Nikon ZR: Nikon Steps into Cinema with a Compact Powerhouse

Nikon has officially entered the cinema camera space with the launch of the Nikon ZR, a groundbreaking addition to the Z CINEMA series. Packed with internal 6K RAW recording, RED-curated colour workflows, and the world’s first 32-bit float audio recording, the ZR is designed to deliver uncompromising cinematic performance in the smallest possible body. At just 540g, the ZR is the lightest model in the Z CINEMA range and one of the most portable cinema cameras in its class. Built with a magnesium alloy frame that’s dust- and drip-resistant, this camera is engineered for reliability, whether you’re in the studio or out in the field.

A New Standard for Mobile Workstations

The Nikon ZR is proof that big cinematic power can come in small packages. Despite its compact form, it’s designed to replace bulky rigs while delivering industry-leading performance:

• Internal 6K RAW capture (R3D NE, N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ)
• 32-bit float in-camera audio recording with 3.5mm jack and OZO Audio support
• Dual Base ISO for flexible exposure control
• Direct Frame.io uploads via NX Mobile Air for seamless workflows
• Silent, uninterrupted 2+ hour recording thanks to advanced heat dissipation

Built-In Cinematic Control

Filmmakers will appreciate how the ZR places cinematic colour, monitoring, and motion tools right at their fingertips.

• Cinematic Video Mode standardises shutter angle, frame rate, and colour tone for consistent results.
• Nine RED-curated Imaging Recipes offer creative looks previewed in real time.
• Support for seven video formats, including 12-bit RAW, 6K/59.94p, and 4K/120p.
• Advanced monitoring tools such as waveform, histogram, zebras, and LUT previews (up to 65-point).
• A configurable shutter angle (5.6°–360°) for precise motion blur control.
• Deep-learning AF system with 273 points and subject detection across people, animals, vehicles, and even aircraft.

Key Specs at a Glance

This integration of RED’s R3D NE codec into a Nikon body is a first – bringing RED’s colour science to a new generation of compact cinema cameras.

– Codec: RED R3D NE
– RAW video: 6K/60p, N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ
– Dual Base ISO: 800/6400
– Dynamic range: 15+ stops
– Audio: 32-bit float, OZO Audio, 3.5mm input
– Slow motion: 10x FHD (239.76p), 4x 4K slow-mo
– Cloud: Frame.io integration
– Monitoring: Waveform, LUTs, histogram
– Stabilisation: 5-axis IBIS
– Build: Magnesium alloy, dust-and-drip resistant
– Weight: 540g

Nikon ZR: A New Era of Compact Cinema

With the ZR, Nikon is signalling a bold move into professional filmmaking – blending the portability of mirrorless systems with the workflows and image quality expected of cinema cameras. From indie productions and documentary shoots to live broadcasts and commercial sets, the ZR is built to adapt. For filmmakers, the arrival of the Nikon ZR marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Compact. Powerful. Cinematic. The future of Nikon cinema has arrived.