Along with the Nikkor Z 28-135mm f/4 lens, RED (part of Nikon) has released the RED Komodo-X (with hybrid autofocus) and RED Cinema Camera 8K V-Raptor [X] with the Nikon Z-mount. This is the first collaboration of hardware technologies between the two companies since the landmark deal last year. The aforementioned RED Cinema C Raptor cameras were previously released exclusively with the Canon RF mount.
Still, the Z-mount has several significant advantages: the shortest flange depth of all mounts allows Nikon to design optics with fewer restrictions and connect adapters for any mount. In addition, the updated cinema cameras received improved autofocus algorithms based on Nikon’s experience.
However, RED has not stopped producing Canon RF mount versions of the RED Komodo-X and V-Raptor [X] cinema cameras. They are still available with these mounts.
The critical point is that the move to the Z mount allows the use of new proprietary lenses. The partnership with Nikon has also allowed RED to change its cinema cameras and improve their performance, in some cases precisely using the Z mount.
For example, RED claims that the updated V-Raptor [X] and Komodo-X are more accurate and have less hunting autofocus. RED has used phase detection autofocus (PDAF) for some time, but Nikon’s understanding of the technology goes back even further. So, with Nikon’s help, RED has refined the autofocus in the aforementioned cinema cameras from a software algorithm perspective.
The advantage of using the Z mount is that it has the shortest flange depth of any mount, allowing you to adapt almost any lens.
You can use any Nikon Z mount lens, older Nikon lenses with an adapter, or even Sony E lenses with an adapter, making it more versatile than the Canon RF mount.
The RED Cinema Camera 8K models support the following Nikkor Z lens features, though availability may vary by lens:
- Assignable control ring
- Customizable rotation behavior for the control ring
- Adjustable focus ring rotation direction
- Choice between nonlinear and linear focus control
- Power Zoom functionality
- Swappable positions for the control and focus rings
- Smooth aperture adjustments
- Power Zoom with adjustable speed and switch control
- Programmable lens function buttons
- Built-in teleconverters
- Optical Image Stabilization (VR system)
- Retractable lens design
The current firmware version 2.0 has partial or no support for the following features:
- The lens LCD displays focal length and focal length metric.
- Focus range switches are not supported.
- Focus setting and memory recall rings are not supported.
- In-camera corrections for vignette, distortion, and chromatic aberration are not supported.
All Nikkor Z lenses are compatible with RED Z-mount camera bodies. However, there are some caveats: the RED Cinema Camera 8K V-Raptor [X] VV ‘s sensor is over 10% wider than the traditional 36x24mm full-frame sensor used in Nikon Z cameras.
For this reason, some lenses may exhibit higher than standard distortion on the wider RED VV sensor.
Most Nikkor Z lenses will cover a portion of the 8K 16:9 (7680 x 4320) V-Raptor[X] 8K VV sensor, although acceptable levels of vignetting will be subjective. The V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV sensor can always be cropped to 7K if desired. RED recommends users review the Nikkor Z lens coverage section of the RED Tools webpage to view coverage when paired with RED sensors.
Nikon Z-mount Capabilities
The Z-mount’s short working distance allows adapters to be installed on any bayonet mount available on the market.
Some of the new lens mounts available to RED users via Nikon Z adaptations include Nikon F, Sony E (both digital), and mechanical Fujifilm X. Compatibility remains with digital Canon EF, PL, and mechanical Leica M, LPL, and many others.
Nikon’s proprietary FTZ II adapter unlocks the full potential of older Nikon lenses while providing aperture control, lens vibration reduction, and even autofocus on newer F-mount G-series lenses.
The RED Z-PL Adapter retains the full /i compatibility found in the original V-Raptor [X] and Komodo-X but adds the ability to power via the lens interface, allowing the camera to expand the number of lenses it can power, such as Fujinon Servo Zoom lenses.
It’s worth noting that all Z lenses have control rings. Still, not all Z lenses support linear focus modes, so only some lenses offer linear focus. (RED will release a complete list of supported lenses later.)
RED also said that it will release the 2.0 firmware update alongside the Z mount. This update will improve autofocus performance across all RED cameras, regardless of the lens mount. However, autofocus will be even more effective when using Z mount lenses.
The same firmware update will also improve autofocus control. Previously, filmmakers could only turn autofocus on and off, but now the update lets them adjust its sensitivity (slower or faster). The Z mount version’s autofocus speed sensitivity has improved fine-tuning control.
RED Cinema Camera 8K Nikon Z Prices and Release Date
The RED V-Raptor [X] with Nikon Z mount is available for $29,995, and the RED Komodo-X cinema camera with Nikon Z mount is now on sale for $6,995 on B&HPhotovideo.
It’s also now possible to convert the RF mount versions of the V-Raptor [X] and Komodo-X cameras to the Z mount for an additional fee, costing $1,695 for the former and $1,595 for the latter.
Future Plan
Nikon may integrate RED technologies into its Z-series cameras in the future. For example, the company’s advanced video codec, REDCODE RAW, provides 16-bit color depth, which allows for the broadest range of color correction and grading options in post-production.
Nikon may also release its compact cinema camera, which will target a broader segment than the expensive solutions from RED.
