMI port instead of a full-size one, which is less durable for frequent use with external monitors.
Overall, the Nikon ZR offers a powerful set of professional cinema features at a price point that is accessible to a wider range of filmmakers.
