Markus Fahs - light form colour · 17/05/2026
Hands-on review · RED RAW video and photo use
Nikon ZR is a strong pick for video creators thanks to RED RAW, with photo quality on par with the Z6 III.
Likes- Excellent skin tones in RED RAW video
- Large selection of RED LUTs and a solid R3D grading base
- 32-bit float audio makes recording easier
- Autofocus with manual override and 3D tracking works well
Dislikes- No viewfinder, which is a real loss for photo work
- No internal ND filters and no anamorphic squeeze
- The 15-stop dynamic range claim is a bit optimistic
- Sensor stabilization is not always perfect, and wide-angle shots show distortion
Tom Przibilla · 06/12/2025
Hands-on review · RAW video, workflow and ergonomics
Nikon ZR is impressive in places, but RAW-only recording and very large recordings make it impractical for everyday work.
Likes- RED RAW recording in a small, affordable body
- Unusually large screen
- 32-bit internal audio recording
- Good still image quality alongside video
Dislikes- Only RAW recording is usable, and recordings are very large
- H.265 footage is hard to work with, and 6K looks soft
- The microphone port clashes with the tilting screen
- Few buttons, micro-SD only and no full-size HDMI
VIDEOAKTIV · 27/11/2025
Practical test · holiday shooting and RED format look
Nikon ZR has strong colors and a compact body for documentary and social work, but the missing viewfinder and ND filter hold it back.
Likes- Strong colors and a RED-format look
- Compact body with a large display
- Good value for the features offered
- Good for documentary and social media work
Dislikes- No viewfinder, which the creator misses
- No internal ND filter
- Only one card slot; USB-C cannot record in parallel
- Needs external power for long studio or concert shoots
Rainer Wolf · 04/11/2025
Real shoot test · film production and switch from Sony FX3
Nikon ZR is a strong film camera for filmmakers who want quick creative results without color grading.
Likes- RED-style color science with a look straight out of camera
- Waveform and histogram tools for exposure
- Comfortable for handheld and one-person shoots
- Performed well on a real short film shoot
Dislikes- No traffic-light exposure indicator like on RED cameras
- Nikon Z lenses are expensive
DRIVING ARM2 · 04/06/2026
Hands-on review · driving, stabilization and autofocus tests
Nikon ZR is a good camera for content creators, though it needs a cage and lacks a viewfinder.
Likes- Compact full-frame body for its size
- Strong image quality and internal RAW recording
- Good autofocus and stabilization
- 32-bit float audio and fast power-on
Dislikes- No viewfinder
- No lug mounts, so a cage is needed
- Micro HDMI instead of full-size HDMI
- Single card slot beside the battery, which may overheat
Photolari · 10/11/2025
Hands-on review · RED RAW tests and who it suits
Nikon ZR offers good design, screen and price for RED RAW users, but it is not a camera for everyone.
Likes- Competitive price for a RED RAW workflow
- Large screen and pleasant design
- RED RAW colour science in a small body
- Image quality typical for its price class
Dislikes- Not a hybrid camera; it is mainly for RAW use
- Weak fit for general content creation
- The cinema label oversells it
Photolari · 14/09/2025
First look · IBC booth handling and first impressions
Nikon ZR's main draw is its price, but more in-depth testing is needed before judging it.
Likes- 6K RAW at 60 fps for the price
- Large four-inch screen
- Aimed squarely at creators who want high image quality
Dislikes- Possible overheating in long shoots
- Not yet tested in depth, so the verdict is provisional
Armando Ferreira en Español · 12/09/2025
First impressions · five features the creator likes
Nikon ZR offers strong value for cinema-style footage, with a big bright screen, easy menus and RAW recording.
Likes- Good price for cinema-style footage
- Large, bright screen that is easy to read
- Quick touchscreen menus with direct controls
- RAW recording plus 32-bit float internal audio
Dislikes- Drawbacks only hinted at in a teaser
- Specific flaws are saved for a separate video
Armando Ferreira en Español · 10/09/2025
First look · prototype handling and menu tests
Nikon ZR has a great price, but more testing is needed before deciding if it is worth it.
Likes- Large four-inch touch screen
- Excellent price for the features
- 32-bit float audio and RAW recording
- Menu rotates when the camera is turned vertically
Dislikes- Prototype body feels cheap and flimsy
- No lug mounts for rigs
- Micro HDMI instead of full-size HDMI
Julien B · 29/03/2026
Hands-on review · photo quality and daily use
Nikon ZR is excellent for photos alongside video; it is not a dedicated photo camera, but it suits anyone who needs one body.
Likes- Photo quality good enough to deliver to clients
- One body covers both photo and video shoots using the switch
- Portraits shot in a studio-style setup look excellent
- Grows on you the more you use it
Dislikes- Digital noise, especially in very low light
- Not designed as a dedicated photo camera
- You have to accept its ergonomics and sensor limits