The Nikon ZR’s First Major Firmware Update Improves Video Quality and Adds More Control

Nikon has unveiled more details about the Nikon ZR’s first major firmware update. Firmware 2.00, slated to arrive before the end of the year, brings major improvements to Nikon’s popular video-first camera.

Nikon first announced the new firmware back in September, sharing a few details while simultaneously promising Open Gate recording and in-camera anamorphic desqueeze sometime in 2027. While those two big features aren’t coming in firmware 2.00 this year, Nikon ZR owners still have plenty to be excited about in the meantime.

As promised, the upcoming firmware update will add support for Log3G10 gamma when recording in H.265, which enables shooting with RED’s color science in the lightweight video codec. Nikon notes that RED’s color science in Log3G10 gamma has a lot of latitude for color grading, promising smoother tonal gradations and a wide color gamut.

Another new feature is the ability to select the level of High ISO NR (noise reduction), giving users more control over the look and noise levels of their video.

On the usability side, Nikon notes that more functions are now assignable to the camera's command dials and function buttons. New options include ISO, exposure settings, white balance, and white balance color temperature (WBK). Further, when assigning 3D LUT/View Assist to an Fn button, users can switch between their 3D LUT settings with a single operation.

"This enables the operator to adjust settings without taking their eyes off the monitor, allowing them to stay focused on capturing their intended shots," Nikon explains.

Other new features coming in the Nikon ZR firmware 2.00 update include focus peaking support even when a 3D LUT is applied when recording in R3D NE format, support for applying a 3D LUT to HDMI video output for easier previewing, and new processing that "suppresses frame-by-frame fluctuations in black level, reducing flicker that tends to occur in low-light conditions."

This isn't the first time flicker has shown up in recent years with video recording on Nikon cameras. Nikon Z6 III owners may remember issues with shadow noise performance on the Z6 III when recording RAW (N-Log) video. Nikon addressed that issue with firmware shortly after launch. Nikon doesn't say today whether the ZR's "frame-by-frame fluctuations" are related at all to the issues it fixed on the Z6 III. However, the two cameras do share the same 24.5-megapixel partially stacked image sensor and image processing engine.

Nikon says the ZR's big new firmware update, version 2.00, will arrive "before the end of the year."

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Image creditsNikon. Header photo created using an asset licensed via Depositphotos.com.