- Nikon announced at IBC that it develops cinema lenses
- There is currently no timeline for when they can expect the first models
- They will be designed for Nikon Zema cameras, including ZR
Nikon raised his position in the cinema camera area when it purchased industrial favorite digital cameras in 2024, and has set out to exploit the partnership with a knot.
Just 18 months on the line, there are already two red cameras relaunched with Nikon’s Z-Montration-V raptor and Komodo one more affordable V-Raptor XE, plus the first model in a brand new line of Nikon Zema cameras, Nikon ZR.
The Nikon Red brand, ZR is a very skilled and polished Z-Mount camera, with 6K 60FPS video, in the camera 12-bit raw, a new red R3D ‘NE’ Codec, 32-bit Float Audio Capture and a rival 4-inch touch display, all for a low price that puts pressure on Sony, Canon and even Panasonic.
ZR is a first big step into a new world for Nikon and seems to be troubling our best video camera guide, but by design it is an enthusiast level while the system is still in its infant. Red to be in the picture will move things nicely, but still I am curious to know what is next for Nikon.
During the IBC 2025 show in Amsterdam this week, I sat down with Nikon to discuss its Zema camera series and got some surprising open answers about what we can expect next.
Cinema lenses come
Nikon has long been the photographer’s brand. Yes, its recent mirror -free models, such as Hybrid Z9 and Z6 III, are shooting top quality video, but Nikon’s gear to this point is primarily designed for photography.
It changed with Nikon’s first Zema camera, the really compact ZR. However, there is still the question of lenses. Canon and Sony are already producing hybrid lenses with video features such as a de-clicked aperture ring. Nikon doesn’t, 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 the launch, of course,” Aihara continued, “but I hope you look forward to it – it’s [sic] Will be really good cinema lenses. “
Usually brands are tight on future gear, but Nikon commits himself open to making his own cinema lenses.
This is excellent news for those impressed with ZR’s capabilities and excellent value, but which is uncertain about adopting the Z-Mount system for video, considering where the young system is and the absence of dedicated video lenses, in addition to a hybrid Z 28-135mm F/4 PZ (Power Zoom).
Cinema Camera Upstart has also licensed its mounting to Leica, which means the ridiculously Pebre Leitz Hector series is now available for Z-MUUNT. However, I suppose most people will wait to see which Nikkor Cinema lenses are advertised and when they will be available.
But what about several Nikon cinema cameras?
I imagine another model will participate in the Zema camera ranks – definitely Nikon doesn’t stop at ZR?
ZR is a video-first equivalent with the Z6 III, which is an intermediate full frame model. Therefore, there would be symmetry if Nikon was to advertise a flagship Z9 equivalent in his cinema camera area with a larger body and space to fit pro-grade connectivity and design touch.
For example, ZR has a micro HDMI, not in full size; A Pro model would seek out. Should a larger model land, I would also expect its memory card to be accessed via a door on the side of the camera and not within the battery compartment as in ZR. Battery doors are typically hindered when a camera is mounted on a tripod, making memory card exchange with ZR a Fiddly process with a tripod in the game.
Personally, I would also love a double axis tilt / vari-wine screen. ZR’s rival display is light and large, but it only pulls out to the side screen cannot be tilted directly from the body. Sony’s A1 II / A9 III and Panasonics Lumix S1 II, on the other hand, have such a screen.
I would also expect additional pro features for the above, but there would still be a kind of distinction between a future pro level Nikon Z cinema camera and Red’s own models such as V-Raptor and Komodo to avoid the risk of cannibalization.
Nikon did not comment on any future camera equipment, but it is good that cinema lenses are on the way. The way things go, Nikon / Red will comfortably sit with Sony and Canon, Panasonic and Blackmagic in the cinema room in a short time and probably at a more affordable price point.
