Nikon ZR brings Nokia OZO Audio to professional filmmaking

Nikon just pulled a surprise in the cinema world by introducing the Nikon ZR, a compact full-frame camera that carries serious filmmaking pedigree. It’s the smallest member of the company’s Z CINEMA lineup, but Nikon didn’t hold back on the tech. The ZR is not only carrying Nikon DNA but also RED’s cinematic touch, thanks to RED Digital Cinema now being under Nikon’s wing.

The big news is the R3D NE video format, an exclusive recording codec based on RED’s iconic R3D RAW. This means the ZR can sit comfortably on a professional set where RED cameras are already used, offering familiar color science and exposure standards for easy integration. Filmmakers get 6K/59.94p internal recording, dual native ISO (800 and 6400), and more than 15 stops of dynamic range.

But here’s where it gets extra interesting: audio. The Nikon ZR is officially the world’s first camera with 32-bit float recording for both internal and external microphones. For people who’ve dealt with clipping or under-recorded dialogue, this is a huge deal.

Even more exciting is that Nikon brought in Nokia’s OZO Audio technology, a name that’ll make longtime Nokia fans smile. The ZR’s built-in microphone isn’t just an afterthought; it uses OZO’s advanced software to offer five pickup patterns, meaning you can switch from directional dialog recording to immersive ambient sound without lugging around extra gear.

This isn’t the first time OZO Audio has appeared on a camera. Back in 2020, Panasonic introduced OZO Audio in its Lumix G100, making it the first mirrorless camera to feature Nokia’s spatial audio system. Now, with Nikon following suit in a much more cinema-oriented device, it’s great to see serious camera companies embracing the technology. For creators, that means fewer compromises on audio quality, even when recording directly from the camera body.

The Nikon–RED collaboration looks like it’s starting strong, and adding Nokia’s audio legacy into the mix only makes it sweeter. The ZR could be that rare tool which appeals to both high-end productions and agile creators looking for uncompromised video and audio in a small package.

Via: Nikon USA