Nikon launched its first Z -series movie this week, the Nikon ZR, only 18 months after acquiring red digital cameras; See my Nikon ZR practical review for my first impressions. And hot in their heels now we have the first essential accessory for the camera, in the form of the Smallrig cage kit.
The essence of my practice is that, although I will need to test the Nikon / Red model for a longer period, I think it is a highly capable video camera, thanks to its full -stacked 24MP frame sensor, image stabilization in the 6K 60FPS body, 12 -bit internal recording, red reds, internal floating audio of 32 bits, impressive micr entrance.
He is an important instant player in a new space for Nikon, with the skills to make a pro-quality video in a climate-resistant compact package, at a rival price of $ 2,200 / £ 2,199 / au $ 3,499.
Said all this, the ZR is clearly not a high -end model. Nikon has prioritized the compact dimensions on the absolute design of the professional film camera, and that is not bad: I think there is a place for small cameras and with setback that can fly with accessories to meet their needs.
The modification of a small chamber can serve multiple purposes: it can keep it exposed to fit in narrow spaces or add accessories to improve its handling.
I like the foundations that the ZR has established, but to be a really excellent race and weapons chamber, it needs an extra hand, and that has just reached in the form of Advanced Smallrig cage kit.
Grab
Unlike the most bulky alternatives, the Nikon Zr omits a viewfinder, while its flat front body only offers a small purchase. In addition, there are no mounting points for accessories as obtained with other film cameras, or space to squeeze a full-size HDMI port, just a micro-HDMI. All this feels like a design at the level of enthusiast instead of professional.
My first thought when I had in my hands the ZR is that it would benefit from a better grip and an easy way to mount accessories: step in Smallrig.
The advanced cage kit, which costs £ 149.90 and is now available in the United Kingdom (the prices and availability of the United States and Australia are TB), has four main components: L -shaped handle, the cage, the upper handle and the lateral handle. If you do not want the lot, you can save money by opting for the L -shaped handle kit, the basic cage kit or the upper handle kit.
With the four components at stake, the ZR looks infinitely more comfortable to sustain, and the grill in the form of L will certainly make the vertical shot comfortable. The ZR has vertical video skills that you will want to use: its user interface changes while holding the camera vertically, and any videos taken in this way is automatically recognized as 9:16 files when you edit.
The ZR already has image stabilization in the body, but, like the Nikon Z6 III, which has identical sensor specifications, it is not the best: the stabilization of the lumix S1 II for the video is another level. That is why the upper handle and lateral handle are useful: they will offer a safer cellar for softer hand shots, reducing the need for a cardan.
Personally, I am not worried about the assembly points for an external monitor: the 4 -inch ZR screen is large and brilliant enough for the execution and weapons recording. However, it is useful for accessories such as a wireless microphone receiver and continuous compact panels.
Of course, the Smallrig cage kit cannot change the ZR hardware, such as the fact that we have micro-HDMI and uncomfortable access to memory cards through the battery door, but transforms the ZR into the best execution and gun video camera. Add the cage, forget to use a cardan and external monitor, and you will have an ultra compact and easy to wear package; Without a doubt, it is the first ZR accessory that would seek to buy.
