Nikon ZR 6K Cinema Camera
Compact 6K capture, pro codecs, and Nikon Z-mount versatility for cinematic imaging on set or underwater.
The Nikon ZR is a Nikon camera engineered for crews who want a compact body with high-end recording options. It operates like a pocket cinema camera yet records true cinema camera 6K footage in REDCODE R3D or N-RAW, giving editors and colorists flexible files with consistent metadata and color management. Z-mount support means immediate access to Nikon’s modern primes and zooms, with optional F-mount use via adapter.
On set, the ZR focuses on measurable performance: 15+ stops (advertised) of dynamic range, dual-base ISO for cleaner low light, internal 10-bit 4:2:2 options (ProRes RAW/HQ and H.265/H.264), and exposure tools such as waveform, false color, and zebras. A bright, folding 4" DCI-P3 display provides accurate monitoring; built-in 3D LUT support keeps looks consistent across cameras and outputs. 32-bit float audio, clean HDMI, USB-C power delivery, and CFexpress Type B media round out a dependable, rig-friendly platform for gimbals, cages, or, possibly, underwater housings.
- RED heritage meets Nikon engineering in a unified cinema platform
- Full-frame 6K capture with native Z-mount lens support
- Records in REDCODE R3D and Nikon N-RAW for flexible workflows
- ProRes RAW/HQ plus efficient H.265/H.264 options
- 32-bit float audio and dual native ISO for clean results
- Bright, folding 4" DCI-P3 display for accurate monitoring
- Onboard 3D LUT loading and a digital accessory shoe
- Dual built-in microphones for reference/backup audio
- Rated at 15+ stops of dynamic range
- Frame.io camera-to-cloud integration built in
6K Detail with Grading Latitude
Capture richly detailed 6K footage with clean shadows and protected highlights. The ZR’s color pipeline preserves skin tones and fine textures so your grade can push creative looks without falling apart.
- 6K up to high frame rates (mode-dependent)
- 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording
- Log/HLG profiles for flexible color
Stabilized & Smart for Motion
5-axis in-body stabilization and subject-aware AF keep shots steady and tack-sharp when you’re moving fast—ideal for gimbal work, documentary handheld, and underwater tracking.
- IBIS for smooth, handheld footage
- Subject detection AF with responsive tracking
- Focus tools: peaking & punch-in assist
Pro Codecs & Streamlined Workflow
Record efficient long-GOP or intra-frame formats in-camera, or output RAW for maximum flexibility. Built-in tools make exposure and color management clear on set.
- Internal H.265/H.264, 10-bit 4:2:2
- Offering REDCODE RAW R3D recording format along with Nikon's N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ/422 HQ, and the high-quality compressed H.264 and H.265 codecs
- RAW output for external recorders
Ready for Rigs & Underwater Work
Multiple mounting points, clean HDMI, and robust power options make the ZR easy to rig. Housings from leading brands bring Z-mount optics underwater for cinematic results.
- Clean HDMI for external monitors/recorders
- USB-C power delivery & DC coupler support
- Compatible underwater housings available (pending)
Why Buy from Bluewater Photo
Bluewater Photo has outfitted thousands of shooters with dependable underwater and topside video solutions. Your Nikon ZR purchase is backed by the manufacturer’s limited warranty and our expert support for configuration, lens selection, and housing/port planning.
- Knowledgeable support from working photo/video specialists
- Careful pre-ship inspection and safe packaging
- Post-purchase guidance on color, lighting, and rigging
Bring cinematic 6K performance wherever the story goes—topside or underwater—with the Nikon ZR.
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- Nikon ZR underwater housing guide - list of underwater housings for the Nikon ZR
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Nikon ZR Gallery
Specifications
- Sensor & Imaging
- Full-frame (FX) sensor optimized for video
- Native Nikon Z-mount
- 6K capture with oversampling for 4K/2K deliverables
- 15+ stops advertised dynamic range
- Dual-base ISO for low-noise performance in varied lighting
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- High-accuracy color pipeline with consistent metadata
- Recording Formats & Codecs
- REDCODE RAW (R3D)
- Nikon N-RAW
- Apple ProRes RAW / ProRes HQ (mode-dependent)
- H.265/HEVC 10-bit 4:2:2 and H.264/AVC options
- Internal 10-bit recording; external RAW via clean HDMI (mode-dependent)
- LUT preview and on-record LUT bake (select modes)
- Resolutions & Frame Rates
- 6K up to high frame rates (mode-dependent)
- 4K UHD and 2K/1080p downsampled from full sensor readout
- High-speed capture modes for slow motion (crop and codec dependent)
- Gamma, Color & Monitoring Tools
- N-Log / HLG profiles
- Waveform, vectorscope, false color, zebras
- Focus aids: peaking, magnification/punch-in
- Built-in 3D LUT support (load, preview, apply to HDMI/monitor)
- DCI-P3 color monitoring support
- Displays & UI
- Bright, folding 4" DCI-P3 display
- Configurable status overlays and clean feed options
- Assignable function buttons and user presets
- Autofocus & Stabilization
- Subject-detection AF with tracking
- AF speed/sensitivity controls for video
- 5-axis IBIS with electronic stabilization assist (mode-dependent)
- Audio
- 32-bit float internal audio capture
- Dual built-in microphones (stereo) for reference/backup
- 3.5 mm mic input and headphone output
- Manual level control with on-screen meters and limiters
- Media & File Management
- CFexpress Type B (recommended for highest bitrates)
- SD UHS-II support (mode-dependent)
- Clip metadata entry, custom file naming, and reel/scene/take tags
- Proxy recording options (codec-dependent)
- Connectivity & I/O
- Clean HDMI output for external recorders/monitors
- USB-C (PD power and data)
- Digital accessory shoe for smart accessories
- Remote control and sync options (accessory-dependent)
- Wi-Fi/Ethernet workflow support via accessories
- Workflow & Cloud
- Frame.io camera-to-cloud integration
- On-camera LUT management for consistent dailies
- Standardized color metadata for post-production handoff
- Power
- EN-EL15c battery compatibility
- USB-C Power Delivery for continuous operation
- Support for DC coupler and external power (accessory-dependent)
- Build & Reliability
- Magnesium-alloy chassis with weather sealing
- Multiple 1/4"-20 mounting points for cages and rigs
- Operating temperature/humidity suitable for location work (within typical pro ranges)
- Lens & Accessory Compatibility
- Nikon Z-mount lenses
- F-mount lenses via optional FTZ adapter
- Third-party cine accessories via cages, rods, and the digital accessory shoe
- Underwater housings from leading manufacturers (availability varies)
Notes: Modes, frame rates, and some features depend on codec, resolution, firmware, and attached accessories. Specifications are subject to change.
- Nikon ZR 6K Cinema Camera
- Nikon EN-EL15c Lithium-Ion Battery (2280mAh)
- Nikon UC-E25 USB Cable
- Nikon BS-D1 Digital Accessory Shoe Cover
- Nikon BF-N1 Body Cap
- Nikon AN-DC26 Camera Strap
- Limited 1-Year Manufacturer Warranty
ZR Camera
1) Who is the ZR for, practically speaking?
Crews needing a compact body that still behaves like a pocket cinema camera: documentary and travel teams, branded content, indie narrative, and underwater shooters. Full-frame 6K with robust monitoring tools (waveform, false color, zebras) keeps exposure predictable; Z-mount gives access to modern Nikon optics. If you want a small footprint without giving up RAW or 10-bit 4:2:2 options, this nikon camera fits that brief.
2) How should I choose between R3D, N-RAW, ProRes RAW/ProRes HQ, and H.265/H.264?
- REDCODE R3D: maximum grading headroom and VFX flexibility; heavier storage/compute.
- N-RAW: high efficiency RAW with wide latitude; good balance of quality and file size.
- ProRes RAW or ProRes HQ (mode-dependent): RAW for latitude or intra-frame 10-bit 4:2:2 for quick editorial and predictable performance.
- H.265/H.264: smallest files, good for long form and rapid turnaround; less forgiving for extreme grades.
For critical color/VFX, choose RAW (R3D/N-RAW/ProRes RAW). For broadcast or fast edits, ProRes HQ or H.265 works well. Match codec to delivery, storage budget, and your post pipeline.
3) What does “6K full-frame” buy me if my final is 4K?
- Cleaner 4K through oversampling—reduced moiré and improved perceived detail.
- Reframe, stabilize, or punch-in without changing lens position.
- Better keying/tracking for VFX due to higher pixel density.
The trade-offs are larger files and heavier compute. If you need maximum flexibility in post, 6K acquisition for 4K delivery is a practical gain for a cinema camera 6K workflow.
4) Media, power, and reliability—what should I plan for on set?
- Media: Use high-performance CFexpress Type B for top bitrates/modes; SD (if supported) is for lighter codecs.
- Power: EN-EL15c for mobile work; USB-C PD or a DC coupler for long takes or rigs.
- Thermals: Give the camera ventilation space when caged; avoid blocking heat paths with dense accessories.
- Audio: 32-bit float internal capture preserves headroom; still monitor with headphones for best results.
- Data: Schedule offloads and checksum verification; consider proxies for multi-cam or laptop edits.
5) Is the ZR suitable for underwater work and specialty rigs?
Yes—clean HDMI, USB-C power options, and multiple mounting points make rigging straightforward. For underwater, choose a compatible housing with a vacuum system and match ports to lenses for proper field curvature and corner sharpness. Wide-angle domes (for rectilinear zooms) or wet optics (for close-focus wide) are common choices. Bluewater Photo can assist with housing selection, port charts, and buoyancy/trim so the package remains neutral and maneuverable.
Note: Exact frame rates, recording modes, and I/O behavior are mode- and firmware-dependent. Always verify requirements for your specific shoot.
Why Buy from Bluewater
- Authorized Garmin & dive gear dealer — full manufacturer warranty.
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- Decades of combined hands-on experience with the gear we sell.
- We test and use most of the equipment ourselves before recommending it.
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