REDCINE-X Pro (Beta) Adds Nikon N-RAW Support

Software News

by Dave KratzFebruary 7^th, 2025

Nikon’s influence on RED is starting to take shape. RED has released a new beta update for REDCINE-X Pro, and Nikon users have something to celebrate. The update adds full support for Nikon’s N-RAW (.nev) format, integrating it into RED’s highly-regarded IPP2 (Image Processing Pipeline 2) workflow. N-RAW clips can now be processed with REDWideGamutRGB and Log3G10 colorspaces, giving editors and colorists familiar control over dynamic range and color grading.

On top of that, the software introduces expanded ISO options, including settings like 64, 8000, 10000, 16000, 20000, and 25600. This opens up greater creative control for both Nikon and RED users, especially in challenging lighting conditions. For Nikon shooters working with N-RAW, it means smoother integration with RED’s pipeline and better handling of high-contrast scenes.

Windows users get another important update. The new beta adds official support for Apple ProRes encoding, a long-requested feature that eliminates the need to transfer projects to a Mac for final export. This update significantly improves workflows for teams that use Windows-based editing systems.

Nikon’s strategy behind acquiring RED

Nikon’s acquisition of RED in late 2024 sent shockwaves through the camera industry. Nikon has been pushing deeper into video production for years, with their flagship Z9 already delivering internal 8K recording and advanced video capabilities. (Camera lab test here). By acquiring RED, Nikon aimed to strengthen their foothold in the professional cinema market to better compete with Canon, Sony, and other major players.

This move wasn’t just about cameras. RED’s IPP2 color science, post-production expertise, and highly respected R3D codec all align with Nikon’s ambitions to cater to high-end filmmakers. Nikon now has a chance to integrate cinema-grade technology across their lineup. We discussed this in detail when the news first broke in this earlier article.

The acquisition has allowed Nikon to leverage RED’s reputation for innovation. This new update hints that both companies are starting to explore ways to collaborate more closely.

What could be next?

The addition of N-RAW support to REDCINE-X Pro might be just the beginning. Could we soon see Nikon mirrorless cameras capable of recording R3D internally? That would be a game-changer for filmmakers looking for a hybrid solution that seamlessly integrates with RED’s post-production ecosystem.

Another possibility is native Nikon lens mounts on future RED cameras. Nikon’s Z-mount glass has earned a strong reputation for its sharpness and versatility. Offering native support for these lenses could attract more Nikon users to RED’s cinema line.

Nikon might also collaborate with RED on software integration. Could future firmware updates for Nikon cameras feature IPP2-inspired color controls? Or perhaps Nikon and RED will work on new, hybrid camera technology that bridges the gap between stills and cinema.

There are a lot of directions this partnership could take, and today’s update is an exciting first step.

A more seamless workflow for Nikon and RED users

For filmmakers who work across both Nikon and RED systems, this update is a game-changer. Nikon users can now take full advantage of RED’s post-production pipeline, including its color grading and dynamic range controls. Expanded ISO settings provide greater creative flexibility, and ProRes encoding on Windows eliminates a longstanding workflow bottleneck for Windows-based editors.

The beta version of REDCINE-X Pro is available now. You can download it for Mac here or Windows here.

This update shows how Nikon and RED’s collaboration could evolve, but there is still plenty of room for speculation.

What features would you like to see next? Could Nikon cameras finally get R3D recording? Will RED release cameras with native Nikon mounts? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments below!