Nikon has revealed the first camera to come out of its acquisition of pro cine camera maker RED. The Nikon ZR is a compact-bodied, full-frame cinema camera, in a similar vein to the Sony FX2/FX3 or Canon EOS C50. But it takes a slightly different tack, with the aim of being a standalone camera that can readily be used hand-held without any additional rig.

To this end, Nikon has fitted the camera with an unusually large 4in, 3.07m-dot screen, while enabling internal 6K 60p raw video recording, with the idea being that you won’t need to use an external monitor / recorder. It’s also promising high-quality directional audio through the use of Nokia OZO Audio technology, supported by internal 32-bit float audio recording. To round things off, the camera also includes 5-axis in-body image stabilisation.

Nikon has built the ZR using the same 24MP partially-stacked CMOS sensor as the Z6III. This supports 6K 60p RAW using the full sensor width, and 4K 120P RAW with a 1.5x (DX) crop. Full HD recording is available at 240fps.

Nikon ZR top controls
Top-plate controls are designed for video shooting. Image credit: Nikon

Raw video can be recorded in 12-bit colour via its R3D NE (‘Nikon Edition’) raw format, or 10-bit in N-RAW. When using R3D NE, the camera is claimed to deliver 15+ stops of dynamic range, and has a Dual Base ISO of 800 and 6400.

The ZR also incorporates RED’s colour science, including the Log3G10 curve for extended dynamic range and the REDWideGamutRGB colour space. Up to 10 LUTs can be uploaded to visualise colour output, while Cinematic Presets are available for those who require finished footage out-of-camera.

Nikon ZR back view
The back of the camera is dominated by the huge 4in touchscreen. Image credit: Nikon

Nikon is claiming continuous recording times of 125min on external power, or 95min from a single battery. A fanless heat dissipation pathway enables silent operation and weather-sealed construction. The ZR also employs the same proven autofocus system as in the Z6III, including subject detection for 9 different kinds of subject.

Another noteworthy new feature is a digital hot shoe that will allow wireless connection of compatible microphones. This is complemented by a new ME-D10 digital shotgun microphone, which is compatible with 32-bit float audio recording.

Nikon ME-D10 digital shotgun microphone
Nikon ME-D10 digital shotgun microphone. Image credit: Nikon

A couple of design decision are sure to give pause for thought, however. Firstly, the ZR doesn’t have a full-size HDMI connector, but employs the micro type instead. Secondly, it has dual card slots, but while the main one is CFexpress Type B, the secondary slot is microSD. Clearly, both choices have been made to keep the size as small as possible.

One thing that can’t be questioned, though, is the startlingly low price, with the Nikon set to cost just $2199 / £2199 body-only when it goes on sale at the end of October.

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From Nikon / RED:

NIKON | RED INTRODUCES ZR: THE ALL-IN-ONE Z CINEMA CAMERA

Nikon ZR with 24-70mm F4 lens
Nikon ZR with 24-70mm F4 lens. Image credit: Nikon

London, UK, 10th September 2025: Today, Nikon | RED extends the Z CINEMA line with the addition of the ZR full-frame cinema camera. Built for filmmakers and creators on the move, the ZR is the lightest all-in-one cinema camera around1 and punches well above its weight in cinematic power. Thanks to its 6K full-frame sensor, renowned RED colour science, large on-camera monitor, and internal 32-bit float audio, users shooting with the all-new ZR can nail stunning footage and clean sound without the need for external gear.

From carefully staged scenes to run-and-gun video footage, the ZR is the perfect tool for storytellers who want to elevate their video output. Up to 6K/60p in-camera recording and a full suite of professional video recording formats provide the flexibility to deliver for practically any platform or workflow. Standout features include an exclusive R3D NE codec, which brings renowned RED colour science to Nikon. Plus, the ZR boasts a Dual Base ISO of 800/6400 which maintains the sensor’s 15+ stop dynamic range for maximum detail in highlights and shadows.

For agile set-ups, the ZR’s 4-inch Vari-angle monitor is a huge asset. The large, bright display functions as an expansive control hub and it covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut for accurate on-set colour monitoring. Since the picture is only half the story, the ZR also makes its mark as the first camera in the world1 to offer internal 32-bit float audio recording. The dynamic range of 32-bit audio is so vast that levels won’t need to be monitored constantly during filming: sound can be captured freely, and the levels adjusted in post without clipping.

Other professional ZR features include full weather sealing and vast lens choice thanks to compatibility with Nikon and third-party lenses. In addition, the ZR offers extensive system expandability, and Nikon’s new ME-D10 digital shotgun mic covers rich directional audio capture in a wide range of recording environments.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager, Nikon Europe says: “Today, we’re raising the curtain on the first truly cinematic Nikon camera. Our collaboration with RED is bearing fruit, and the cinematic future looks bright!”

Summary of key features: ZR cinema camera

  • Up to 6K/60p in-camera recording: flexible frame rates and resolutions. From cinematic 24p to 240p extreme slow motion. From richly detailed 6K to crisp, compact 1080p.
  • Semi-stacked full-frame sensor: wide dynamic range and fast read-out speeds that effectively minimise rolling shutter distortion.
  • Renowned RED colour science: an exclusive R3D NE codec from RED allows immense freedom in post and enables ZR footage to be matched with video shot on a RED camera system.
  • Large, bright 4-inch Vari-angle touchscreen monitor: covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut and boasts a generous 16:10 display format. Functions are controlled with soft, quiet screen taps, and up to 10 3D LUTs can be loaded into the camera for viewing on the monitor while filming.
  • Dual Base ISO of 800/6400: when shooting in Log3G10. The sensor’s wide 15+ stop dynamic range is maintained at both base ISOs.
  • In-camera 32-bit float audio recording: capture sound freely using the camera’s internal mics, or a compatible external mic, and adjust the levels in post without clipping.
  • Cinematic video modes and custom RED Picture Controls: 4 creative video modes and 9 custom RED presets for content with a cinematic look and feel straight out of the camera.
  • Fast, intelligent AF: quick, accurate, reliable, and customisable. Intelligent subject detection and tracking, custom wide-area AF, and selectable AF speeds for smooth, repeatable focus transitions.
  • 5-axis in-body image stabilisation: Nikon’s sensor-shift Vibration Reduction keeps footage steady.
  • Focus-breathing compensation: for smoother, more natural-looking transitions.
  • Long recording times: an innovative body design efficiently and quietly dissipates heat.
  • Light, tough: the ZR weighs approx. 540 g (body only) and is fully weather sealed.
  • Z mount for flexibility in lens choice: attach any Nikkor Z lens, any Nikon F-mount lens, and a wide range of third-party lenses.
  • Expandable: Nikon and partner brand accessories make it possible to put the ZR at the heart of an extensive video rig.
  • New ME-D10 digital shotgun mic: compatible with the 32-bit float audio format and boasts a 77 dB signal-to-noise ratio for distortion-free sound.