Nikon launched his first Z-Series Cinema Camera this week, Nikon ZR, just 18 months after acquiring Red Digital Cameras-Chek My Nikon Zr Hands-On Review for my early impressions. And warm on its heels we now have the first must-have accessories for the camera in the form of small-rich cage kit.
The essence of my hands-on is that although I will have to test the Nikon / Red model over a long period of time, I already think it is a very good video camera, thanks to its partially stacked 24MP full-frame sensor, in-body image stabilization, 6K 60fPS-video, internal 12-bit raw uptake, red color profiles, internal 32-Bit Float Audio, Impizing Internal Mics and Mighty 4-Inch Display.
It is an instant larger player in a new space for Nikon, with the ability to make pro-quality video in a compact weather-resistant package at a rival price of $ 2,200 / £ 2,199 / AU $ 3,499.
All that said, ZR is clearly no advanced model. Nikon has prioritized compact dimensions rather than direct pro-grade cinema camera design, and it’s no bad thing-I think there’s a place for small, stripped cameras that you can bulge with accessories to meet your needs.
Changing a small camera can earn multiple purposes – you can hold it just to fit into narrow spaces or add accessories to improve its handling.
I like the foundations ZR has put, but to be a really good run-and-gun camera, it needs an extra hand and it came right in the form of small-rich advanced cage kit.
Get a grip
Unlike bulkers alternatives, Nikon ZR omits a seeker, while its flat -fronted body offers only a small purchase. In addition, there are no mounting points for accessories that you get with other cinema cameras or space to push full-size HDMI port, just a micro-hdmi. All of this feels like enthusiast levels-design rather than pro.
My first thought, when I got my hands on ZR, is that it would take advantage of a better grip and easier way to mount accessories – step in small.
The advanced cage set, which costs £ 149.90 and is available now in the UK (USA and Australia Pricing and Accessibility are TBC), has four main components: the L-shaped handle, cage, upper handles and side handles. If you do not want the party, you can save money by choosing the L-shaped handle kit, basic cage sets or top handles.
With all four components of the game, ZR looks infinitely more comfortable to hold, and the L-shaped grip will certainly make vertical shooting comfier. ZR has vertical video skills you want to use – its UI changes when you hold the camera vertically, and all videos recorded in this way are automatically recognized as 9:16 files when you come to edit.
ZR already has image stabilization in the body, but like Nikon Z6 III, which has identical sensor specifications, it’s not the best I’ve used-lumix S1 II’s stabilization for video is another level. Therefore, the top handle and side handles look useful: They will offer a more secure grip for smoother handheld shots, reducing the need for a gimbal.
Personally, I’m not fussed over mounting points for an external screen-zr’s 4-inch screen is large and light enough for running and gun recording. However, it is useful for accessories such as a wireless MIC receiver and compact continuous light panels.
Sure, Smallrig’s Cage Kit cannot change ZR’s hardware, just as the fact that we have micro-hdmi and awkward access to memory cards through the battery door, but it transforms ZR into the ultimate race and gun camera. Add the cage, forget to use a gimbal and external screen, and you have an ultra-compact and easily transported package-it is definitely the first ZR accessory I seem to buy.
