The ZineControl app connects to the Nikon ZR via Wi-Fi, allowing users to control various camera parameters remotely. The app utilizes direct mapping of Nikon’s proprietary command stream for real-time camera control, and it is powered by the official Nikon ZR SDK. You can also do wired monitoring via the Accsoon SeeMo with an optimized H.264/H.265 pipeline for real-time focus pulling and exposure tracking.
ZineControl is currently still in Beta, and you can sign up to be a tester using TestFlight. There is currently no indication of how much they eventually plan of charging for the app.
The ZineControl app provides several tools and parameter controls, especially when it comes to controlling focus and exposure. Key features include:
Exposure Tools: Users have access to histograms, waveforms, RGB parade, zebras, and false color. Additionally, the app adds RED-style traffic lights, which allow users to monitor highlight and shadow clipping across red, green, and blue channels.
You can also control:
- Histogram
- Waveform
- RGB Parade
- Zebras
- False Color
- Focus Peaking
- Framing Grids & Aspect Markers
- Audio Level Meters
- Mirror Mode & Anamorphic Desqueeze
- .cube LUT Import with 3D LUT Preview (up to 64-cube, 16-bit pipeline)
Focus Control: You can activate and use focus peaking even while shooting in R3D RAW, a feature that currently can’t be done on the camera itself. It also supports touch-to-focus, allowing users to set focus by tapping their smartphone screen.
Recording & Settings: Users can adjust recording formats (including R3D, ProRes, and various H.265 options). ISO, iris, and white balance can also be adjusted, and the app allows users to trigger the camera to start and stop recording.
The ZineControl app requires a Nikon ZR with firmware 1.11 or later . The Control Device requires an iPhone or iPad running iOS 17+ with Apple Silicon (M-series) support.
ZineControl recommends a 5GHz WiFi connection for the WiFi stream and AV1/H.265 for wireless control.
5GHz WiFi connection recommended for WiFi stream. AV1/H.265 for wireless control.Peripherals
It is also compatible with the Accsoon SeeMo, USB-PD Capture, Lut Reader, and BLE Accessories.
ZineControl is also hoping to expand the features and functionality of the app by adding deeper SDK integration that will unlock advanced features like timecode sync, metadata embedding, and remote firmware updates.
There is also a plan for multi-camera support, where users will be able to connect and control multiple Nikon ZR bodies from a single device.
They are also working on proxy recording from the app, where you will be able to record H.264 simultaneously with your RAW files.
Please note that ZineControl is an independent project and is not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with Nikon Corporation, Nikon Inc., or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates.
