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Images: Nikon (Red cinema camera) and DPReview (Nikon Z6 III)

Nikon has announced a deal to provide the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts with various cameras and lenses, including Red Komodo and Komodo X digital cinema cameras, Nikon Z6 III mirrorless cameras, and Nikkor lenses.

While the announcement is largely a marketing exercise, it’s also an interesting strategic step for Nikon. Prior to its acquisition of Red Digital Cinema earlier this year, Nikon didn’t have an established presence in the Hollywood filmmaking community, unlike competitors Sony, Canon, and Panasonic. Working directly with film schools offers the opportunity to connect with future filmmakers at the early stages of their careers and to introduce Nikon-branded equipment to the next generation of filmmakers, including directors and directors of photography.

The decision to collaborate with USC’s film school is particularly significant. Situated in Los Angeles, at the center of the US entertainment industry, the USC School of Cinematic Arts has well-established connections with major studios, industry leaders, and production companies and serves as a significant source of talent for the industry. Many of its graduates, such as George Lucas, Ron Howard, and Robert Zemeckis, have become influential figures in Hollywood.

Given that many students may not have the chance to work with advanced cinema cameras right away, the inclusion of Nikon Z series cameras and Nikkor lenses could help establish the idea that Nikon’s cameras are credible filmmaking tools – something that’s likely to become even more evident as the two companies share product integration and technology development.

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