FUJIFILM South Africa has announced the launch of the GFX ETERNA 55, the company’s first camera designed primarily for professional digital filmmaking. With the GFX ETERNA 55, Fujifilm has created a product from the ground up as a tool for filmmakers and cinematic content creators.
The GFX ETERNA 55 is equipped with a 102MP large format sensor – the GFX 102MP CMOS II HS. At 43.8mm wide, 32.9mm high and 54.8mm diagonal, this sensor is one of the world’s longest vertical large format sensors for filmmaking cameras on the market, far exceeding the traditional 35mm full-frame. Through the sensor, the camera delivers a cinematic aesthetic with unique depth-of-field characteristics that standard formats simply cannot replicate.
Cinematic Versatility
The large sensor allows the GFX ETERNA 55 to expand the angle of view with both spherical and anamorphic lenses, providing filmmakers with a more creative canvas. As such, the camera supports five cinema formats: GF format for full utilisation of the sensor in 4:3 open gate shooting, Premista, 35mm, ANAMORPHIC (35mm), and Super35. This diverse selection enables the opportunity for diverse visual expression through the use of a wide variety of lenses paired with specific formats. And by attaching bundled mount adapters such as the PL Mount Adapter G, creators can expand lens choices and pursue diverse visual expressions tailored to their intentions.
The GFX ETERNA 55 supports filming in a 4:3 open gate format at up to 48 fps, fully leveraging the large image circle. Additionally, the GFX ETERNA 55 can output 4:2:2 10bit uncompressed data and up to 8K/30P 12-bit video in RAW data via HDMI. Also on offer is F-Log2 and F-Log2 C with dynamic range of 14+ stops. This records images with rich gradation leveraging the large sensor size, enhancing flexibility in post-production.
Furthermore, up to 16 LUT (Look Up Table) files defining colour information can be loaded, enabling unified colour management from shooting to post-production and providing an efficient filmmaking environment.
As expected, FUJIFILM’s digital film science offers highly controllable colour application, with 20 built-in Film Simulations allowing various colour tone expressions as if swapping photographic film. This includes ETERNA and ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS cinema colour negative film beloved by legendary Hollywood cinematographers.
Ready for Filmmaking
To support small crews and solo filming, the magnesium alloy body weights 2.0 kg. Additionally, 3-inch side monitors have been placed on both sides to give camera operators and camera assistants full access to the camera menu in most configurations. The front of the camera and the included handle feature a multi-function dial that controls the focus, iris and zoom of FUJIFILM GF lenses. When the dial is set to ND, it allows fine adjustment of the internal electronic variable Neutral Density filter.
The GFX ETERNA 55 delivers rich tonal and true-to-life image quality unique to a large-format sensor, bringing new value to filmmaking across various genres such as independent and feature films, television, documentaries, weddings, commercials and music videos. Its abundant image data also offers high editing resilience, supporting demanding production workflows.
At this stage the South African release date and recommended retail price for the Fujifilm GFX ETERNA 55 are yet to be confirmed.
New Motorised GF Zoom lens also announced
In addition to the GFX ETERNA 55, Fujifilm has announced the FUJINON GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR lens, the first GF Series lens optimised for filmmaking production. It is also the first FUJINON motorised power zoom lens for the GFX System, offering serious filmmakers cinematic versatility and exceptional optical performance in a compact, lightweight design.
The local release date and recommended retail price for the FUJINON GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR lens are yet to be confirmed.
