Ever wanted to test a cinema camera before buying it? Nikon just made that possible. The company has officially released free R3D NE sample files shot on the new Nikon ZR ($2,196.95 on Amazon) , and they’re available for anyone to download, edit, and push to the limits. 

Real raw footage for real testing

The Nikon ZR is the first camera outside RED’s lineup to shoot R3D NE, a RAW format that merges RED’s color science and workflow compatibility with Nikon’s cinema system. Now Nikon has gone even further, offering full-resolution R3D files directly on its official Z CINEMA page. You can get them here: Download Nikon ZR R3D samples. Once downloaded, the clips can be opened in any professional NLE such as DaVinci Resolve. You can experiment with highlight recovery, shadow depth, color grading, and noise control using the same footage Nikon used to develop the camera’s visual profile. These are genuine 12-bit 6K RAW files, not compressed promotional clips, giving you total flexibility to push and analyze the image.

A direct comparison with RED

What makes this release unique is that Nikon also provides matching R3D samples from the RED Komodo X and RED V-Raptor X. The footage was shot under identical conditions, allowing a side-by-side comparison between the ZR and two of RED’s flagship cinema cameras. Filmmakers can test the consistency of Nikon’s REDWideGamutRGB and Log3G10 pipeline, apply the same LUTs, and evaluate how closely the ZR matches RED’s signature color and tonal behavior. This is an unprecedented opportunity to measure Nikon’s first cinema camera directly against RED’s professional ecosystem using the same lighting, workflow, and grading environment.

How to try it yourself

• Go to the Nikon Z CINEMA ZR features page
• Download the R3D NE sample packages that include chroma key, skin tone, LUT, and low-light scenes
• Open the files in your preferred NLE and start grading
• Compare Nikon ZR results to the included Komodo X and Raptor X footage using identical color settings

Why it matters

Allowing creators to test actual R3D RAW footage before purchase is a bold and transparent move. It shows Nikon’s confidence in the ZR’s capabilities and invites professionals to verify its performance first-hand. This also strengthens Nikon’s collaboration with RED, signaling a new phase for hybrid cinema workflows. For editors, colorists, and cinematographers, this is a rare chance to experience Nikon’s color science next to RED’s established visual identity.

Final thought

Free access to R3D NE test files marks a milestone for Nikon and for digital cinema as a whole. You can now grade, compare, and experience the new Nikon ZR’s RAW performance directly against RED’s cinema lineage, no registration required. Read more about this very special camera: Nikon ZR becomes an Amazon best seller, and Nikon ZR and RED join forces for true cinema

Nikon RED Z Cinema

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