Nikon ZR Firmware Version 2.00 & future Open Gate Recording

Nikon has announced the development of firmware version 2.00 for the Nikon ZR, a full-frame sensor camera. This update is part of a broader roadmap for future upgrades intended to address several of the most common complaints voiced by videographers. According to reports from No Film School and Newsshooter, the company is implementing specific fixes and feature additions to enhance the camera's utility for professional video production. The updates are being rolled out in stages, with specific functionality arriving throughout 2026 and into the following year. Coverage from PetaPixel and Red Shark News emphasizes that open gate recording is officially coming to the Nikon ZR, though this specific feature is slated for release in 2027.

Additionally, Y.M.Cinema reports that Nikon has confirmed the arrival of anamorphic desqueeze capabilities for the device. Beyond firmware, CineD and Nikon have confirmed the development of the NIKKOR Z CINEMA T1.9 VV series. This new lineup consists of nine cinema lenses designed to cover sensors larger than full-frame, expanding the ecosystem for high-end cinematography. This development is significant as it positions Nikon to better compete in the cinema market. The NIKKOR Z CINEMA T1.9 VV lenses are being developed for use with the RED V RAPTOR [X], as noted by Y.M.Cinema.

By introducing open gate recording and anamorphic support, Nikon is targeting a professional demographic that requires maximum sensor readout and specialized lens formats. The shift toward VV (VistaVision) coverage indicates a strategic move toward larger-than-full-frame optics to satisfy the needs of high-end production houses. Looking forward, users will be monitoring the release of firmware version 2.00 in 2026 and the eventual implementation of open gate recording in 2027. The industry is also awaiting further technical specifications on the nine NIKKOR Z CINEMA T1.9 VV lenses currently under development. As reported by Fstoppers, the 2026 roadmap will be the immediate focus for current ZR owners seeking the promised fixes for common videography complaints.