ZR CTL is a third-party app that allows Nikon ZR users to fully monitor and control their camera using an iPhone, iPad, or Android device. The app lets you adjust camera settings, display the live feed, playback clips, and monitor focus, exposure, and framing – even using RED-like tools that are currently not supported in-camera. The Beta version of ZR CTL is now available to download free of charge.
The Nikon ZR has proven to be quite a popular solution since its launch in September last year. However, as I pointed out in my early hands-on impressions, essential features such as false color, anamorphic de-squeeze, and 9:16 framing guides are still missing, and so is a proprietary smartphone app for remote monitoring and control.
Things haven’t changed much with the release of Firmware V1.10, so while waiting for Nikon to release a major update, third-party apps like ZR CTL can help you overcome some of the camera’s limitations. Let’s have a look!
ZR CTL app for Nikon ZR. Image credit: ZR CTLZR CTL app for Nikon ZR – overview
To start, the ZR CTL app offers several modes for establishing a connection between your smartphone or tablet and the camera. These include USB-C for a reliable, low-latency wired connection or Wi-Fi/AP for a cable-free solution.
ZR CTL app for Nikon ZR – Camera UI. Image credit: ZR CTL
Once inside the app, you can start monitoring and controlling your Nikon ZR via a modern, intuitive, and pretty responsive UI. You can monitor the live feed from the camera, trigger record, adjust critical parameters (such as iris, shutter angle, ISO, WB, resolution, frame rate, codec), customize AF settings (AF mode, area, speed, sensitivity), touch to focus, import and preview LUTs, as well as browse and playback clips, even over Wi-Fi.
RED Traffic Lights and Goal Posts inside ZR CTL app. Image credit: ZR CTL
However, where the app really shines is by offering a plethora of monitoring tools, including some that are currently not supported by the camera, as well as workarounds to most of the ZR’s own limitations. Some of my favourites are:
RED-like traffic lights and goal posts, as well as false color –these tools offer much more granular control over exposure and can measure the log signal before the LUT is applied;anamorphic de-squeeze (1.33x, 1.5x, 1.8x, 2x, or custom);the ability to use multiple framing guides simultaneously; focus peaking supportwhile shooting in .R3D NE (currently not possible in camera).
False color inside ZR CTL app. Image credit: ZR CTLPrice and availability
The Beta version of the ZR CTL app is now available for free download (iOS / Android).
The camera body currently retails for $2,196 / €1,921 (excl. VAT).
For more information, please visit ZR CTL’s website here.
Are you a Nikon ZR owner? Do you think this app can improve your experience of shooting with the camera? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!