Nikon ZR Firmware Update V2.00 & NIKKOR Z CINEMA VV Lenses Development Announced

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 8^th, 2026

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Nikon has just officially announced the development of firmware version V2.00 for the Nikon ZR, which is planned for release by the end of this year. At the same time, they have disclosed more details on the upcoming NIKKOR Z CINEMA lens lineup.

The day after tomorrow marks the first birthday of the Nikon ZR “cinema” mirrorless camera. And yet, 12 months after its release, the long-overdue firmware update is still not here to fix the long list of shortcomings that we pointed out in our early hands-on impressions piece and in-depth review.

At the very least, the update now seems to be on the horizon, and so are the first NIKKOR cinema lenses. So, without venturing into rumors or wishlists, let’s take a look at what has officially been confirmed by Nikon.

Nikon ZR Firmware Update V2.00 – Coming in 2026

The Nikon ZR Firmware V2.00 is coming this year, and Nikon has confirmed that it will:

• make RED’s Log3G10 gamma curve and REDWideGamutRGB color space available when shooting in H.265.
• add a selectable high-ISO noise reduction option to H.265 recording, matching the behaviour of the Nikon Z6III.
• support the focus peaking function while shooting in R3D NE.

Moreover, the company is also working on Open Gate recording as well as Anamorphic de-squeeze, although these two functions are only planned for implementation next year. Quite disappointing after such a long wait.

Generically, Nikon adds that “much more” is going to be packed into this firmware update, yet again raising expectations without really reassuring users about the validity of their investment.

Indeed, there’s still no word on many highly requested features, such as more compressed .R3D NE options, a lighter 10-bit 4:2:2 compressed codec (currently, ProRes 422 HQ is the only option, since H.265 is 10-bit 4:2:0), a fix to the current, heavily processed H.265 codec, true 24fps, RED-like false color, and – as Nikon would say – “many more” features.

Lastly, RED is working on an update to the RED Control app to implement support for the Nikon ZR. In my opinion, RED’s app is one of the best camera control applications on the market, so it’s nice to see it embrace the Nikon world.

Nikon NIKKOR Z CINEMA Lenses – A family of 9

The development of the NIKKOR Z CINEMA lens series had already been announced back at IBC 2025. However, we now have a few more details about what to expect from this set of glass.

At launch, the series will consist of 9 focal lengths featuring Nikon’s proprietary Z mount and offering Vista Vision coverage. The latter makes sense, since these lenses are more likely to be aimed at V-RAPTOR [X] users rather than ZR owners, so it’s nice to hear that they will cover both sensors. The lenses are pretty fast, being rated at T1.9.

Like all cinema lenses, the NIKKOR Z CINEMA series features 0.8 MOD iris and focus gears. The aperture is de-clickable with the flip of a switch, while the hybrid nature of these lenses allows you to choose between manual and high-precision autofocus.

Finally, judging from the image, we can tell these lenses are pretty compact and, at least the 50mm T1.9, have a 95mm (or slightly smaller) front diameter, since the lens is pictured paired with the Tilta Mirage matte box.

Price and availability

Firmware Update V2.00 for the Nikon ZR is expected to become available by the end of this year. There’s currently no official information on pricing and availability of the NIKKOR Z CINEMA lenses.

For more information, please visit Nikon’s website here.

What features would you like to see implemented in the Nikon ZR Firmware Update 2.00? What character would you like the NIKKOR Z CINEMA lenses to have? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!