Nikon has announced the ZR, its first cinema-dedicated camera and the inaugural product born from the integration of its technology with the expertise of Red Digital Cinema. Red is a U.S. company founded in 2005 by Jim Jannard (also founder of Oakley) that produces high-resolution professional digital cinema cameras, today regarded as a benchmark in filmmaking and high-quality production. Nikon acquired Red in 2024, and the collaboration has already resulted in new Red cameras with Z-mount and now in this strikingly polished and rapid debut.
Weighing just 554 grams, Nikon ZR delivers professional-grade video capabilities at an exceptional price point of €2,499, which significantly undercuts competitors in the same segment. Key technical highlights include 6K/60p internal recording, support for RED's new R3D NE codec with 15 stops of dynamic range, and a standout 4-inch touchscreen display with DCI-P3 color gamut coverage, allowing cinematographers to preview accurate colors without external monitors.
The camera features the same full-frame semi-stacked sensor as Nikon's Z6III, dual native ISO, and can record continuously for up to two hours without overheating thanks to its fanless, passive cooling system. The Z-mount lets filmmakers choose from a wide range of Nikkor Z lenses, but also lets them use their own thanks to a wide selection of adapters.
RED's influence is immediately apparent in the ZR's cinema-focused ergonomics and its color management capabilities. The American company's expertise has enabled Nikon to create what feels like a mature cinema tool rather than a modified photo camera, complete with professional 32-bit float internal audio recording.
This launch positions Nikon strategically in the growing cinema camera market, which analysts predict will expand significantly through 2032. More importantly, the RED partnership opens doors to a broader community of filmmakers and content creators, potentially expanding Nikon's influence beyond its traditional photography stronghold into the world of professional video production.