- Nikon announces Z-Mount versions of Red V-Raptor and Red Komodo
- Nikkor Z 28-135mm F/4 PZ Cine lens were launched at the same time
- Since Nikon’s red takeover we have seen permanent price drop for selected red cameras
Nikon’s red takeover is in full effect after the launch of two red cinema cameras with Nikon’s Z-Mount; The Red V-Raptor and Red Komodo. The Z-Mount versions were launched together with Nikon’s own new cinema lens, Nikkor Z 28-135mm F/4 PZ.
Nikon instantly became an important player in cinema cameras when the acquired red digital cameras in March 2024, and it has taken less than a year for us to see the fruit of the acquisition, with Z-Mount versions of two super-popular red cine cameras in Film Manufacturing Industry.
It is a sucker punch for Canon-Red Komodo 6K was previously only available with Canon’s RF mounting, but its future is now stuck in Camp Nikon. There will be various lens mounting adapters available, including Nikon Z to Nikon F and Nikon Z to PL, but Red’s future is changing away from Canon lenses.
What’s more, the Nikon effect is expanded to pricing red camera, Cine Camera Maker’s name plus Nikon’s own cameras benefit from Red Tech. Let’s look at what has happened.
The Nikon effect is in full swing and I expect more to come
In itself, there is little that is new in the Z-Mount versions of the Red V-Raptor and Komodo, besides the lens mounting, and what Nikon says is improved autofocus capabilities. The biggest impact is direct compatibility with Nikon Z-Mount lenses, many of which are now included Nikkor Z 28-135mm F /4 PZ-one versatile and gimbal-friendly zoom with cine features costing $ 2,596, 95 /£ 2499 and has an April 2025 -Sales Start Date (Australia Price and Apparatability TBC).
What is even more exciting, especially for indie filmmakers, is Nikon to cut the prices of Red Komodo 6K bundles. In September 2024 we saw permanent price reductions of up to $ 3,000 discount – for example, Komodo 6K costs Kamera Production Package NOW $ 11,995 (was $ 14,995). Still not cheap in any way, but more affordable for professionals. Prices for Red Komodo 6K with Z-Mount start of $ 6,995 (approximately £ 5,600), while Red V-Raptor 8K costs $ 29,995 (approximately £ 24,000 converted from USD).
Nikon has also officially removed his subsidiary’s name from red digital cameras to just Red, which is what most people call it anyway.
In the other direction, Nikon cameras benefit from Red Tech. Back in September 2024, four Red Luts color profiles were made available to Nikon’s current mirror -free cameras, including Nikon Z6 III, Nikon Z8 and Nikon ZF, and even certain DSLRs like D780. Nikon’s N-Log video recordings can now be stylized for Rec.709 color using any of Red’s Film Bias, Film Bias bleached bypass, film bias offset and Achromic color profiles co-developed with cinema Eric Weidt.
Nor do I expect the Nikon effect to stop here. What do you think – what is the most exciting development we can hope for from Nikon’s Red Takeover? Better video features in Nikon’s mirror -free cameras? More Z-Mount Cine lenses? Tell me that in the comments below.
