I bet you have asked many times over the years, “When will Fujifilm make a dedicated cinema camera?” Well, my friends, today is the day.
FUJIFILM announced that it is developing its first-ever cinema camera, the FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA with plans to release it in 2025.
According to FUJIFILM they are ‘Aiming to be a leader in the new era of video production that creates masterpieces and masterpieces that will last forever’.
UPDATE: Above you can see some actual images of the FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA. The camera does have operating screens on both sides and there is also a top handle. There also appear to be two media slots. You can also see a multi-wheel dial on the front that has labels for F/Z/I and what looks to be ND. This same wheel is also located on the handle. The handle also has a record button and a zoom controller which allows it to drive the 32-90mm T3.5 Power Zoom
The GFX ETERNA which is currently under development is the company’s first dedicated camera for video production. It is claimed to combine FUJIFILMs knowledge and experience in the field of video production with the technology of the GFX series. According to FUJIFILM, the GFX ETERNA will provide new value to video production with its richly gradated and three-dimensional video expression that takes advantage of the large-format sensor, high-speed processing of large amounts of shooting data, and highly flexible post-production.
The GFX ETERNA utilizes the same 102MP CMOS II HS large-format sensor that is found in their GFX100 II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera. The 102-megapixel high-speed image sensor also utilizes FUJIFILM’s latest 5th generation X-Processor 5 image processing engine, which has fast readout speeds.
The camera has a box-style form factor and it sort of looks a little bit like a Sony FX6. From what I can see it has HDMI, SDI, Genlock, Ethernet, USB-C, 2-PIN LEMO DC Out, and a V-lock battery plate. The status and menu screen seem to be located on the nonoperator side of the camera, but there could be another screen on the other side as well. There may or may not be any built-in ND filters, but there is a large dial and enough space for a variable electronic ND system, so fingers crossed. I imagine the recording media would probably be CFexpress Type B. I would also think that it would inherit the GFX 100 II’s AF capabilities.
According to FUJIFILM, with the recent expansion of demand for the production of short films, documentaries, web videos, and full-scale movies, there is a growing need for high-quality video production in a short period of time and at a low cost. In preparation for the launch of GFX ETERNA, FUJIFILM will advance field tests and expand its product lineup to enhance the GFX System to contribute to high-quality and efficient video production in a wide range of fields.
It has taken a long time and I think some people were beginning to wonder if FUJIFILM would ever make a dedicated video camera, well now you have your answer!
32-90mm T3.5 Power Zoom
In addition to the GFX ETERNA, FUJIFILM is also developing a power zoom lens that will be optimized for the camera. It will have an equivalent focal length of 32-90mm and a GL-PL mount adapter that will enable the use of PL mount lenses.
FUJIFILM will be exhibiting a prototype of the GFX ETERNA at InterBEE 2024, from November 13 to 15, 2024.
Soon after its establishment in 1934, the Fujifilm Group developed and launched Japan’s first positive film for motion pictures. Since then, the Group has commercialized the ETERNA series of color negative film for motion pictures and the Premista and ZK series of zoom lenses for cinema cameras. For 90 years since its establishment, the company has been providing products for use in the cinema industry and other image production sites. In addition, while introducing photographic film, cameras, and other photographic equipment to the market, the company launched the revolutionary GFX series mirrorless digital cameras in 2017, which are equipped with a large-format sensor that is 1.7 times larger than the 35mm format and delivers high image quality in another dimension. The “GFX series” has evolved to include enhanced video functions.
There is no indication of how much it will cost or when in 2025 it will be released. The GFX100 II Medium Format Mirrorless Camera retails for $7,499 USD, so you would imagine that the new GFX ETERNA would probably be higher than that.
I would also imagine that FUJIFILM may stay away from making a more affordable, say S35 cinema camera, as it would step on the toes of their mirrorless hybrid line-up. Once you start making both cinema cameras and mirrorless hybrids, it becomes a tricky balancing act of what features to include or remove to protect your line-up.
Well, it all seems exciting, and it’s always great to see a whole new cinema camera come to market. Over the years, it seems that at every trade show, I ask Fujifilm if they are going to release a cinema camera. I generally get a lot of smiles. Well, now I’m smiling, too.
