Nikon ZR Gets New Firmware in 2026 With Open Gate Planned for 2027

Nikon may have been relatively quiet on the new product front, but the company continues to expand the capabilities of its existing cameras. Nikon has announced a new firmware update for the ZR coming in 2026, along with a larger update planned for 2027 that will add several highly requested cinema features.

Firmware 2.0 will introduce three new features to Nikon’s cinema camera, “with the aim of further advancing creative capabilities and workflows for a broad range of users, from high-end filmmakers to content creators.”

New Log Recording Options

The October update will add support for Log3G10 and REDWideGamutRGB when recording in H.265. The combination is designed to provide the smaller file sizes of H.265 while retaining greater flexibility for color grading during post-production.

Firmware 2.0 will also allow users to select the level of High ISO Noise Reduction when recording H.265 Log footage. Nikon says this will enable image rendering to be tailored to the creator’s intent and the overall tone of the project.

The update also adds focus peaking when recording in R3D NE, providing filmmakers with a more precise way to confirm focus while shooting.

R3D NE is a RAW format developed for Nikon cameras that incorporates the distinctive color science of RED Digital Cinema. Nikon acquired RED in 2024, bringing the cinema camera company into its business.

Open Gate Is Coming in 2027

Nikon has bigger plans for the ZR next year, with another firmware update currently in development.

“Nikon is also developing new firmware to support frequently requested features, including open gate recording and a desqueeze display for use with anamorphic lenses, with the goal of incorporating them in ZR firmware in 2027,” Nikon wrote.

Open gate recording makes use of the camera’s full sensor area rather than limiting capture to a conventional video aspect ratio. This gives filmmakers more flexibility to reframe footage in post-production for different formats, including horizontal, vertical, and square video.

For creators producing content across multiple platforms, that could be particularly useful. A single open-gate recording can provide the source material for several different aspect ratios without requiring the scene to be captured repeatedly.

Anamorphic Desqueeze Display

The planned desqueeze display is another feature aimed squarely at filmmakers. Anamorphic lenses horizontally squeeze an image during capture, producing footage that appears tall and distorted when viewed without correction.

A desqueeze preview allows the ZR’s display to show the footage in its intended wide aspect ratio while recording. This makes it easier for filmmakers to compose shots and judge the final image when using anamorphic lenses.

Both features are still in development, and Nikon says they are targeted for inclusion in ZR firmware in 2027.

RED Remote Control Support

Nikon is also updating RED’s remote-control applications, RED Control and RED Control Pro, to add control capabilities for the ZR.

The move further integrates the ZR into the RED ecosystem and gives filmmakers additional options for controlling the camera remotely as part of professional production workflows.

“Nikon and RED will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also contributing to the development of imaging culture in the field of cinema.”

What Happens Next?

Nikon says ZR firmware 2.0 is scheduled to arrive in 2026, bringing the new H.265 Log recording options, adjustable High ISO Noise Reduction, and focus peaking for R3D NE recording.

The company is also developing the more substantial 2027 firmware update, which is expected to add open gate recording and anamorphic desqueeze display. For ZR owners, the continued development suggests Nikon intends to expand the camera’s capabilities through software rather than reserving major features for future hardware.