In the first big announcement since Nikon’s acquisition of RED Digital Cinema, the company now offers new options that open up the platform for a world of innovation.
The fact that RED is announcing today that its cameras will now be available with the Z mount should come as no surprise. When Nikon acquired RED last year, even the most armchair of quarterbacks would have assumed this to be the first move. By offering its Komodo-X and V-Raptor [X] cameras with the Z mount, the company is leaning into the synergy between the brands and introducing Nikon’s amazing line of Z glass to filmmakers the world over.
But this change is exciting for more than just existing Z lens owners. Few things in film and photography can be quantified in terms of quality, but one thing I feel comfortable saying is that the Z mount is likely the best mount available on the market today. Why? Well, it’s simple. With a 55mm inner diameter and the shortest flange distance of all mounts on the market, the Z mount is literally the most adaptable mount available. Not only does that enable lens designs with better sharpness and aberration control, but it also means that you are not limited to Nikon Z glass. Because of the larger mount, you can adapt every lens on the market with a smaller diameter, which is, well, all of them. As a cinematographer, lens choice is one of the most vital decisions you’ll make that will affect your final product. Having the option to mount nearly every lens available to your RED body means your creative options are limited only by your imagination.
Now, you’ll be able to mount Z lenses, E, D, and PL through the use of adapters without always having to change the mount itself in the field. RED will continue to offer the RF-mount option for existing customers or customers already invested in Canon’s RF lens system. So this change is additive rather than a replacement. But this change will certainly pave the way for Nikon and RED to further integrate their technology and maximize customer benefits.
For existing owners of the RED Komodo-X or the V-Raptor [X] with the RF mount, they will have the option, should they choose, to send their systems into RED to be converted to the Z mount for $1,595.
In addition to the many PL-to-Z adapters already on the market, RED will be offering four optional Z-to-PL adapters, which will start shipping in April—two each for the Komodo-X and V-Raptor [X]. A standard Z-to-PL adapter pack will be available for $1,500, and a Z-to-PL electronic ND adapter pack will be available for $3,500.
Speaking of which, in case you haven’t read my other article today about Nikon’s separate announcement of its new 28-135mm PZ power zoom lens designed for film and video, there is already concrete evidence that Nikon is equally dedicated to creating glass options for working filmmakers. That lens is a perfect workhorse focal range, and with the new Z-mount option, it can now mount directly onto the RED Komodo-X and V-Raptor [X]. This is important for two reasons. One, it is a great-looking lens on its own. But, two, it dovetails nicely with RED’s second announcement today.
Both the Komodo-X and V-Raptor [X] are also getting a new firmware update to coincide with the Z-mount options. In addition to other improvements, version 2.0 of the firmware for both cameras brings with it a number of enhancements made specifically to take advantage of their collaboration with Nikon. For instance, if you mount the new Nikon Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ power zoom to the Komodo-X body, you now have the option to completely control the camera and lens functions remotely through the RED camera app. The app was already an excellent platform for RED users, but now you have further integration with Nikon, which, for example, allows you to control your camera’s focus, zoom range, and custom control ring—set to something like aperture—completely remotely.
Imagine you are using a Komodo-X in a difficult shooting scenario. Maybe you are using it as a literal crash cam during a stunt sequence, and having an operator in the car would be ill-advised. But you still want to be able to do complicated focus racks or zoom in and out of the action as the scene unfolds. You could position a Komodo-X with the Z 28-135mm PZ lens inside the action, then adjust focus, zoom, and exposure throughout the scene from the safety of video village while getting the exact shot you need.
Speaking of autofocus, the new firmware also adds new autofocus functionality, allowing the user greater control over autofocus speed, including more gradual focus and aperture transitions. No more jumpy photo autofocus. The new firmware makes it easier, when using autofocus, to leverage the system's power to more smoothly move between subjects in a way better suited to cinema.
The new autofocus will not exactly replicate the amazing autofocus of the newer Nikon mirrorless cameras. The hardware platforms are different, so it’s not completely a 1:1 comparison. But the new RED firmware will bring dramatic improvements to features like face detection, making it a viable option for filmmakers when not using manual focus.
The firmware updates are available now. The Nikon Z 28-135mm PZ will cost $2,499.95.
The Z-mount versions of the Komodo-X and V-Raptor [X] are available now. While both have snazzy new gold rings at the front to denote the Z mount, they will be priced the same as their RF-mount predecessors. The V-Raptor [X], with the industry-leading 8K VV global shutter large format sensor, currently goes for $29,995, while the 6K S35 Komodo-X, which also has a global shutter and can reach frame rates of 80 fps in 6K or 120 fps in 4K, retails for $6,995.
There will be a trade-in program available for existing users looking to upgrade to the Z-mount model. Customers can trade in their RED DSMC, RAVEN, SCARLET-W, DSMC2, or RANGER and receive a credit toward the purchase of a new V-Raptor XL [X] Pack or V-Raptor [X] Pack with either the new Z-mount or the RF-mount model, should they prefer.
I’m looking forward to getting hands-on with the unit to do a full review in the future, but for now, this announcement is a positive first phase of the RED and Nikon union.
