Nikon buy RED - What could this mean for the industry?

In a surprising turn of events, Nikon have bought RED, but what does it mean for both brands and for the wider industry? Carl discusses a few of the main questions, but what do you think?

[cfunkproductions]

As someone who splits time between being a professional advertising photographer and a professional filmmaker (commercials and narrative), I LOVE this news. I'm a proud owner of the Z9 and have used both it and RED cameras on various projects. The possibilities with these two joining forces are endless. They essentially both solve the others weaknesses.

[EdwardGDavies]

I really had to check if it was April 1st when I saw this this morning. I think this will be a big win for the cinema, pro and prosumer businesses. I’m very excited to see what Nikon do with this acquisition

[sebastian_trzaska]

As a Z9 shooter this is so exciting! I'm hoping one day we will see cinema cameras with a Z-mount.

[topicruben]

Definitely the news of the year! I'm still Thanks Carl

[charliedango]

Well, that's one way to get around the compressed raw format legal debacle.

[RaySweeting]

You mentioned that Nikon uses Sony sensors not in all cases. D850 was a Towerjazz sensor. Nikon design there own sensors and outsource the production. The sensors are also most probably produced on Nikon FAB machines.

[billyoung]

In my opinion Nikon is interested in RED's sensors the most, because if they can move to a global shutter with close to industry leading DR that will be a major boon. R3d most certainly will get added to future higher end Nikon cameras. As for REd, I don't think Red will loose the RF mount, but instead have an Optional Z mount. This merger will likely also result in more attention being put into Cinema Glass options for the Z mount. One other aspect that might occur is if this increases the scale of RED production it might also drive down the prices a bit and we might see Nikon/Red cameras more in the range of where some of Sony's budget cinema cameras are currently situated. This whole thing is so mindbogglingly unexpected and yet could be truly awesome.

[ScandinavianCoward]

Excellent point about clashing company cultures. It shows how much, much more lean RED is. Not sure if they know what kind of culture shock they're in for.

[colinthomas]

If I was Nikon I would publicly announce that all cameras can now shoot raw internally and be hero’s of industry. Sure they would leave some money on the table but it could create new loyal customers.

[ixamedia]

Bravo Nikon! Looking forward to see how my favorite brand, innovates the video market!

[jessecook]

Something I haven’t seen much reporting on is the potential for Nikon to perhaps build cine lenses to be paired in tandem with RED. In a similar way how Zeiss and Sony have their partnership with Zeiss’ new Nano Primes being rolled out in E-mount only (at the moment), maybe Nikon will reinvigorate the long-forgotten RED Prime lens line and release a mirrorless cinema lens option for their next generation of Nikon manufactured RED cameras. Truly exciting times. Genuinely the highest ceiling going in the game right now after this acquisition.

[HakonBroderLund]

If any I expected Canon to do this, not Nikon. Good on them though. Maybe Red now gets AF, but with Z-mount, and not RF mount. Time will tell.

[dsdddsdwe]

I was also confused about why Nikon didn't take video seriously around 2012-2016. Their sensor performance was always excellent. Sony took advantage of that opening and became the top player. Nikon should have taken those risks earlier because there was nothing to lose back then. You keep your photographers happy and then get new market share for Cinema.

[naterpotater]

I'd be surprised if we don't see a fantastic mirrorless come out at a reasonable price just to shake things up and get everyone excited about the nikon lineup.

[cmdrls]

The Z mount would make perfect sense. It would even allow adapting of Sony lenses thanks to its shorter flange and wider throat than Canon RF. Huge win for the consumer and everyone but Canon, which won't adapt to Z mount. Nikon could then welcome Sony defeactors by allowing them to bring their lens system.

[dag]

I find this totally fascinating but as someone who has no plans to shoot with Nikon or RED it doesn't really have a direct bearing on my work at all. Definitely a shocker that I wasn't expecting.

[greentokyo]

Most exciting camera news in a long time!

[whousefilms]

I'm dreaming of the next Nikon/Red camera :)

[toxotis]

i hope Nikon will have many video features now in smaller/cheaper mirroles cameras... internal raw/prores, false colours, open gate, anamorhic desquesse, waveforms etc on Z6 III or other low/mid level cameras!

[ScottieVee]

As a Canon owner this is confusing. I would have expected an arrangement with Canon. RF mount and all. RED was the only brand I thought of mixing with my Canon cameras and glass. Well, that's out now. I know Canon has Cine cameras coming with big tech. That will be what I look forward to. No slight on Nikon, from what I know they are a great camera and underrated. No chance I'm gonna walk away from all my RF glass. Plus I love the Canon image. Interesting times.