Now that FUJIFILM has formally lifted the (whole) curtain on the GFX ETERNA 55, it’s time to take a deeper dive into the method behind this distinctive digicam. We met with FUJIFILM at IBC in Amsterdam to discover the lengthy journey behind the corporate’s new large-format cinema digicam. Past specs, we additionally received some attention-grabbing insights into the ETERNA 55’s distinctive options, positioning, artistic flexibility, and the way in which FUJIFILM embeds their movie heritage into digital cinema.
The world of cinema cameras is an intricate one. Conservative and cutting-edge, it tries to create instruments that may take the craft of filmmaking, honed by generations of cinematographers, and inject it with revolutionary tech. This can be the explanation why we haven’t seen too many digicam producers braving the percentages and coming into the fray. FUJIFILM, nevertheless, did simply that, and with flying colours. The corporate, well-versed within the worlds of photographic movie and cinema lenses, has been taking their first steps into the cine digicam discipline with a singular providing – a big sensor cine digicam. What began because the “ETERNA” simply received a brand new identify, emphasizing what’s probably the digicam’s most distinguished function – the 44 x 33mm sensor.
FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA. Credit score: FUJIFILM
What’s behind the ETERNA 55 identify?
The “55” factors on to the 55mm picture diagonal of the big format sensor (also referred to as “medium format” when it comes to digital stills, 44x33mm in dimension, roughly 70% bigger than 3:2 full body sensors). Cine codecs are nonetheless categorized in analog phrases. “Massive format refers to virtually something between full body and 65mm, so FUJIFILM went with the ’55’ to emphasise the precise sensor diameter. This also needs to assist with lens matching, as Cine lenses have a tendency to say the projection diameter as a part of their specs.
Enormous sensor, small bundle – FUJIFILM ETERNA 55. Picture credit score: CineD
“Essentially the most correct technique to describe this sensor is by its diagonal: 55mm. That’s why we selected it for the identify. It’s clear and exact.”
John Blackwood, FUJIFILM
It’s not the dimensions, it’s how you employ it
As talked about earlier than, on the coronary heart of the ETERNA 55 stands the spectacular 44x33mm, 102 Megapixel sensor. These numbers permit for some attention-grabbing movement seize options, but it surely’s not solely the dimensions or decision; it’s the implementation of those options into the digicam that makes the magic occur. The FUJIFILM ETERNA 55 can shoot 4:3 open gate, cropped pixel: pixel 8K, Tremendous 35, Premista format, and extra. The sensor is extra of a multi-format canvas that allows numerous types of seize. The ETERNA 55 sensor is among the many “tallest” within the enterprise, enabling each anamorphic capturing, submit crops, and even vertical crops, making the digicam extra versatile than one may initially understand.
Colours are a digicam’s finest pal
Since its founding within the early twentieth century, FUJIFILM has been all about colours. This journey continued alongside the digital period and peaked with the ETERNA 55. Twenty inner movie simulations are onboard, tailor-made for fast-turnaround workflows or as an preliminary baseline for additional coloration correction in submit. The F-Logs are additionally right here, and FUJIFILM will launch a spread of 3D LUTs impressed by their movie inventory for many who want to take extra management over the footage. These may be utilized in-camera, by way of exterior equipment, or in post-production.
An influence-efficient powerhouse
Regardless of its physique and sensor dimension, in addition to its goal market, the GFX ETERNA 55 is surprisingly environment friendly. Designed for practicality on (and off) set, it helps energy consumption of round 21W nominal, fairly exceptional contemplating sensor dimension and backbone, in addition to the required processing energy. The ETERNA 55 uniquely features a slot for an NP-W235 battery which will energy the digicam throughout principal battery swaps, and can present extra peace of thoughts, backing up digicam energy. It can routinely recharge as soon as a principal battery is connected.
FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA. Credit score: FUJIFILM
Worth and goal market
At $16,500, the FUJIFILM ETERNA 55 doesn’t fairly comply with the pattern of compactness and affordability we’re seeing over the past a number of years. That’s not stunning contemplating the distinctive sensor dimension; nevertheless, the digicam could have a tough time competing in opposition to the equally priced RED V-RAPTOR XE 8K VV or the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF at about half the worth. Each use smaller sensors, however these sensors are made for movement seize from the bottom up, and are housed in cameras providing higher recording choices, reminiscent of inner RAW video recording, body charges, decision, and oversampling. This places the ETERNA 55 in a difficult place. Will FUJIFILM colours, 4:3 sensor, and compact design be sufficient to problem the trade veterans?
Is FUJIFILM prepared for the massive display screen?
Firstly, we must always commend FUJIFILM for braving the dangers and hazards of the cine digicam section. Even should you gained’t purchase the ETERNA 55, this digicam will alter the market, strengthening competitors and difficult different producers to up their sport. The digicam will face fierce competitors, but it surely does provide a singular bundle that surpasses the related competitors. The design and ergonomics are additionally revolutionary, leveraging the corporate’s expertise within the hybrid market with options just like the small NP-W235 battery trickling as much as cine gear.
Will the GFX ETERNA 55 discover its place in your workflow, be it as an owned or a rental? Would possibly it even redefine how you consider large-format cinematography? Tell us within the feedback
