Nikon has launched its first cinema camera developed in partnership with RED, the company it acquired last year. The new model is called the Nikon ZR, with the R standing for RED. This camera combines the strengths of both brands, integrating REDs renowned color science and video codecs with Nikons advanced autofocus and in-body stabilization technologies. It is positioned to compete with other popular creator-focused cameras like the Canon C50 and the Sony FX3, but at a significantly more affordable price point.
A key feature of the ZR is its imaging capability. It uses a partially stacked 24-megapixel sensor with a Dual Base ISO of 800 and 6400. This setup is designed to deliver over 15 stops of dynamic range, offering high sensitivity in low light and preserving detail in both shadows and highlights. While it does not shoot 7K like the Canon C50, it can output 12K RAW 6K video at 60 frames per second, or 4K video at 120 fps.
For video processing, the camera uses REDs new R3D NE internal RAW format, a lighter codec developed specifically for Nikon. It also supports a log format called Log3G10, which uses the same color science as REDs high-end cinema cameras, allowing for seamless matching in post-production. The ZR is also compatible with Nikons own N-RAW format, along with ProRes, ProRes RAW, and H.265. Users can load and monitor up to 10 of REDs Look-Up Tables (LUTs) simultaneously.
Audio is another strong point for the ZR. It includes 32-bit float internal audio recording and incorporates Nokia’s OZO surround sound technology through three built-in high-performance microphones. There are five selectable pickup patterns: front super directional, front, all directions, rear, and stereo binaural. This makes the camera suitable for a variety of recording scenarios, from interviews and vlogging to ASMR.
The camera is equipped with a sophisticated hybrid phase-detect autofocus system that includes subject tracking, a feature not typically found on RED cameras. This AI-driven system can track people by their eyes, head, and body, and can also follow animals and vehicles, with nine types of detection in total. It also includes five-axis in-body image stabilization providing 7.5 stops of shake reduction, a notable advantage over some competitors. Another useful feature is digital focus-breathing compensation.
The Nikon ZR does not have a viewfinder. Instead, it features a large, high-quality 4-inch 16:10 display. The screen boasts 1,000 nits of brightness, full DCI-P3 HDR color coverage, and a high resolution of 3,070,000 dots. Despite its small and lightweight body of just 540 grams (1.2 pounds), the camera is designed with effective heat dissipation, allowing for continuous 6K 60 fps RAW recording for up to 125 minutes at 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).
For connectivity, the camera includes a digital hotshoe and a 3.5mm input for audio, a USB-C port for charging, data transfer, and webcam streaming, and a headphone jack. A minor drawback is the use of a Micro HDMI port instead of a full-sized one.
The Nikon ZR is being offered at a very competitive price. The body-only version starts at 2,200 dollars, which is nearly half the cost of a Sony FX3 and 1,700 dollars less than the Canon C50. It is compatible with Nikon Z-mount lenses and, with an adapter, Nikon F-mount glass. Shipping is expected to begin on October 20, 2025. Nikon also introduced a new digital shotgun microphone, the ME-D10, priced at 339 dollars, which is designed to take full advantage of the camera’s 32-bit float audio recording.
