Engineering:Nikon ZR

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Short description: 2025 full-frame compact cinema camera
Nikon ZR
Nikon ZR
+ Nikkor Z 24-70mm f/4 S
Overview
MakerNikon
TypeFull-frame digital cinema camera
Released24 October 2025;
4 months ago (2025-10-24)
Intro priceUS$2,199
JPY 299,200
(body only)
Lens
LensNikon Z-mount
Sensor/medium
Sensor typeCMOS
Sensor size35.9 × 23.9 mm (full frame)
Nikon FX format
Sensor makerSony Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation
Maximum resolution6,048 x 3,402 (24.5 effective megapixels)
Film speedNative range of ISO 100-51,200 (expandable to 204,800)
When recording R3D NE: dual native ISO of 800 and 6400
Recording medium1 × CFexpress Type B / XQD,
1 × microSD (UHS-I)
Shutter
ShutterElectronic
Shutter speeds900s – 1/16000s
Viewfinder
ViewfinderNone
Image processing
Image processorExpeed 7
General
LCD screen4.0-inch fully articulating LCD with 3.07M dots with touchscreen, 1000 nits brightness, DCI-P3 color space
BatteryEN-EL15c (backwards compatible with EN-EL15a/b batteries)
USB-PD rechargeable
Optional accessoriesME-D10 shotgun microphone
AV Port(s)
Data Port(s)Digital hotshoe
IEEE 802.11b/g/n/a/ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0 Low Energy
Body featuresIn-Body Image Stabilization
Dimensions134×80.5×49 mm (5.28×3.17×1.93 in)
WeightApprox. 540 g (body only)
Made inThailand

The Nikon ZR is a full-frame digital cinema camera announced by Nikon on 10 September 2025. It is the company’s first model co-developed with RED Digital Cinema, following Nikon’s acquisition of RED in 2024. The ZR is part of Nikon’s new Z-Cinema series and was released in late October 2025.[1][2]

When launched, Nikon used a two word marketing slogan: “Born Cinematic.”[3]

Development and announcement

The ZR was introduced as Nikon’s first dedicated cinema camera and the first to incorporate RED’s color science and codec technology. It is also the first camera to use the R3D NE codec, a variant of REDCODE RAW developed jointly by Nikon and RED that leverages intoPIX TicoRAW compression.[4][5][6] Because of this shared TicoRAW compression, some workflows treat N‑RAW (.NEV) and R3D NE files in a similar manner — for example, by renaming .NEV files to .R3D so that compatible software can decode them via the RED SDK.

Design and features

The ZR employs a 24.5-megapixel partially stacked full-frame CMOS sensor and the Expeed 7 image processor, both the same as the Nikon Z6III. It records internally in multiple formats including Nikon N-RAW, ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 HQ, H.265, H.264, and the new R3D NE codec.[7] Supported frame rates include 6K at 60p, 4K at 120p, and 1080p at 240p. Dynamic range is rated at more than 15 stops, with dual base ISOs of 800 and 6400.[8]

The camera body weighs 540 g (630 g with battery and media) and measures 133 × 80.5 × 48 mm. It has no electronic viewfinder, instead providing a fully articulating 4.0-inch LCD touchscreen with 3.07 million dots and brightness of 1,000 nits. The screen uses the DCI-P3 color space. The camera can apply 3D LUT files (.CUBE) for viewing footage on the screen while filming.[9]

Other features include a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system (IBIS) rated to 7.5 stops, electronic shutter only, a tally light, and 32-bit float audio recording with internal microphones using Nokia OZO processing. Connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, micro-HDMI, and a digital accessory shoe. Storage is provided via one CFexpress Type-B slot and one microSD (UHS-I) slot.[10]

For vloggers, the ZR includes the Product review mode autofocus setting.

Image processor

The ZR uses the EXPEED 7 image processor, which is also used in the Nikon Z9, Z8, Zf, Z6III, Z50II and Z5II.[11]

Lenses

The ZR uses the Nikon Z-mount, developed by Nikon for its mirrorless digital cameras.[12]

Nikon F-mount lenses can be used, with various degrees of compatibility, via the Nikon FTZ (F-to-Z) and FTZ II mount adapters.[12][13]

Market positioning

The ZR has been described as an entry-level cinema camera aimed at solo creators, small productions, and as a B-camera on RED sets. It has been noted as a competitor to the Sony FX3 and Canon EOS C70.[14][15]

  • Nikon ZR + Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ
    Nikon ZR + Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ

Update history

FW
Version 		Release date Notes
1.00 2025-10-24
  • Initial firmware version
1.10 2026-01-27[16]
  • Video
    • increased length of video session from 125 to 360 minutes
    • in R3D, a warning added for potential loss of highlight detail
    • added video file naming and options
    • Timecode for addition of LTC signal input
    • in Auto, R3D can be set as the Video file type
  • Controls
    • in g15, he maximum number of files displayed to import increased to 50
  • Displays
    • in Setup, added Power-on lamp energy saver
  • Network
    • For Nikon Imaging Cloud, some of the explanatory texts displayed when connecting were modified (the connection procedure remains unchanged).
  • Bug fixes
    • during USB streaming, corrected issue where audio noise sometimes occurred

See also

  • Nikon Z-mount
  • RED Digital Cinema
  • Nikon Z6III

References

  1. ↑ Imel, David (2025-09-10). "Nikon's first RED co-brand is the Nikon ZR" (in en-US). https://www.theverge.com/cameras/775373/nikons-first-red-co-brand-is-the-nikon-zr. 
  2. ↑ "Nikon's ZR is its first cinema camera co-designed with RED" (in en-US). 2025-09-10. https://www.engadget.com/cameras/nikons-zr-is-its-first-cinema-camera-co-designed-with-red-110022972.html. 
  3. ↑ "Nikon ZR". Nikon USA. https://www.nikonusa.com/p/zr/2006/overview. 
  4. ↑ "Nikon ZR hands-on review: a brilliant 'baby' Red cinema camera at a barely believable price" (in en). 2025-09-11. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/cameras/cinema-cameras/nikon-zr-review. 
  5. ↑ Bhati, Divya (2025-09-13). "Launched This Week: Samsung Galaxy F17, Nikon ZR and 4 more cool gadgets" (in en). https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/launched-this-week-samsung-galaxy-f17-nikon-zr-and-4-more-cool-gadgets-2786667-2025-09-13. 
  6. ↑ "REDCODE RAW in the Nikon ZR – RED Explains the Rena". https://www.slashcam.com/news/single/REDCODE-RAW-in-the-Nikon-ZR--RED-Explains-the-Rena-19614.html. 
  7. ↑ YMCinema (2025-09-10). "Nikon ZR: The First Nikon RED Camera with Internal R3D" (in en-US). https://ymcinema.com/2025/09/10/nikon-zr-red-r3d-cinema-camera/. 
  8. ↑ "NIKON ZR– the company's first digital cinema camera" (in en-US). 2025-09-09. https://www.newsshooter.com/2025/09/09/nikon-zr-the-companys-first-digital-cinema-camera/. 
  9. ↑ Han, Jakub (2025-09-10). "Nikon ZR Released – First Nikon RED Camera with Internal R3D, 6K60, 4K120, 32-bit Float Audio, and More" (in en-US). https://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-released-first-nikon-red-camera-with-internal-r3d-6k60-4k120-32-bit-float-audio-and-more/. 
  10. ↑ Prasad. "Nikon ZR cinema camera announced with RED RAW codec" (in en-US). https://www.gsmarena.com/nikon_zr_cinema_camera_announced_with_red_raw_codec-news-69465.php. 
  11. ↑ Hogan, Thom. "Nikon Announces the ZR, Their Bridge to Video". https://www.zsystemuser.com/nikon-z-system-news-and/nikon-announces-the-zr.html. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Nikon/RED ZR - Born Cinematic". https://www.nikonusa.com/p/zr/2006/overview. 
  13. ↑ Hogan, Thom. "FTZ Adapter Compatibility". https://www.zsystemuser.com/z-mount-lenses/z-mount-adapters/ftz-adapters/ftz-adapter-compatibility.html. 
  14. ↑ "Nikon Launches Its First Cinema Camera" (in en). 2025-09-10. https://www.tvtechnology.com/news/nikon-launches-its-first-cinema-camera. 
  15. ↑ Kahekashan (2025-09-13). "This Week in Tech: Samsung Galaxy F17, Nikon ZR, Canon EOS C50 and More Hit the Market" (in en). https://www.thehansindia.com/technology/tech-news/this-week-in-tech-samsung-galaxy-f17-nikon-zr-canon-eos-c50-and-more-hit-the-market-1006093. 
  16. ↑ "ZR Firmware 1.10". https://downloadcenter.nikonimglib.com/en/download/fw/582.html. 

Template:Nikon Z cameras



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