RAW inside the camera, or a fan for long takes? Two small cinema cameras, two different answers.
The Nikon ZR and the Sony FX3 are compact full-frame cinema cameras for solo filmmakers, and both promise more than 15 stops of dynamic range. The Nikon ZR, built with RED colour science, records RAW inside the camera — R3D NE up to 6K/59.94p in 12-bit, plus N-RAW and ProRes RAW HQ — has a 4-inch 1000-nit screen, records 32-bit float audio, and weighs about 540 g for the body. The Sony FX3 (ILME-FX3A) records 10-bit 4:2:2 inside and sends 16-bit RAW over HDMI to an external recorder, and adds an internal cooling fan for long 4K 60p takes, XLR audio on its top handle and Sony's S-Cinetone colour. At Skyorbits the Nikon ZR costs 834.900 OMR and the Sony FX3 1,349.900 OMR, both including VAT, and the Nikon ZR can also be hired for 30.000 OMR a day.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Prices include VAT · Specs from Nikon's and Sony's official pages
The short answer
- Get the Nikon ZR (834.900 OMR) if you want RAW inside the camera, 32-bit float audio and a 4-inch screen for less money — or hire it first.
- Get the Sony FX3 (1,349.900 OMR) if you shoot long takes, need XLR microphones on the camera, or already own Sony E-mount lenses.
Side by side
| Nikon ZR | Sony FX3 (ILME-FX3A) | |
|---|---|---|
| Price (VAT included) | 834.900 OMR | 1,349.900 OMR |
| Sensor | 24.5 MP full frame | 12.1 MP full frame (10.2 MP video) |
| RAW inside the camera | R3D NE 6K/59.94p 12-bit · N-RAW · ProRes RAW HQ | — (16-bit RAW over HDMI) |
| Highest frame rates | 4K RAW 119.88p · FHD 239.76p | 4K 120p (1.1x crop) · FHD 240p |
| Dynamic range | 15+ stops | 15+ stops |
| ISO | dual base 800 / 6400 (R3D NE) | 80–102,400 (movies) |
| Cooling | passive, no fan | internal cooling fan |
| Audio | 32-bit float · 3.5 mm · OZO Audio | XLR inputs on the top handle |
| Screen | 4.0-inch, 1000 cd/m² | — |
| Cards | CFexpress Type B / XQD + microSD | CFexpress Type A + SD |
| Lens mount | Nikon Z | Sony E |
| Hire at Skyorbits | 30.000 OMR / day | — |
— means the maker does not list it for that model.
In the makers' words
“New internal R3D NE recording: a new RAW format optimized for Nikon cameras to leverage RED color science—up to 6K/59.94p, 12-bit, no external recorder required.”
“The FX3 is a compact, full-frame Cinema Line camera built for video-first production, combining a small cage-free body with cinema-focused features like top handle XLR audio, strong low-light performance, and S-Cinetone color inspired by VENICE colorimetry.”
Which one for which shoot
- Short films and music videos graded in post: Nikon ZR — RAW inside the camera with no external recorder.
- Interviews, events and long takes: Sony FX3 — the fan keeps 4K 60p running and XLR mics plug into the handle.
- Travel and gimbal work: both are small; the Nikon ZR body is about 540 g.
Pay in installments
Nikon ZR on the in-house plan, no interest: 434.900 OMR when you collect, then 224.000 OMR after 30 days and 176.000 OMR after 60 days — 834.900 OMR in total.
The in-house plan is for Omani nationals aged 18 or over, for carts of 200.000 OMR or more, and every request is approved by our management. Everyone else can use a Bank Muscat or Meethaq credit-card Easy Payment Plan, typically up to 12 months, subject to bank terms.
How in-house installments work
Frequently asked questions
What are the prices of the Nikon ZR and Sony FX3 in Oman?
At Skyorbits the Nikon ZR body is 834.900 OMR and the Sony FX3 (ILME-FX3A) is 1,349.900 OMR, both including VAT. Live availability is on each product page.
Which one records RAW inside the camera?
The Nikon ZR records RAW internally: RED's R3D NE up to 6K/59.94p in 12-bit, plus Nikon's N-RAW and Apple ProRes RAW HQ. The Sony FX3 records 10-bit 4:2:2 internally and sends 16-bit RAW over HDMI to an external recorder.
Which is better for long recordings?
The Sony FX3 has an internal cooling fan, and Sony rates it for uninterrupted 4K 60p recording in its own test at 25°C. The Nikon ZR uses a passive heat-dissipation system with no fan.
Which has better audio?
They take different routes: the Nikon ZR records 32-bit float audio with its internal mic or a 3.5 mm input and has Nokia OZO Audio, while the Sony FX3 has a top handle with XLR audio inputs for professional microphones.
Which lenses do they take?
The Nikon ZR uses the Nikon Z mount (F-mount lenses work with Nikon's adapter). The Sony FX3 uses the Sony E mount.
How heavy is the Nikon ZR?
About 540 g for the body only, or about 630 g with the battery and memory card, according to Nikon. It measures about 134 × 80.5 × 49 mm.
Can I hire the Nikon ZR in Muscat?
Yes, 30.000 OMR a day including VAT from our Al Khoud showroom. Omani nationals bring their original civil card; non-Omanis leave a refundable deposit of the item's full value. Book on our rentals page.
Can I buy them in installments?
Yes. In-house installments, no interest, for Omani nationals aged 18 or over, on carts from 200.000 OMR, with management approval; a Bank Muscat or Meethaq credit-card plan for everyone else.