When Nikon acquired RED last year, it became evident that the two companies would gradually merge as they sought to balance their corporate cultures and create innovative hardware for the future.
Observers expected software integration and LUT incorporation to be the initial steps, followed by hardware integration. Now, with the addition of Nikkor Z-mount lens support, this integration has taken its next, pivotal steps.
Image Credit – RED Cinema
“By integrating the Z Mount, RED expands the range of lens options available, empowering filmmakers with greater artistic flexibility,” stated RED Digital Cinema CEO Keiji Oishi.
“This development allows filmmakers to utilize Nikon’s innovative Z lineup and PL options, in addition to F Mount glass and numerous popular vintage lenses.”
Featuring a shallow flange depth and wider diameter, Nikkor Z-Mount optics deliver extreme sharpness and resolution while effectively combating optical aberrations.
The result is enhanced low-light performance and edge-to-edge resolution, further improving the hallmark resolution and bokeh of RED’s DSMC3 cinema cameras, an image quality that Nikkor optics have maintained for decades.
Image Credit – B&H
Pricing and Availability
The RED 8K VV V-RAPTOR [X] Z mount cinema camera is available for preorder at a retail price of $29,995, and an upgrade kit is available for $19,500.
The 6K RED KOMODO [X] Z-Mount edition will be available for $6,995. Shipping is listed as sometime in Q1. Moreover, Z to PL mount adapter packs will also be offered at approximately $1,500, alongside an electronic ND adapter pack priced at $3,500, both available in Spring 2025.
Lastly, for those transitioning from the RF Mount, users can move to the Z-Mount for $1,695 with the V-RAPTOR [X] and $1,595 with the KOMODO [X] respectively.
Image Credit – RED Cinema
The Trade-In Program Returns
RED is also reintroducing its popular trade-in program, which allows users to trade in their existing RED DSMC, RAVEN, SCARLET-W, DSMC2, or RANGER cameras for credit towards a new, eligible V-RAPTOR [X] or KOMODO [X] DSMC3 platform.
Users can visit RED Hollywood Studios or a RED Premium dealer to schedule a demo and learn more about the Z-Mount transition and trade-in options.
[source: Nikon-RED]
Order Links:
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV Camera, Nikon Z (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Upgrade Kit for V-RAPTOR 8K S35 Owner (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA RED V-RAPTOR Z to PL Adapter Pack (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA V-RAPTOR Z to PL with Electronic ND Filter Adapter Pack (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO-X Z Mount 6K Digital Cinema Camera, Nikon Z (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO-X Conversion Kit for KOMODO-X Owner, Nikon Z (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO-X Z Mount Camera to PL Lens Adapter Pack (B&H)
- RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO-X Z to PL with Electronic ND Filter Adapter Pack (B&H)
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