Nikon and RED have officially launched the ZR cinema camera, a powerful new addition to the Z CINEMA lineup. Announced globally on 10th September 2025, the Nikon | RED ZR is a game-changing all-in-one full-frame cinema camera aimed at filmmakers and content creators who demand cinematic quality in a lightweight, versatile package.
Touted as the lightest cinema camera in its class, the ZR delivers up to 6K/60p in-camera recording and is built around a semi-stacked full-frame sensor offering over 15 stops of dynamic range. It also features a Dual Base ISO of 800 and 6400, enabling it to handle a wide variety of lighting conditions without compromising image quality. The partnership with RED brings the exclusive R3D NE codec to the ZR, allowing for seamless integration with RED workflows and unmatched flexibility in post-production grading.
A standout addition is the camera’s large 4-inch Vari-angle monitor, which covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut and supports loading of up to 10 3D LUTs for on-set visualisation. This display, paired with advanced autofocus and in-body image stabilisation, empowers solo shooters and small crews with precision control and mobility.
However, the ZR’s innovation doesn’t stop with visuals. It is the world’s first cinema camera to include internal 32-bit float audio recording, eliminating the need for constant monitoring of sound levels during filming. Whether using the built-in microphones or Nikon’s new ME-D10 digital shotgun mic, users benefit from a vast dynamic range and distortion-free audio capture.
The ZR is also fully weather-sealed and weighs just 540g (body only), making it ideal for handheld shooting or drone work. Thanks to its native Z-mount, it’s compatible with a wide range of Nikon and third-party lenses, offering flexibility in any shooting environment. Expandability is another key asset, with Nikon and RED accessories available to build out a comprehensive rig for larger productions.
This collaborative effort marks Nikon’s first serious step into cinema territory. According to Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager at Nikon Europe, “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.”
With the Nikon | RED ZR, both companies aim to deliver cinematic production tools into the hands of a wider creator base—without sacrificing quality or usability.
Nikon ZR Specifications:
- Semi-stacked full-frame sensor with wide dynamic range
- Internal video up to 6K/60p; slow motion up to 240p
- Dual Base ISO: 800 and 6400
- RED’s R3D NE codec for colour grading flexibility
- In-camera 32-bit float audio recording
- 4-inch Vari-angle touchscreen, DCI-P3 coverage
- 5-axis in-body image stabilisation
- Focus breathing compensation
- Fast, intelligent autofocus with subject tracking
- Fully weather sealed, 540g body (without lens)
- Z mount compatible with Nikon and third-party lenses
- ME-D10 digital shotgun mic with 77 dB SNR
Nikon ZR Price and Availability:
The Nikon | RED ZR will be available from October 2025 with a recommended retail price of £2,199 in the UK and €2,449 in the Republic of Ireland. More information, including full specifications and accessory options, can be found on the official Nikon UK product page.
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