Fujifilm unveils GFX ETERNA 55 & first GF power zoom lens

Fujifilm Australia has announced the release of the FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 cinema camera and the FUJINON GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR lens for filmmakers.

The FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 is described as featuring a large format sensor measuring 43.8mm wide by 32.9mm high, making it, according to the company, the world's tallest large format sensor designed specifically for filmmaking cameras. This sensor, with a diagonal length of approximately 55mm, is about 1.7 times larger than a standard 35mm sensor.

The camera's sensor, named GFX 102MP CMOS II HS, provides 102 megapixels, offering high image quality and the capacity for filmmakers to capture detailed and vibrant footage. The camera body weighs around 2.0kg, contributing to mobility and ease of use during film shoots, which, according to Fujifilm, allows for an efficient workflow from shooting to editing thanks to consistent colour and tone management across the filmmaking process.

The GFX ETERNA 55 is equipped with Fujifilm's X-Processor 5 image processing engine. This enables what the company states is rich, true-to-life visual capture, with the firm's colour science featuring prominently. The camera offers a selection of lens mount options, allowing filmmakers to use both G mount and PL mount lenses, supporting a range of cinema formats, including GF Open Gate at 4:3, Premista, 35mm, Anamorphic (35mm), and Super35.

A notable inclusion is Fujifilm's Film Simulation feature, which has previously been highly regarded in the X and GFX Series. This gives users up to 20 film simulation modes, enabling a variety of colour tones comparable to classic photographic film stocks. The camera can also store up to 16 separate look-up tables (LUTs) for colour management, from shooting on set through to post-production, streamlining the editing workflow.

Shaun Mah, General Manager of the Electronic Imaging Optical Devices Division of Fujifilm Australia, said, "Fujifilm is proud to introduce the GFX ETERNA 55, a groundbreaking large format cinema camera that builds on our rich heritage in the film industry. With decades of innovation in film stock and optical technology, Fujifilm brings its renowned colour science and exceptional image quality to the digital era. The GFX ETERNA 55 combines this legacy with cutting-edge video performance, providing modern cinematographers with a powerful tool to realise their creative visions. This launch reinforces Fujifilm's ongoing commitment to advancing the art and technology of filmmaking."

The sensor is supported by features such as a new optical low-pass filter to reduce moiré and false colours, dual base ISO at 800 and 3200 for noise control in difficult lighting, and what Fujifilm states is the world's first electronically variable ND filter for large format sensors, which enables seamless density adjustment from ND0.6 to ND2.1 in very fine increments during video recording.

The GFX ETERNA 55 is compatible with Apple ProRes codecs, including 422 HQ, 422, and 422 LT, and can also record proxy files to facilitate faster editing. Video outputs include the ability to capture up to 8K/30P 12-bit RAW video via HDMI, and the camera integrates with cloud services like Frame.io for remote sharing and collaboration. Its battery system supports up to 30 minutes of continuous filming on the internal battery, with hot swap capabilities for external battery changes without needing to power off the camera.

The camera also features two 3-inch side monitors for multi-operator setups, a multipurpose dial for lens functions, and a bright, touch-enabled 5-inch LCD external monitor with up to 2000 nits brightness for outdoor visibility. There are dual card slots compatible with CFExpress Type B and SD cards for flexible media management.

FUJINON GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR lens

Coinciding with the announcement of the new camera, Fujifilm has introduced the FUJINON GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR, described as the first motorised power zoom lens for the GF lens line, specifically aimed at filmmaking. The lens covers a 32-90mm focal length (equivalent to 25-71mm in 35mm format) with a constant T3.5 aperture.

The lens, which weighs about 2.1kg, is equipped with 25 elements in 19 groups - including three ED and three aspherical elements - intended to effectively reduce optical aberrations and maintain high resolution throughout the zoom range. The design is based on the construction principles behind the Premista series of cinema lenses, aiming to balance image quality with the handling requirements of professional film sets.

The GF32-90mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR lens utilises a three-ring setup with standard 0.8M gear pitch, suitable for manual focus, zoom, and aperture adjustments, and integrates with follow focus systems and other cinema accessories. The focus ring offers a 200-degree rotation for accuracy, supporting precise manual focus pulls essential for large format cinematography.

According to Fujifilm, the lens features Nano GI coating to control ghosting and flare, a 13-blade aperture to ensure nearly circular bokeh for more pleasing out-of-focus backgrounds, and built-in optical image stabilisation. Autofocus claims to be fast, smooth, and accurate thanks to direct motor driving mechanisms.

Paired with the GFX ETERNA 55, the new lens is positioned by Fujifilm as offering an efficient shooting style with high image quality and ease of use, reducing the need for frequent lens changes and lowering crew requirements for certain productions.