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 () and R3D NE files in a similar manner for example, by renaming files to 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 ( with battery and media) and measures × × . It has no electronic viewfinder, instead providing a fully articulating LCD touchscreen with 3.07million 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 7.5stops, 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.
Gallery
Update history FWVersion Release date Notes 1.00 2025-10-24 Initial firmware version 1.10 2026-01-27 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 1.11 2026-03-17 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 Nikon Z-mount RED Digital Cinema Nikon Z6III
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