- 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.
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.
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 a a de-clicked aperture ring. Nikon does not, but had some exciting news to share with me.
“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.
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.
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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