Nikon has announced that firmware version 2.00 for the Nikon ZR will be released in October. This will include focus peaking display during recording in the R3D NE, and support for Log3G10 and REDWideGamutRGB when recording in H.265 format. In 2027, Nikon plans to incorporate Open Gate recording options.
New Features in Version 2.00
- Support for Log3G10 and REDWideGamutRGB when recording in H.265 format, delivering compact file sizes with high color-grading latitude.
- A new option for selecting the level of [High ISO NR] available during H.265 Log recording, enabling image rendering tailored to the creator’s intent and the tone of the work.
- Support for focus peaking display during recording in the R3D NE format, enabling more precise focus confirmation.
According to Nikon, they are also developing new firmware to support frequently requested features, including open gate recording and a desqueeze display for use with anamorphic lenses, with the goal of incorporating them in ZR firmware in 2027. This will be a welcome addition to the camera, and in hindsight, it is probably something that should have been made available in the camera from the start.
RED is also updating its remote-control applications, RED CONTROL and RED CONTROL PRO, which will enable remote control capabilities for ZR.
Let’s be honest here: firmware updates for the ZR are long overdue and have been very slow to come out. Nikon told me back at NAB in April that they were actively working on new firmware for the ZR that will fix some of the niggling issues that still hadn’t been addressed, such as focus peaking not working when recording in REDCODE RAW (R3D NE) with the Video Assist mode activated. There was also an issue when you record internal audio from an external source with the timecode turned on. The camera will show that audio is present, but it won’t actually record anything. The only way around this is to turn the timecode off. This is, at least in my opinion, a design flaw. The camera is expecting both a timecode signal and audio from an external source for it to work correctly. I am not sure if this issue has been addressed in the new firmware.
Adding focus peaking display during recording in the R3D NE isn’t a feature that should have taken a year to implement.
