Nikon is officially stepping into the world of cinema with the launch of its Z CINEMA series, featuring the debut product, the ZR full-frame movie camera. Weighing in at just 540g, this camera boasts a sleek design and incorporates RED Digital Cinema's color science technology. It supports in-camera 6K RAW recording and introduces a groundbreaking 32-bit floating-point audio recording capability. Priced at $2,199 (approximately HKD 17,152), it’s a bargain at $500 less than the company's Z6III model (about HKD 3,900).
The ZR features the same 24.5MP full-frame stacked sensor as the Z6III, but its body design has been fully optimized for video shooting. This camera ditches the built-in electronic viewfinder in favor of a 4-inch DCI-P3 LCD screen that boasts a brightness of 1,000 nits, ensuring clear visibility even in harsh sunlight. This enhancement significantly reduces the need for external monitors.
Its magnesium alloy body is built with dust and drip resistance, weighing in at just 540g, and with the battery and recording media, it’s about 630g—making it one of the lightest models in its class of cinema cameras. The camera features an efficient heat dissipation system, allowing for quiet recording that lasts over two hours without overheating, making it especially suitable for environments that require extended shooting.
The ZR model from Z CINEMA integrates RED Digital Cinema's color science technology, marking Nikon's first consumer-grade product since acquiring RED eighteen months ago. This camera supports the brand new R3D NE codec, capable of recording up to 6K/60p, 4K/120p, and Full HD/240p video, offering over 15 stops of dynamic range.
Users have the option to choose from nine imaging recipes curated by RED, allowing them to preview different style effects in real time. The ZR also supports seven video formats for recording, including professional formats such as 12-bit RAW, N-RAW, and ProRes RAW HQ, catering to a variety of post-production needs.
What's even more groundbreaking is that the ZR is equipped with the world's first native 32-bit floating-point recording feature. Whether you're using the built-in microphone or connecting an external recording device through the 3.5mm jack, it captures an incredibly wide dynamic range, preventing distortion. The integrated OZO Audio system offers five different recording modes to cater to various recording needs.
The ME-D10 gun-shaped recorder launched simultaneously features a battery-free design, connecting through a new digital accessory hot shoe. It offers two recording modes, PURE and FOCUS, making it suitable for various recording scenarios.
The ZR also comes with comprehensive HDMI and USB-C connectivity, supporting HDMI-CEC compatibility, allowing for the connection of up to six cameras for synchronized operation. Additionally, users can upload videos directly to the Frame.io cloud platform through the NX MobileAir software, further streamlining the post-production process.
The Z mount system not only supports a variety of native NIKKOR lenses but also allows the use of third-party lenses through adaptor rings. It boasts 273 autofocus points, covering 90% x 90%, and supports nine types of subject detection, including people, animals, vehicles, and aircraft.
Additionally, Nikon's subsidiary RED Digital Cinema has announced the launch of the V-RAPTOR XE digital cinema camera, a streamlined version of the V-RAPTOR X, priced at $14,995 (approximately HK$116,961). The V-RAPTOR XE features an 8K large-format global shutter sensor and boasts a dynamic range of over 17 stops, supporting recording in 8K/60p, 4K/120p, and 2K/240p. It comes in versions with Nikon Z and Canon RF mounts, weighing around 4 pounds, making it ideal for independent creators and commercial photographers.
With the launch of the ZR, Nikon is offering the latest insights and event previews for filmmakers and content creators. This marks a new chapter for Nikon in the professional filmmaking market, entering into competition with brands like Sony, Canon, and Blackmagic.
Industry experts analyze that ZR's pricing strategy is highly competitive, offering professional film features at prices significantly lower than its competitors, hoping to attract the attention of numerous independent creators and content production teams.
