Watch out, Sony and Canon – Nikon says it’s making cinema lenses for its ZR camera and filmmakers should be excited
By Timothy Coleman
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Watch out, Sony and Canon – Nikon says it’s making cinema lenses for its ZR camera and filmmakers should be excited
Timothy Coleman
15 September 2025
Nikon’s rapid entry to the cinema camera space surely puts the squeeze on rivals
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The Nikon ZR with the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 lens attached, which, like current Nikon Z-mount lenses, is primarily designed for photography.
(Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Nikon announced at IBC that it is developing cinema lenses
There’s currently no timeline on when to expect the first models
They will be designed for the Nikon Z Cinema Cameras, including the ZR
Nikon elevated its position in the cinema camera space when it bought industry favorite RED Digital Cameras in 2024, and has set about capitalizing on the partnership at a rate of knots.
Just 18 months down the line, there’s already two RED cameras relaunched with Nikon’s Z-mount – the V-Raptor and the Komodo – a more affordable V-Raptor XE, plus the first model in a completely new line of Nikon Z Cinema Cameras, the Nikon ZR.
Branded Nikon RED, the ZR is a highly capable and polished Z-mount camera, with 6K 60fps video, in-camera 12-bit RAW, a new RED R3D ‘NE’ codec, 32-bit float audio capture and a rival-beating 4-inch touch display, all for a low price which puts the squeeze on Sony, Canon and even Panasonic.
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The ZR is a first big step into a new world for Nikon and looks set to trouble our best video cameras guide, but by design it’s an enthusiast level model, while the system is still in its infancy. RED being in the picture will move things along nicely, but still I’m curious to know what’s next for Nikon.
During the IBC 2025 show in Amsterdam this week, I sat down with Nikon to discuss its Z Cinema Camera series, and got some surprisingly open answers about what we can expect next.
The ZR with the new ME-D10 shotgun mic accessory. The directional mic is compatible with the camera’s impressive 32-bit float audio capture capabilities. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
Cinema lenses will come
Nikon has long been a photographer’s brand. Yes, its recent mirrorless models, such as the hybrid Z9 and Z6 III, shoot top-quality video, but Nikon’s gear to this point is designed primarily for photography.
That changed with Nikon’s first Z Cinema Camera, the truly compact ZR. However, there’s still the matter of lenses. Canon and Sony already make hybrid lenses – ones with video features such as a de-clicked aperture ring. Nikon does not, but had some exciting news to share with me.
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“We are developing Nikkor cinema lenses,” said Aihara Takashi, General Manager, UX Planning Department – Nikon Imaging Business Unit.
“It will take some time until launch, of course,” continued Aihara, “but I hope you look forward to it – it’s [sic] going to be really great cinema lenses.”
Usually brands are tight-lipped on future gear, but Nikon is openly committing to making its own cinema lenses.
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This is excellent news for those impressed by the ZR’s capabilities and superb value, but who are unsure about adopting the Z-mount system for video, given how young the system is and the absence of dedicated video lenses, besides a hybrid Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ (power zoom).
The cinema camera upstart has also licensed its mount to Leica, which means the ludicrously pricey Leitz Hektor series is now available for the Z-mount. However, I suspect most people will be waiting to see which Nikkor cinema lenses are announced and when they will be available.
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Nikon prioritized compact dimensions over pro-level design – the ZR lacks mounting point for accessories while its HDMI port is micro and not full-size. (Image credit: Tim Coleman)
But what about more Nikon cinema cameras?
I imagine another model will join the Z Cinema Camera ranks – surely Nikon won’t stop at the ZR?
The ZR is a video-first equivalent of the Z6 III, which is a midrange full-frame model. There would be symmetry, therefore, if Nikon was to announce a flagship Z9 equivalent in its cinema camera range – one with a larger body and space to fit pro-grade connectivity and design touches.
For example, the ZR features a micro HDMI, not full size; a pro model would upsize. Should a larger model land, I would also expect its memory cards to be accessed via a door on the side of the camera and not within the battery compartment like in the ZR. Battery doors are typically obstructed when a camera is mounted to a tripod, which makes memory card swapping with the ZR a fiddly process with a tripod in play.
Personally, I’d also love a dual-axis tilt / vari-angle screen. The ZR’s rival-beating display is bright and large, but it only pulls out to the side – the display can’t be tilted up directly from the body. Sony’s A1 II / A9 III and Panasonic’s Lumix S1 II, on the other hand, have such a screen.
I’d also expect additional pro features to the above, but there would still need to be some sort of distinction between a future pro-level Nikon Z Cinema Camera and RED’s own models like the V-Raptor and Komodo to avoid the risk of cannibalization.
Nikon didn’t comment on any future camera gear, but it bodes well that cinema lenses are on the way. The way things are going, Nikon / RED will comfortably sit alongside Sony and Canon, Panasonic and Blackmagic in the cinema space in no time, and probably at a more affordable price point.
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Timothy Coleman
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Cameras editor
Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other.
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