Nikon ZR

Nikon ZR
Nikon ZR
+ Nikkor Z 24–70mm f/4 S
Overview
MakerNikon
TypeFull-frame digital cinema camera
Released24 October 2025;
11 months ago (2025-10-24)
Intro priceUS$2,199 / ¥299,200 (body only)
Lens
LensNikon Z-mount
Sensor/medium
Sensor typeCMOS
Sensor size35.9 mm × 23.9 mm (full frame)
Nikon FX format
Sensor makerSony Semiconductor Solutions Group
Maximum resolution6,048 × 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 medium
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
Battery
  • EN-EL15c (backwards compatible with EN-EL15a/b batteries)
  • USB-PD rechargeable
Optional accessoriesME-D10 shotgun microphone
AV ports
Data ports
Body featuresIn-Body Image Stabilization
Dimensions134 mm × 80.5 mm × 49 mm
(5.28 in × 3.17 in × 1.93 in)
WeightApprox. 540 g (1.19 lb) (body only)
Latest firmware1.11 / 17 March 2026; 6 months ago (17 March 2026)
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.

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. 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.

The name ZR comes from the combination of the “Z” from Nikon’s mirrorless brand name Z-system and the “R” from RED.

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. 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.

The camera body weighs 540 g (630 g with battery and media) and measures 133 mm × 80.5 mm × 48 mm. It has no electronic viewfinder, instead providing a fully articulating 4.0-inch (100 mm) 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.

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.

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, Z5II, and Z5IIC.

Lenses

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

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

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.

Update history

FW
Version		 Release date Notes
1.002025-10-24
  • Initial firmware version
1.102026-01-27
  • 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
1.112026-03-17
  • Bug fixes
    • Corrected touch issue when in Glove mode
    • Corrected shutter speed changing while High-frequency flicker reduction is set when returning to S or M

Marketing slogan

When the ZR was launched, Nikon used the following marketing slogans:

See also

References

  1. ↑ "ZR Firmware Version 1.11". Retrieved 19 March 2026.
  2. ↑ Imel, David (10 September 2025). "Nikon's first RED co-brand is the Nikon ZR". The Verge. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  3. ↑ "Nikon's ZR is its first cinema camera co-designed with RED". Engadget. 10 September 2025. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  4. ↑ Adam Waring (11 September 2025). "Nikon ZR hands-on review: a brilliant 'baby' Red cinema camera at a barely believable price". Digital Camera World. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  5. ↑ Bhati, Divya (13 September 2025). "Launched This Week: Samsung Galaxy F17, Nikon ZR and 4 more cool gadgets". India Today. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  6. ↑ "REDCODE RAW in the Nikon ZR – RED Explains the Rena". SlashCam. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
  7. ↑ "Nikon ZR Comprehensive Review – Nikon and RED RAW!". October 2025. Retrieved 26 September 2026.
  8. ↑ YMCinema (10 September 2025). "Nikon ZR: The First Nikon RED Camera with Internal R3D". Y.M.Cinema Magazine. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  9. ↑ "NIKON ZR– the company's first digital cinema camera". Newsshooter. 9 September 2025. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  10. ↑ Han, Jakub (10 September 2025). "Nikon ZR Released – First Nikon RED Camera with Internal R3D, 6K60, 4K120, 32-bit Float Audio, and More". CineD. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  11. ↑ Prasad. "Nikon ZR cinema camera announced with RED RAW codec". GSMArena.com. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  12. ↑ Hogan, Thom. "Nikon ZR Camera Review". Retrieved 30 September 2026.
  13. 1 2 "Nikon/RED ZR - Born Cinematic". NikonUSA. Retrieved 17 September 2025.
  14. ↑ Hogan, Thom. "FTZ Adapter Compatibility". ZSystemUser. Retrieved 14 September 2025.
  15. ↑ George Winslow (10 September 2025). "Nikon Launches Its First Cinema Camera". TV Tech. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  16. ↑ Kahekashan (13 September 2025). "This Week in Tech: Samsung Galaxy F17, Nikon ZR, Canon EOS C50 and More Hit the Market". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 13 September 2025.
  17. ↑ "ZR Firmware 1.10". nikonimglib.com. Retrieved 27 January 2026.
  18. ↑ "ZR Firmware 1.11". nikonimglib.com. Retrieved 22 March 2026.
  19. ↑ "Nikon ZR". Nikon USA. Retrieved 29 December 2025.