Nikon ZR cinema camera announced with RED RAW codec

Nikon today announced its first cinema camera, the Nikon ZR. Made in collaboration with the Red, which was acquired last year, the ZR brings Red's codecs and color science to the Nikon Z series.

The Nikon ZR uses the same 24.5MP full-frame sensor and EXPEED 7 image processor from the Z6III with the company's Z Mount. This camera can do up to 6K/60p recording in the new 12-bit R3D NE RAW codec derived from Red cameras. There is support for Log3G10 and the REDWideGamutRGB gamut, which should ensure consistency with other REDCODE RAW cameras for color matching. Two base ISO sensitivities are available: ISO 800 and ISO 6400. The company claims that the camera is capable of 15+ stops of dynamic range.

Along with R3D NE RAW, the Nikon ZR can also record in Nikon's N-RAW as well as Apple's ProRes RAW. You can preview LUTs from within the camera so you can see how your footage would turn out. There is a also Cinematic video mode, which automatically sets the camera to the Red cinematic look with a color grade, 180-degree shutter angle, and 24p frame rate locked in a non-RAW format for those who want the Red camera look without putting in the work.

The Nikon ZR supports 32-bit float audio recording using built-in and external microphones. External microphones can be connected through the powered hotshoe or the 3.5mm microphone jack. The camera supports Nokia's OZO Audio technology, which lets the user pick from five polar pickup points, including Front (super directional), Front (all directions), Rear, and Stereo (binaural).

The Nikon ZR has a big 4-inch display with full DCI-P3 coverage and 1000 nits peak brightness. The display is also fully articulating.

In terms of connectivity, you get the aforementioned microphone as well as a headphone jack. However, there are no XLR inputs and the only video out is through a micro HDMI connector instead of a full-sized HDMI you'd expect on a cinema camera. Storage comes in the form of a CFExpress and, oddly enough, a microSD slot. There's also a USB 3.2 Type-C connector with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, but no Ethernet.

Other features include 7.5 stops of built-in image stabilization, people, animal, and vehicle detection autofocus, magnesium alloy chassis with weather sealing, front tally light, and automatic rotation for vertical video. The camera does not have a cooling fan and instead uses the entire body to dissipate heat.

The Nikon ZR will be available in October for a starting price of $2200. Additional kits will be available with different bundled lenses.

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