Nikon ZR Review: RED Raw and 32-Bit Float Audio in a $2,199 Cinema Camera
When Nikon bought RED, the cinema camera company, in 2024, people wondered what would come of it. The Nikon ZR, announced in September 2025 at $2,199.95 for the body, is the first answer. It’s a compact full-frame video camera that records RED’s R3D raw format internally, co-developed with RED, at a price far below anything RED sells.
It uses the 24.5MP partially stacked sensor from the Nikon Z6III. That means fast readout, low rolling shutter and strong autofocus, in a body that weighs about 630 grams with battery and card.
It’s a video camera first, and it makes no apology for that.
Video review: Gerald Undone
The codec list
Internal R3D NE and Nikon’s N-RAW at up to 6K and 60p. ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 and 10-bit H.265. 4K at 60p from the full sensor width, 4K at 120p with a 1.5x crop, Full HD at 240p. N-Log, with RED’s Log3G10 promised by firmware. RED-style shutter angle and ISO controls make cinematographers feel at home.
For anyone who has wanted RED color science but couldn’t justify RED prices, this is the cheapest way in.
Audio that’s a first
The ZR records 32-bit float audio internally, four channels, which Nikon says was a first for a mirrorless camera. With 32-bit float, loud moments can’t clip, so a shout or a slammed door won’t ruin a take. Three built-in microphones offer five pickup patterns, and there are full-size mic and headphone jacks plus a digital shoe for Nikon’s ME-D10 microphone.
The 4-inch rear screen is big and bright, rated at 1,000 nits with DCI-P3 color. It’s the main monitor, since there’s no viewfinder.
In-body stabilization is rated at 7.5 stops, and autofocus detects nine subject types.
The strange choices
Card slots. One CFexpress Type B, which is good, and one microSD UHS-I, which is slow and can’t be used for backup or proxies. Many reviewers called it the oddest decision on the camera.
No fan. The ZR is small and fanless, so very long takes in heat need care.
The EN-EL15c battery is small for raw video. Nikon quotes about 125 minutes of 6K/60 R3D on external power, but on battery alone, plan for several spares or USB-C power.
It has a micro HDMI port rather than full size, and no open gate.
Who should buy it
Solo filmmakers and small crews who want raw video, strong autofocus and excellent audio in a compact body. Nikon shooters who want a dedicated video camera that shares their lenses. Anyone curious about RED footage on a budget.
The Panasonic Lumix S1II is a hybrid alternative with a fan and viewfinder at a higher price. Sony’s FX3 has better slots and a fan but no internal raw. The ZR’s mix of R3D, 32-bit audio and price is unique.