Here’s the new Nikon ZR camera — a slim, stylish, lightweight, Full Frame collaboration from Nikon and RED. The ZR records internal 6K REDCODE RAW and has an enormous rear display.

With the flip of a switch, the camera goes seamlessly from Video to Photo mode. Its partially stacked CMOS sensor may be familiar to users of Nikon’s Z6 III—but this is a lighter and even smaller camera for cinematographers craving internal R3D, N-RAW, ProRes RAW or ProRes recording.

Geoffrey Coalter, Strategic Communications & PR Manager at Nikon, explained:

“This is a new camera and result of the cooperative efforts of Nikon and RED together for filmmakers. It is a continuation of our Z CINEMA series, which began with equipping RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X cameras with the Nikon Z Mount.) This is the next step in that same effort. RED adopted the Nikon Z Mount, and now Nikon is adopting R3D. This camera has Nikon Autofocus, Nikon sensor technology and familiar Nikon menus, but it is transformed into the RED color science and their cinematic DNA by means of the R3D platform.

“This camera is for a user who aspires to get a KOMODO or V-RAPTOR one day. It is a great first step for your cinematography  journey to begin. If you’re a solo, emerging filmmaker, or a one person shop, this is great for you. This is a great “B” camera to accompany your main RED camera. Or for multiple cameras mounted on cars, for stunts, action, remote heads, gimbals, stabilizers, quadcopters…”

Fumiko Kawabata, Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc, said, “Our first Nikon camera developed with RED has the creative controls that filmmakers need, with features that have never been seen in this level of handheld cinema camera.  “The Nikon ZR will demonstrate Nikon’s commitment to advancing the tools available to video production professionals.”

The 24.5 Megapixel CMOS sensor is partially stacked. (A partially stacked sensor separates the pixel layer from portions of the processing circuits. This provides faster readout speeds, higher frame rates and quicker autofocus.)

R3D NE RAW

The new 12-bit R3D NE RAW codec will be familiar to users of REDCODE RAW. With 15+ stops of dynamic range, support for Log3G10 and the REDWideGamutRGB gamut, RED color science is employed to maintain exposure, contrast, colors and skin tones consistent with RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X.

LUTs

View Assist stores up to ten LUTs in-camera for previewing looks in real time on the camera’s monitor.

Cinematic Video Mode

Cinematic Video Mode is a quick preset for non-RAW formats. It sets the frame rate to 24 fps and the shutter angle to 180°—and applies RED Cine Bias Picture Control.

Internal recording formats:

• RED R3D NE 12-bit (R3D) — Preview in Log3G10 gamma curve with REDWideGamut color space.
• Nikon N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)
• ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV)
• ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit (MOV)
• H.265 / 10-bit / 8-bit
• H.264 / 8-bit

Details:

• Records to internal CFexpress B card and/or Micro SD card.
• Dual Base ISO 800 / 6400:  RED Log3G10, Nikon N-Log.
• Shutter angles: 5.6° to 360°
• 6K 6048 x 3402 up to 59.94p and UHD 3984 x 2240 119.88p.
• Nikon Z Mount: 16 mm flange focal depth, 55 mm inside diameter.
• Load up to 10 custom 3D LUTs for the onboard display.
• 15+ stops of dynamic range
• IBIS In-Body Image Stabilization.
• 9 Autofocus Subject Detection Modes: People (eyes, face, head, upper body), Birds, Dogs, Cats, Cars, Motorcycles, Bicycles, Trains and Airplanes)
• Programmable user buttons and menus.
• 4-inch 3.07 million dot, 1000 Nit articulating rear display — bigger than almost any camera this size. The touchscreen is fast and responsive and easy to use.
• Slim. No big battery bulge on the right side.
• Weather sealed.
• Remote control through the 3.5mm headphone port.
• 32-bit float audio.
• Digital hot shoe on top for accessory microphone input.
• Fanless design with enhanced thermal management.
• Weight: 1.19 lbs. (without battery and media)
• Size: 133 × 80.5 × 48.7 mm (LxWxD)

The Nikon ZR Cinema Camera is expected in October 2025 for $2,199.95 (US SRP, body only).