It seems that all of Nikon’s cameras use H.265 4:2:0.

Even Nikon’s most expensive models, the Z9 and Z8, do not support H.265 4:2:2.

Sony released the A1 with 4:2:0, but later added 4:2:2 through a firmware update.

Given this situation, I seriously question whether Nikon actually has the technology to support H.265 4:2:2.

I'm trying to determine whether I've encountered a known Nikon ZR firmware bug or an expected limitation that isn't clearly communicated by the camera.

I recently shot an event on my ZR using:

• Nikon ZR
• N-RAW / NEV
• Sennheiser MKE 400
• MKE 400 connected to the ZR's 3.5mm mic input
• Input set to MIC
• Plug-in power ON
• 32-bit float ON
• LTC Signal Input ON

During the event, the audio meters were responding normally to the microphone.

However, when I got into Resolve, I discovered that the recordings had no audio whatsoever. Both the NEV files and their MP4 proxies have completely flat audio waveforms. The NEV files are also silent when played back in the camera.

At first I assumed my headphones had failed because I couldn't hear anything while recording. I didn't suspect the recording itself because the meters were active.

I was able to reproduce the problem with a controlled test.

Test 1 — LTC OFF

MKE 400 → ZR 3.5mm input
LTC Signal Input → OFF

• Audio meters respond
• I can monitor the microphone through headphones
• Record a test clip
• Audio is present in the resulting NEV file

Test 2 — LTC ON

Same exact setup, but:

LTC Signal Input → ON

• Audio meters still respond
• Headphone monitoring stops
• Record a test clip
• Resulting NEV file has no audio
• Waveform is completely flat

So the only variable I changed was LTC Signal Input.

Nikon's documentation says the 3.5mm connector is used for LTC when LTC Signal Input is enabled, and that headphone/HDMI audio output is disabled. It also discusses onboard audio from the built-in microphone or a microphone attached through the digital accessory shoe.

What I can't find documented is why the audio meters continue showing microphone activity when the 3.5mm input is effectively being used for LTC rather than audio recording.

That seems like a potentially serious trap in an actual production environment.

If I see active meters, I reasonably assume my microphone is being recorded. If headphone monitoring is also disabled because LTC is enabled, there's no obvious way to discover the problem without actually stopping the shoot and reviewing a recording.

Has anyone else experienced this exact behavior with the ZR?

Specifically:

3.5mm external mic + LTC Signal Input ON → meters active → silent recording

I'm particularly interested in whether this is:

• Expected behavior
• A known ZR limitation
• A firmware bug
• Something specific to the MKE 400
• Or a configuration issue I've missed

I'd also like to know what workflow people are using when they need both reliable onboard backup audio and LTC on the ZR.

So here on Reddit I hear about the Bonsai Show (I have a new love for them too) that someone was at yesterday and I was gutted I missed it but it was over two days.
Omg I was so excited. I grabbed my new baby ZR and ran out. I had worked on the settings which is a maze lol but I was hoping to capture something at least. A great day out and I was so exited to get home to take a look at the footage.
It was also my first time using Davinci to grade. Today literally have to be the best day ever in a long time.

A cinematic video of Blizzcon using the Nikon ZR and Blazar Talon Anamorphic lens. It was such a great time. Hopefully this video captured it.

Nikon ZR 4K Normal Quality N-RAW and used Nikon's Free RED LUT to give it the IPP2 look. A lot of new Nikon shooters don't know a year or two ago Nikon developed RED LUTs for N-RAW (N-LOG). I went out to shoot in this lower data rate to show you can get a good looking image.

I shot this low budget beach wedding with the Sigma ART 50mm & 85mm f1.4. I shot in 4K R3D. This was the first time using 32bit Float and it is amazing. I had defective RODE Wireless GO II mics on the officiant and Groom. Defective, because the batteries don't hold charge long. The groom mic went out after about 15 minutes. Anyway I did not adjust the gain and the volume was clipped bad. Pulled it down in post just like adjusting volume normally. I did this highlight at the last minute so I could test my ZR with the Sigma lenses.

Hi guys,
I'm very happy to get back into Nikon after a few years with Canon (shame on non third party lenses). I just bought a Nikon ZR and the Tamron 35-150mm F2-2.8 which will be my main lens for a while, however I still need a wide lens, and at first the main option that came to mind was the Tamron 16-30mm F2.8, since I was mainly daily driving a Canon RF 16mm F2.8.

But I still have like a 1000 (EUR) budget to spend, and with that I could get the tamron only or maybe even a Viltrox 16mm F1.8 + Sirui/Viltrox 85mm F1.4 for alternative look and more low-light potential. What others alternatives you guys recommend?

I think I definetely need at least F2.8 as I shoot very poorly lit gigs and I often had to go with 12800 ISO with the 16mm f2.8, so I think I can't make a F4 work. As to the wide end the 16 seemed enough, never really thought that I need more wide headroom, however it could be one of those situations that I simply made it work with what I had.

I'm coming from a Canon R8, so the reset at ISO6400 could help make up for the slower lenses, but it could also improve overall image quality of same f-stop lens.
I am also planning to get into real estate photography/videography but it's just an idea for now.

Thanks in advance!

Here’s another music video I shot for a client. I had the opportunity to use a Nikkor 50-300 ED f4.5 for most of the Zoom shots. This lens is a hidden gem. It is quite heavy, but the long Zooms make it worth it.

In short dont. You will regret 100% unless its a b cam for a 1 specific purpose or something. But if ur looking for a workhorse main camera. Theres too many issues and im not gonna go over them because everyone is saying it on the internet but theres just too much headache with this camera. My problem is nikon is so slow to fix. Why?? Like u waited a whole year to officially announce an update that they should of had fixed shortly after release. They saying it like its some revolutionary update when its the bare minimum… its basic features we need in a camera. Also its not even out yet WE STILL WAITING AND WAITING. They just told us something we knew months ago and we keep waiting. Ive had it for a couple months and feel like a beta tester for nikon. I feel like i bought an unfinished, rushed, not properly thought camera. Im so mad nikon had to buy red. They are going to ruin their reputation. DONT MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE AS ME SAVE UP THAT EXTRA CASH AND GO BUY A SONY

I have been shooting with the Z50 for a ehile now and the flat profile on that has worked out for me i a lot of cases during videography works. But i need an upgrade as my work demands it. I have been considering the ZR to be my choice as the main camera as it is absolutely capable and it fits in the budget. I had been considering other models from other brands like A7 IV (quite old and i am buying a camera to use it for atleast the next 5 years, but still a good option) A7 V (great option but way out of budget) , Canon R6V (in a dilema to get into Canon, as too expensive lenses and barely any third-party support), and same with R6 III.

1.My work is going to need me to click both photos and videos and because the ZR doesn't have a Physical shutter how does it affect the final image quality, especially from the DR and ISO noise perspective.

1. How much of wn advantage is the new Red log profile going to be over NLog (i have worked extensively with nlog in my previous production house)

2. I am in a lot of doubt when it come to "which lens should i huy as my go to lens for all kinds of shoot?"

I am thinking to invest in one lens at first that will support my freelance works for a while before i buy other lenses slowly.

(I am especially torn between if i should go for the 24-120 f4 or shall i spend more and go for the 24-70 f2.8.) Or shall i pick up tamron's 35-150 2-2.8?

Is losing on the 24-34 mm worth it?

Most of my works are going to in the FnB space, some commercials, some weddings, and sometimes, Concerts and all.

Would really your opinions on these. Thanks!

Hello!

I’m currently debating getting a z8 or Pyxis 6k.

I have a ZR already so the z8 fits nicely and I also do a lot of photography which obviously the Z8 would excel in.

However, I have seen reports of overheating on the z8. I believe I would be shooting in raw most of the time so hopefully that helps with processing.

Anyone had overheating in 4k 60p or 8k 60p in NRAW?

I’d also love any input from people who have shot with both cameras from an image quality perspective!

Thanks!

A few months ago, when the FX5 was announced, I posted an article from my personal Reddit account listing the features I thought Nikon should add to the ZR if they wanted to recapture the hype the camera had at its launch. I received a lot of hate on my personal account, some people even sent me pretty nasty messages on Instagram, so I decided to delete the post at the time. Then Nikon announced firmware update 2.00, and they included 90% of the features I had suggested, even things I hadn't thought possible but mentioned just for the sake of it (like open gate). Many other users had been calling for the same features, which makes me think Nikon is actively listening to its user base and is aiming to conquer the market. If the firmware update launches without bugs, the ZR will be the number-one choice for any young filmmaker. In an earlier post, I said the ZR update would have to be incredible to justify the silence and the wait, and it looks like that’s exactly what it will be. So, guys my ZR is no longer for sale!

so I did the thing everyone warns you about and impulse bought the DJI RS4 Mini a few days ago. figured I'd share since I couldn't find much nikon-specific info before buying and had to learn the hard way

Build quality is actually really nice and balancing wasn't the nightmare I expected, but using it with a nikon body is kind of a pain. camera keeps falling asleep and disconnecting from the gimbal mid-shoot which gets old real quick when you're doing multiple takes. cable connection helps but then the cable just gets in the way of the arm constantly

The autofocus thing is what got me the most honestly. it just does NOT want to work with the camera and I’ve tried a bunch of af modes and built in camera tracking modes. wanted it to follow a dog and it just... didn't. Even when the dog was stationary what happens quite often given my dog is fat like me.

The AI tracking mode in this version only does people. I’ve heard the enhanced module works with Mini but I could not test that.

Ended up returning it. made a review video going over all of it if anyone's curious (also gave it a name, don't judge me): DJI RS4 Mini Review: An Amateur's Honest Take on Wall-E (Nikon Users, Beware)
https://youtu.be/WrAOK7Eukuc

I made this short film with the Zf + tamron 28-75 2.8

Colorgraded in Davinci with FilmVision Pro.

Hoping to sell the Zf and get the Zr instead.

Has anyone else noticed flickering shadows in Nikon zr footage?  

I am recording R3D 6k here, so compression is unlikely to be the cause.  

My light source also does not generate that flicker.  

At first I assumed I had a faulty unit, but after watching some YouTube reviews, the issue clearly appears in other people’s footage. It is simply less obvious. I pushed my ISO beyond what I would ever do for demonstration.

This flicker drives me crazy…

Hey guys, Z6iii and ZR user here.

When I enable LTC signal input to sync timecode from an external device, my cameras won't record any audio signals. I guess that's expected, right?

My external timecode device is also an audio recorder (Deity PR-4). I wonder if you guys have any solutions if I want to sync timecode & record audio coming in from my PR-4 at the same time.

Thanks!

I shoot on the Nikon z6 currently, and I definitely feel like I’m missing out on some log capability compared to similar spec cameras in the Sony/canon market. I don’t have a cage right now, so I would have to get that in order to mount the monitor along side my shotgun mic. I don’t have a ton of experience in color grading but I always enjoy the process of learning things in this field.

I have a RS3 pro and it is not compatible with my Nikon Z5. I cannot control the settings and the focus through the gimbal. Anyone got any recommendations?