Nikon ME-D10 shotgun mic for the ZR is now in stores

Nikon's ME-D10 shotgun microphone, first shown in September together with the ZR cinema camera, has started to appear at retailers. B&H lists it at $336.95.

The ZR, developed with RED, was already notable for audio: its built-in microphone was the first of its kind to record 32-bit float. The ME-D10 is the external option designed for the same camera.

Made for the ZR's digital shoe

The ME-D10 sits on the ZR's digital accessory shoe. The camera powers it and receives its signal through that shoe, so the mic works without a battery or a cable. It records in 32-bit float. Nikon describes the ME-D10 as a compact mic that is easy to handle, and it has a built-in shock mount to isolate it from camera handling noise.

Pickup patterns and voice modes

A switch changes the polar pattern between front cardioid and rear cardioid. A third setting turns the mic omnidirectional.

Two sound modes are also available. Users switch between them to get better results in different recording environments:

• Pure records without filtering, with a frequency response of 40 Hz to 20 kHz.
• Focus narrows the response to 90 Hz to 20 kHz to make voices clearer.

The camera it pairs with

The ZR itself has been in stock for some time at $2,196.95. It is a 6K full-frame camera aimed mainly at video. It uses a 24-megapixel partially stacked sensor taken from the Z6 III, a 4-inch screen and RED colour science. It also records 6K at 60p in 12-bit RAW internally.

The ME-D10 can be ordered now at $336.95. The box includes a wind muff, a case and a shoe cover.