In a significant and unexpected development, RED Digital Cinema is preparing to introduce Z Mount options for its flagship V-RAPTOR [X] lineup (and Komodo [X]). This revelation, which has not yet been officially announced by RED, surfaced through emails sent to RED customers, offering them a trade-in opportunity for the new models. The upcoming Z Mount variants will be available in three configurations:

• V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Starter Pack
• V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Production Pack (V-Lock)
• V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Production Pack (Gold Mount)

The Nikon Acquisition’s Biggest Result Yet

The introduction of a Nikon Z Mount version of RED’s premier cinema cameras marks the most substantial outcome of Nikon’s acquisition of RED earlier this year. This move underscores Nikon’s commitment to integrating its proprietary technologies into RED’s industry-leading cinema cameras. As covered in Y.M.Cinema Magazine, this transition represents a pivotal shift in the cinema industry, potentially paving the way for a future where Nikon becomes a dominant force in the high-end filmmaking sector.

What Does the Z Mount Mean for Cinema Cameras?

The Nikon Z Mount is widely recognized for its large 55mm inner diameter and 16mm flange distance, making it one of the most flexible and adaptable mounts available today. With its electronic communication, it allows full lens metadata transfer, crucial for modern virtual production and VFX workflows. By integrating this mount into RED’s V-RAPTOR [X] lineup, cinematographers gain access to Nikon’s ever-growing Z lens ecosystem, including the highly regarded Cine-Nikkor lenses (Read More).

RED V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount: The Future of RED’s High-End Cameras

From what has been revealed so far, the Z Mount will only be implemented in the V-RAPTOR [X] series and not in the RED KOMODO lineup (UPDATE: The Komodo is included in the Z-Mount party – see UPDATE at the end of the article, plus new pictures of the cameras). This suggests that RED is positioning the Z Mount as an advanced option for high-end productions rather than its compact cinema cameras. This aligns with Nikon’s broader cinema ambitions, as outlined in various industry reports, including Nikon’s readiness to develop cinema cameras and Nikon’s plans for cinema lenses.

Nikon’s Technological Edge: Sensors, Global Shutters, and Cinema Readiness

Nikon has been making major strides in sensor technology, as reported in Nikon’s Sensor Breakthrough. The company’s move toward global shutter technology (Read More) also indicates that future RED cameras could benefit from Nikon’s innovations in this area.

Impact on the Cinema Industry

The addition of the Z Mount option to RED’s V-RAPTOR [X] cameras has several implications for the industry:

1. Stronger Nikon Presence in Cinema – This move solidifies Nikon’s ambition to become a key player in cinema production, competing against Sony, Canon, and ARRI.
2. Increased Lens Versatility – With Z Mount, cinematographers can leverage Nikon’s Z lenses, adapting them to professional cinema use while also benefiting from third-party lens manufacturers producing Z-compatible glass.
3. Potential for Nikon Global Shutter Integration – If RED’s next-generation cameras adopt Nikon’s global shutter technology, it could significantly impact high-end cinema production workflows.
4. A Step Toward a True Nikon Cinema Camera? – As Nikon continues investing in cinema technology, this integration could be an early step toward an eventual Nikon-branded digital cinema camera.

Update (New pictures and more on the Z-Mount Komodo):

The confirmed info is below: 

1. The models will be released with locking Nikon Z-mounts. Furthermore, releasing alongside these models are new Z-to-PL mount adapters, some with electronic ND filters, as well as conversion kits for shooters who want to add a Z-mount to existing V-RAPTOR [X] or KOMODO bodies. All these products come in a variety of kits and configurations. You can buy the new version of the V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV by itself, in a Production Pack with Gold Mount or V-Mount batteries, or in a Starter Pack with a 7” touchscreen and V-Mount batteries. Alternatively, you can purchase a Z-Mount Conversion Kit for existing V-RAPTOR [X] bodies, or a Z-Mount Upgrade Kit if you have older V-RAPTOR iterations like the V-RAPTOR 8K S35 or 6K S35.
2. The KOMODO-X Z-mount body is available by itself, in a Production Pack with Gold Mount or V-Mount batteries, or in a Power Zoom Pack with a Nikon zoom lens. There is also a Z-Mount Conversion Kit available for existing KOMODO-X owners.
3. Complementing these new cameras are four fresh Z-to-PL adapters that support Cookie /i lens communication and record triggering. These V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X adapters are available in standard configurations or with a dial-in 2-7 stop electronic neutral density filter. You can adjust the ND by ¼, 1/3, or full stop increments via integrated buttons on the adapter or through existing RED control protocols on monitors and apps. These Z-to-PL adapters include support brackets to ensure even heavy lenses won’t damage your mount, and the ND filter iterations come with a clear filter to slot in when you don’t need any neutral density.

Explore the pictures below: 

Final Thoughts

While this announcement has yet to be officially made by RED, the leaked trade-in offer confirms that a Z Mount RED V-RAPTOR [X] is imminent. This development highlights the profound changes brought by Nikon’s acquisition of RED, with the Z Mount making its way into one of the most respected cinema camera lineups among professionals. With Nikon’s continued advancements in sensor technology, lens development, and camera innovation, the future of digital cinema may be increasingly influenced by the Japanese imaging giant. Stay tuned for further updates as RED officially unveils the V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount series shortly.