Fresh off the success of its GFX medium format mirrorless cameras, Fujifilm is developing its first cinema camera with an impressive array of forward-thinking features.
While the GFX Eterna Cinema Camera is predominately a 4K platform, it introduces several exciting new capabilities, including Open Gate recording, dual base ISO, and more.
Image Credit – FUJIFILM
A Proven High-Resolution Sensor
Fujifilm is basing its new cinema camera on the same 102-megapixel medium format CMOS II HS 4K sensor used in the popular GFX 100 II mirrorless camera, paired with the X-Processor 5 Image Processor.
This sensor enhances video performance and features precision autofocus that quickly and accurately identifies and tracks subjects.
Image Credit – FUJIFILM
Although the sensor is not unique to the Eterna Cinema Camera, Fujifilm has fine-tuned its performance to meet the high demands of professional cinematography.
The sensor now reads data twice as fast as in Fujifilm’s mirrorless cameras, offering improved dynamic range and a broader color gamut, all powered by Fujifilm’s renowned color science.
Dual Base ISO
The camera’s dual base ISO enhances its dynamic range by capturing scenes at both 800 and 3200 ISO while shooting in F-Log 2 and F-Log 2C.
This results in better low-light performance with less noise, as well as crisp details in brighter conditions, without clipping.
Open Gate
Fujifilm has also refined the electronic shutter to reduce rolling shutter issues.
While the camera captures footage in Open Gate, design tweaks minimize rolling shutter effects by 15ms in 4K 16:9 widescreen, reducing distortion.
Open Gate utilizes the full 4:3 sensor area to deliver superior image quality in widescreen, with the added option of cropping for different aspect ratios.
Additional Features
The GFX Eterna Cinema Camera includes a side-mounted 5-inch LCD touchscreen, intuitively placed buttons and dials for easy operation, and an ergonomic box-like design that is both lightweight and compact.
It also offers SDI, HDMI, and Ethernet ports, as well as XLR and audio connections and a headphone jack.
Other features include support for a Genlock device, Fujifilm’s locking G-mount lens system, and power connections for a 2-pin LEMO DC connector or V-lock battery plate.
Pricing and Availability
Pricing and availability have not yet been announced, but the GFX Eterna is expected to launch later this year. Some industry speculators predict a retail price of around $15,000, which may seem steep for a 4K camera, especially considering the GFX 100 II mirrorless model is priced at $7,500.
If the GFX Eterna is priced around $15,000, Fujifilm’s GFX100 II or even the Blackmagic Pyxis could be a better choice for solo filmmakers looking to upgrade to a professional platform.
The Pyxis, however, doesn’t offer the larger format sensor and shoots in a more current 6K resolution. And it’s much cheaper too.
Only time will tell.
[source: DIYP]
Order Links:
- FUJIFILM GFX Eterna Cinema Camera (B&H)
- FUJIFILM GFX 100S II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera (B&H)
- Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K Cinema Box Camera (B&H)
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