RED Nikon Z Mount Versions of the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X Announced

Camera News

by Francesco AndreolaFebruary 13^th, 2025

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Almost one year after being acquired by Nikon, today RED announces new versions of their V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X global shutter cinema cameras, which are now available with a locking Nikon Z mount with electronic pins. Additionally, RED is introducing Z-to-PL adapters, which are available with or without Electronic ND.

Just 11 months ago, the news of Nikon’s acquisition of RED Digital Cinema shook our industry, leaving us speculating about the destiny of both brands. Since then, we’ve only had a brief glimpse of what this acquisition could lead to. For example, Nikon ported over RED’s Creative LUTs to fit their N-Log curve, and REDCINE-X Pro was recently updated to process Nikon N-RAW clips, thus testifying to an increasing integration between the two systems.

However, co-developing a whole new Nikon/RED camera may take years of labor. So, as a first big move, Nikon has shrewdly decided to inject their “Z” lens mount ecosystem into RED’s existing state-of-the-art tech, thus opening up interesting possibilities. Let’s take a look!

RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X – now available with Nikon Z mount

On the outside, the new Z mount versions of the RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X look almost identical to the original models. The most noticeable difference is the lens mount, with the Z-mount versions featuring a Nikon-inspired golden locking ring, while the Canon RF counterparts have a red-accented design.

The Z mount integrates electronic pins for communication between the lens and the camera body, thus enabling users to take full advantage of their Nikon Z mount glass and also paving the way for advanced lens data workflows for cinema applications.

Overall, I believe the adoption of Nikon’s Z mount offers several benefits:

• Native compatibility with Nikon’s ever-growing Z mount family of glass, which should include 50+ lenses by the end of this year. This portfolio – which will soon be expanded with the upcoming NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.2 S and the video-centric, newly-announced NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ Power Zoom – already includes a vast range of primes and zooms, many of which feature cutting-edge glass and modern features like a user-customizable control ring.

• The Z mount system features a flange focal distance of only 16mm, thus making it the most flexible system on the market today. This means you can now easily adapt almost any type of glass to your RED camera, including Sony E mount lenses, for example.

• Last but not least, this move now really opens up the opportunity for Nikon to leverage their experience in optical design. While the development of a Nikon cinema lens lineup is pure speculation at this stage, over the last year, the company has expressed interest in strengthening their presence in the cinema space.

Since we haven’t had any hands-on time with the Z mount versions of the RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X yet, we cannot confirm all the details regarding the integration between the Z mount lenses and the cameras. However, according to RED, functions like smooth iris control, customizable lens response, and adjustable AF speed are supported, so this marriage seems to have a bright future.

RED Z to PL adapters – Standard or with Electronic ND

Following in the steps of their RF-to-PL adapters (with and without eND filter), RED is now introducing their Z-to-PL variants. RED’s Nikon Z to ARRI PL mount adapters are available in 4 different packs, all supporting Cooke /i lens data communication.

You can choose between a standard Z to PL adapter or opt for the Electronic ND version, offering an ND range of 2-7 stops in ¼, ⅓, and full-stop increments. Moreover, each adapter comes with support brackets designed specifically for V-RAPTOR [X] or KOMODO-X rigs.

Price and availability

The new Z mount versions of RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X are now available to pre-order from B&H and CVP. The cameras are available in both standalone or ready-to-shoot configurations. Pricing is as follows:

• RED V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Body Only – $29,995
• RED V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Starter Pack – $34,250
• RED V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Production Pack (V-Lock) – $40,500
• RED V-RAPTOR [X] Z Mount Production Pack (Gold Mount) – $40,500

• RED KOMODO-X Z Mount Body Only – $6,995
• RED KOMODO-X Z Mount Power Zoom Pack – $9,995
• RED KOMODO-X Z Mount Production Pack (V-Lock) – $11,995.00
• RED KOMODO-X Z Mount Production Pack (Gold Mount) – $11,995.00

The standard RED Z to PL adapter retails for $1,500, while pricing for the Electronic ND version is set at $3,500.

For more information, please visit RED’s website.

What do you think of these first Nikon x RED products? Do you see any other benefit in adopting the Nikon Z mount system? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!