Nikon ZR Firmware V1.10 Released – Wired Timecode Sync, RED File Naming, and More

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaJanuary 27^th, 2026

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Nikon has just rolled out the first firmware update for the ZR. While it brings quite a few improvements — including wired timecode sync, RED-like file naming, extended video recording times, and a highlight clipping indicator — it’s far from being the update users have been waiting for. Let’s take a look!

Since its launch back in September 2025, the Nikon ZR has caused quite a wave in the industry, with many early adopters as well as many users thinking about making the switch from other brands, particularly from Sony. However, the first Nikon x RED cinema mirrorless camera doesn’t come without quirks. (see our Nikon ZR review here).

As our rigorous Lab Test revealed, the camera lags a bit behind when it comes to lab test results, and still lacks some highly-requested features such as false color, anamorphic de-squeeze, more compressed RED NE options, support for RED color science in ProRes/H.265, more robust H.265 recording, and more. So it’s a bit disappointing to see that this new firmware update addresses none of these issues.

Nikon ZR firmware V1.10 – features

While it’s now clear that we need to wait patiently for the first major Nikon ZR update, let’s see what’s there to be excited about with firmware V1.10.

• Wired timecode sync
  It’s now possible to feed an LTC timecode signal into the camera via its 3.5mm jack microphone/line input. The timecode gets recorded straight into the video file, and sync is preserved even when the timecode device is disconnected from the camera. This makes it easier to sync the ZR with other devices, although you end up sacrificing one audio channel.

• RED-like file naming convention
  The Nikon ZR now adopts RED’s file naming system, which includes the reel number, clip number, date of recording, as well as a random ID that prevents file duplication. This is great for multi-camera setups and makes the ZR an even better B Cam to RED cameras such as KOMODO-X and V-RAPTOR.

• Extended video recording times
  The video recording limit has been extended from 125 minutes to 6 hours, although this doesn’t apply to RAW video recording (N-RAW, RED NE, ProRes RAW). Still, it’s a welcome addition for shooting podcasts or events, for example.

• Highlights clipping indicator
  When shooting in RED NE and monitoring exposure using the waveform or histogram, a new highlight-clipping red line indicator now appears to clearly showcase the point of no return.

• Support for up to 50 custom LUTs
  The maximum number of custom LUTs that can be stored in the camera has now been increased from 10 to 50.

Nikon Z9 firmware V5.31

Next to the new ZR firmware, Nikon has also released firmware V5.31 for its flagship Z9 camera (download here). This is a very minor firmware update that fixes the following issue:

Fixed an issue where the focus point would sometimes leave the subject immediately after tracking started when [AF-area mode] was set to [3D-tracking] in photo mode or to [Subject-tracking AF] in video mode.

Price and availability

The new firmware update V1.10 for Nikon ZR is now available to download for free from Nikon’s Download Center. As with every firmware update, make sure you don’t perform the upgrade ahead of or during an important production.

For more information, please read Nikon’s Supplementary Firmware Update Manual.

Have you ever shot with the Nikon ZR? What features would you like to see implemented on this camera? Or what’s preventing you from switching to Nikon? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below!