FUJIFILM is set to release the GFX ETERNA 55, a 102MP large format compact for professionals, and the X-T30 III stills and video model for first-time digital shooters – before end of 2025.
FUJIFILM is set to release two new cameras – the GFX ETERNA 55, a 102-megapixel large format compact for professionals, and the X-T30 III stills and video model for first-time digital camera users – before the end of 2025.
The FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55, due for release before end of 2025, has a large format sensor with a diagonal length of nearly 55mm, about 1.7 times larger than a 35mm sensor. It features Fujifilm’s established colour reproduction science, and the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine, capable of capturing ample image information needed for flexibility in post-production.
The GFX 102MP CMOS II HS sensor measures 43.8mm wide by 32.9mm high, and is one of the tallest large-format sensors designed for filmmaking cameras. Its image circle, the area where light passing through the lens is focussed, surpasses full frame and Super 35mm formats on production sites. Filmmakers can use the 4:3 Open Gate GF format at up to 48 fps to take advantage of the full 55mm diagonal measurement, or choose from four other formats – Premista, 35mm, ANAMORPHIC (35mm) and Super35 cinema. By attaching a mount adapter such as the PL Mount Adapter G that is included with the camera, users can expand the range of compatible lenses.
Filters, LUTs and Colour
The GFX ETERNA 55’s electronically variable ND filter is among the first of this type to be compatible with large-format sensors. it achieves precise control, allowing ongoing density adjustment from ND0.6 to ND2.1 in 0.015-stop increments during video recording.
A new optical low-pass filter has also been optimised for large format sensors, adopting a four-point separation method to reduce moiré and false colours.
The camera incorporates DUAL BASE ISO with two base sensitivities, ISO 800 and ISO 3200. Under extreme lighting conditions – whether very bright or very dark – the camera automatically switches base ISO to capture images that are clear, with reduced noise.
As part of the GFX Series, the camera includes Fujifilm’s Film Simulation modes, which can be used to produce a variety of colour tones in the captured images, in the same way that different photographic films change the look of a project. There are 20 options available. For instance, the ETERNA series cinema colour negative film mode is designed to digitally reproduce the look of Fujifilm’s classic Eterna film stock, which was favoured by Hollywood’s cinematographers.
The camera can also load up to 16 different LUTs, which define colour information for footage and help productions manage colour consistently from set through to post-production, setting up an efficient workflow for filmmakers. (See the new LUTs below.)
Fujifilm sees this camera as a way to bring the colour science and image quality the company has developed through decades of film stock manufacture and optical technology, to the digital era.
F-Log and Film Simulation 3D LUTs
The GFX ETERNA 55 features F-Log2 and F-Log2 C 3D LUTs, both with a dynamic range of 14+ stops. These allow capturing expressive tonality in images that takes advantage of the large format sensor and also increases flexibility for further work in post.
As well as the 20 types of Film Simulation described above, used to vary visual style, Film Simulation conversion 3D LUTs are also available for precise colour and tone adjustment of footage shot in Log (F-Log2/F-Log2 C). These LUTs are compliant with ITU-R BT.709. A total of ten 3D LUTs – including PROVIA/Standard, Velvia and ACROS – can be downloaded from the web for use along with the ETERNA and ETERNA BLEACHBYPASS LUTs announced at launch.
Codecs to Improve Efficiency
Regarding compression, the GFX ETERNA 55 supports three Apple ProRes codecs – Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422 and Apple ProRes 422 LT – to speed up the overall workflow from filming to post. Proxy video recording, such as Apple ProRes 422 Proxy, is a further option.
The camera can also output 4:2:2 10bit uncompressed RAW data and up to 8K/30P 12-bit video in RAW data via HDMI.
For more speed, the GFX ETERNA 55 supports the Frame.io Camera to Cloud service, which means that Apple ProRes Proxy and various other video file types can be uploaded directly to Frame.io. Video files can be instantly shared with editing teams located at a distance from the shooting site.
Compact, Lightweight Design
To support small crews and solo shooting, the body weight is only about 2.0 kg. The 3-inch side monitors are placed on both sides so that multiple users can simultaneously adjust and check camera settings.
The front of the camera and the included handle have a multi-function dial that controls the focus, zoom and iris of FUJINON GF lenses. By setting the dial to ND, fine adjustment of the electronically variable ND filter’s density is also possible.
A bright 5-inch external LCD monitor, with a panel at up to 2000 nits, clearly displays footage even when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight. The LCD monitor is touch-enabled features multiple adjustable angles, allowing flexible, ergonomic positioning to suit varied shooting environments.
The GFX ETERNA 55 body’s battery box holds a high-capacity NP-W235 battery allowing up to 30 minutes of shooting without an external battery. When you are using an external battery and need to replace it without stopping and restarting the camera, power can be supplied from the NP-W235 battery to enable hot swap functionality.
The camera also includes dual card slots supporting CFExpress Type B and SD cards. By using high-speed CFexpress Type B cards, the GFX ETERNA 55 allows you to record various video formats and bitrates during a shoot.
FUJIFILM X-T30 III
The X-T30 III is built with a back-side-illuminated 26.1-megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor and the same X-Processor 5 image processor as the GFX ETERNA 55. Its power efficiency gives it a battery life of up to 425 frames per charge.
It uses subject detection autofocus, powered by a deep learning system that, as well as face and eye detection, automatically recognises and tracks a wide range of subjects including animals, birds, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, airplanes, trains, insects and drones. With this ability, photographers can focus more easily on composition and timing.
Recording Features and Looks
The camera supports 6.2K/30P internal recording in 4:2:2 10-bit quality. It also features high speed video shooting at 4K/60P and 1080/240P. Its digital image stabilisation is strong enough to allow users to record while walking, while evening out the smaller, routine shakes.
The X-T30 III features the 9:16 aspect ratio for shooting vertical videos in short formats, typically used for capturing content to share on social media.
It has 20 Film Simulations, including REALA ACE and NOSTALGIC Neg. This is a digital colour reproduction method that recreates the look of traditional photo films, accessed with a dedicated Film Simulation dial on the top-plate allowing users to match the subject or scene to the Simulations. The dial has three customisable positions (FS1 to FS3), where users can register and quickly access favourite Film Simulation and quality settings as original FS Recipes.
Auto Modes and Ergonomics
An Auto Mode Selector Lever on the top of the camera instantly switches to AUTO mode, where the camera automatically detects the scene and selects optimal shooting settings. The camera also has a built-in flash integrated with the viewfinder. It automatically adjusts flash output, making it effective for portraits in low light or backlit situations.
The central position of the viewfinder places it directly above the lens axis, allowing you to aim directly at a subject through the viewfinder. This helps to focus better on the subject and background with a classic shooting experience of looking through the viewfinder before taking the shot.
The rear LCD monitor has a 1.62-million-dot tilt structure, which makes composing shots easier from high or low angles to accommodate travel and landscape photography.
The grip is designed to fit comfortably in your hand for a solid hold despite the camera’s compact and lightweight body, which measures W118.4mm × H82.8mm × D46.8mm and weighs only 378g.
The X-T30 III can connect wirelessly to Fujifilm’s instax smartphone printers in the Link series, enabling direct printing without using an app. There is also new support for the instax mini, instax SQUARE and instax WIDE formats. www.fujifilm.com/au
