Nikon is developing a lineup of NIKKOR Cinema-compatible lenses
In a notable move for the film industry, Nikon Corporation has announced the development of a range of Cine lenses and the release of the ZR camera, designed for use as a B camera in full-scale cinema production. The announcement was made at IBC 2025 in Amsterdam, where Nikon took a prominent position with a large stand and billboard advertising.
The ZR camera, along with three RED cameras with the Nikon Z mount, has been released since Nikon acquired RED in April 2024. This merger of two industry giants is aimed at combining their strengths to develop products that target high-end film production and independent content creators.
Ikegami Hiroyuki, Nikon's Senior Executive Vice President, has overseen the development of the NIKKOR Cinema lenses for the Nikon Z-mount cinema camera. The lenses are being developed in various focal lengths to cater to a wide range of filmmaking needs.
Noriaki Mochimizo, the ZR's chief product manager, revealed that the biggest challenge in creating the ZR was to achieve the best performance possible within the smallest possible form factor. Satoru Takeuchi, another key figure in the project, faced the challenge of achieving compatibility with RED's color science for the ZR.
The ZR camera is not the only addition to the growing range of cinema cameras in the Z mount eco-system. There are now four cameras in total, including the RED Komodo, V-Raptor, and V-Raptor XE.
Nikon is also considering enhancements to the video function of its existing still-focused cameras, but no specific details have been shared yet. However, the full range of current Z mount lenses will be available for the ZR.
The addition of the ZR to the Nikon/RED Cinema line-up has been well received, marking a significant step forward in Nikon's foray into the high-end film production market. With the rapid expansion in the demand for film production across various industries, including social media and streaming services, this move is expected to open up new opportunities for both Nikon and RED.
As the development of the ZR and its accompanying Cine lenses continues, the future of high-end film production with Nikon and RED looks promising.
