Nikon's ZR Cinema Camera Unveiled, Challenges Sony and Canon
Nikon has made a splash in the cinema world with the unveiling of the ZR, its first cinema camera capable of recording in R3D format. This innovative camera, a result of Nikon's acquisition of RED, is set to challenge established players like Sony and Canon.
The ZR boasts impressive specifications, including a full-frame sensor offering 12-bit RAW 6K at 59.94p and 4K at 119.88p, along with an astonishing 15+ stops of dynamic range. It's also the first camera to feature internal 32-bit float audio recording, ensuring distortion-free sound from whispers to concerts.
The camera's 16 mm flange focal distance opens up a world of lens possibilities, allowing nearly any lens on the market to be used. Nikon has designed the ZR with a cinema workflow in mind, featuring a bright 4.0-inch LCD, LUT preview, direct cloud upload via Frame.io integration, and a digital accessory shoe for future third-party tools.
Priced at $2,200, the Nikon ZR is set to be available from late October 2025. Nikon's quick execution in merging RED's core strengths into a Nikon-designed camera in less than two years signals its serious intent to become a leading player in the cinema camera market.
