The Nexus G1 modular box-style cinema digicam has reached a significant milestone, with the staff confirming the digicam is now totally operational and sharing the primary check footage shot throughout subject testing within the Australian rainforest.
For many who have been following this formidable impartial digicam mission (earlier stories right here and right here), this newest replace represents a major leap ahead. The Nexus G1, constructed across the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Digicam 6K imaging system however housed in a totally redesigned modular physique, has been in improvement since January 2024. We final reported on the mission when preorders opened earlier this yr, and now Replace #10 brings affirmation that the imaging system, cooling system, MaxDrive storage, and optical system are all full and examined.
The accompanying quick movie, shot by the Nexus staff with actor Logan Huffman, marks the primary time we’re seeing precise footage from the digicam. Virtually all footage was captured handheld utilizing a mixture of classic lenses, inexpensive cine primes, and Sigma photograph lenses, giving potential patrons a practical sense of what the digicam can ship with broadly accessible glass moderately than unique cinema optics.
Discipline testing in difficult situations
The Nexus staff has been placing the digicam by way of its paces within the scorching and humid Australian rainforest for a number of weeks. In line with the replace, the run-and-gun taking pictures expertise has been distinctive, with the staff noting they’ve developed a newfound appreciation for handheld taking pictures because of the digicam’s uncooked versatility.
Past real-world subject testing, the cooling system underwent stress testing in an environmental chamber at 57°C / 134°F, the very best temperature ever recorded on Earth (Demise Valley, Nevada). The Nexus G1 crammed a whole 1TB MaxDrive, recording for 1.5 hours straight with out overheating. The staff describes the cooling system as intentionally overpowered, retaining the sensor cool for minimal thermal noise whereas sustaining quiet fan operation.
Optical system refinements
One space that acquired extra improvement time than initially deliberate was the optical system, particularly sensor stack top optimization. This typically ignored facet of digicam design ensures that lenses mission their optical wavefront to the sensor as meant, maximizing edge MTF and lowering chromatic aberrations.
The staff carried out precision spectral evaluation of a number of IR-filter supplies and the E-ND aspect to satisfy stack-height necessities whereas reaching goal spectral response and efficient IR suppression. Griffith College Brisbane supported this work by offering entry to their lab and spectral evaluation tools.
Wi-fi connectivity solved
The magnesium alloy and carbon fiber development introduced important challenges for implementing wi-fi techniques, as these supplies successfully block radio indicators. After exploring quite a few options, the staff determined to incorporate each inner and exterior antenna choices moderately than compromise on vary or ergonomics.
By default, the Nexus G1 makes use of twin high-gain twin band inner antennas mounted flush with the physique. For conditions requiring prolonged vary, two devoted MMCX ports on prime of the digicam settle for full-sized twin band exterior SMA or MMCX whip antennas for long-range digicam management.
Flat lay photograph of the Nexus disassembled. Picture credit score: Nexus Digicam
Full body module and gimbal compatibility
The staff has additionally designed a proprietary FF module that gives an efficient full body sensor dimension, optically optimized for the Nexus G1. Testing with T1.5 primes boosted to T1.0 is deliberate for future updates.
Gimbal integration has additionally been validated utilizing the DJI RS3 Professional. In line with the replace, the digicam transitions seamlessly from handheld, tripod, slider, or shoulder rig straight onto the gimbal with out breaking down rigging or constructing a separate gimbal configuration. The Nexus may even energy the gimbal straight for decreased weight.
Value and availability
First models at the moment are deliberate for launch in Q1 2026, a shift from the beforehand introduced Q3 2025 timeline. The staff acknowledges that advanced technical points induced delays however emphasizes that fixing these challenges led to technical developments past the unique specs. The Nexus G1 customary retail worth stays $3,300, with preorders accessible at $2,980. All preorders obtain the Founders Version with customized markings and Lightning Strike carbon fiber facet panels.
What do you consider the primary footage from the Nexus G1? Does the hand-held taking pictures model and selection of accessible lenses offer you a greater sense of the digicam’s real-world capabilities? Don’t hesitate to tell us within the feedback under!
