Nikon has officially unveiled the Nikon ZR, its first full-frame digital cinema camera. Developed in collaboration with RED Digital Cinema, the ZR is designed to meet the evolving demands of modern filmmakers and content creators, delivering uncompromising image quality, advanced audio capabilities, and a compact form factor that fits seamlessly into any production workflow.
Key Features That Make the Nikon ZR Stand Out
Full-Frame Sensor with RED’s R3D NE Codec
The ZR captures stunning footage in 6K at 59.94p and 4K at 119.88p, all internally in 12-bit RAW using RED’s renowned R3D NE codec. This ensures cinematic colour depth and flexibility in post-production, without the need for external recorders.
32-Bit Float Audio Recording
In a first for cinema cameras, the ZR supports 32-bit float audio, with its internal microphone being powered by Nokia’s OZO Audio technology.
With five directional pickup patterns and support for both internal and external microphones, the ZR can capture pristine sound in any environment without having to worry about clipped audio or missed levels.
View Nikon ZR Pricing and Availability at Vistek
Compact, Fanless Design
Weighing just 540g, the ZR is the smallest model in Nikon’s new Z CINEMA series. Its fanless body ensures silent operation, making it ideal for interviews, narrative scenes, and shoots where audio clarity is paramount.
Brilliant 4-Inch DCI-P3 Touchscreen
The ZR features a 3.07M-dot display with 1000 nits brightness, offering accurate colour monitoring even in bright outdoor conditions.
It also supports LUT previews, shutter angle control, and vertical video orientation, catering to both traditional filmmakers and social-first content creators.
AI-Powered Autofocus and Workflow Tools
Thanks to its deep learning-based subject tracking, the ZR keeps your shots sharp and your workflow efficient.
And the built-in cloud transfer, metadata tagging, and LUT monitoring streamline post-production, will help you save time without sacrificing quality.
Expandability & Ecosystem
Nikon designed the ZR with modularity in mind, a must have feature for today’s digital content creators.
The digital accessory shoe allows for seamless integration with third-party gear, including cages, grips, and wireless transmitters, and it’s compatible with many 3rd-party accessories, making it easy to build out a professional rig without sacrificing portability.
Benefits for Video Content Creators and Filmmakers
The Nikon ZR is a creative tool built for agility and precision. Here’s a few reasons as to why it’s a game-changer:
- Professional-grade visuals in a portable body
- Flexible audio and video formats for diverse production needs
- Streamlined post-production with RAW workflows and cloud integration
Whether you’re shooting handheld in remote locations or building out a full rig for studio work, the ZR adapts to your style and scales with your ambition.
Additional Features of the Nikon ZR
- Super lightweight with small footprint at just 1.19 lb (body only).
- A short 16mm flange focal distance (the shortest among full-frame cameras) offers greater flexibility in the lenses that can be used, allowing filmmakers to make the most of their existing lens assets.
- The shutter angle can be adjusted from 5.6° to 360° for video recording. Shutter speed is also available.
- The brightness of the information display (histogram/waveform monitor size, transparency and position, and zebra pattern colour) can be changed.
- Automatic rotation of vertical video for social media content creation.
- A front tally light /rec lamp lets subjects know you are recording. Additionally, it receives tally control signals10 input via HDMI-CEC11 and displays the status of each camera when multiple cameras are used.
- A superior dust- and drip-resistant, durable construction expands shooting possibilities.
- Equipped with advanced still photography features inherited from the Z6III, as well as new features such as a preset for starscape photography and a new dehaze function.
- Slow-motion presets: Instant access to 4K/119.88p12 and Full HD/239.76p cinematic motion, as well as user modes for 4x and 5x slow-mo.
- 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.