On 10 September 2025, Nikon officially unveiled its first dedicated cinema-class camera: the Nikon ZR — the smallest full-frame model in the new “Z CINEMA” series, born from Nikon’s collaboration with RED Digital Cinema.

With the ZR, Nikon jumps into the world of professional filmmaking — delivering cinematic-grade performance in a body compact enough for creators on the move.

Key Features & Tech Highlights

• Sensor & Video Format: The ZR features a 24.5 MP full-frame CMOS sensor (35.9 × 23.9 mm) using Nikon’s Z-mount system.
• Cinema-grade Recording: Internal recording goes up to 6K at 60 fps using the new proprietary R3D NE RAW codec — based on RED’s acclaimed RAW format — and compatible with RED color science (REDWideGamutRGB, Log3G10, etc.), ensuring cinematic color fidelity and smooth grading.
• Dynamic Range & Sensitivity: Dual base ISO of 800 and 6400, along with a claimed 15+ stops dynamic range, gives filmmakers flexibility in both bright and low-light conditions.
• Audio Integration: The ZR is one of the first cinema-class interchangeable-lens cameras to offer 32-bit float internal audio recording, with built-in microphones or external mic input — an advantage for video creators that reduces reliance on external recorders.
• Display & Monitoring: A generous 4″ vari-angle touchscreen LCD (DCI-P3 gamut, bright enough for sunlight) serves as monitoring and control — useful for handheld shooting, vlogging, run-and-gun documentary work, and more, without always needing external monitors.
• Stabilization & Body: In-body image stabilization (IBIS), a compact and lightweight magnesium-alloy body (~ 540 g), dust and drip resistance, and a thoughtfully engineered thermo-management design — all designed for reliability on location shoots.
• Lens Compatibility & Flexibility: Using Nikon’s Z mount (and adapters for older F-mount or third-party lenses), the ZR offers filmmakers a broad lens ecosystem — from wide-angle primes to cine lenses — with full creative flexibility.
• Workflow & Pro Tools: Support for multiple professional video workflows and formats (RAW, N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, etc.), LUT previews (RED’s Creative LUTs), real-time monitoring (waveforms, zebras, histograms), and long recording times (up to ~125 minutes internally) make ZR viable both for video-first productions and hybrid photo/video creators.

Who Is the Nikon ZR For?

The Nikon ZR seems aimed squarely at filmmakers, content creators, indie producers, documentarians, or advanced hybrid shooters who want cinematic quality without a bulky cinema rig. Whether you’re shooting short films, documentaries, YouTube content, interviews or indie features — ZR promises cinema-ready images and sound in a relatively compact, easy-to-carry body.

For creators already invested in the Nikon ecosystem — Z mount lenses, Nikon accessories or third-party glass — the ZR offers a path to serious filmmaking without having to switch systems.