Nikon | RED announced their ZR camera
Today, Nikon | RED extends the Z CINEMA line with the addition of the ZR full-frame cinema camera. Built for filmmakers and creators on the move, the ZR is the lightest all-in-one cinema camera around and punches well above its weight in cinematic power. Thanks to its 6K full-frame sensor, renowned RED colour science, large on-camera monitor, and internal 32-bit float audio, users shooting with the all-new ZR can nail stunning footage and clean sound without the need for external gear.
From carefully staged scenes to run-and-gun video footage, the ZR is the perfect tool for storytellers who want to elevate their video output. Up to 6K/60p in-camera recording and a full suite of professional video recording formats provide the flexibility to deliver for practically any platform or workflow. Standout features include an exclusive R3D NE codec, which brings renowned RED colour science to Nikon. Plus, the ZR boasts a Dual Base ISO of 800/6400, which maintains the sensor’s 15+ stop dynamic range for maximum detail in highlights and shadows.
For agile set-ups, the ZR’s 4-inch Vari-angle monitor is a huge asset. The large, bright display functions as an expansive control hub and it covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut for accurate on-set colour monitoring. Since the picture is only half the story, the ZR also makes its mark as the first camera in the world to offer internal 32-bit float audio recording. The dynamic range of 32-bit audio is so vast that levels won’t need to be monitored constantly during filming: sound can be captured freely, and the levels adjusted in post without clipping.
Other professional ZR features include full weather sealing and a vast lens choice thanks to compatibility with Nikon and third-party lenses. In addition, the ZR offers extensive system expandability, and Nikon’s new ME-D10 digital shotgun mic covers rich directional audio capture in a wide range of recording environments.
Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager, Nikon Europe says: “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!”
Summary of key features: ZR cinema camera
Up to 6K/60p in-camera recording: flexible frame rates and resolutions. From cinematic 24p to 240p extreme slow motion. From richly detailed 6K to crisp, compact 1080p.
Semi-stacked full-frame sensor: wide dynamic range and fast read-out speeds that effectively minimise rolling shutter distortion.
Renowned RED colour science: an exclusive R3D NE codec from RED allows immense freedom in post and enables ZR footage to be matched with video shot on a RED camera system.
Large, bright 4-inch Vari-angle touchscreen monitor: covers the DCI-P3 colour gamut and boasts a generous 16:10 display format. Functions are controlled with soft, quiet screen taps, and up to 10 3D LUTs can be loaded into the camera for viewing on the monitor while filming.
Dual Base ISO of 800/6400: when shooting in Log3G10. The sensor’s wide 15+ stop dynamic range is maintained at both base ISOs.
In-camera 32-bit float audio recording: capture sound freely using the camera’s internal mics, or a compatible external mic, and adjust the levels in post without clipping.
Cinematic video modes and custom RED Picture Controls: 4 creative video modes and 9 custom RED presets for content with a cinematic look and feel straight out of the camera.
Fast, intelligent AF: quick, accurate, reliable, and customisable. Intelligent subject detection and tracking, custom wide-area AF, and selectable AF speeds for smooth, repeatable focus transitions.
5-axis in-body image stabilisation: Nikon’s sensor-shift Vibration Reduction keeps footage steady.
Focus-breathing compensation: for smoother, more natural-looking transitions.
Long recording times: an innovative body design efficiently and quietly dissipates heat.
Light, tough: the ZR weighs approx. 540 g (body only) and is fully weather-sealed.
Z mount for flexibility in lens choice: attach any Nikkor Z lens, any Nikon F-mount lens, and a wide range of third-party lenses.
Expandable: Nikon and partner brand accessories make it possible to put the ZR at the heart of an extensive video rig. New ME-D10 digital shotgun mic: compatible with the 32-bit float audio format and boasts a 77 dB signal-to-noise ratio for distortion-free sound.
