The Nikon ZR is gaining momentum and is now delivery. In our protection, this little digicam is following proper alongside. A lot has already been mentioned about it, however we wished to see whether or not it lives as much as the hype or falls in need of its shiny advertising and marketing guarantees. On this Nikon ZR evaluate, I’ll go over “image high quality” primarily based on my observations working with RED’s R3D recordsdata, in addition to normal usability, which is not any much less necessary when working within the discipline.
Earlier than I begin off: As a part of our Nikon ZR evaluate protection, Gunther, our colleague, already performed the Nikon ZR lab check right here, and final however not least, we approached Nikon with some questions we had concerning the implementation of the R3D recordsdata, and obtained some solutions to share with you guys!
The Nikon ZR digicam acquired our Better of Present award for IBC 2025, and so did the DZOFILM Vespid 2 lenses, so the logical factor for us was to convey them collectively and see how they carry out. Because of this I devoted a paragraph to those lenses, as I used them to movie the above mini-doc as a part of this Nikon ZR evaluate.
So, a variety of work forward – let’s dive proper in.
Prepared for work. Nikon ZR, SmallRig cage, DZOFILM Vespid 2, Kinefinity Eagle EVF. Credit score: CineD
Nikon ZR evaluate: the fundamentals
As of September 2025, with the introduction of the Nikon ZR, the corporate proudly presents the Z CINEMA collection. This new full-frame 6K digicam is the results of a synergy between RED and Nikon. As a fast reminder, again in March 2024, RED was acquired by Nikon, and the remaining is historical past.
The top: implementation of RED’s R3D NE RAW codec. Credit score: CineD
The top of this new launch is the implementation of RED’s R3D RAW codec (NE model), alongside Nikon’s personal N-RAW and Apple’s ProRes RAW. With out going into which RAW codec is carried out finest on this digicam, for the video above, I used R3D NE RAW recording, as I used to be very curious to see the outcomes.
Three forms of RAW recording. Quickly we’ll know which one is the most effective to make use of. Credit score: CineD
Past the spectacular variety of RAW video recording choices (three, to be precise), the ZR prides itself on being the primary digicam to function 32-bit float inside audio recording, a fanless cooling system to handle warmth, and a 4″ LCD display for monitoring. All are nice to have, however please learn on.
OK, we get it. The Nikon ZR is a CINEMA digicam producing CINEMATIC photos…
Supply: https://www.nikonusa.com/press-room/zr
Having reviewed cameras for years, I get tremendous agitated once I see corporations letting their advertising and marketing departments management the agenda of product releases. On this explicit case, it appears as if Nikon repackaged the (already succesful) Z6 III, eliminated the EVF, added a brand new RED RAW codec – claiming it to be massively completely different from the already established Nikon N-RAW – and, as talked about above, constructed a big LCD display subsequent to implementing inside 32-bit float audio recording. On prime of that, Nikon is promising 15+ stops of dynamic vary alongside “cinema high quality” (taken from the official publication: “designed for cinema, high-end productions, and creators”). We’ll contact on dynamic vary, latitude, and rolling shutter outcomes later this month in our lab check, however for now, seeing that of their official product internet web page the phrase “cinema” performs a serious function (“Z CINEMA collection”, “Cinema digicam”, “Cinematic”, “Cinematic mode”), it appears Nikon is emphasizing the ZR’s capabilities tailor-made for cinematic video manufacturing. So let me ask: what’s a “cinema digicam,” anyway?
Z CINEMA by Nikon with the assistance of RED. Credit score: CineD
“Born Cinematic” – defining what a cinema digicam is
I assume the best method to outline a cinema digicam is by seeing if professionals have adopted it for high-end cinema productions that find yourself on the large display. Since this digicam is totally new, we’ll have to attend and see if that occurs. As I’m neither taking pictures for cinema nor aiming for it, let me already say that there’s nothing “CINEMA” on this digicam that distinguishes it from different choices in the marketplace, so don’t count on to choose it up and change into an important DP, as there are not any shortcuts. Storytelling, lighting, lenses, filters, and digicam actions will all assist you obtain a sure look, and a digicam (any digicam) is simply one other software in serving to to take action. Some will do higher than others, however I’d admire it if Nikon might clarify the “born Cinematic” slogan extra clearly. In spite of everything, when speaking a few “cinema digicam,” some fundamental options like true 24p, open-gate, help for anamorphic lenses, full-size HDMI, and false colours (to call a couple of) are lacking from it and can absolutely be appreciated by professionals.
Transferring ahead, making an attempt to the touch the essence of this digicam, I’ll deal with three classes which can be necessary to me when working with any software within the discipline: image high quality, connectivity, and suppleness. On this Nikon ZR evaluate, let’s see how the digicam scores right here, maintaining in thoughts that it is a private commentary.
Working with Adobe Premiere Professional Beta. Credit score: CineD
Nikon ZR evaluate: Image High quality
For my part, the image high quality popping out of this digicam is attractive. Wanting on the photos I captured with this digicam on the ASUS ProArt 6K Show PA32QCV (evaluate right here) makes me really feel as if I did a great job in filming and treating the footage afterward… Saying this, there’s a minor situation I observed with movement cadence that’s arduous for me to elucidate, however even when filming in 25p (and maintaining shutter angle at 180°), the footage nonetheless seems to be “too easy.” Once I confirmed the footage to my colleagues on the workplace, I gave the impression to be the one one involved. Whether or not it’s simply my impression or not, we’ll doubtless hear extra as soon as the digicam is in wider circulation.
Gradual-motion at 4K/119.88p in DX crop mode is feasible even when recording in RAW. Credit score: CineD
Filming at excessive body charges yielded good outcomes: 4K at 119.88p, in DX cropped mode, upscaled to 6K on a 25p timeline regarded very good. It’s additionally value mentioning that the digicam gives a shutter angle possibility, which is a most popular technique for avoiding the necessity to modify shutter pace when altering body charges continually.
The SmallRig handgrip answer. Credit score: CineD
The twin base ISO possibility (800 and 6,400) ensures cleaner photos and fewer noise when filming in altering gentle circumstances.
To summarize, Imatest charts is one factor, however seeing the precise picture is one other. For now, I like what I see and hope our lab exams will help this commentary.
Skinny and never simple to carry. The digicam grip. Credit score: CineD
Nikon ZR evaluate: Connectivity
The Nikon ZR scores comparatively poorly on this class, principally as a result of the corporate determined to incorporate a micro HDMI connector, which is actually limiting.
Micro HDMI connector. Credit score: CineD
On prime of that, there are not any camera-body attachment factors à la Sony FX3, FX30, FX2, or Canon EOS C50. The last word answer is to have the digicam hooked up to a cage. This additionally solves the basic situation of the digicam grip being too skinny and never simple to carry. Fortunately, I had the brand new SmallRig/Nikon ZR cage with me (some design enhancements wanted, however in any other case a unbelievable cage), and my conclusion is: in case you are a video shooter, upon getting a cage hooked up to this digicam, you’ll by no means take it off.
The SmallRig cage for the Nikon ZR. The lock for the Micro HDMI may be very useful. Watch out to not lose the screw. Credit score: CineD
Talking of which, as a conventional shooter who wants an EVF for framing accurately and organising correct publicity, the cage proved elementary in serving to to safe and fix an exterior EVF (Kinefinity Eagle HDMI) to the digicam. Extra on this under.
Nikon Z has essentially the most versatile digicam mount answer on the market. Credit score: CineD
Nikon ZR evaluate: Flexibility
“Digicam flexibility” may be arduous to explain, however what I’m aiming for is to see “who works for whom,” me for the digicam, or the digicam for me. On this regard, the Nikon ZR gives first rate flexibility for a discipline digicam, although it’s not with out limits. Its compact design makes it simple to deal with for run-and-gun taking pictures, gimbal work, or handheld setups. (The digicam’s IBIS is fairly weak, and as I discussed above, a cage is required to stability it higher.) The menu system is intuitive, and customizable buttons, though restricted in quantity, permit fast entry to ceaselessly used settings.
Restricted in quantity – bodily buttons for quick settings entry. Credit score: CineD
Lens compatibility can also be sturdy because of the Z-mount, and whereas utilizing native lenses supplies glorious optical efficiency, Sony shooters (for instance) will discover it simple emigrate if wished, as “E” (lenses) to “Z” (digicam our bodies) adapters are broadly obtainable. In my case, I used the NiSI “PL” to “Z” adapter in order that I might use the DZOFILM Vespid 2 lenses and not using a hiccup.
The Zoom rocker was a “lifesaver” when working with guide focus lenses. Credit score: CineD
A function on this digicam that’s extraordinarily useful is the zoom rocker located on the highest right-hand facet. This actually speeds issues up once I’m checking focus whereas working with a PL lens.
Turning on immediately. Credit score: CineD
I additionally like that the digicam switches on immediately with the contact of a button. I’m glad to see it didn’t inherit the RED cameras’ boot-up time…
Additionally value mentioning are the recording codecs for this digicam. You may select between three RAW flavors, ProRes HQ, H.265 8-bit/10-bit, and H.264 in 8-bit… These H.265 compressed recording codecs are all 4:2:0 and never 4:2:2 as one may count on. In our lab check, we discovered that Noise Discount is working actually arduous when utilizing H.265, so we’re actually questioning the worth of utilizing it. Backside line, what’s clearly lacking is an efficient “midrange” codec for informal use, or, in different phrases, correct implementation of H.265. This alone makes the digicam much less versatile to work with. On a constructive notice, the “auto recording” of MP4 1080p proxy recordsdata when filming in RAW may be very useful for quick modifying or sharing your footage virtually immediately.
Total, the digicam handles a wide range of taking pictures eventualities nicely. Whereas it could not cowl each skilled cinema use case, it’s versatile sufficient for unbiased initiatives, documentary work, and private productions.
4” LCD Display screen and 32-bit float audio
The 4” LCD display and 32-bit float inside audio recording deserve their very own paragraph.
4” LCD display: This display is a particularly welcome improvement because it gives a straightforward “general” view of footage and menu choices. Some will argue that they will save the price of an exterior monitor by utilizing it. For me, being a conventional middle-aged cameraman, it didn’t suffice. On a vibrant day, make sure that to have the REC709 LUT possibility turned “on,” as in any other case, judging focus will nonetheless be difficult. Additionally, notice that connecting an exterior microphone or headphones restricts LCD tilting.
32-bit float inside audio recording. Credit score: CineD
32-bit float inside audio recording: Nikon did very nicely by being the primary digicam producer to implement such an possibility in a mirrorless digicam. Some will argue that Panasonic had already performed it, however that required an elective detachable XLR handgrip. This answer serves as a useful security web when filming with audio in thoughts, particularly for a one-man band run-and-gun state of affairs. Nonetheless, whereas wi-fi audio can report 32-bit float into the transmitters themselves, generally, it can’t transmit to the receiver in 32-bit float. The one exception I’m conscious of is the Hollyland LARX MAX 2 that may additionally ship 32-bit audio to the receiver related to the digicam. Nonetheless, the most effective answer stays recording in 32-bit float on the transmitter to take care of a correct backup recording and keep away from potential audio dropouts. Hopefully, future audio units will higher help this digicam function.
Enhancing .R3D NE recordsdata and our questions answered by Nikon
In some ways, the Nikon ZR is promoting an “phantasm.” Implementing the R3D NE RAW codec could make folks imagine their footage will look wonderful “out of the field.” Actuality is completely different, however let’s float. For these desirous to discover RED RAW recordsdata with out shopping for RED cameras, this digicam is an efficient entry level. If that is your first time working with R3D recordsdata, guarantee your pc is up to date, obtain REDCINE-X Professional (now with R3D NE help for Mac and Home windows), and the free-of-charge RED artistic LUT set from right here. Have the most recent DaVinci Resolve put in, or use the Adobe Premiere Beta model (presently required for .R3D NE recordsdata). When utilizing Premiere, there’s a small studying curve, reminiscent of the necessity to import the whole Nikon folder by way of the “media browser” fairly than particular person clips, however playback on my laptop computer has been easy.
Our questions answered by Nikon:
We approached Nikon to ask if N-RAW is an identical to RED NE as Adobe Premiere Professional (Beta) affiliate N-RAW recordsdata (.NEV) shade house as REDWideGamutRGB and the colour curve as Log 3G10, and their reply is as follows:
“We’re conscious that when opening N-RAW (.NEV recordsdata) with Adobe Premiere Professional (Beta), the recordsdata are interpreted utilizing the RED shade house. To handle this, Nikon will present a “log to log LUT” to transform from RED shade house Log3G10 to N-log for N-RAW recordsdata. This LUT is deliberate to be obtainable by the tip of October 2025″.
Adobe Premiere (Beta) figuring out .R3D recordsdata as “NIKON RAW”. Credit score: CineD
We additionally requested Nikon why FFmpeg is figuring out .R3D recordsdata as “NIKON RAW” and right here is Nikon’s reply:
“As RED has acknowledged, R3D NE recordsdata are processed with the IPP2 pipeline, similar to the RED Cinema Digicam. Even when the ISO values seem related, R3D NE recordsdata use superior RAW picture processing primarily based on RED’s strategy. For extra particulars, please see: https://help.pink.com/hc/en-us/articles/45719402183059-R3D-NE-and-the-Growth-of-REDCODE-RAW
Please additionally notice that “NIKON RAW” listed within the metadata of video recordsdata is a normal time period for RAW recordsdata offered by the Nikon Group.
FFmpeg Figuring out .R3D recordsdata as Nikon RAW
Nikon ZR evaluate – conclusion
At $2,197, this digicam is a good purchase. I actually just like the footage popping out of it when utilizing the R3D NE RAW recordsdata. Wanting forward, I can assume that many customers could also be effective paying for a firmware replace so as to add 24p and open-gate or anamorphic performance. Future digicam variations would profit from a physique higher suited to run-and-gun work. Lastly, should you personal a Nikon Z6 III, there may be little cause to change to a ZR. For customers coming from different manufacturers, it’s a legitimate and enticing possibility at this worth.
I simply want Nikon advertising and marketing would take a step again and be extra “right down to earth” in describing the digicam. Mentioning the phrase “CINEMA/CINEMATIC” 30 occasions in a brief press launch doesn’t do the product any justice. On the finish of the day, it’s a good digicam, however nothing out of the extraordinary.
DZOFILM Vespid 2 Prime lenses set of six. Credit score: CineD
Nikon ZR Lab Take a look at
In case you missed our total Nikon ZR Lab Take a look at article (which ought to be thought-about a part of our complete Nikon ZR evaluate), test it out right here, and watch the video under to achieve extra insights:
DZOFILM Vespid 2 lenses – hands-on evaluate
The DZOFILM Vespid Prime 2 collection is a full-frame cine prime lens set that consists of the next focal lengths: 18 mm, 24 mm, 35 mm, 50 mm, 85 mm, and 105 mm. Optical development and close-focus distances differ by focal size, starting from 0.25 m on the 18 mm lens to 0.9 m on the 105 mm lens. Every lens consists of guide iris management with roughly 65–68° rotation, a spotlight throw of about 300°, a 0.8 mod gear pitch, and an M77 entrance filter thread. All lenses function a relentless T1.9 aperture.
Right here on the workplace, when pointing the lenses at a decision chart, we will simply see that the optical design contributes to excessive decision, well-controlled chromatic aberration, and constant shade efficiency throughout focal lengths. The pure bokeh and 0 focus respiratory are additionally value mentioning, however maybe the factor that impresses me most is the general edge-to-edge sharpness. Actually, these are the most effective lenses that now we have examined on this worth vary for a really very long time. For example, listed below are some slides from the Vespid 2 35mm lens.
DZOFILM Vespid 2, 35mm absolutely open at T1.9. Credit score: CineDDZOFILM Vespid 2, 35mm at T4.0 Credit score: CineDDZOFILM Vespid 2, 35mm, very clear from chromatic aberration. Credit score: CineD
Itemizing the issues that really impressed me, let me begin by saying how compact but sturdy these lenses really feel. Then, on the mission shot above, the minimal focus distance was liberating. I’ve to confess {that a} thought crossed my thoughts to movie Johannes, the guitar builder, with anamorphic lenses, however figuring out how limiting these may be when short-distance close-up photographs are wanted, I opted for working with spherical lenses.
Cooke /i real-time communication protocol and 5-pin LEMO interface. Credit score: CineD
Two issues that I didn’t check are the Cooke /i real-time communication protocol and the built-in 5-pin LEMO interface that these lenses have. In a nutshell, with Cooke /i, communication by way of the PL mount transmitting metadata reminiscent of focal size, T-stop, and focus distance on to suitable cameras is feasible. Larger-end productions or VFX artists will certainly admire working with such lenses. Relating to the built-in 5-pin LEMO interface, it allows connectivity with wi-fi follow-focus programs and different skilled cine equipment. As a one-man band filming the above manufacturing, I didn’t use any of these options.
The NiSi PL-Z mount adapter. Credit score: CineD
It’s value noting that I used a NiSi PL-to-Z mount adapter to connect the Vespid 2 lenses to the Nikon ZR, and it labored very nicely.
The not-so-common 80mm entrance filter thread. Credit score: CineD
What may very well be improved?
It’s a bit unlucky that DZOFILM selected 80mm as a entrance filter measurement. This “non-standard” dimension made me spend a variety of time wanting by way of the whole assortment of Variable ND filters that now we have on the workplace. Significantly talking, sure, we’re speaking a few compact PL collection of lenses, and I assume that setting up these lenses with a 77mm entrance diameter was not attainable. But, it could have been appreciated to both have an answer from DZOFILM included within the lens package, or to make use of a extra widespread diameter like 82mm. Anyway, that is one thing to recollect if and whenever you resolve to work with these lenses.
The “danger” of filming at a workshop. Credit score: CineD
Vespid 2 conclusion
These lenses are extraordinarily sharp and clear, to the purpose that some customers won’t like them, as they exhibit no “traits,” very like the NiSi Athena (evaluate right here), however at a barely lower cost level. Personally, I very a lot favored what I noticed, but when I had been to work on an actual mission, I’d have positively used a 1/8 Black Promist filter (at the very least). All in all, these are an important, sturdy, and easy-to-use trendy set of lenses, priced at $1,199 for every focal size or $6,289 for the six-lens package.
Earlier than closing this lengthy Nikon ZR evaluate article, I wish to thank Johannes Auly and his staff for internet hosting me at his workshop. It was actually inspiring to see how an instrument that I like a lot involves life and is constructed. Extra about his work may be discovered right here.
Nikon ZR with a DZOFILM Vespid 2 50mm lens hooked up. Credit score: CineD
What do you concentrate on the brand new Nikon ZR digicam and our Nikon ZR evaluate? Have you ever had it in your fingers but? In that case, please be sort sufficient to share your impressions with us within the remark part under. Additionally, have you ever had an opportunity to work with or check the DZOFILM Vespid 2 lenses? I’m keen to listen to your impressions.
