Nikon ZR
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.
When launched, Nikon used a two word marketing slogan: “Born Cinematic.”
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.NEV files to.R3D so that compatible software can decode them via the RED SDK.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 and measures 133 × 80.5 × 48 mm. It has no electronic viewfinder, instead providing a fully articulating 4.0-inch 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 for viewing footage on the screen while filming.
Other features include a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system 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 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 and Z5II.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 and FTZ II mount adapters.