A new era of cinematic possibilities is coming our way with the introduction of Nikon's first cinema camera made for filmmakers, the new Nikon ZR! Developed in collaboration with RED, this ultra-lightweight, full-frame camera is a game-changer for the Z Cinema series, with a beautiful blend of the best technologies and philosophies of both companies. Thoughtfully created for emerging cinematographers and high-end content producers, the ZR can record up to 6K/60p (59.94p) and incorporates the new R3D NE1 RAW video file format with RED colour science based on RED’s popular R3D RAW codec, with 15+ stops of dynamic range. It also features an impressively huge 4 in. DCI-P3 LCD, class-leading audio capabilities such as 32-bit float audio from built-in and external microphones, plus OZO3 directional audio, 7.5 stops of built-in image stabilization (IBIS), unlocking a whole new world of optical versatility!
The new Nikon ZR features a full-frame sensor for excellent depth of field and video quality, supporting internal recording up to 12-bit RAW 6K/60p. It is the first camera to use the new 12-bit R3D NE RAW codec, a new RAW format which REDCODE RAW users will find familiar. By leveraging its broad 15+ stop dynamic range, it achieves well-balanced image quality from highlights to shadows. Support for Log3G10 and the REDWideGamutRGB gamut reproduces exposure standards and colours consistent with RED colour science, with true RED colour tonality, skin tone integrity and tonal roll-off. Two base ISO sensitivities are available, ISO 800 and ISO 64005, giving users the opportunity to choose the best option for a particular scene or situation, such as bright daylight or low-light interior scenes. However, just like REDCODE RAW, ISO in R3D NE files is fully adjustable in post for maximum flexibility. There is also the option to shoot in N-RAW, ProRes RAW, and other formats to best suit their production and workflow.
The ZR features a new view assist function as well as a new Cinematic video mode. The view assist function allows the user to store and select from up to ten LUTs in the camera, letting the filmmaker preview the effect of the colour grade in real time using the monitor. Three types of LUT data (17-point, 33-point, 65-point) can be loaded into the camera, and RED’s Creative LUT Kit is available for free via the RED website here. The Cinematic video mode is a user preset for those who want to easily enjoy the RED cinematic look with a faster workflow in less data-intensive non-RAW formats. Cinematic mode automatically adjusts the shutter angle to 180 degrees, changes the frame rate to 24 fps, and applies the RED Cine Bias Picture Control for gorgeous yet simple cinematic colour. This includes nine RED-curated cinematic Picture Controls based on RED creative LUTs, which will be available for free download via Nikon Imaging Cloud, expanding possibilities for more diverse imaging expression.
Exceptional audio is a must, and the ZR is the world’s first cinema camera to support 32-bit float audio recording with both built-in and external microphones, as well as through the 3.5mm microphone jack. This unique ability enables the recording of clear, distortion-free sound from quiet to loud, without requiring on-location gain adjustment, offering uncompromised versatility from interviews to live concerts, with maximum audio flexibility in post. There are three high-performance mics built into the camera that use Nokia’s OZO Audio technology, providing filmmakers the flexibility to choose from one of the five polar pickup patterns: [Front (Super directional)], [Front], [All directions], [Rear], and [Stereo (binaural)], for precise and thoughtful audio.Â
The ZR is also the first Nikon camera to feature a digital accessory shoe, which enables two-way digital communication between the camera and compatible accessories, allowing for advanced functionality such as tally lamp and microphone LED control. Further, the camera can supply power directly to supported accessories, eliminating the need for separate batteries or cables. The newly designed rubber shoe cover provides excellent dust and drip resistance, ensuring reliable performance in a variety of shooting environments.
At the heart of the Nikon ZR is an impressive EXPEED 7 image-processing engine and AI technology that utilizes deep learning, enabling more accurate subject detection and tracking for optimal image processing of the subject, scene and situation. The camera also detects nine types of subjects automatically, including people, animals and vehicles, making it easier than ever to capture the intended subject. It even detects small faces occupying as little as 3% of the long side of the frame for precise focusing on distant human subjects. Users can also adjust AF speed and sensitivity to suit their creative style, enabling a slow rack for cinematic effect or fast-paced focus for action.
To ensure efficient heat dissipation and thermal management, the ZR uses an innovative fanless design, which decreases audible noise, enhances battery life and increases durability. The ZR can shoot uninterrupted recording for up to approximately 125 minutes, plus with USB power delivery, users can shoot worry-free at events that require extended recording, such as weddings, concerts and interviews. The ZR's magnesium alloy chassis is ruggedly durable, designed to handle the pressures of professional production environments both inside and outdoors. The body is resistant to dust, sand and moisture, thanks to careful sealing at critical points like buttons, seams and ports. The controls on the ZR also reflect a new filmmaker-oriented UI, with familiar menus, a new quick menu for filmmakers, as well as customizable button placement made for each user’s most used features.
Additional Features of the Nikon ZR:
- Super lightweight with a small footprint at just 539.7 grams (1.19 lbs) (body only).
- A short 16mm flange focal distance (the shortest among full-frame cameras) offers greater flexibility in the lenses that can be used, allowing filmmakers to make the most of their existing lens assets.
- The shutter angle can be adjusted from 5.6° to 360° for video recording. Shutter speed is also available.
- The brightness of the information display (histogram/waveform monitor size, transparency and position, and zebra pattern colour) can be changed.
- Automatic rotation of vertical video for social media content creation.
- A front tally light/rec lamp lets subjects know you are recording. Additionally, it receives tally control signals input via HDMI-CEC11 and displays the status of each camera when multiple cameras are used.
- A superior dust- and drip-resistant, durable construction expands shooting possibilities.
- Equipped with advanced still photography features inherited from the Z6III, as well as new features such as a preset for starscape photography and a new dehaze function.
- Slow-motion presets: Instant access to 4K/119.88p and Full HD/239.76p cinematic motion, as well as user modes for 4x and 5x slow-mo.
- It also supports Frame.io Camera to Cloud using NX MobileAir, automatically transferring video data directly to the cloud for a faster and more efficient post-shooting workflow.
Click here for more information and to pre-order the Nikon ZR!
Curious what Dave and Evelyn thought of this impressive new camera? Check out their TCSTV Nikon ZR First Impressions below!
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Nikon ZR Body
