The new year is on the horizon, and so are some new exciting product announcements. This week, FUJIFILM announced it’s entering the cine camera market, ZEISS developed Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses, Aputure introduced the INFINIMAT system, RODE took wireless audio to smartphones, and teenage engineering brought us to the dance floor with the OP-XY.
FUJIFILM Enters the Cine Camera Foray
It’s been a minute since a new player has entered the cine camera battleground, and FUJIFILM has finally decided to make that entrance with the announcement of the GFX ETERNA. On Tuesday, FUJIFILM said they are in the process of developing their first filmmaking camera, which they plan to release in 2025. What we know so far about the GFX ETERNA is that it features a large format sensor they are calling the GFX 102MP CMOS II HS, which is 1.7x larger than a typical 35mm sensor. Additionally, the ETERNA will have a high-speed X-Processor 5 engine for capturing rich, true-to-life visuals with improved flexibility in post. These two were last seen in the FUJIFILM GFX100 II release and are now being brought to a large-format machine.
FUJIFILM is also working on a power zoom GF lens optimized for the ETERNA’s G-mount body. The lens is set to have a 32-90mm focal length as well as a G to ARRI PL mount adapter for compatibility with other cine lenses more widely available in the market. The ETERNA is positioned as a cine workhorse, aiming to improve production workflows in feature film, short film, and documentary applications.
They say competition breeds innovation, and this new release will push fellow cine manufacturers to keep developing exciting new tech for filmmakers. It’s been some time since we have seen remarkable technological advancements in the field, and FUJIFILM will certainly be adding the pressure. It’ll be exciting to see what other features the GFX ETERNA will have to offer when it comes out next year.
ZEISS Launches Supreme Zoom Lenses
ZEISS is taking the signature T* blue coating from their Supreme Prime Radiance lens series and adding it to a new line of cine-zooms. The Supreme Zoom Radiance lenses come in three focal lengths—15-30mm, 28-80mm, and 70-200mm—and feature a fast T2.9 maximum aperture. Just like their prime counterparts, the zooms cover full-frame sensors and have standardized gear placement for intuitive swapping.
The T* blue coating on the zoom lenses helps produce artistic flaring when a focused light source is directed down the barrel. This allows cinematographers to control flare effects, but under normal lighting conditions the lenses produce a standard look. The coating on the zooms is slightly warmer than that of the prime lenses for a livelier look and improved skin tones. The Radiance line also boasts a sharp yet gentile look with focus falloff and elegant bokeh. Anti-reflective coatings on each element help maintain the overall contrast of your image.
Like other ZEISS lenses, the Supreme Zoom Radiance line has eXtended Data Technology and is compatible with the CinCraft camera tracking system for integration with electronic production ecosystems. The wide range of focal lengths covered by all three lenses—from 15 to 200mm—you can easily integrate the zooms into any camera configuration for use with virtually any project.
Aputure Releases a Rugged Mat Lighting System
With the INFINIMAT Tunable Color Light Mat system, Aputure is bringing efficient time and space management to your set environment. The INFINIMATs come in a wide variety of sizes to suit your specific production, from 1 x 2’ all the way up to 20 x 20’. Their control boxes are universal throughout the series to make swapping sizes or powering an array of units a breeze. Control up to three units with the 400W control box and up to five units with the 1600W box.
The INFINIMATs feature an increased output for use in a wide variety of production settings, including daylight. All of the lights include an inflatable airbag for a pleasant, diffused effect. They quickly inflate and deflate for efficient setup and their overall footprint takes up less space compared to traditional diffused setups. When not in use, the entire unit breaks down small for storage in their included travel case.
Control the RGBWW LEDs of the color tunable mat in configurations of 1x2 and 2x2 pixels via DMX protocols for active motion effects. Dual-dimming control allows the mats to dim to extremely low levels—like 0.1%—without color shift while maintaining smooth gradients. On top of this, their construction is rental grade with an IP65 rating for use in virtually any environment. This level of versatility makes the INFINIMAT a valuable addition to Aputure’s lighting lineup.
RODE Equips Content Creators
RODE has released a smartphone-specific wireless system designed for content creators on the go. The Wireless Micro features a plug-in receiver configuration, two ultra-compact transmitter units, and a pocket-sized charging case to take it with you. Previous RODE Wireless systems have required adapter cables to facilitate mobile device connectivity, whereas the Micro comes in both USB-C and Lightning versions—as well as white and black colorways—which allow the receiver to plug directly into your compatible device without requiring additional setup.
This makes the Micro ideal for content creators wanting to upgrade their audio without breaking the bank or increasing their setup time. It boasts RODE’s tried-and-true audio quality thanks to built-in Intelligent GainAssist Technology and each transmitter’s electret-condenser microphone and forgiving omnidirectional pickup pattern. The system itself can handle up to 135 dB SPLs and has a 20 Hz to 20 kHz frequency range for consistent, broadcast-quality audio.
Even the transmitters’ form factors are designed with creators in mind. Both units have an ultra-compact, low-profile appearance to avoid distracting your viewers in your next vlog, on-the-street interview, or livestream. Clip them directly to your clothing or use included magnet mounts. Easily film all day thanks to the integrated transmitter batteries with 7-hour runtimes. The included charging case provides two additional charges for a 21-hour total runtime.
teenage engineering Channels Dance
Ever hoping to expand their synthesizer lineup to cover every genre known to man, teenage engineering is back with the OP-XY Dynamic Performance Sequencer, Synthesizer, and Sampling Workstation. Designed with music makers in mind, the OP-XY is inspired by global, off-road subcultures of dance music.
The core workflow of the OP-XY hinges on its built-in step sequencer, allowing you to oscillate between precise beats to creatively off-kilter punctuations. Stack compositions on top of one another to create a wall of sound, adding complexity with punch-in FX. Brain chord progression allows you to translate your imagination directly into the machine through your fingertips.
The OP-XY features a newly developed multisampler. Pull samples from several different Zones simultaneously while the synth engine generates additional tones and textures. You can even manipulate tracks by simply moving-and-grooving with the device thanks to its onboard gyroscope. A dual CPU system ensures ultrafast processing and efficiency so that all of these bells and whistles work at the speed of your creativity. Even though it might not be for everyone, the OP-XY is a unique synth that’s sure to change the way we think about crafting a track.
The year isn’t over yet, nor is the holiday season. Be sure to come back next week and see what other developments occur before we switch our calendars over to 2025.
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