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It's official! 🤯 https://x.com/Blackmagic_News/status/1965611991441252600

I like this camera. The problem is I like about twelve other ones as well. The indecision is saving me a fortune.

Nikon cornered themselves with nomenclatures in this one. They wanted to make a first RED semibranded product to buzz the market. But at the same time, they want a piece of the VERY profitable "creator camera" market (the Sony ZV-E10s sells a boatload). And got the Zr stucked in the middle. This is not a "cinema camera". Is a ZV-E1 competitor / step up ZV-E10 camera, compared it (and Nikon is promoting it) to the FXs is a mistake. If you see it as a top "creator camera" or a B-cam / crahs cam for REDs, it makes more more sense. And is an amazing value - if fact, for amateurs like me, it is one of the most interesting cameras of the year. I hate cameras without EVFs, but with a 4 inch display, for the first time it could be acceptable. It have a af joystick. It have internal 32 bit audio without adapters - amazing for shotguns use. It will make a lot of people to wet their feet on REDCODE (even a lesser version of it). Is small and light, great for gimbal work if needed. Compared to a ZV-E1 for $100 more, it trounces it completely. And we have to see how is the overheating issues, but it could yes be used (albeit with compromises) in pro shooting. And if Nikon makes a hybrid camera with this form factor, they would get a new customer instantly.

I think this is a really compelling camera, especially for the price, BUT the card slot on the bottom, lack of active cooling, and no back up recording is really disappointing. The screen is very cool, though. I really hope more cameras come with larger, brighter screens like this. If I was choosing between the C50 and the ZR I think I'd go with the ZR on price alone, but also because of IBIS. Overall though, I'm pretty content with my Lumix S5IIX and two S5s set up. None of these releases have made me feel like I'm missing out.

Raw controls, at least for my Ronin 4D 8K are pretty basic compared with some other editors, but the most important stuff is there. I'd like to see black and white point adjustments in the raw tab, but there are other tools that can be used in a node to accomplish similar things. Highlight recovery would be nice too. Maybe more advanced controls will come in subsequent versions.

I don't know, I think you answered your own questions... bigger LCD, internal Raw (multiple Raw formats... and ProRes HQ) ... those alone are worth the price increase. When you add internal 32bit float audio (a real game changer) ... as far as tools, I have a feeling some of Red's exposure tools may be implemented... I've heard a lot of folks refer to the stop light as being a really cool one? Listen, I get it. I like Panasonic too. I still really enjoy my GH6 (with LogC) and will probably keep it. Am going to test the pixel:pixel mode today with some old Cosmicar c-mounts, but not every thread, or new camera release, has to be an affront, or comparison, to Panasonic. That said, this idea of Raw video, r3D or otherwise, is NOT for most video shooters and probably unnecessary for most YouTubers and people who frequent this site. The storage requirements are insane. Someone upthread said that you get 28 minutes of footage on a 320GB CFExpress card... I assume that's 6K, so I'll do a little better with 4K but that's still a lot of media and storage needed. But if you look at the camera for what it is... a powerful, entry level, Raw video camera, then even with its quirks, it's an epic release.

That's about the gist of it. But I'd add that the heavier body is also, from what it seems, a more robust body. Also, less rolling shutter, shutter angle setting, 2 hours vs 30 minutes recording, uncropped 4kp60, much higher resolution on the lcd, headphone port, environmental sealing, and CF express. Also, ability to get an adapter and use Sony lenses for people who have invested in them. On the other hand, S9 can do 3:2 recording if that's a selling point for you. And aside from being lighter, it's noticeably smaller in side-by-size pictures. I'd also add that at least a nubbin of a hand grip is preferable to a completely rounded body for a camera that I'd intend to shoot mostly handheld (making the ZR preferable)

I was exactly the same watching the CVP review. And then right at the end they showed some Z8 clips. The one I’m least arsed about is the HDMI port as no matter the size they can all snap off if you hit them. Theres an argument to say the Micro version is preferable because it’s a smaller target 😂

This is the most exciting cinema camera I've seen since the 5D3 got cDNG RAW with Magic Lantern. Not a fan of Z mount but the camera specs make it irrelevant. I may even buy into their lens ecosystem now. Hopefully Sigma starts making FF natives for their system. Anyway. Instant buy. It's amazing, cuz I never thought I'd own a RED. Nikon buyout is the best thing ever. Edit: Note to self, buy Megadap ETZ21 Pro+ and Sigma 28-45mm f/1.8 in Sony E.

Keep in mind that most, if not all of the actual Red cameras from Red don't support redundancy recording. I don't think I ever saw an older one with more than a single Red mag slot. Komodo has a single CFast card. Komodo-X has a single CF Express card. I'm not sure about V-Raptor. As far as open gate, yes, Reds do this, but their sensors are 17:9 so open gate matches that. If they support 3:2 recording, it's by cropping the left and right edges of the frame. I'm not sure if all of their sensors are 17:9, but again, every one that I've seen has been.

Well, Nikon have come a long way in 10 years since the D750 at least. R3D, a proper screen, 32bit float, IBIS all very welcome as you say. But Nikon should have made a much bigger splash with the first Cinema Z camera. It should have been a cutting edge flagship at a really aggressive price. Instead they have gone with what is practically a point & shoot camera. It fits the philosophy of the "DSLR video revolution" though doesn't it? Cheap (by today's norm), small, light, cinematic image quality, great codec and hybrid photo/video features. Micro SD and HDMI is idiotic though.

I feel like this is a supercharged version of Sigma Fp

Off topic, but nice image.

Official announcement: https://www.nikon.com/company/news/2025/0910_imaging_01.html Redcode NE?

They mention it at 1:06:21 - below is linked to timestamp: I must admit that if BM camera supports it then it's a step towards it being supported in Resolve. It's not currently listed on the BM website, but that makes sense as (IIRC) no iPhone can record it yet: I'll be ordering a new phone and my GH7 already records Prores RAW internally, so I'll be in a strange place where both my main cameras support internal Prores RAW but my NLE doesn't! 😆 😆 😆

People here would have dreamed about this camera just two years ago. People were crying for 10 bit and log like 5 years ago, and some people filmed movies with the Gh2 or Canon 5D. I am not saying this camera doesn't have flaws. But saying this is a camera for content creation when you have multiple Raw formats, and one color science that was only available to cameras costing 7k, but more precisely 10 k when you add the accessories in the apsc red komodo, and about 15-20k in full frame. In fact you can film a movie with this. I am sad it did not happen 10-20 years ago, or I was not 10-20 years younger, thinking about this I prefer the later... Oh shit, looking how the world is going, I prefer the former. LOL

I have been interested in Nikon for so long. My favorite lenses are vintage Nikkors, one of my favorite cameras was the D5500 and the Z9 and Z8 look like fantastic hybrid cameras but waaaay beyond my budget as a hobbyist narrative filmmaker. The Z6iii got me close and the Z5ii even closer... the ZR... I think I may be sold. And Cam Mackey doesn't love it... so... LOL. Just kidding Cam if you read this site.

That’s the end of an era right there. I’ll have to part ex my S5ii and some lenses to get the Z8 like I should’ve done two years ago. Less the end of an era and more the end of an error.

I know the phrase of the day is content creator, but I, personally, see this as the ultimate, low/no budget, DIY, short film camera. I don't think I have ever been so tempted to hit preorder. I understand its inconveniences and there are a couple things I need to research... battery life (the FP is atrocious), overheating, IBIS quality, etc... but I must say this is the most excited I have been for a camera since I bought my 5D3 and installed ML Raw onto it.

I didn't catch it while streaming the Apple keynote earlier, but apparently they mentioned that its ProRes RAW capture (I did hear that and I approve, but I just bought a 16 Pro last year so it'll be at least a couple more years before I get a newer iPhone) would also work in Blackmagic Camera. So at least on the capture side, it seems like their allergy to PRR is fading. IBC starts this week. Dare we hope for an announcement for new input codec support in Resolve? At this point, it seems silly that they would capture it and then refuse to edit it.

And with the Techart Pro MZ adapter you can have them autofocus as well.

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/HS8B2ZM/A/blackmagic-camera-prodock There's also an iPhone dock for timecode in, HDMI out, power, audio, accessories. iPhone Models iPhone 17 Pro iPhone 17 Pro Max iPhone 16 Pro iPhone 16 Pro Max iPhone 15 Pro iPhone 15 Pro Max

With dynamic range, the actual number that results from a measurement depends on a number of factors, what SNR level is used as the lower end limit of acceptable quality, and whether the SNR is calculated based on patches or pixels, or something in between. An 8K camera at pixel level will have lower DR than a 4K camera or 8K camera downsampled to 4K which in turn will have lower dynamic range than 2K native camera or a 4K/8K downsampled to 2K, and so on. Noise reduction that is applied to the footage also affects the dynamic range. Only by applying an equal test at equal final presentation resolution can a fair measurement of DR be made. In stills there are well-defined standards (PDR at photonstophotos and engineering DR by DXOMark, for example, all evaluated after resampling the images to 8 MP size) but for video there doesn't seem to be any unified standard which would result in comparable numbers.

https://www.nikon-asia.com/cinema-z-r

I think that's why I like it! I loved the fp because it was so small, but I ended up resenting it because using the best codecs involved adding an external SSD which would end up with a camera that was bigger and more awkward to use than my R5. Internal raw recording and a flippy screen makes this perfect for an everyday carry camera, especially combined with some of the smaller M mount glass (Collapsible 50/2, Elmar 35) and it also should be easier to mount on the inside of a windshield than the R5 since it looks a little less wide.

Thank you! From what I understand, this is how it works for both the types of raw where Resolve has the option. Maybe sometime, I'll play with those suggestions, but it'd still be more work than just clicking a box for supported footage. Though it's not a huge loss since the difference is fairly subtle anyway. Yeah - if the info is there, there's also the option of bringing down the ISO/exposure in the raw tab and then using curves or lift to bring up the exposure in the shadows.

My guess, they didn't want to kill their RED brand. It would also have cost minimum, 5000+ USD to 10 000 USD, and not many Nikon shooters could have afforded this. I would have liked a bit better spec even with a more costly body. But in the end, this will be found in a lot of Nikon shooter camera bag, as a secondary or third body for professional. And it would become their primary body for video. For photographers, 5000 USD is already flagship level camera bodies. This is also the ultimate content creator camera, people might not care or even despise it, but it is a big market. Nikon has loss so much market share, and more importantly in the younger demographic, that it might revive a new generation of shooters for the company. It is a bit of a jack of all trade, from someone who would just pick the camera and either film himself or do some content filming some dancers or skaters. To someone rigging it and going to shoot a doc or a short film.

Ditto. I see this new Zr as more comparable with the S9 than anything else within the Lumix lineup. It’s build by all reports is a notch up and the rear LCD on another level. It’s a ‘red cinema colour’ Nikon camera though rather than ‘RED in a Nikon body’. I like it and would have one if I was in the Nikon ecosystem, but nothing I’d switch to or build a system around. And as a 50:50 hybrid shooter, vs the S1Rii, it’s not even a conversation.

Looks like a nice camera, looking forward to some side by sides with the c50, fx3 and s1ii. AF with adapters, AF with native glass, ibis, colour, dr, battery life.

Nikon Zr uses EXPEED 7 processor same that is in Z6 III, Z8, Z9, etc. Developing a new processor is quite expensive. This basically means that Z6 III, Z8, Z9 also could receive R3D NE and LUT support via firmware update. If this happens Z6 III and Z8 will be better choices as hybrid cameras. Lets see if Nikon will do this or will keep R3D NE exclusive to Zr and future Cinema cameras. I am also interested to see how R3D NE compares to NRAW. Nikon Zr is a cool camera but agree with others - it is a strange animal. Part vlogging similar to Sony ZV-E1 part cinema camera.

OK, I’ve managed to do spot it in a flash of a menu jn a non-related part of a ZR review. They’ve gone for the weird to have it but then not mention it route.

If it is the z6iii underneath then that has wireless timecode over BLE from the UltraSync/AirGlu eco system. The specs of the ZR list that it has BLE but makes NO mention of it using it for UltraSync/AirGlu. Weird if it didn’t have it but also if it does have it but they have left it off the specs. I’m sure one of the many extensive in depth launch day reviews on YouTube will clarify it.

Yep, Nikon sells like 700 000 cameras, and my guess RED only a few thousands at best. The economies of scale are enormous when you think the Expeed 7 processor is used in nearly all their models.

This camera checks many of the right boxes for me. First of all i am bit tired of the Sony colours. + small + can use sony glass + 6K + i like the design - micro hdmi - button layout It's strange how these companies navigate the market with serious hobbyiests on the one side and big companies on the other side ( who do not really care wether the cam costs 3 or 5 k). Main question for me: Is it fun to use? Does it have the mojo? Will my live be cinematic?

That's exactly why they started with an "entry-level" camera. They are re-implementing their algorithms in Nikon's processors and hardware, which are cheaper and more efficient (it wasn't hard to figure that out, given the economies of scale). We should also expect big news regarding other Red features, such as the integration of a global shutter sensor. I imagine that the process will then be a two-way street. A future Red camera will have Nikon processors and technology.

Between the two, the new Canon and this, obviously if you are in the Canon ecosystem or with Nikon, the choice is obvious, providing either of these things can do what you need them to do. I think they both look the part, but neither of them really suit my needs so still perfectly happy I went full Lumix, and even if they had been Captain Amazeballs, I still wouldn't have jumped. If I had gone for one of them, I'd have gone the Nikon route, but only if I'd stayed within the Nikon body, adapted E Mount glass camp where I partially previously was. I am happy they exist even if they don't tick all my boxes.

Wish it had external SSD recording. How you're supposed to change the CFe card in this setup?

Yes ! Great news for all Resolve users !

and also confirmed here (linked to timestamp):

Oh my goodness FINALLY YES!

Also, the new iPhones all use a new "Apple Log 2" profile, so that will require Resolve to be updated as well to support the new colour space:

Yeah but I imagine Smallrig/Tilta could maaybe make a special cage that has the right compatibility with those screws? I shot Smallrig a quick email just to see what they say. So much of their stuff is inspired by custie requests and I love them for that! Just looking at my R5C right now, it technically might be doable. The tradeoff would be reduced access to the power switch and top facing LCD panel on either side of the hot shoe. But of course that's all provided that the hot shoe is even compatible 🤷🏾‍♂️

Not really. Blackmagic does not seem to have any interest in supporting BM Raw outside of their own cameras and recorders. ProRes RAW, on the other hand, is now used at least in cameras from Panasonic and DJI, and apparently, their own camera app on iPhone. By that logic, they also shouldn't support Canon raw or Nikon raw since they are also ostensibly competitors. The historical reason was that they didn't support it because they hate Atomos, which I get, and the format was primarily recorded by Atomos recorders. Nowadays, that use case is fading as more vendors record it directly in camera without forcing users to deal with a shitty third party.

Na never, they are format standard competitors

An important question for me is whether the C50 top handle/audio mixer is compatible with the R5C? Looks like it's secured with two screws on either side - but maybe Smallrig or Tilta can make a modified cage that allows the top handle to be bolted down that way? 🤷🏾‍♂️ If it is compatible I wouldn't need to be pinning for that Tascam Fr-AV2 anymore. But if it isn't it would be another head scratcher bcuz between the C400's detachable monitor and now this top handle/audio mixer, I feel like Canon is missing these really big opportunities to open the door for Canon made essential accessories that are compatible across/within their cam/cinema lines which would further strengthsn their ecosystem. Either way, seems like a great piece of kit!

Looks like the video got pulled, but NikonRumors summarized some stuff: At $2,100, it's a much, much more interesting option than it was at $2,600.

Sort of a new Raptor. It's just a reduced/cheaper version of the existing V-Raptor. It's basically the same as Komodo vs Komodo-X. At $15,000, it's still awfully expensive, but at least it helps them stay competitive with the UC 12K pricing-wise. I suspect that with some of the other recent releases, the number of people willing to go spend $30k on a V-Raptor X isn't huge, a very small number of Hollywood productions notwithstanding. Why shouldn't they? They own both codecs and now they can tell people that it's a camera you can use as a B camera to your Z9 or it's a camera that you can use as a B Cam to your Komodo-X or V-Raptor (or crash cam) and have it fit neatly into both workflows. This is where I am, but $2,600 isn't "cheap" for me. Sub-$2k, though, and I'm starting to pay attention. Since that won't happen, I'm probably in the "wait 6 months and pick it up used" camp.

They just don't want to alienate their customers. The people or rental companies that bought 30 000 to 40 000 USD camera and system, will be pissed if their investment is gone in days. They are already offering Canon to Nikon Z mount swapping, and my guess it will take at least 5 years or a total change.

In the CVP review, they made a point of confirming that the sensor can NOT be locked.