Nikon ZR, the primary progeny of the Nikon-RED acquisition, is out, with fairly a stir round it. The brand new digital camera appears to comply with no recognized patterns, becoming right into a field of its personal. The digital camera blends high-end cine options, by no means seen earlier than on this worth vary, with hybrid options trickling up from Nikon’s Z cameras. Because the market scrambles to determine the digital camera, its use-cases, workflows, and target market, we’ve been fortunate sufficient to get a first-hand impression from our personal Francesco Andreola
Francesco Andreola appears to be the proper candidate for this interview: He was a Nikon-RED person earlier than it was cool, working with a RED KOMODO-X on set alongside Nikon mirrorless our bodies, the Nikon Z6III being his present. You possibly can dive into his hands-on assessment right here, however the common gist suggests an extremely highly effective filmmaking software, jam-packed with options in a physique which will simply be a bit too compact, dictating some important compromises.
R3D within the palm of your hand. Picture credit score: CineD
Codecs and codecs: heavyweight and versatile
The Nikon ZR presents all kinds of codecs, together with light-weight H.264/H.265 in 8-bit and 10-bit, in addition to storage-devouring choices reminiscent of ProRes 422 HQ (at present solely HQ), and three RAW choices internally: R3D, N-RAW, and ProRes RAW HQ. These juicy codecs come at a price of space for storing (and worth), and received’t be the primary selection for everybody. Nevertheless, they supply a novel mix of footage high quality, compactness, and vlogging skills. As with many high-bitrate cameras as of late, the Nikon ZR depends on CFexpress Sort B media. These are pretty widespread, at the least within the high-end of the hybrid market, however aren’t low-cost. The digital camera has one slot for these and one other for a MicroSD card, which received’t present any backup recording potential as a result of pace restrict.
Nikon ZR with a Tascam XLR audio mixer hooked up. Picture credit score: CineD
Nikon ZR ergonomics: what works, what doesn’t
ZR debuts a new compact physique. Ergonomics and management factors are fairly restricted by compactness, however the fundamentals are there. Among the many most questionable design selections, we will undoubtedly depend the use of micro-HDMI, a observe virtually eradicated from each cine and hybrid cameras as of late; cramming the media and battery into a good house, simply blocked by tripod plates or rigs; lack of further mounting factors, like these on the Sony FX3 and associates, Canon EOS C50, and different cine compacts. In contrast to these two rivals, the Nikon ZR has no devoted audio deal with. Nevertheless, Tascam is making an on-camera mixer for it, and it appears as if Nikon can be beginning to produce smart-shoe equipment.
The 4″, high-res, 1000-nit vivid LCD is probably the digital camera’s greatest ergonomic function. Occupying most of its rear, it could typically render exterior displays fully out of date. Button structure can be good, offering all the mandatory controls at your fingertips with out being overwhelming. The digital camera’s grip could be very minimal. This will not assist with naked physique hand-held capturing, nevertheless it does make the digital camera tremendous compact. Rigs will quickly comply with, and this digital camera would most likely profit from them.
Are you able to truly see the Nikon ZR? Picture credit score: CineD
Interface tweaks that matter on set
The Nikon ZR carries some small however welcome quality-of-life updates: a brand new on-screen shortcut button aggregates key monitoring instruments reminiscent of peaking, zebras, and display screen brightness. As most of us might be requested to movie vertically typically, the video UI now auto-rotates for vertical capturing. For straightforward coloration alignment in RED units, ZR helps RED look integration, so you’ll be able to align with KOMODO-X on set utilizing shared LUTs.
Distinctive audio options. Picture credit score: CineD
32-bit float onboard
ZR data 32-bit float audio internally, with no additional equipment wanted. The ecosystem will nonetheless require a 32-bit float supply, but when there may be one, it can prevent the hustle of syncing. This potential is extraordinarily helpful for numerous capturing eventualities, particularly run-and-gun, documentary, weddings, and many others.
The large articulated screenNikon ZR. Picture credit score: CineD
Who’s the Nikon ZR for?
The Nikon ZR occupies a novel spot out there. Each a “Pocket RED” and a high-end vlogging digital camera. It will enable numerous audiences to make use of it, and the worth will put it in attain for a lot of. Francesco stated he would exchange his Z6 III with ZR for video-first work, retaining the choice to shoot stills casually, albeit at a small compromise within the stills sense. Having each the Nikon ZR and the Z-Mount RED KOMODO makes absolute sense. The ZR’s RAW choices, RED coloration integration, and shared media make it a extra pure B-cam than earlier Nikons or some other hybrid round.
The Z-Mount, whereas not plentiful with optics, holds a wild card up its sleeve. Attributable to its extraordinarily brief flange distance and large diameter, it’s the solely mount able to accepting tailored Sony E-Mount lenses. Paradoxically, a couple of decade in the past, Sony benefited enormously from the pattern of adapting Canon EF lenses to their digital camera, and now the tables have considerably turned.
Value and availability
The Nikon ZR, with all its REDness, is now accessible for preorders and competitively priced at $2200 / €2,118.05. A number of kits and equipment are additionally accessible.
Will you take into account the Nikon ZR as your subsequent cine digital camera? Or possibly your subsequent RAW-capable vlogging rig? Do you consider it’s prepared for prime time? Tell us within the feedback.
