Focus Check
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- weekly
- Latest episode
- Nov 12, 2026
About the podcast
What’s new in filmmaking technology this week? News, reviews, education, insights, opinions and ideas - from the CineD newsroom, mostly with Nino Leitner and Johnnie Behiri. This is Focus Check - the weekly cine tech podcast. New episodes every Thursday.
Episodes 100
ep142 - Can Anyone Shoot an IMAX Film? From Production to the Big Screen – CineD Focus Check
Can anyone shoot for IMAX? Stephen Skeel runs a small video agency, "7 Wonders" – no studio, no IMAX film camera. Three months before his premiere, he was googling “what is IMAX”, and not long after, he was …
Show notes
Can anyone shoot for IMAX? Stephen Skeel runs a small video agency, "7 Wonders" – no studio, no IMAX film camera. Three months before his premiere, he was googling “what is IMAX”, and not long after, he was watching his own short film at IMAX headquarters. In this special interview episode of Focus Check, Nino talks to Stephen about what it actually took, from a rented FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 shooting internal ProRes to the 1.43:1 screen – and whether you should try it yourself.
► Watch Stephen’s full video “Can Anyone Film an IMAX Movie?”:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3HfCO_Se1E
This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:04:33)
► Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmn
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Can Anyone Shoot for IMAX?
(00:01:09) Welcome: Stephen Skeel of 7 Wonders
(00:01:35) From Googling “What Is IMAX” to the Filmed for IMAX Program
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-receives-imax-certification-joins-elite-filmed-for-imax-program/
(00:03:04) Getting a Screening at IMAX Headquarters
(00:05:24) Why the GFX ETERNA 55 – and Why Do It at All
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-first-look-review-mini-documentary/
(00:07:21) IMAX Film Cameras vs. Filmed for IMAX
https://www.cined.com/how-christopher-nolan-shot-the-odyssey-entirely-on-imax-film-inside-the-new-keighley-camera/
(00:09:13) Why IMAX Wants a Tall Sensor – and the Rare 1.43:1 Screens
(00:11:20) Internal ProRes 422 HQ Instead of Raw
(00:12:40) IMAX Branding vs. the Real Big Screens
(00:14:17) GF Primes, the 32-90mm Zoom and Why Not Anamorphic
https://www.cined.com/fujinon-gf-32-90mm-t3-5-pz-ois-wr-lens-announced-purpose-built-for-gfx-eterna-55/
(00:17:00) Dozens of Emails: How Theatres Said No
(00:19:18) The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX Says Yes
(00:19:50) The Odyssey and IMAX as a Marketing Story
https://www.cined.com/imax-unveils-new-70mm-film-camera-keighley-debuts-on-nolans-the-odyssey/
(00:23:03) A New Enthusiasm for Filmmaking and Cinema
(00:24:20) Should You Try It Yourself?
(00:24:53) Framing for 1.43:1 on a Ronin 2
(00:27:28) Meta VR Glasses and IMAX
https://www.cined.com/meta-vr-glasses-announced-100g-form-factor-5k-micro-oled-display-and-a-cinema-push-aimed-straight-at-apples-vision-pro/
(00:28:27) Protecting 1.90:1 and 16:9 – the YouTube Cut
(00:31:05) No FUJIFILM or IMAX Involvement
(00:32:30) What’s Next for 7 Wonders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3HfCO_Se1E
Let us know what you think in the comments, email us at [email protected], and subscribe for more!ARRI Goes Small, Sony Goes Big: HONOR’s ARRI Phone & Sony RIALTO 65 – CineD Focus Check ep141
ARRI went small, and Sony went big – in the same week. Johnnie was in Los Angeles, where HONOR launched a smartphone with the ARRI look built in – and ARRI made clear that a camera for the rest of us isn’t …
Show notes
ARRI went small, and Sony went big – in the same week. Johnnie was in Los Angeles, where HONOR launched a smartphone with the ARRI look built in – and ARRI made clear that a camera for the rest of us isn’t coming. Nino was at Pinewood for Sony’s RIALTO 65: an unstitched 65mm sensor for €72,000, and you still need a VENICE 2 to use it. Plus Johnnie’s PIXBOOM factory tour, the last days of our SmallRig x CineD OrBrella crowdfunding campaign, Vimeo locking 18 years of uploads behind a paywall, Apple’s touchscreen MacBook Pro, and much more.
This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:15:41)
►Learn more: http://cined.co/lwhjQk
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:44) HONOR Magic9 Pro Max First Look
https://www.cined.com/honor-magic9-pro-max-first-look-arri-color-science-at-a-fraction-of-the-price/
(00:27:00) Sony RIALTO 65 Announced
(00:41:56) Inside PIXBOOM factory tour
https://www.cined.com/inside-pixboom-factory-tour-of-the-spark-high-speed-camera-in-china/(00:54:20) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Crowdfunding Ends November 8
(00:58:27) Held Hostage by Vimeo
https://www.cined.com/held-hostage-by-vimeo-18-years-of-uploads-locked-behind-a-paywall/
(01:07:40) Sigma FP2 Announced
https://www.cined.com/sigma-fp2-announced-6k-open-gate-prores-raw-24-5mp-partially-stacked-sensor/
(01:12:03) Apple Touch Screen MacBook Pro Announced
(01:20:18) Apple MacBook Pro M6 and iMac M6 Announced
(01:20:59) Apple Creator Studio Update Announced
(01:24:45) Instagram Pays Creators Up to $500,000 for Long-Form Features
(01:30:14) Nikon Raises Profit Forecast by 50%
(01:31:16) cinemaOS, CUTROOM, and invideo Compared
(01:33:36) Feiyu Pocket 4 Announced
https://www.cined.com/feiyu-pocket-4-announced-1-1-55-inch-sensor-4k60-111gb-built-in-storage/
(01:35:11) Sony LYTIA 720 Announced
(01:36:24) Cooke S4 FF/i Announced
(01:37:41) Thypoch Simera-C 100mm T1.9 Announced
(01:38:40) Nikon NIKKOR Z 120-300mm f/2.8 TC VR S Finalized
(01:39:41) Hollyland LARK M3 Explained
(01:42:04) Accsoon CineView Master 4K II Introduced
(01:45:06) SmallHD Focus 504 Announced
(01:47:26) FUJIFILM Fujikina NYC 2026 Recap
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-fujikina-nyc-2026-recap-real-images-real-community-and-no-ai-talk/
(01:50:09) Riedel RefCam Referee Camera Enters the Deutsches Museum
(01:52:27) GoPro Close-Up Filters for MISSION 1 Announced
(01:53:33) Eurocine 2027 Dates Announced
(01:54:29) Bending Time Mid-Shot
https://www.cined.com/bending-time-mid-shot-zack-snyders-speed-ramp/
Let us know what you think in the comments, email us at [email protected], and subscribe for more!
ep140 - Sony on Wireless Audio for Video: UHF, 2.4 GHz & 32-Bit Float – CineD Focus Check
This episode is a deep dive into audio for video. Markus Warlich has worked in pro audio at Sony since 1997. He demystifies the misconceptions around wireless transmission and 32-bit float: why 2.4 GHz and UHF …
Show notes
This episode is a deep dive into audio for video. Markus Warlich has worked in pro audio at Sony since 1997. He demystifies the misconceptions around wireless transmission and 32-bit float: why 2.4 GHz and UHF are not solving the same problem, why some "32-bit float" systems are just a 24-bit converter blown up, why the UHF band has nearly halved since 2012 and may not survive beyond 2031 – and why, even for visual people, the audio is often more important than the picture. To our pleasant surprise, this week's episode turned into an unofficial wireless audio masterclass!
This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at 11:15
► Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmn
► Markus Warlich on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MarkusWarlich
Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro: wireless audio for camera people
(00:01:08) Welcome Markus Warlich from Sony Pro Audio
(00:02:18) From PA rental to Sony Pro Audio
(00:03:20) Why every camera operator now owns a wireless kit
(00:05:38) €150 vs €5,000 wireless: which system for which job?
(00:08:35) 2.4 GHz explained: shared spectrum and why your body blocks it
(00:12:06) Line of sight, frequency hopping and those 500 m range claims
(00:16:15) Branded transmitters and the hand-held vlogging trend
(00:18:39) How many channels fit in a room: 2.4 GHz vs UHF
(00:21:48) Latency: from 40 ms down to 1.1 ms
(00:25:15) Audio quality: the microphone is your lens
(00:28:30) Licensing: why 2.4 GHz won the consumer market
(00:30:50) When 2.4 GHz makes sense and when only UHF will do
(00:32:56) Trade shows, headphones and the pressure on the sound department
(00:36:56) Onboard recording, 32-bit float and the "save" trap
(00:40:39) Sony's lineup: ECM-W5, UWP-D and DWX – who needs what
(00:43:20) Why the ECM-W5 link is three times more stable
(00:46:06) What happened to the UHF band since 2012
(00:49:00) Spectrum crunch, frequency managers and military UHF
(00:52:30) Is your old UHF kit still legal?
(00:54:40) The World Radio Conference: why camera people should care
(00:58:58) WRC-27 and 2031: is 470–694 MHz at risk?
(01:01:48) Buying UHF today: which frequency range to choose
(01:03:44) Travelling with wireless: Europe, US, Japan, China and Israel
(01:10:57) ECM-W5: 32-bit float over the air, timecode and four channels
(01:15:52) Real vs "blown-up" 32-bit float
(01:17:02) Common wireless mistakes and learning your kit under pressure
(01:20:42) What 32-bit float fixes – and what it doesn't
(01:22:55) Hiding lav mics and MZed's 86-hour Cinema Sound course
(01:25:15) Handheld mic technique, spare mics and on-camera shotguns
(01:28:51) Why audio often matters more than the picture
(01:31:48) The next big change in wireless audio
(01:34:27) Where to find Markus and outro
Related reading on CineD:
Sony DWX Gen 4 Announced: https://www.cined.com/sony-dwx-gen-4-announced-dwt-b40-bodypack-with-32-bit-float-recording-dwr-r40q-4-channel-receiver/
Sony DWX Gen 4 Detailed (IBC interview with Markus): https://www.cined.com/sony-dwx-gen-4-wireless-system-detailed-32-bit-float-recording-1-1ms-latency-and-a-30-price-cut/
Sony ECM-W5 Announced: https://www.cined.com/sony-ecm-w5-wireless-microphone-system-announced-32-bit-float-via-mi-shoe-64gb-backup-recording-timecode/
Leave us a comment, email us at [email protected], and subscribe to Focus Check on your favourite podcast platform!ep139 - Blackmagic Design Price Hike, Resolve 20% Off | Getty Bankruptcy | Fujikina NYC – CineD Focus Check
The Blackmagic Design price raise hits 36 products at once: the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP Plus alone jumps from about $13,000 to $20,000, with SMPTE 2110 converters, Cloud Store and HyperDeck recorders …
Show notes
The Blackmagic Design price raise hits 36 products at once: the ATEM 4 M/E Constellation IP Plus alone jumps from about $13,000 to $20,000, with SMPTE 2110 converters, Cloud Store and HyperDeck recorders following – all blamed on memory costs. In the same breath, Blackmagic cuts DaVinci Resolve Studio 21 and its editing panels by 20% until November 20. And Getty Images, the biggest name in stock photography, is filing for bankruptcy protection.
• Hollyland sponsors this episode. Check it out at 11:54.
Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/lwhjQk
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:03) FUJIFILM Fujikina NYC 2026 Program Detailed
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-fujikina-nyc-2026-program-detailed-85-add-on-sessions-movie-stills-talks-short-film-screening/
(00:12:58) Blackmagic Design Raises Prices on 36 Products
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-raises-prices-on-36-products-atem-2110-ip-converters-and-cloud-store-hit-by-memory-costs/
(00:14:42) Blackmagic Design Cuts DaVinci Resolve Studio 21 by 20%
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-cuts-davinci-resolve-studio-21-by-20-panels-and-editor-keyboards-also-discounted/
(00:17:24) ArtCraft Releases Free Open-Source Adobe Alternatives
https://www.cined.com/artcraft-releases-free-open-source-adobe-alternatives-filmcraft-for-premiere-pro-effectcraft-for-after-effects-written-in-rust-with-ai/
(00:22:55) Poll: What Is Your Preferred Camera Form Factor?
https://www.cined.com/poll-what-is-your-preferred-camera-form-factor/
(00:31:17) A Pocket Camera at the Venice Film Festival
https://www.cined.com/a-pocket-camera-at-the-venice-film-festival-what-dji-wants-with-the-osmo-pocket-4p/
(00:39:04) LENSGO TCQI 8 Pocket Teleprompter for DJI Osmo Pocket 3/4 Introduced
https://www.cined.com/lensgo-tcqi-8-pocket-teleprompter-for-dji-osmo-pocket-3-4-introduced-8-inch-screen-magnetic-setup-bluetooth-remote/
(00:41:18) Getty Images to File for Bankruptcy Protection
https://www.cined.com/getty-images-to-file-for-bankruptcy-protection-debt-cut-private-ownership-no-change-for-contributors/
(00:44:53) Z CAM E2-F6 Pro Firmware 0.9.10 Released
https://www.cined.com/z-cam-e2-f6-pro-firmware-0-9-10-released-internal-prores-raw-6k-up-to-60fps/
(00:45:17) GoPro MISSION 1 Series Update Released
https://www.cined.com/gopro-mission-1-series-update-released-zero-lag-shutter-continuous-50mp-raw-photos-and-anamorphic-lens-support/
(00:48:55) SIGMA 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary for Nikon Z Mount Announced
https://www.cined.com/sigma-16-300mm-f-3-5-6-7-dc-os-contemporary-for-nikon-z-mount-announced-18-8x-zoom-ratio-12-magnification-6-stop-os/
(00:50:30) Tamron 16-50mm f/2.8 A Announced
https://www.cined.com/tamron-16-50mm-f-2-8-a-announced-constant-f-2-8-aps-c-zoom-305g-vxd-autofocus/
(00:51:45) Tamron 20-40mm f/2.8 Di III VXD for Nikon Z Announced
https://www.cined.com/tamron-20-40mm-f-2-8-di-iii-vxd-for-nikon-z-announced-380g-full-frame-zoom-17cm-close-focus-vxd-linear-motor/
(00:52:46) Sony ECM-W5 Wireless Microphone System Announced
https://www.cined.com/sony-ecm-w5-wireless-microphone-system-announced-32-bit-float-via-mi-shoe-64gb-backup-recording-timecode/
(00:56:13) Sony ECM-AX10 Spatial Audio Microphone for Smartphones Announced
https://www.cined.com/sony-ecm-ax10-spatial-audio-microphone-for-smartphones-announced-four-capsules-ambisonics-and-binaural-eclipsa-audio-export/
(00:57:08) Accsoon CineView M7 Series Gains Community-Built Camera Control Apps for Selected Panasonic and Nikon RED Cameras
https://www.cined.com/accsoon-cineview-m7-series-gains-community-built-camera-control-apps-for-selected-panasonic-and-nikon-red-cameras/
(00:59:39) Red Bull Big Wave Surfing Review
https://www.cined.com/red-bull-big-wave-surfing-review-apple-immersive-film-puts-vision-pro-viewers-under-teahupoos-waves/
(01:02:00) SWIT K7 Monitor Introduced
https://www.cined.com/swit-k7-monitor-introduced-7-inch-2800-nit-touchscreen-sdi-hdmi-cross-conversion-dual-np-f-hot-swap/
(01:02:58) A Hand Inside the Monster
https://www.cined.com/a-hand-inside-the-monster-the-puppeteer-magic-in-film/
Leave us a comment, email us at [email protected], and subscribe to Focus Check on your favourite podcast platform!
ep138 - Sony Alpha Rumors' Andrea Pizzini’s Walk-In Camera: Wall-Size Photos, No Pixel Count – CineD Focus Check
Can you imagine stepping inside your camera — which is actually a tent — and seeing the very same sheet of material that captured the light hanging on a gallery wall as a photograph? In this special episode of …
Show notes
Can you imagine stepping inside your camera — which is actually a tent — and seeing the very same sheet of material that captured the light hanging on a gallery wall as a photograph? In this special episode of Focus Check, Sony Alpha Rumor's runner Andrea Pizzini explains how he makes single, unrepeatable color photographs up to 127x220cm in size. The story behind the camera is a deeply personal one, and Andrea talks candidly about the events that led him to leave the project behind—and eventually return to it.
► Follow Andrea's project: andreapizzini.com
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:(00:00:00) Intro: Andrea Pizzini and the Cube camera project
(00:00:29) Running Sony Alpha Rumors, the world's biggest rumour site
(00:02:00) How it started: 43 Rumors and the mirrorless revolution
(00:03:21) Who is Andrea? From the Dolomites to documentary filmmaking
(00:05:43) A difficult childhood and the urge to get out
(00:07:40) Discovering cameras at the age of 12
(00:08:39) Twelve and a half years without sleep – and why the blogs saved him
(00:11:59) Meeting Christian Martinelli
(00:14:13) Building the Cube: a two-metre camera obscura
(00:15:32) Losing Christian
(00:16:52) Friends convince Andrea to rebuild the project
(00:18:57) How it works: lens, panel, paper and developer
(00:21:06) The giant Nikon process lens from eBay
(00:24:06) A focus system built by a former SpaceX engineer
(00:26:04) No pixels: how much resolution is in these images?
(00:27:29) The last photo paper left – and turning a negative into a positive
(00:29:58) Developing the image in 45 minutes
(00:30:42) Looking at the prints in the studio
(00:34:21) Artist or explorer?
(00:36:03) Finding peace through photography
(00:38:14) What if it becomes famous?
(00:40:55) The future of Sony Alpha Rumors
(00:41:50) Could it get smaller – or even shoot video?
(00:45:32) Stay true to reality
(00:47:07) A tribute to Christian: his developing machine
(00:49:55) Does the project have a name?
(00:50:20) Where to follow Andrea's projectLet us know in the comments below what you think of this special episode, or email us at [email protected]. And don't forget to subscribe on your favourite platform!
ep137 - Are Modern Sensors Too Clean? | DJI SDR Transmission 2 Field Tested | Huawei's Clip-On Camera – CineD Focus Check
Are modern sensors too clean? Johnnie argues that CCD cameras like the Digital Bolex had a character today's CMOS sensors lack, while Nino points to image science and noise reduction you can no longer switch …
Show notes
Are modern sensors too clean? Johnnie argues that CCD cameras like the Digital Bolex had a character today's CMOS sensors lack, while Nino points to image science and noise reduction you can no longer switch off. Also this week: Nino's field test of the DJI SDR Transmission 2, Apple's redesigned Final Cut Camera 2.4 with manual aperture control for the iPhone 18 Pro, Huawei's clip-on Ruiying Z10 camera module for the Mate90 phones, another Sony FX5 delay, FUJIFILM's price increase in Japan, and Imaging World's move to Cologne.
This episode is sponsored by Hollyland Pyro S (sponsor message at 23:55).
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(00:56) Widescreen or not? Your feedback on our aspect ratio
(03:16) DJI SDR Transmission 2 field test
(23:55) Sponsor: Hollyland Pyro S
(24:47) Sony FX5 delayed again
(26:33) Apple Final Cut Camera 2.4 and Final Cut Pro 12.4
(32:29) Huawei Mate90 and the Ruiying Z10 clip-on camera
(39:15) Vivo X500 Pro, LOFIC and "are modern sensors too clean?"
(50:36) FUJIFILM raises camera prices in Japan
(53:00) Imaging World moves to Cologne
(57:37) RAW Supersampler for Nikon raw
(01:01:26) Panasonic LUMIX S9 firmware 2.1
(01:02:01) Lomography Joseph Petzval Métamorphose 35 f/1.8
(01:04:16) Godox Litemons SR20R
(01:05:41) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella campaign update
(01:07:49) FUJIFILM Fujikina NYC 2026
(01:10:08) SmallRig Autumn Sale
(01:10:59) Day-for-night: Sunlight in DisguiseAll articles and links from this episode: https://www.cined.com/are-modern-sensors-too-clean-dji-sdr-transmission-2-field-tested-huaweis-clip-on-camera-focus-check-ep137/
Full disclosure: the DJI SDR Transmission 2 field test is a paid collaboration with DJI and not a review. The SmallRig Autumn Sale article is sponsored. The OrBrella is our own product, developed with SmallRig.
Send your questions and suggestions to [email protected], and watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQTktdMLtqnic6-qI28B774IC9xLMbKOG
ep136 - Sony FX5 Lab Test: New Full-Frame Benchmark | DJI & Insta360 Outship Mirrorless Cameras – CineD Focus Check
DJI shipped more than 10 million handheld cameras last year – more than every CIPA camera maker combined. Together with Insta360, the company now ships more than twice as many cameras as the entire mirrorless …
Show notes
DJI shipped more than 10 million handheld cameras last year – more than every CIPA camera maker combined. Together with Insta360, the company now ships more than twice as many cameras as the entire mirrorless industry. And in our Lab, the Sony FX5 just matched the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF for dynamic range. In this week's episode, Nino and Johnnie are back from IBC to go through the FX5 Lab Test, the ARRI-branded HONOR Magic9 Pro Max, Nikon’s Z5IIC, Meta’s VR Glasses, a SIGMA fp open-gate hack, the Chronos Q12, the big RØDECaster Video update, the crowdfunding launch of our OrBrella light, and more.
• OrBrella Crowdfunding Campaign: http://cined.co/OrBrella
• This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at 13:57.
Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmn
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:25) Sony FX5 Lab Test: Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
(00:14:49) HONOR Magic9 Pro Max Launches
https://www.cined.com/honor-magic9-pro-max-launches-arri-co-branding-native-logc3-recording-dual-200mp-cameras/
(00:21:41) DJI and Insta360 Now Ship More Than Twice as Many Cameras as the Mirrorless Industry
https://www.cined.com/dji-and-insta360-now-ship-more-than-twice-as-many-cameras-as-the-mirrorless-industry-what-the-numbers-can-and-cant-tell-us/
(00:36:21) Nikon Z5IIC Announced
https://www.cined.com/nikon-z5iic-announced-24-5mp-full-frame-n-raw-to-sd-card-expeed-7-no-evf-for-1399/
(00:40:42) Meta VR Glasses Announced
https://www.cined.com/meta-vr-glasses-announced-100g-form-factor-5k-micro-oled-display-and-a-cinema-push-aimed-straight-at-apples-vision-pro/
(00:46:04) SIGMA fp Open-Gate Hack
https://www.cined.com/sigma-fp-open-gate-hack-3k-32-cinemadng-12-bit-raw-full-sensor-readout/
(00:52:50) Kron Technologies Chronos Q12 Launched
https://www.cined.com/kron-technologies-chronos-q12-launched-2313-fps-at-2560-x-2016-aps-c-global-shutter-12-bit-cinemadng/
(00:56:25) RØDECaster Video 1.4 Firmware Released
https://www.cined.com/rodecaster-video-1-4-firmware-released-4k-capture-mode-individual-ndi-outputs-rodecaster-sync-for-the-whole-range/
(01:04:20) Adobe After Effects AI Assistant Enters Public Beta
https://www.cined.com/adobe-after-effects-ai-assistant-enters-public-beta-whole-project-scope-expression-rigs-and-project-cleanup/
(01:08:02) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Crowdfunding Now Live
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-x-cined-orbrella-crowdfunding-now-live-60w-bi-color-soft-light-foldable-15-second-setup/
(01:13:32) Blazar Remus II 50mm T2.4 1.5X Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens Introduced
https://www.cined.com/blazar-remus-ii-50mm-t2-4-1-5x-full-frame-anamorphic-lens-introduced-improved-sharpness-oval-iris-and-more/
(01:16:37) PMI Gear SmokeNINJA PRO V2 Explained
https://www.cined.com/pmi-gear-smokeninja-pro-v2-explained-aero-mesh-chamber-residue-free-vanishing-formula-auto-bubble-snow-nozzle/
(01:20:16) XLCS Designs STORMWARDEN Cage for the GoPro MISSION 1 PRO ILS Introduced
https://www.cined.com/xlcs-designs-stormwarden-cage-for-the-gopro-mission-1-pro-ils-introduced-one-piece-design-100-mounting-points-built-in-arca-base/
(01:23:34) DigitalFoto IRON Damping Magic Arms Introduced
https://www.cined.com/digitalfoto-iron-damping-magic-arms-introduced-5kg-vertical-payload-swappable-heads-sabertooth-clamp/
(01:25:01) DriveShelf for Mac Released
https://www.cined.com/driveshelf-for-mac-released-search-unplugged-drives-cross-drive-duplicate-finder-free-iphone-companion/
(01:27:03) CineVerse Roma Comes to Cinecittà Studios
https://www.cined.com/cineverse-roma-comes-to-cinecitta-studios-expo-floor-hands-on-tech-room-aic-imago-panels/
(01:28:31) Vimeo Short Film Grant Returns
https://www.cined.com/vimeo-short-film-grant-returns-300000-prize-pool-five-60000-awards-panavision-camera-packages/
(01:31:57) Calibrite ColorChecker Turns 50
https://www.cined.com/calibrite-colorchecker-turns-50-1976-macbeth-chart-24-patches-virtual-museum-and-challenge/
Let us know what you think in the comments below!
ep135 - Wood vs. Silicon Valley: A DIY Digital Bolex, while OpenAI Buys Into Imaging - CineD Focus Check
OpenAI has reportedly bought Glass Imaging – the ex-Apple team behind the iPhone's Portrait Mode – for the camera in its first hardware device. Meanwhile, a former cinematographer turned carpenter has got his …
Show notes
OpenAI has reportedly bought Glass Imaging – the ex-Apple team behind the iPhone's Portrait Mode – for the camera in its first hardware device. Meanwhile, a former cinematographer turned carpenter has got his Digital Bolex rebuild working: original Kodak CCD, Raspberry Pi 5, V-mount battery, wooden box. Big tech vs. one-man camera build – plus the Sony FX5 delay in Japan, DJI SDR Transmission 2, the OrBrella crowdfunding start and lots of IBC gear.
This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland (00:15:06)
► Check out the Pyro S: http://cined.co/nImvmnTopics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:12) OpenAI Reportedly Buys Glass Imaging for the Camera in Its First Hardware Device
https://www.cined.com/openai-reportedly-buys-glass-imaging-for-the-camera-in-its-first-hardware-device-ai-image-processing-from-an-ex-apple-team/
(00:15:58) David Bross Digital Bolex Rebuild Reaches Working Prototype
https://www.cined.com/david-bross-digital-bolex-rebuild-reaches-working-prototype-kodak-ccd-raspberry-pi-5-free-loaner-units-planned/
(00:29:42) Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.5 Released
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-camera-for-ios-3-5-released-iphone-18-pro-support-variable-aperture-control-prores-to-pro-video-storage/
(00:33:49) Sony FX5 Delayed to Late October or Later in Japan
https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-delayed-to-late-october-or-later-in-japan-dvf-el1-viewfinder-xlr-h2-handle-and-launch-campaign-also-affected/
(00:38:42) Sony DP7 and DP5 Explained
https://www.cined.com/sony-dp7-and-dp5-explained-native-cinema-line-camera-control-2000-nit-calibrated-panels-third-party-wireless/
(00:44:50) Tilta EVF Extension Kit for Sony FX5 Detailed
https://www.cined.com/tilta-evf-extension-kit-for-sony-fx5-detailed-cage-base-plate-nucleus-autofocus-integration-xlr-adapter-in-development/
(00:47:58) DJI SDR Transmission 2 Launched
https://www.cined.com/dji-sdr-transmission-2-launched-dci-4k60-10-bit-hdr-switchable-tx-rx-transceivers-4km-range/
(00:55:39) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Light Introduced
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-x-cined-orbrella-light-introduced-60w-umbrella-style-light-that-deploys-in-five-seconds/
(01:01:41) Atomos Shinobi 7 II & Shogun AV-19M Introduced
https://www.cined.com/atomos-shinobi-7-ii-shogun-av-19m-introduced-first-look/
(01:05:55) Accsoon CineView M7 Series Updated
https://www.cined.com/accsoon-cineview-m7-series-updated-expanded-camera-control-vertical-ui-user-built-android-apps/
(01:09:55) Insta360 Luna Ultra Firmware Update Released
https://www.cined.com/insta360-luna-ultra-firmware-update-released-15x-zoom-concert-stage-mode-4k-vertical-video-and-a-450mm-telephoto-lens/
(01:13:33) Cartoni HyperRoll Explained
https://www.cined.com/cartoni-hyperroll-explained-skate-wheels-for-any-camera-cage-nato-rail-mounting-lockable-wheel-angles/
(01:22:38) Vocas EL-40 Eyepiece Loupe for the Sony PXW-Z300 Introduced
https://www.cined.com/vocas-el-40-eyepiece-loupe-for-the-sony-pxw-z300-introduced-magnetic-tool-free-mount-flip-up-design-swappable-camera-attachments/
(01:24:13) NIPROS VEGA-R Fiber Adapter for RED KOMODO Introduced
https://www.cined.com/nipros-vega-r-fiber-adapter-for-red-komodo-introduced-zero-latency-12g-sdi-analog-optical-transmission-1gbe-control/
(01:26:10) FUJIFILM VF-GFXC2 Viewfinder for the GFX ETERNA 55 Explained
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-vf-gfxc2-viewfinder-for-the-gfx-eterna-55-explained-native-43-oled-two-display-modes-single-cable-connection/
(01:31:32) Libec Q30B and Q50B Explained
https://www.cined.com/libec-q30b-and-q50b-explained-quick-deploy-ring-45kg-payload-dust-proof-spreader-locks/
(01:34:07) Profoto ProPanel 3×2 Accessories Introduced
https://www.cined.com/profoto-propanel-3x2-accessories-introduced-6x6ft-snapbag-l-40-snapgrid-s-truss-clamp-kit/
(01:35:15) DigitalFoto THANOS-PROCINE ELITE Camera Stabilizing System Introduced
https://www.cined.com/digitalfoto-thanos-procine-elite-camera-stabilizing-system-introduced-30kg-payload-improved-arm-vest-and-more/
(01:36:50) DigitalFoto Battery Handles for DJI Osmo Pocket and Insta360 Luna Introduced
https://www.cined.com/digitalfoto-battery-handles-for-dji-osmo-pocket-and-insta360-luna-introduced-5000mah-20w-quick-charge-color-display/
(01:38:40) Rolux Foldable Dual V-Mount Charger Introduced
https://www.cined.com/rolux-foldable-dual-v-mount-charger-introduced-100w-usb-c-input-fanless-design-780g/
(01:40:28) CAME-TV Hub Pro Announced
https://www.cined.com/came-tv-hub-pro-announced-32-headset-intercom-expansion-xlr-audio-30-hour-battery/
(01:43:38) SIRUI Aurora 15mm f/1.6 and 24mm f/1.4 Full-Frame Autofocus Lenses Unveiled
https://www.cined.com/sirui-aurora-15mm-f-1-6-and-24mm-f-1-4-full-frame-autofocus-lenses-unveiled/
(01:44:59) The Secret That Doesn’t Matter
https://www.cined.com/the-secret-that-doesnt-matter-hitchcocks-macguffin-in-screenwriting-then-and-now/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!ep134 - IBC 2026 Overview & Best-of-Show Winners | iPhone 18 Pro Gets a Variable Aperture | Teradek Bolt 7 – CineD Focus Check
This week's episode is dedicated to remembering our dear colleague and friend Rodney Charters, ASC, who passed away in Amsterdam during the show – we will dedicate more time to him in an upcoming episode. We …
Show notes
This week's episode is dedicated to remembering our dear colleague and friend Rodney Charters, ASC, who passed away in Amsterdam during the show – we will dedicate more time to him in an upcoming episode.
We work through Johnnie's first hands-on demo of our SmallRig x CineD OrBrella prototype and the 200 pre-orders that sold out in just days, all the winners of our CineD Best-of-Show Awards at IBC 2026 – from the Adobe After Effects AI Assistant and the Deity PR-4 to the Aputure STORM CS32, NANLUX Matrix 2500C, Atomos Shinobi 7 II and Hollyland Pyro 7 Ultra – the Teradek Bolt 7, Sony's DWX Gen 4 and its US patent problem, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, SmallRig's iPhone 18 cinema kit, the latest Pixboom Spark update, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II, Tilta's Pyro 7 Ultra cage, the SNAPGRID Core, SmallRig's Nano power banks, the Saramonic WiTalk Base, Angelbird's new CFexpress Type A v4 cards and a new MZed Storytelling Session.This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:18:36)
►Learn more: http://cined.co/lwhjQkTopics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:05:33) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Light Introduced – 60W Umbrella-Style Light That Deploys in Five Seconds
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-x-cined-orbrella-light-introduced-60w-umbrella-style-light-that-deploys-in-five-seconds/
(00:21:14) Winners Announced – CineD Best-of-Show Awards at IBC 2026
https://www.cined.com/winners-announced-cined-best-of-show-awards-at-ibc-2026/
(00:28:42) Deity PR-4 Detailed – Six Tracks, Wireless Timecode Master, and Dual-Media Recording
https://www.cined.com/deity-pr-4-detailed-six-tracks-wireless-timecode-master-and-dual-media-recording/
(00:37:03) OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock with Dual HDMI Introduced – Two HDMI 2.1 Ports, 140W Laptop Charging, Full-Speed Downstream Storage
https://www.cined.com/owc-thunderbolt-5-dock-with-dual-hdmi-introduced-two-hdmi-2-1-ports-140w-laptop-charging-full-speed-downstream-storage/
(00:40:28) DZOFILM Arles Zooms Announced – 25-75mm and 65-180mm T2.6 With Prime-Matched Color
https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-arles-zooms-announced-25-75mm-and-65-180mm-t2-6-with-prime-matched-color/
(00:42:03) Aputure STORM CS32 Explained – 3,200W of Full Color From a Household Outlet
https://www.cined.com/aputure-storm-cs32-3200w-of-full-color-from-a-household-outlet/
(00:44:12) NANLUX Matrix 2500B and Matrix 2500C – First Look
https://www.cined.com/nanlux-matrix-2500b-and-matrix-2500c-first-look/
(00:45:14) Atomos Shinobi II Wins One of Two Awards in the Category “Monitors” (Interview video will follow)
(00:46:59) Hollyland Pyro 7 Ultra Explained – 4K60 Transmission, 20ms Latency, Camera Control From the Receiver
https://www.cined.com/hollyland-pyro-7-ultra-explained-4k60-transmission-20ms-latency-camera-control-from-the-receiver/
(00:48:52) Teradek Bolt 7 Introduced – 6GHz Zero-Delay Wireless Video, 900MHz Radio for Camera Control, and More
https://www.cined.com/teradek-bolt-7-introduced-6ghz-zero-delay-wireless-video-900mhz-radio-for-camera-control-and-more/
(00:53:02) Sony DWX Gen 4 Wireless System Detailed – 32-Bit Float Recording, 1.1ms Latency, and a 30% Price Cut
https://www.cined.com/sony-dwx-gen-4-wireless-system-detailed-32-bit-float-recording-1-1ms-latency-and-a-30-price-cut/
(00:56:49) Apple iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Announced – Variable Aperture Main Camera, New Sensor, Pro Controls, Plus the Foldable iPhone Duo
https://www.cined.com/apple-iphone-18-pro-and-18-pro-max-announced-variable-aperture-main-camera-new-sensor-pro-controls-plus-the-foldable-iphone-duo/
(01:07:23) SmallRig iPhone 18 Cinema Kit Introduced – HawkLock Cage, 67mm Screw-On Filters, $190 All-in-One Kit
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-iphone-18-cinema-kit-introduced-hawklock-cage-67mm-screw-on-filters-190-all-in-one-kit/
(01:09:42) Pixboom Spark Updated – Pre-Record, Browser Remote Control, and 12-Bit RAW in Development
https://www.cined.com/pixboom-spark-updated-pre-record-browser-remote-control-and-12-bit-raw-in-development/
(01:14:24) Canon EOS R8 Mark II Announced – 24.2MP Full-Frame, IBIS, and Oversampled 4K60p
https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r8-mark-ii-announced-24-2mp-full-frame-ibis-and-oversampled-4k60p/
(01:17:45) Tilta Monitor Cage for Hollyland Pyro 7 Ultra and Integration with Nucleus-M II Demonstrated
https://www.cined.com/tilta-monitor-cage-for-hollyland-pyro-7-ultra-and-integration-with-nucleus-m-ii-demonstrated/
(01:19:53) DoPchoice/Ellar Works SNAPGRID Core Modifier for ARRI Omnibar and Astera Titan Tubes Explained
https://www.cined.com/dopchoice-ellar-works-snapgrid-core-modifier-for-arri-omnibar-and-astera-titan-tubes-explained/
(01:21:53) SmallRig Nano36 and Nano72 Introduced – Rig-Mountable Power Banks With Retractable USB-C
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-nano36-and-nano72-introduced-rig-mountable-power-banks-with-retractable-usb-c/
(01:23:47) Saramonic WiTalk Base Detailed – 64-User Scaling, IP66 Rugged Design, and 700m Range
https://www.cined.com/saramonic-witalk-base-detailed-64-user-scaling-ip66-rugged-design-and-700m-range/
(01:26:42) Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress Type A v4 Explained – VPG800 Certification, Up to 1.6TB, and Roman Rabitsch on the Storage Crisis
https://www.cined.com/angelbird-av-pro-cfexpress-type-a-v4-explained-vpg800-certification-up-to-1-6tb-and-roman-rabitsch-on-the-storage-crisis/
(01:28:47) Breaking the Framing Rules – New “Storytelling Sessions” Recording Now Available on MZed
https://www.cined.com/breaking-the-framing-rules-new-storytelling-sessions-recording-now-available-on-mzed/
Which IBC winner would you have picked? Leave a comment below, write to us at [email protected], and subscribe to Focus Check wherever you listen to podcasts.
ep133 - The SmallRig x CineD OrBrella | Sony DP7 and DP5 Announced | IBC 2026 Outlook – CineD Focus Check
After more than a decade of complaining on this podcast about the lack of innovation in lighting, we finally had to put our own name on something. The OrBrella is a 60W bi-colour umbrella softlight we developed …
Show notes
After more than a decade of complaining on this podcast about the lack of innovation in lighting, we finally had to put our own name on something. The OrBrella is a 60W bi-colour umbrella softlight we developed with SmallRig: eight LED ribs fire inward into a 47cm white dome for the softest possible source, then flip around on their USB-C connectors when you need more punch. It collapses into a camera bag, runs more than two hours on a 99Wh V-mount, and if you are heading to IBC 2026, make sure to stop by the booth and check it out!
This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:15:55)
► Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmn
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:04) The SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Light
(00:20:45) DaVinci Resolve 21.1 Released – AI Assistant Integration via MCP, Individual HDR Trims, and Python Scripting Moves to Studio https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-21-1-released-ai-assistant-integration-via-mcp-individual-hdr-trims-and-python-scripting-moves-to-studio/
(00:29:32) Blackmagic Cuts Full-Frame 6K Camera Prices – Cinema Camera 6K Now $1,755, PYXIS 6K From $2,245, and More https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-cuts-full-frame-6k-camera-prices-cinema-camera-6k-now-1755-pyxis-6k-from-2245-and-more/
(00:36:11) Nikon ZR Firmware Update V2.00 & NIKKOR Z CINEMA VV Lenses Development Announced https://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-firmware-update-v2-00-nikkor-z-cinema-vv-lenses-development-announced/
(00:44:25) Lab Test of the iPhone 17 Pro – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range Trials and Exposure Challenges https://www.cined.com/lab-test-of-the-iphone-17-pro-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-trials-and-exposure-challenges/
(00:50:58) GoPro Says the Cameras Are Staying – Reading Nick Woodman’s Post-Merger Letter https://www.cined.com/gopro-says-the-cameras-are-staying-reading-nick-woodmans-post-merger-letter/
(00:53:57) Sony DP7 and DP5 Announced – Camera Control Monitors for the FX5, FX3, FX2, and FX30 https://www.cined.com/sony-dp7-and-dp5-announced-camera-control-monitors-for-the-fx5-fx3-fx2-and-fx30/
(01:00:02) Tilta Adds EVF Extension Support to Its Sony FX5 Cage – Dedicated Cable and Multi-Directional Bracket for the DVF-EL1 https://www.cined.com/tilta-adds-evf-extension-support-to-its-sony-fx5-cage-dedicated-cable-and-multi-directional-bracket-for-the-dvf-el1/
(01:02:17) Sony DWX Gen 4 Announced – DWT-B40 Bodypack with 32-Bit Float Recording, DWR-R40Q 4-Channel Receiver https://www.cined.com/sony-dwx-gen-4-announced-dwt-b40-bodypack-with-32-bit-float-recording-dwr-r40q-4-channel-receiver/
(01:05:57) FUJIFILM VF-GFXC2 Viewfinder for the GFX ETERNA 55 Announced – 0.64-inch 4:3 OLED, 2048 x 1536, 1,000 Nits, 370g https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-vf-gfxc2-viewfinder-for-the-gfx-eterna-55-announced-0-64-inch-43-oled-2048-x-1536-1000-nits-370g/
(01:08:42) FUJIFILM ETERNA ProRemote App Announced – iOS Remote Control, Live View, and Four-Camera Setups for the GFX ETERNA 55 https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-eterna-proremote-app-announced-ios-remote-control-live-view-and-four-camera-setups-for-the-gfx-eterna-55/
(01:10:37) DJI Osmo 360 II Launched – 8K60 360° Video, Replaceable Lenses, and a 14.5-Stop Dynamic Range Claim https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-360-ii-launched-8k60-360-video-replaceable-lenses-and-a-14-5-stop-dynamic-range-claim/
(01:17:20) Hohem Eyepic Announced – World’s First 2-in-1 Pocket Gimbal Camera With Native Vertical 4K https://www.cined.com/hohem-eyepic-announced-worlds-first-2-in-1-pocket-gimbal-camera-with-native-vertical-4k/
(01:21:39) DZOFILM Arles Zoom 25-75mm and 65-180mm T2.6 Announced – Constant Aperture, Parfocal, Under 1.8kg https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-arles-zoom-25-75mm-and-65-180mm-t2-6-announced-constant-aperture-parfocal-under-1-8kg/
(01:23:26) Libec Q30B and Q50B Tripods Announced – Quick-Deploy System, 45kg Payload, Under 3kg https://www.cined.com/libec-q30b-and-q50b-tripods-announced-quick-deploy-system-45kg-payload-under-3kg/
(01:27:01) NANLITE FC-1200B and FC-1200C Released – 1350W Rated Power, Bowens Mount, All-in-One Design https://www.cined.com/nanlite-fc-1200b-and-fc-1200c-released-1350w-rated-power-bowens-mount-all-in-one-design/
(01:28:38) Hollyland Pyro 7 Ultra Released – Calman-Calibrated 7-Inch Wireless Monitor with 4K60 and 20ms Latency https://www.cined.com/hollyland-pyro-7-ultra-released-calman-calibrated-7-inch-wireless-monitor-with-4k60-and-20ms-latency/
(01:31:15) CAME-TV KUMINIK8 PRO Now Shipping – 30-Hour Runtime, 518m Range, and $128 per Headset https://www.cined.com/came-tv-kuminik8-pro-now-shipping-30-hour-runtime-518m-range-and-128-per-headset/
(01:35:52) CODEX CFexpress Cards Announced – Type A and Type B, VPG1600, and a USB4 Reader https://www.cined.com/codex-cfexpress-cards-announced-type-a-and-type-b-vpg1600-and-a-usb4-reader/
(01:39:23) CineDream Releases Native Plug-Ins for Premiere Pro, After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve https://www.cined.com/cinedream-releases-native-plug-ins-for-premiere-pro-after-effects-final-cut-pro-and-davinci-resolve-on-image-grading-with-aces-2-0-color-management/
(01:41:13) Caira Adds Generative Video Editing – Gemini Omni 1.1 Flash, Runway Aleph 2.0, and 720p or 1080p Output https://www.cined.com/caira-adds-generative-video-editing-gemini-omni-1-1-flash-runway-aleph-2-0-and-720p-or-1080p-output/
(01:47:29) Chasing the Glow – Understanding Halation and Why Filmmakers Keep Coming Back to It https://www.cined.com/chasing-the-glow-understanding-halation-and-why-filmmakers-keep-coming-back-to-it/
Let us know what you think about the OrBrella in the comments, write to us at [email protected], and subscribe for the IBC coverage coming over the next two weeks.
ep132 - GoPro Sold to a Company That Doesn’t Make Cameras | Samsung’s Filmmaker SSD Launch Film is Entirely AI-Generated – CineD Focus Check
A YouTuber became GoPro’s largest single shareholder on Sunday. And on Tuesday, GoPro announced it is being sold – to Starman Optical, an optical-photonics company that builds transceivers for AI data centres …
Show notes
A YouTuber became GoPro’s largest single shareholder on Sunday. And on Tuesday, GoPro announced it is being sold – to Starman Optical, an optical-photonics company that builds transceivers for AI data centres, for $285 million. Nino’s read: this is a move into defence, robotics and aerospace, and continued support for cameras is not the same as continued investment. Same week, Miller – the Australian company that invented the fluid head in 1946 – is closing its doors, and Sony, Tilta, Samsung, Apple and Sigma all raised prices. And Samsung’s launch campaign for SSDs aimed at filmmakers appears to contain not a single real frame.
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
Markiplier becomes GoPro’s largest shareholder
GoPro to merge with Starman Optical
Sony Cinema Line price increases in Japan
Tilta raises prices on September 1
Samsung P9 and P7 portable SSDs
Apple refreshes Mac Studio and Mac mini
PYXIS 12K face-detect autofocus beta
DJI Osmo Pocket 4 and 4P firmware update
Sigma Cine Prime line extension
Digital de-aging and the uncanny valley
Ethical AI filmmaking course – Seedance 2.5 lesson
Let us know what you think in the comments below or on YouTube, and email us at [email protected] if there is something you want us to discuss on the show.
ep131 - Inside the Cirrus Apple Immersive Film: Shooting 180° Stereo From a Plane – CineD Focus Check
Imagine putting on a headset and seven minutes later feeling like you have actually flown a light aircraft over the Grand Canyon. That is the pitch behind the Cirrus app for Apple Vision Pro, and it might be …
Show notes
Imagine putting on a headset and seven minutes later feeling like you have actually flown a light aircraft over the Grand Canyon. That is the pitch behind the Cirrus app for Apple Vision Pro, and it might be the most convincing case yet for Apple Immersive Video as a commercial format. This week's Focus Check is a special one – not a news episode, but a long-form interview. Nino talks to Anthony Bottini, Director of Media at Cirrus Aircraft, who had to sell this project internally, and to John "JR" Racine of Rogue Labs, who shot and finished it. Five days over the Arizona desert, three Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive cameras, the Top Gun: Maverick aerial team, 25 to 30 terabytes for two hours of footage – and people taking the headset off in tears.
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Cold open: flying the Grand Canyon in a headset
(00:01:06) Why Cirrus built an Apple Vision Pro app
(00:01:51) Meet John "JR" Racine (Rogue Labs) and Anthony Bottini (Cirrus)
(00:03:40) Selling immersive internally: Vision Pros for the global sales team
(00:06:10) Five days in the desert: Page, Arizona and the weather
(00:06:28) Who did what: Cirrus, Rogue Labs, Blackmagic and XBrand
(00:07:59) The weather day that snow-dusted the Grand Canyon
(00:09:11) Air-to-air with a fixed 180° lens
(00:09:30) Kevin LaRosa, Michael FitzMaurice and the Piper Aerostar camera ship
(00:11:23) Rigging and vibration: why nothing was stabilised in post
(00:12:11) Why the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive made this possible
(00:13:17) The limits of the medium: shooting inside a cockpit
(00:15:30) One BRAW file per shot: the DaVinci Resolve workflow
(00:16:16) Fixed focus from the factory
(00:17:40) Lens borrowing: winning back 5 to 10 degrees of field of view
(00:19:15) Directing the viewer's gaze
(00:21:05) 16K, 25 to 30 terabytes and the post pipeline
(00:22:33) From a December shoot to a January demo
(00:23:32) "A good spatial edit is 50% of the experience"
(00:26:52) Measuring success without a big installed base
(00:29:35) "I've seen people cry" and the 100% scale aircraft models
(00:32:13) One-off, or the start of an immersive programme?
(00:34:54) Outro
ep130 - YouTube's New View Count | Artlist's $500 'Unlimited' AI Deal Lasted a Week – CineD Focus Check
Artlist sold a year of unlimited AI video generation with Seedance 2.5 for $500, paid up front. Days later, it was gone. This is not a company blindsided by success – this is a company that knew exactly what …
Show notes
Artlist sold a year of unlimited AI video generation with Seedance 2.5 for $500, paid up front. Days later, it was gone. This is not a company blindsided by success – this is a company that knew exactly what was going to happen and did it anyway. Our recommendation: do not give Artlist your money up front, because they cannot be trusted. And that wasn't even the week's biggest shakeup. YouTube just moved the goalposts for every creator on the platform: from August 24, a view registers from the moment playback starts – first frame, no minimum watch time. Drones are about to get 25% more expensive in the US, and Kodak just posted its best numbers in years on film stock.
This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:15:55)
Learn more: http://cined.co/VRLOCb
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:25) YouTube Changes How Views Are Counted – No Minimum Watch Time, All Formats, From August 24 https://www.cined.com/youtube-changes-how-views-are-counted-no-minimum-watch-time-all-formats-from-august-24/
(00:08:16) YouTube Makes Monetization Harder – New Partner Program Rules Explained https://www.cined.com/youtube-makes-monetization-harder-new-partner-program-rules-explained/
(00:16:45) Nikon ZR Owners Are Still Waiting – Where Is the Big Firmware Update? https://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-owners-are-still-waiting-where-is-the-big-firmware-update/
(00:23:08) US Drone Tariffs Hit on September 3 – 25% More Expensive, and DJI Is Still Banned https://www.cined.com/us-drone-tariffs-hit-on-september-3-25-more-expensive-and-dji-is-still-banned/
(00:29:20) Artlist Sold a Year of Unlimited Seedance 2.5 for $500 and Delivered a Week https://www.cined.com/artlist-sold-a-year-of-unlimited-seedance-2-5-for-500-and-delivered-a-week/
(00:37:22) HONOR Robot Phone Launches – ARRI LogC3, Wide Gamut 3, and a Motorized Titanium Gimbal Camera https://www.cined.com/honor-robot-phone-launches-arri-logc3-wide-gamut-3-and-a-motorized-titanium-gimbal-camera/
(00:41:55) RocXZoom Heading to Kickstarter – Robotic 50x Zoom Camera With AI Subject Tracking From Ex-DJI Engineers https://www.cined.com/rocxzoom-heading-to-kickstarter-robotic-50x-zoom-camera-with-ai-subject-tracking-from-ex-dji-engineers/
(00:46:40) Sony and TSMC Definitive Sensor Deal Signed – 747 Billion Yen, New Kumamoto Fab, and Volume Production in 2029 https://www.cined.com/sony-and-tsmc-definitive-sensor-deal-signed-747-billion-yen-new-kumamoto-fab-and-volume-production-in-2029/
(00:52:45) Kodak Posts a Fourth Straight Quarter of Growth – And Film Is Doing the Heavy Lifting https://www.cined.com/kodak-posts-a-fourth-straight-quarter-of-growth-and-film-is-doing-the-heavy-lifting/
(00:56:50) Fränk Film Processor – Develop Super 8, Double 8, and 16mm at Home https://www.cined.com/frank-film-processor-develop-super-8-double-8-and-16mm-at-home/
(01:00:51) Your Mac Can Finally Make DCP Delivery Drives – INT DCP Baker Costs Just $20 https://www.cined.com/your-mac-can-finally-make-dcp-delivery-drives-int-dcp-baker-costs-just-20/
(01:04:50) amaran Mic Released – 30mm Dynamic Capsule, On-Board AI Noise Reduction, and 2.4GHz Wireless https://www.cined.com/amaran-mic-released-30mm-dynamic-capsule-on-board-ai-noise-reduction-and-2-4ghz-wireless/
(01:07:51) FAMILIARITÉ – Isabelle Huppert Stars in a Short Film Shot Entirely on the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P https://www.cined.com/familiarite-isabelle-huppert-stars-in-a-short-film-shot-entirely-on-the-dji-osmo-pocket-4p/
(01:10:17) Steadicam Elite Announced – For Hybrid Cinema and Live-Production Work https://www.cined.com/steadicam-elite-announced-for-hybrid-cinema-and-live-production-work/
(01:11:43) Point-of-View Perspective in Film – Controlling Tension, Immersion, and Empathy https://www.cined.com/point-of-view-perspective-in-film-controlling-tension-immersion-and-empathy/
Let us know what you think in the comments below or on YouTube, and email us at [email protected] if there is something you want us to discuss on the show. Don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcasting platform – Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.
ep129 - RED's RAW Patent Falls in Japan + Every Camera Maker's Numbers – CineD Focus Check
For almost two decades, one patent decided which cameras could record RAW internally. This week it fell in Japan – and the company that brought it down is the last one you'd guess. On top of that, every major …
Show notes
For almost two decades, one patent decided which cameras could record RAW internally. This week it fell in Japan – and the company that brought it down is the last one you'd guess. On top of that, every major camera manufacturer reported numbers within days of each other: FUJIFILM's Imaging Division is now the group's biggest earner, Panasonic posted its best quarter in 41 years without any help from cameras, and GoPro is down to $27 million in cash while it looks for a buyer. Winners, losers, and a power shift nobody saw coming.
This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:12:47): http://cined.co/VRLOCb
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:58) CIPA First-Half 2026 Numbers – Compact Cameras Keep Booming While the Market Shifts to Pricier Gear https://www.cined.com/cipa-first-half-2026-numbers-compact-cameras-keep-booming-while-the-market-shifts-to-pricier-gear/
(00:13:36) Canon's Cameras Are Printing Money Again – And Compacts Are Leading the Charge https://www.cined.com/canons-cameras-are-printing-money-again-and-compacts-are-leading-the-charge/
(00:18:10) FUJIFILM Cameras Are Selling Like Never Before – Imaging Is Now the Group's Biggest Earner https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-cameras-are-selling-like-never-before-imaging-is-now-the-groups-biggest-earner/
(00:25:00) Nikon Misses the Industry Party – Camera Sales Slip in China While Memory Prices Eat Into Profits https://www.cined.com/nikon-misses-the-industry-party-camera-sales-slip-in-china-while-memory-prices-eat-into-profits/
(00:33:34) Panasonic Posted Its Best Quarter in 41 Years – and Cameras Have Nothing to Do With It https://www.cined.com/panasonic-posted-its-best-quarter-in-41-years-and-cameras-have-nothing-to-do-with-it/
(00:38:51) Sony's Money Is in the Sensor – Quarterly Numbers, the Tamron Bid, and the Kumamoto Question https://www.cined.com/sony-q1-fy2026-financial-results-image-sensors-shine-outlook-raised-and-tamron-bid-confirmed/
(00:46:10) GoPro Says Its Sale Process Is in the Later Stages – Camera Sales Fall 38%, Cash Down to $27 Million https://www.cined.com/gopro-says-its-sale-process-is-in-the-later-stages-camera-sales-fall-38-cash-down-to-27-million/
(00:54:35) Videndum H1 2026 Results – Cine Brands Outperform While the Going-Concern Warning Stays https://www.cined.com/videndum-h1-2026-results-cine-brands-outperform-while-the-going-concern-warning-stays/
(01:05:44) Sony FX5 IBIS Lock Service Targeted for December – Sony Answers Our Open Questions https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-ibis-lock-service-targeted-for-december-sony-answers-our-open-questions/
(01:14:24) The Drone in Your Kit Could Be Next – US FCC Proposal Targets Thermal and LiDAR Models Already Approved for Sale https://www.cined.com/the-drone-in-your-kit-could-be-next-us-fcc-proposal-targets-thermal-and-lidar-models-already-approved-for-sale/
(01:17:44) RED's Compressed RAW Patent Invalidated in Japan – Nikon Loses Defending the Patent It Once Fought https://www.cined.com/reds-compressed-raw-patent-invalidated-in-japan-nikon-loses-defending-the-patent-it-once-fought/
(01:24:45) Welcome Back, EVF – We've Missed You! https://www.cined.com/welcome-back-evf-weve-missed-you/
(01:31:27) Atlas Mercury Anamorphic Lens Price Drop – New Lower Pricing Across All Nine Focal Lengths https://www.cined.com/atlas-mercury-anamorphic-lens-price-drop-new-lower-pricing-across-all-nine-focal-lengths/
(01:34:55) Blackmagic Camera 10.2.2 Released – Cinema Camera 6K Gains Phase-Detect Autofocus, Cloud Streaming, and 10-Minute Pre-Record https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-camera-10-2-2-released-cinema-camera-6k-gains-phase-detect-autofocus-cloud-streaming-and-10-minute-pre-record/
(01:37:32) DJI Mic Mini 2S Released – 32-Bit Float Internal Recording, 14.5GB Storage, and Four-Transmitter Support https://www.cined.com/dji-mic-mini-2s-released-32-bit-float-internal-recording-14-5gb-storage-and-four-transmitter-support/
(01:43:32) Saramonic K9 XTX Released – Plug-On UHF Transmitter With 32-Bit Float Recording, Timecode, and 48V Phantom Power https://www.cined.com/saramonic-k9-xtx-released-plug-on-uhf-transmitter-with-32-bit-float-recording-timecode-and-48v-phantom-power/
(01:45:24) CP+ 2027 Announced – Four Days in Yokohama, Exhibitor Applications Open, and a New Early Bird Plan https://www.cined.com/cp-2027-announced-four-days-in-yokohama-exhibitor-applications-open-and-a-new-early-bird-plan/
(01:47:00) Strada 2.0 Now Available – Mounts Remote Storage as a Virtual Drive, and More https://www.cined.com/strada-2-0-now-available-mounts-remote-storage-as-a-virtual-drive-and-more/
(01:48:01) HOVERAir VERSA – Pocket Camera Gimbal and Drone in One: Pro Gear or Gimmick? https://www.cined.com/hoverair-versa-pocket-camera-gimbal-and-drone-in-one-pro-gear-or-gimmick/
(01:50:58) Brevidy for Adobe Premiere Pro – AI Captions, Automatic Social Clips, and Vertical Reframing in One Panel https://www.cined.com/brevidy-for-adobe-premiere-pro-ai-captions-automatic-social-clips-and-vertical-reframing-in-one-panel/
(01:53:32) Unlocking Performance – Actor-Director Collaboration, Uncanny Choices, and On-Set Immersion https://www.cined.com/unlocking-performance-actor-director-collaboration-uncanny-choices-and-on-set-immersion/
Leave a comment on the CineD article for this podcast or on the YouTube video, or email us at [email protected].
ep128 - Sony FX5 Poll Results & Delivery Delays + Sony's Bid to Buy Tamron – CineD Focus Check
Sony is warning that FX5 orders have outstripped its own expectations, and at the same time the company has put a non-binding offer on the table to buy Tamron outright. We extensively cover the FX5, and also …
Show notes
Sony is warning that FX5 orders have outstripped its own expectations, and at the same time the company has put a non-binding offer on the table to buy Tamron outright. We extensively cover the FX5, and also talk about the FCC pressure on XTRA in the US, a major Nexus G1 update, Christopher Nolan's fully analogue IMAX production of The Odyssey, and a long run of lens, accessory and software releases.
This episode is sponsored by Hollyland at (29:29)
► Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmnChapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) Intro
(01:48) Sony warns of possible delivery delays as Sony FX5 orders far exceed expectations
https://www.cined.com/sony-warns-of-possible-delivery-delays-as-sony-fx5-orders-far-exceed-expectations/
(09:01) Poll: Sony FX5 – which missing feature do you want most?
https://www.cined.com/poll-sony-fx5-which-missing-feature-do-you-want-most/
(20:18) Sony FX5 interview – firmware V2 timing confirmed, anamorphic limitations, and Cinema Line strategy
https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-interview-firmware-v2-timing-confirmed-anamorphic-limitations-and-cinema-line-strategy/
(30:21) Sony proposes to acquire lens maker Tamron – what a takeover could mean for the lens market
https://www.cined.com/sony-proposes-to-acquire-lens-maker-tamron-what-a-takeover-could-mean-for-the-lens-market/
(40:03) XTRA Muse 2 Pro pre-orders paused in the US – full refunds issued as FCC scrutiny intensifies
https://www.cined.com/xtra-muse-2-pro-pre-orders-paused-in-the-us-full-refunds-issued-as-fcc-scrutiny-intensifies/
(45:48) Nexus G1 update – CINAF autofocus for any lens, U-Mount now standard, production nears final stretch
https://www.cined.com/nexus-g1-update-cinaf-autofocus-for-any-lens-u-mount-now-standard-production-nears-final-stretch/
(54:48) How Christopher Nolan shot The Odyssey entirely on IMAX film – inside the new Keighley camera
https://www.cined.com/how-christopher-nolan-shot-the-odyssey-entirely-on-imax-film-inside-the-new-keighley-camera/
(01:02:54) Does film have a future? A Kodak factory tour documentary about film, shot on film
https://www.cined.com/does-film-have-a-future-a-kodak-factory-tour-documentary-about-film-shot-on-film/
(01:06:27) DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 released – keyframe ease actions, interlaced fixes, and Sony BURANO X-OCN decode fix
https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-21-0-3-released-keyframe-ease-actions-interlaced-fixes-and-sony-burano-x-ocn-decode-fix/
(01:07:26) Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini 12G family released – Thunderbolt 4 capture and playback, 12G-SDI fill and key, DaVinci Resolve replay
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-ultrastudio-mini-12g-family-released-thunderbolt-4-capture-and-playback-12g-sdi-fill-and-key-davinci-resolve-replay/
(01:09:11) Cooke SP3 and AP3 lenses now available for Nikon Z mount
https://www.cined.com/cooke-sp3-and-ap3-lenses-now-available-for-nikon-z-mount/
(01:10:27) Simmod 4-in-1 ARRI PL lens adapter with interchangeable mount released
https://www.cined.com/simmod-4-in-1-arri-pl-lens-adapter-with-interchangeable-mount-released/
(01:13:08) CINELUX REDUXA A1 focal reducer for ARRI ALEXA Classic/XT/SXT teased
https://www.cined.com/cinelux-reduxa-a1-focal-reducer-for-arri-alexa-classic-xt-sxt-teased/
(01:15:18) Megadap M2RF Leica M to Canon RF autofocus adapter released
https://www.cined.com/megadap-m2rf-leica-m-to-canon-rf-autofocus-adapter-released/
(01:18:19) SmallRig HawkLock cage and accessories for Sony FX5 announced
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-hawklock-cage-and-accessories-for-sony-fx5-announced/
(01:19:01) Tilta full camera cage for Sony FX5 announced
https://www.cined.com/tilta-full-camera-cage-for-sony-fx5-announced/
(01:20:24) MID49 previews a modular support and power system for the Sony FX5
https://www.cined.com/mid49-previews-a-modular-support-and-power-system-for-the-sony-fx5/
(01:22:10) MID49 Baseline 15mm LW baseplate released for Pixboom Spark
https://www.cined.com/mid49-baseline-15mm-lw-baseplate-released-for-pixboom-spark/
(01:23:51) Native Premiere Pro masking and overlapping performances in Resolve – AI masking course update on MZed
https://www.cined.com/native-premiere-pro-masking-and-overlapping-performances-in-resolve-ai-masking-course-update-on-mzed/
(01:25:53) The philosophy of shooting with available light
https://www.cined.com/the-philosophy-of-shooting-with-available-light/
Email us at [email protected]. New episodes every Thursday.
ep127 - DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Beats the ALEXA 35, Insta360 Luna Ultra Fails – Focus Check
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P just did something no camera has done in more than 70 CineD lab tests. Nino Leitner sits down with Gunther Machu to go through the full lab results for both new gimbal cameras – the DJI …
Show notes
The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P just did something no camera has done in more than 70 CineD lab tests. Nino Leitner sits down with Gunther Machu to go through the full lab results for both new gimbal cameras – the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P with its new LOFIC sensor, and the Insta360 Luna Ultra. One of them delivered the highest dynamic range figure we have ever measured. The other delivered the lowest exposure latitude result in our database. Both lab tests are live on CineD now.
► DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Lab Test: https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
► Insta360 Luna Ultra Lab Test: https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) Intro: a lab test result we have never seen before
(01:03) Welcome and why this episode is different
(02:42) Why we never lab tested fixed-lens cameras before
(06:27) DJI vs. Insta360 – the rivalry
(09:08) LOFIC explained: lateral overflow integration capacitor
(13:36) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: dynamic range results
(22:32) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: rolling shutter
(24:54) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: exposure latitude
(33:26) Sponsor: Hollyland Lark A1
https://www.hollyland.com/product/lark-a1
(34:30) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: the 60mm mid tele camera
(38:07) Insta360 Luna Ultra: dynamic range and aggressive noise reduction
(43:12) Insta360 Luna Ultra: exposure latitude
(48:17) The Luna Ultra tele camera and the 8K exception
(51:08) Price comparison and the odd launch timing
(54:34) Summary: which one should you buy?
(55:41) Outlook: LOFIC in more cameras and smartphones
This episode is brought to you by Hollyland and the Lark A1 wireless microphone, starting under 70 USD:
https://www.hollyland.com/product/lark-a1
Let us know what you think — email us at [email protected]
ep126 - FX5 In-Depth with Philip Bloom: Finally a True Cinema Line Compact? – CineD Focus Check
The Sony FX5 is here – and this week’s episode is largely dedicated to it. Nino is joined live from Tokyo by Johnnie and by special guest Philip Bloom from London, both of whom spent a week shooting with Sony’s …
Show notes
The Sony FX5 is here – and this week’s episode is largely dedicated to it. Nino is joined live from Tokyo by Johnnie and by special guest Philip Bloom from London, both of whom spent a week shooting with Sony’s newly announced compact cinema camera.
Beyond the FX5 deep dive, the trio covers A24’s controversial $75M Google DeepMind deal, ByteDance’s Seedance 2.5 API, the EBU’s new camera guidelines for respectful coverage of women’s athletics, fresh lenses from Tamron, Viltrox, and NiSi, Godox’s inflatable mat light, a new high-payload modular gimbal from Poland, and a lot more – all the way to two awards you can enter right now.
► Our review: https://youtu.be/MevszuiRKbQ
► Philip Bloom's review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfnBkKhtQRUThis episode is sponsored by Hollyland at (53:23)
► Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmnChapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) Intro
(01:26) Sony FX5 Announced – Full-Frame 5K Open Gate, Internal X-OCN RAW, Three Base ISOs, 4K 240p
(05:51) Sony FX5 Review – Finally, a Compact Camera Worthy of the Cinema Line Name
https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-review-finally-a-compact-camera-worthy-of-the-cinema-line-name/
(54:14) A24 Defends Its $75M Google DeepMind AI Deal After Fan Backlash
https://www.cined.com/a24-defends-its-75m-google-deepmind-ai-deal-after-fan-backlash/
(01:01:16) ByteDance Seedance 2.5 API Goes Live – 30-Second Single-Shot Clips, 50 Reference Inputs, and 3D Camera Blockouts
(01:06:15) EBU Sport Publishes “Raising the Bar” – Camera Guidelines for Respectful Coverage of Women’s Athletics
(01:11:35) Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Announced – Compact Ultra-Wide Zoom for Sony E and Nikon Z Full-Frame Cameras
(01:13:26) Viltrox AF 26mm f/2.8 EVO Full-Frame Pancake Lens Announced for Sony E and Nikon Z
(01:15:22) NiSi 16mm f/2.8 Medium Format Lens for FUJIFILM G & Hasselblad XCD Announced
https://www.cined.com/nisi-16mm-f-2-8-medium-format-lens-for-fujifilm-g-hasselblad-xcd-announced/
(01:17:18) Godox KNOWLED AM800R Released – 800W Full-Color Inflatable 4’×4′ Mat Light
https://www.cined.com/godox-knowled-am800r-released-800w-full-color-inflatable-4x4-mat-light/
(01:19:20) HD Air Studio HALO Modular Gimbal Debuts – 15kg Payload, 360° Roll and Pan, Handheld-to-Remote Head
(01:24:01) edelkrone Krone X Compact Announced – Up to Seven Axes of Motion in a Backpack
https://www.cined.com/edelkrone-krone-x-compact-announced-up-to-seven-axes-of-motion-in-a-backpack/
(01:26:16) Zaxcom Publishes White Paper on Narrow Band Direct Conversion – New Receiver Architecture Promises Better Interference Rejection
(01:27:45) LIT OS 0.9 beta4 for the LIT DUO 1 Light Meter Released – Higher Spectrum Resolution, CRI and SSI, New ΔEV Mode
(01:29:35) Log Cam and RAW Cam Bring Open Gate RAW and Log Video to Older iPhones – A Skeptical Look
(01:32:19) CineD Best-of-Show Awards at IBC 2026 – Submit Your Product/Innovation Now!
https://www.cined.com/cined-best-of-show-awards-at-ibc-2026-submit-your-product-innovation-now/
(01:33:44) Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2027 Open for Entries – New Immersive Category, Snapdragon Shorts Award, Free Entry Worldwide
Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a comment! Email us at [email protected].
ep125 - ARRI Sells Its Rental Business | DJI 'Front Companies' Fined | Sony RX10 V – CineD Focus Check
ARRI is selling its global rental business – we break down the management buy-out backed by H2 Equity Partners and what it means for rental-exclusive cameras and lenses. Also this week: the FCC fines alleged …
Show notes
ARRI is selling its global rental business – we break down the management buy-out backed by H2 Equity Partners and what it means for rental-exclusive cameras and lenses. Also this week: the FCC fines alleged DJI "front companies", Sony announces the RX10 V after nine years plus the LYTIA L910 LOFIC smartphone sensor, firmware news for the VENICE 2 and GFX ETERNA 55, new gear from SmallRig, Tilta, Blackmagic Design, and MOFAGE, LALAL.AI's new Lynx speech denoising model, sun tracking coming to Artemis and Cadrage – and a look beyond the hard cut on MZed.
This episode is sponsored by Hollyland: [INSERT SPONSOR URL]
► Learn more: http://cined.co/nImvmn
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) Intro
(01:25) ARRI Sells Its Global Rental Business – Management Buy-Out Backed by H2 Equity Partners
https://www.cined.com/arri-sells-its-global-rental-business-management-buy-out-backed-by-h2-equity-partners/
(09:14) P+S Technik HEXAMO Mount Brings Leitz HEKTOR Primes to ARRI ALEXA
https://www.cined.com/ps-technik-hexamo-mount-brings-leitz-hektor-primes-to-arri-alexa/
(10:38) DJI 'Front Companies' Fined by the FCC – A Selective Crackdown That Only Hurts Filmmakers
https://www.cined.com/dji-front-companies-fined-by-the-fcc-a-selective-crackdown-that-only-hurts-filmmakers/
(17:33) SmallRig Split Filter Kits for DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Announced – Snap-On Dual Design, Stackable Optics, Adjustable VND
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-split-filter-kits-for-dji-osmo-pocket-4p-announced-snap-on-dual-design-stackable-optics-adjustable-vnd/
(20:14) Sony LYTIA L910 Announced – LOFIC Structure, 100 dB Single-Exposure Dynamic Range, and 4K 60p HDR
https://www.cined.com/sony-lytia-l910-announced-lofic-structure-100-db-single-exposure-dynamic-range-and-4k-60p-hdr/
(25:48) Sony RX10 V Announced – 24-600mm ZEISS Zoom, AI Recognition AF, and 4K 120p Video
https://www.cined.com/sony-rx10-v-announced-24-600mm-zeiss-zoom-ai-recognition-af-and-4k-120p-video/
(32:53) Sponsor: Hollyland
► Learn more: http://cined.co/nImvmn
(33:45) Sony VENICE 2 Firmware V5.00 Released – Signature Preset Look, 4K 47.95p 12G SDI Output, CNA-2 LAN Support
https://www.cined.com/sony-venice-2-firmware-v5-00-released-signature-preset-look-4k-47-95p-12g-sdi-output-cna-2-lan-support/
(36:56) FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 Firmware 1.10 Released – Roadmap Promises Automatic ND Control, LANC Support, and MXF Playback
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-firmware-1-10-released-roadmap-promises-automatic-nd-control-lanc-support-and-mxf-playback/
(40:32) Cadrage Studio Officially Released – Pre-Production Suite Exits Early Access with Subscription Pricing
https://www.cined.com/cadrage-studio-officially-released-pre-production-suite-exits-early-access-with-subscription-pricing/
(43:18) Artemis and Cadrage Add Sun Tracking – Director's Viewfinder Apps Converge on Sun-Position Pre-Vis
https://www.cined.com/artemis-and-cadrage-add-sun-tracking-directors-viewfinder-apps-converge-on-sun-position-pre-vis/
(45:39) Blackmagic UltraStudio Express 3G Announced – USB4 Capture and Playback, 3G-SDI and HDMI
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-ultrastudio-express-3g-announced-usb4-capture-and-playback-3g-sdi-and-hdmi/
(48:44) Tilta Universal Cooling System Announced – Thermoelectric Plate, Three Cooling Modes, and USB-C or Magnetic Battery Power
https://www.cined.com/tilta-universal-cooling-system-announced-thermoelectric-plate-three-cooling-modes-and-usb-c-or-magnetic-battery-power/
(52:04) LALAL.AI Lynx Announced – Targets Noise in Production Dialogue
https://www.cined.com/lalal-ai-lynx-announced-targets-noise-in-production-dialogue/
(56:16) MOFAGE POCO II Drop-In Filter Mount Now Available to Order – New EF Mount, Increased Clearance, and More
https://www.cined.com/mofage-poco-ii-drop-in-filter-mount-now-available-to-order-new-ef-mount-increased-clearance-and-more/
(59:00) Beyond the Cut – Dissolves, Morphs, and Other Transitions
https://www.cined.com/beyond-the-cut-dissolves-morphs-and-other-transitions/
Any questions or comments? Write us at [email protected]. Don't forget to subscribe to CineD Focus Check on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!
ep124 - Best & Worst Camera Brands for Battery Longevity | Steadicam Inventor Doc – CineD Focus Check
We settle a question every filmmaker has cursed at some point: which camera brands actually let your batteries last — and which strand you the moment you upgrade? Nino goes brand by brand, ranking the best and …
Show notes
We settle a question every filmmaker has cursed at some point: which camera brands actually let your batteries last — and which strand you the moment you upgrade? Nino goes brand by brand, ranking the best and worst for battery longevity, from Canon's decade-proof LP-E6 to the fragmentation that leaves Insta360 owners buying new cells with every generation.
Then: the man who invented the stabilized camera. Garrett Brown — the mind behind the Steadicam — is finally getting a documentary backed by Francis Ford Coppola, and it's a reminder of just how much one person changed the way movies move. Plus ARRI's new Alexa 35 Live Xtreme, a tiny $200 pocket camera that came out of nowhere, a new electronic variable ND, fresh lights from Godox, iPhone lenses from Tilta, and the free, filmmaker-built apps quietly reshaping post-production.This episode is sponsored by Hollyland — check it out at 40:39.
Learn more: LINK(00:00) Intro & topic outlook
(07:17) Your Camera Lasts Only as Long as You Can Buy Its Battery: Camera Battery Compatibility, Brand by Brand
(41:43) Steadicam Documentary “Thank You Mr. Brown” Enters Production, Backed by Francis Ford Coppola
(48:16) ARRI ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme Announced – Up to 8x HFR via SDI, 480fps, Baseband Slow Motion
(52:24) AulGo Pocket Camera Hits Kickstarter – 4K Sony Sensor, 6-Axis EIS, 56g Body
https://www.cined.com/aulgo-pocket-camera-hits-kickstarter-4k-sony-sensor-6-axis-eis-56g-body/
(55:55) Sony Teases a New RX10 – First Bridge Camera Update in Nearly a Decade
https://www.cined.com/sony-teases-a-new-rx10-first-bridge-camera-update-in-nearly-a-decade/
(58:30) KipperTie LCcineND Now Available – Remote Controllable 4×5.65” Electronic ND Filter
(01:02:30) KNOWLED PL600 RF and PL1200 RF Announced – Nine-Band PaletteLab Engine, 92% Rec.2020, IP65 Weatherproofing
(01:08:45) Tilta iPhone Lenses Bring Fisheye, Macro, Wide, and Telephoto Glass for T-Mount
https://www.cined.com/tilta-iphone-lenses-bring-fisheye-macro-wide-and-telephoto-glass-for-t-mount/
(01:12:31) Vimeo and FiLMiC Pro Owner Bending Spoons Surges in $1.68 Billion Nasdaq IPO Debut
(01:15:02) Boris FX Acquires iZotope – RX, Ozone, Neutron, and Nectar Join the Post-Production Toolmaker
(01:17:05) Beat App Introduced – Free Mac Tool for Story Development and Shoot Planning
https://www.cined.com/beat-app-introduced-free-mac-tool-for-story-development-and-shoot-planning/
(01:21:28) Clip Sweeper v2 Now Available – Free Mac App for Cleaning Video Project Drives
https://www.cined.com/clip-sweeper-v2-now-available-free-mac-app-for-cleaning-video-project-drives/
(01:22:52) Artemis Studio for Mac – Chemical Wedding’s Desktop Companion to Its Director’s Viewfinder App
(01:24:39) DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 Released – Keyframe Fixes, Retime Curve Improvements, and Better Fusion Vertical Transitions
Thanks for listening! Leave a comment on the article or the YouTube video, and don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.
Questions or feedback? Email us at [email protected].
ep123 - DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: 17 Stops of Dynamic Range? | Leica SL3-P Video Review | Apple Price Hike - CineD Focus Check
Nino reports back from DJI's Malta press event with first impressions of the Osmo Pocket 4P, Johnnie's Leica SL3-P video review goes live, and Apple has a mixed week – raising MacBook and iPad prices while also …
Show notes
Nino reports back from DJI's Malta press event with first impressions of the Osmo Pocket 4P, Johnnie's Leica SL3-P video review goes live, and Apple has a mixed week – raising MacBook and iPad prices while also shipping a meaningful Creator Studio update for Final Cut Pro.
We also cover Adobe's planned acquisition of Topaz Labs, MultiDyne stepping in to save the MRMC motion-control brand, a new sun-tracking cinema viewfinder app, and a stack of smaller gear and firmware news.This episode is sponsored by Hollyland — check it out at (25:13).
Learn more: LINKChapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) Intro & topic outlook
(05:32) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Malta hands-on – 17-stop dynamic range claim and LOFIC sensor tech
(26:17) Leica SL3-P review – gorgeous color rendition, confusing menu, now with video review
https://www.cined.com/leica-sl3-p-review-gorgeous-color-rendition-confusing-menu/
(32:03) 7Artisans DREAM Series Announced – MF 35mm/50mm/75mm T1.5 Full-Frame Cine Lens for E/L/Z/RF Mounts
(37:07) Apple raises MacBook and iPad prices as AI memory crisis reaches consumer hardware
https://www.cined.com/apple-raises-macbook-and-ipad-prices-as-ai-memory-crisis-reaches-consumer-hardware/
(40:04) Apple Creator Studio update adds generate captions, edit detection, and auto mask to Final Cut Pro
https://www.cined.com/apple-creator-studio-update-adds-generate-captions-edit-detection-and-auto-mask-to-final-cut-pro/
(52:32) XPPen Pilot Pro review – a versatile editing controller, but not for everyone
https://www.cined.com/xppen-pilot-pro-review-a-versatile-editing-controller-but-not-for-everyone/
(58:27) LIGHTFRAMER PRO app introduced – turns iPhone into cinema viewfinder with sun tracking
https://www.cined.com/lightframer-pro-app-introduced-turns-iphone-into-cinema-viewfinder-with-sun-tracking/
(1:01:40) MultiDyne acquires MRMC assets – forms new company to revive the motion-control brand
https://www.cined.com/multidyne-acquires-mrmc-assets-forms-new-company-to-revive-the-motion-control-brand/
(1:05:33) Adobe to acquire Topaz Labs – AI upscaling and image enhancement, on-device models, standalone apps to continue
https://www.cined.com/adobe-to-acquire-topaz-labs-ai-upscaling-and-image-enhancement-on-device-models-standalone-apps-to-continue/
(1:11:21) AtomOS 12.7.0 for Ninja RAW, Ninja TX, and Ninja TX GO released – RAW support for Sony α7R VI, Canon EOS R6 V, and Leica SL3-P
https://www.cined.com/atomos-12-7-0-for-ninja-raw-ninja-tx-and-ninja-tx-go-released-raw-support-for-sony-%ce%b17r-vi-canon-eos-r6-v-and-leica-sl3-p/
(1:12:47) ARRI LUKA Unreal Engine plugin announced – virtual ARRI lights and cameras, real-time Lumen previs, DMX and LiveLink control
https://www.cined.com/arri-luka-unreal-engine-plugin-announced-virtual-arri-lights-and-cameras-real-time-lumen-previs-dmx-and-livelink-control/
(1:17:11) DaVinci Resolve 21.0.1 released – improved RAW decoding, better HDR delivery, and Sony Alpha 7R VI support
https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-21-0-1-released-improved-raw-decoding-better-hdr-delivery-and-sony-alpha-7r-vi-support/
(1:18:48) rsv.repair by OTTOMATIC introduced – free recovery tool for Sony .RSV files
https://www.cined.com/rsv-repair-by-ottomatic-introduced-free-recovery-tool-for-sony-rsv-files/
(1:21:55) KIPON drop-in variable ND PL mount adapter announced with a deep-recessed design
https://www.cined.com/kipon-drop-in-variable-nd-pl-mount-adapter-announced-with-a-deep-recessed-design/
(1:23:51) iFootage Shark Slider Pico Pro released with a higher payload
https://www.cined.com/ifootage-shark-slider-pico-pro-released-with-a-higher-payload/
(1:27:01) Canon EOS C50, C80, and C400 firmware updates released
https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-c50-c80-and-c400-firmware-updates-released/
📬 Email us: [email protected]ep122 - New Leica SL3-P Review and Lab Test + What's Next for the DJI Ronin 4D? - CineD Focus Check
We dig into the new Leica SL3-P with a full review and Lab Test, share the results of our DJI Ronin 4D successor poll, go behind the scenes on an immersive BBC Proms production for Apple Vision Pro, and run …
Show notes
We dig into the new Leica SL3-P with a full review and Lab Test, share the results of our DJI Ronin 4D successor poll, go behind the scenes on an immersive BBC Proms production for Apple Vision Pro, and run through a wave of new on-set apps and gear – plus SMPTE opening its standards catalog, two pieces of FUJIFILM news, new DZOFILM adapters, and CVP’s Warranty+.
Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:
(00:00) Intro & topic outlook
(05:58) Leica SL3-P Review – Gorgeous Color Rendition, Confusing Menu
https://www.cined.com/leica-sl3-p-review-gorgeous-color-rendition-confusing-menu/
(07:53) Leica SL3-P Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/leica-sl3-p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
(15:55) Leica SL3-P Review – Gorgeous Color Rendition, Confusing Menu (continued)
(27:36) Poll: What Would You Want from a DJI Ronin 4D Successor?
https://www.cined.com/poll-what-would-you-want-from-a-dji-ronin-4d-successor/
(44:44) Inside “Debut at the BBC Proms”: Director Ian Russell on Filming Classical Music for Apple Vision Pro
https://www.cined.com/inside-debut-at-the-bbc-proms-director-ian-russell-on-filming-classical-music-for-apple-vision-pro/
(51:19) LidarAC App for Tilta Nucleus-M II and Nano II Introduced – Turn Your iPhone Into a LiDAR Rangefinder
https://www.cined.com/lidarac-app-for-tilta-nucleus-m-ii-and-nano-ii-introduced-turn-your-iphone-into-a-lidar-rangefinder/
(55:03) RingThing Focus Ring Label Maker App for ARRI Hi-5, WCU-4, and Tilta Nucleus-M II Released
https://www.cined.com/ringthing-focus-ring-label-maker-app-for-arri-hi-5-wcu-4-and-tilta-nucleus-m-ii-released/
(56:36) Mavis Studio Update Adds NDI Preview, PTZ Camera Control, and USB Audio to the iPad
https://www.cined.com/mavis-studio-update-adds-ndi-preview-ptz-camera-control-and-usb-audio-to-the-ipad/
(58:02) First Rush 2.1 – On-Set Multicam SDI to ProRes Recorder Lands on the Mac App Store
https://www.cined.com/first-rush-2-1-on-set-multicam-sdi-to-prores-recorder-lands-on-the-mac-app-store/
(1:00:44) Eddie AI Integrates with Iconik for AI-Assisted MAM Workflows
https://www.cined.com/eddie-ai-integrates-with-iconik-for-ai-assisted-mam-workflows/
(1:02:17) SMPTE Opens Its Entire Standards Catalog for Free, Removing a Century-Old Paywall
https://www.cined.com/smpte-opens-its-entire-standards-catalog-for-free-removing-a-century-old-paywall/
(1:06:05) FUJIFILM Fujikina Returns to New York City in October
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-fujikina-returns-to-new-york-city-in-october/
(1:07:37) FUJIFILM GFX Challenge Grant Program 2026 Opens – August 17th, Submission Deadline
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-challenge-grant-program-2026-opens-august-17th-submission-deadline/
(1:11:08) DZOFILM Octopus II and Marlin 1.4x Extender Announced – Up to 49% Lighter, 1.4x Focal Boost, S35-to-Full-Frame Coverage
https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-octopus-ii-and-marlin-1-4x-extender-announced-up-to-49-lighter-1-4x-focal-boost-s35-to-full-frame-coverage/
(1:12:26) CVP Launches Warranty+ – Up to 4 Extra Years of Cover, Worldwide Repairs, and ProRepairs Support
https://www.cined.com/cvp-launches-warranty-up-to-4-extra-years-of-cover-worldwide-repairs-and-prorepairs-support/
(1:13:34) Breaking the Framing Rules – New Storytelling Sessions Webinar on June 30th
https://www.cined.com/breaking-the-framing-rules-new-storytelling-sessions-webinar-on-june-30th/
📬 Email us: [email protected]ep121 - Pocket Wars: DJI vs. Insta360, Paramount–Warner Bros. Approved, MRMC Liquidation & New Blazar Anamorphic Zoom & Angénieux EZ 65 Lenses – CineD Focus Check
In this week's Focus Check, Nino and Johnnie tackle an industry in a tumultuous, consolidation-heavy phase. They open with the escalating Insta360 vs. DJI patent war over the Luna Ultra, then move through …
Show notes
In this week's Focus Check, Nino and Johnnie tackle an industry in a tumultuous, consolidation-heavy phase. They open with the escalating Insta360 vs. DJI patent war over the Luna Ultra, then move through Artlist's layoffs, the US approval of Paramount's Warner Bros. merger, and MRMC's surprise liquidation just weeks after Nikon sold it off. From there the episode shifts into new gear: the budget Blazar Sentinel anamorphic zoom, the large-format Angénieux EZ 65 cine zooms, the Hollyland Astra P1 PTZ camera, the DJI Lito 1 drone, the SKYROVER S1 and X1 combos, Godox's inflatable lights, Tilta's foldable charger, plus deep dives on self-made virtual production and shooting a rocket launch in Apple Immersive Video.
(00:00) Intro(05:35) DJI sues Insta360, and Insta360 countersues DJI over Luna Ultra patent war
https://www.cined.com/dji-sues-insta360-over-luna-cameras-seeking-a-u-s-sales-ban-on-launch-day/
https://www.cined.com/insta360-countersues-dji-over-luna-ultra-patent-war-asserting-five-u-s-patents/(35:57) Artlist lays off 200 employees a year after hiring 120
https://www.cined.com/a-year-after-hiring-120-people-artlist-lays-off-200-employees/
(45:45) Paramount’s $111 billion Warner Bros. merger wins US approval
(48:25) MRMC enters liquidation weeks after Nikon exit
(51:28) Blazar Sentinel anamorphic zoom announced
(56:44) Angénieux EZ 65 series announced
(59:31) Hollyland Astra P1 PTZ camera announced
(1:03:12) DJI Lito 1 review
https://www.cined.com/dji-lito-1-review-entry-level-drone-with-4k100-and-omnidirectional-vision/
(1:08:44) SKYROVER S1 and X1 Fly More combos add a touchscreen remote
(1:15:32) Godox LR150 Air and LC500R Air released
(1:19:30) Tilta foldable charging station introduced
(1:22:49) Self-made virtual production – what do you need to get started?
https://www.cined.com/self-made-virtual-production-what-do-you-need-to-get-started/
(1:24:53) Shooting a rocket launch in Apple Immersive Video
https://www.cined.com/shooting-a-rocket-launch-in-apple-immersive-video-with-the-ursa-cine-immersive/
📬 Email us: [email protected]ep120 - Cine Gear 2026 Round Up: ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic, Sony RIALTO 65, Kinefinity VISTA – CineD Focus Check
This week's episode is all about Cine Gear, which took place at the beginning of the month in Los Angeles. We discuss what brands and new products Johnnie covered at the show — from the ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic …
Show notes
This week's episode is all about Cine Gear, which took place at the beginning of the month in Los Angeles. We discuss what brands and new products Johnnie covered at the show — from the ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic lens to the Sony RIALTO 65 sensor block. Further, we talk about the Kinefinity VISTA pricing, Apple Immersive Video updates at WWDC26, the ARRI Eurovision documentary, and GoPro's going concern warning.
(00:00) Intro
(06:00) ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic First Look – 2x Full-Frame Lenses With Internal Motors
https://www.cined.com/zeiss-horizon-anamorphic-first-look-2x-full-frame-lenses-with-internal-motors/
(15:04) ZEISS Panoptes 65 Unveiled – Ten Large-Format Primes at T2.2 with LPL Mount and 59.9mm Image Circle
(25:36) Sony RIALTO 65 in Development – 65mm Sensor Block for the VENICE 2, Remote Operation, Multiple Recording Modes
(30:41) Cinelux Project SIXTEEN Hybrid Film and Digital Super 16 Camera – First Look
https://www.cined.com/cinelux-project-sixteen-hybrid-film-and-digital-super-16-camera-first-look/
(40:30) Bosma Vega H2 First Look – 6K Full-Frame Camera With HVS
https://www.cined.com/bosma-vega-h2-first-look-6k-full-frame-camera-with-hvs/
(49:42) SmallRig Steps Into Bags With a 25L Backpack Designed to Secure Your Gear
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-steps-into-bags-with-a-25l-backpack-designed-to-secure-your-gear/
(51:15) SmallRig Enters the Storage Market With a Phone-Mounted SSD
https://www.cined.com/smallrig-enters-the-storage-market-with-a-phone-mounted-ssd/
(55:02) Why Profoto Is Betting on High-End Cinema Lighting – The Thinking Behind the ProPanel 3×2
(57:20) Strada 2 First Look – Local Drives, Remote Editing
https://www.cined.com/strada-2-first-look-local-drives-remote-editing/
(01:02:47) NANLUX Matrix 2500B and Matrix 2500C – First Look
https://www.cined.com/nanlux-matrix-2500b-and-matrix-2500c-first-look/
(01:05:18) Eddie AI's Shamir Allibhai on Building an AI Teammate for Editors
https://www.cined.com/eddie-ais-shamir-allibhai-on-building-an-ai-teammate-for-editors/
(01:08:45) Tilta Illusion Magnetic Filters Introduced – Modular Polarization and VND
https://www.cined.com/tilta-introduces-the-illusion-magnetic-filters-modular-polarization-and-vnd/
(01:10:49) SIRUI IronStar 100mm Anamorphic Macro Lens – A Close Focus First for the Series
https://www.cined.com/sirui-ironstar-100mm-anamorphic-macro-lens-a-close-focus-first-for-the-series/
(01:17:20) Cadrage Studio Launches in Early Access – Pre-Production Suite from the Director's Viewfinder Team
(01:21:42) Kinefinity VISTA Confirmed at $2,499 – Full-Frame 6K Open Gate, 220GB Built-In SSD, 610g Body
(01:25:00) Apple Immersive Video Gets Live Formats, iPhone Playback, and Static Foveation Streaming at WWDC26
(01:31:40) ARRI, 12 Points – How Eurovision 2026 Was Shot on 24 ALEXA 35 Live Cameras
https://www.cined.com/arri-12-points-how-eurovision-2026-was-shot-on-24-alexa-35-live-cameras/
(01:33:19) GoPro Warns It May Not Survive the Year as Auditor Flags Going Concern Doubt
https://www.cined.com/gopro-warns-it-may-not-survive-the-year-as-auditor-flags-going-concern-doubt/
(01:35:12) The Chronos Project's Edge Bets on Real Cameras Where Most Long-Term Remote Timelapse Rigs Use Action Cams
📬 Email us: [email protected]
ep119 - High-End Anamorphics From Filmmakers: Inside Glaswerk's Lenses – CineD Focus Check
In this special episode of Focus Check, Johnnie sits down with our guests David Kellermann and Viola Evang, the co-founders of Glaswerk Optics – a German lens manufacturer developing high-end 2x anamorphic …
Show notes
In this special episode of Focus Check, Johnnie sits down with our guests David Kellermann and Viola Evang, the co-founders of Glaswerk Optics – a German lens manufacturer developing high-end 2x anamorphic cinema lenses. Tune in to this candid conversation about their seven-year journey: from a client arriving with a box of old projection lenses, to engineering some of the most meticulously designed anamorphic glass currently in development. The Glaswerk ONE and ONE+ prime sets are on the verge of shipping, and the story behind them is anything but straightforward.
(00:00) Introduction
(00:45) Meet David and Viola – filmmakers turned lens makers
(05:30) The moment a client's box of projection lenses changed everything
(09:37) Going full frame and funding the project
(13:08) The decision to go high-end: no compromises
(16:36) First prototype at Cine Gear LA 2019 – the last-screw story
(20:19) The development team: optical designers, mechanics, electronics
(24:48) The ONE and ONE+: lens design, weight, and bokeh
(29:24) Flares, coatings, and customisation
(34:00) Why so long? Perfectionism, COVID, and metadata
(35:52) Clients, pricing, and who buys these lenses
(37:12) DCS metadata: why Glaswerk chose a different standard
(44:31) Simulating lenses in 3D: Lens Sim plugin and Hübner Photonics
(43:01) Final thoughts on the ONE / ONE+ before launch
(44:31) Shipping a cinema lens in 2026: the market has changed
(49:17) Could Glaswerk make lower-end lenses one day?
(52:37) Wrap-up
➡ Visit Glaswerk's website: https://glaswerk-optics.de/
📬 Email us: [email protected]
ep118 - From an $8M Exit to a Virtual Production Studio: Inside Biro Florin's New Course – CineD Focus Check
In this episode of Focus Check, Nino speaks with Biro Florin — entrepreneur, misfit, and founder of Masterwork Films — about his unconventional path from cosmetics and software to running a green screen virtual …
Show notes
In this episode of Focus Check, Nino speaks with Biro Florin — entrepreneur, misfit, and founder of Masterwork Films — about his unconventional path from cosmetics and software to running a green screen virtual production studio in Brighton, UK. They also dive deep into the new Virtual Production for Beginners course now available on MZed, which Biro co-created to help filmmakers, studio owners, and virtual production engineers build their own VP setups from scratch — without the budget of a Hollywood LED volume.
🎓 Virtual Production for Beginners course on MZed:
https://www.mzed.com/courses/virtual-production-for-beginners
Chapters and Articles in This Episode
(01:19) Meet Biro Florin
(03:26) From Romania to the UK: cosmetics, software, and an $8M exit
(07:01) The "Misfit" mindset: Jexo, Masterwork Films, and entering industries sideways
(17:13) Raising investment: finding ethical investors and protecting creative control
(22:32) AI in filmmaking: the commercial shift, Cannes AI features, and what's defensible
(46:10) Pivoting to filmmaking and founding Masterwork Films
(50:55) Building a green screen VP studio on a budget
(01:05:14) Why Blackmagic cameras work best for real-time keying
(01:12:36) Blackmagic UltraKey, dynamic range, and getting a clean key
(01:12:55) Unreal Engine workflows: compositing inside vs. outside the engine
(01:15:49) Course structure, the 100-page workbook, and upcoming chapters
(01:17:40) Understanding business
🎓 Virtual Production for Beginners course on MZed:https://www.mzed.com/courses/virtual-production-for-beginners
📖 Course overview on CineD:
📬 Email us: [email protected]
ep117 - Insta360 Mic Pro, Profoto ProPanel & ASUS OLED Monitor Review | ARRI Omnibar | Focus Check
Nino shares what it was like to be embedded in the ARRI ALEXA 35 broadcast deployment at Eurovision 2026, followed by discussions of the newly released Insta360 Mic Pro, Graham’s review of the Profoto ProPanel …
Show notes
Nino shares what it was like to be embedded in the ARRI ALEXA 35 broadcast deployment at Eurovision 2026, followed by discussions of the newly released Insta360 Mic Pro, Graham’s review of the Profoto ProPanel 3×2 LED soft panel, two ASUS ProArt OLED monitor reviews, the OPPO Find X9 Ultra smartphone, a Sony a7 V firmware update, the Thypoch Voyager 24–50mm f/2.8 lens, the ARRI Omnibar LED bars, the NANLUX Matrix 2500 series, the Godox RS100R/Bi, a recap of the our MZed storytelling webinar, and an educational deep-dive into the SnorriCam.
00:00 Intro & topic outlook
1:00 ARRI ALEXA 35 Live at Eurovision 2026 – CineD Goes Behind the Scenes of the Biggest Broadcast Deployment in ARRI History
33:10 Insta360 Mic Pro Released – E-Ink Display, 32-Bit Float Recording, Adjustable Pickup Pattern
18:30 Profoto ProPanel 3×2 Review – The World's Brightest LED Soft Panel?
https://www.cined.com/profoto-propanel-3x2-the-worlds-brightest-led-soft-panel-light/
28:15 ASUS ProArt OLED PA27USD Review – On-Set 4K OLED with 12G-SDI and Built-In Colorimeter
33:10 ASUS ProArt Display OLED PA32USD Announced – 31.5-Inch 4K QD-OLED with Dual 12G-SDI and 1000-Nit HDR
36:36 OPPO Find X9 Ultra Coming Soon – 8K Log Recording, 4K 120fps Dolby Vision, and an ACES-Certified Color Pipeline
44:00 Sony a7 V Firmware v2.00 Adds 32-Bit Float Audio With Adapter, Preset Focus, and More
49:41 Thypoch Voyager 24-50mm f/2.8 – Brand's First Autofocus Zoom Arrives for Sony E-Mount
53:24 ARRI Omnibar LED Bars Unveiled – RGBAM Color, IP65 Build, and Magnetic Optics
https://www.cined.com/arri-omnibar-led-bars-unveiled-rgbam-color-ip65-build-and-magnetic-optics/
01:02:27 NANLUX Matrix 2500B and Matrix 2500C Announced – 2500W Fixtures for Lighting Arrays
01:08:29 Godox RS100R/Bi Introduced – High-Output for Mobile Production, and Versatile Accessory System
01:10:59 A Mighty Cut and How it Drives the Story – Free Storytelling Sessions Webinar on May 19th
01:12:54 The Visceral Subjectivity of the SnorriCam – Capturing Internal Turmoil with Body-Mounted Rigs
Have feedback on this episode? Email us at [email protected].
ep116 - Canon EOS R6 V, Sony a7R VI & Panasonic LUMIX L10 | ARRI ALEXA 35 Live at Eurovision Song Contest - Behind-the-Scenes with CineD
This week on Focus Check: three major camera announcements (Canon EOS R6 V, Sony Alpha 7R VI, Panasonic LUMIX L10), the first same-day lab test for the a7R VI, a DJI Osmo Pocket 4P teaser, Sony's landmark TSMC …
Show notes
This week on Focus Check: three major camera announcements (Canon EOS R6 V, Sony Alpha 7R VI, Panasonic LUMIX L10), the first same-day lab test for the a7R VI, a DJI Osmo Pocket 4P teaser, Sony's landmark TSMC joint venture, and what the new global battery rules mean for filmmakers flying with gear. Plus: Nino shares what it's been like filming behind the scenes at Eurovision with 24 ARRI Alexa 35 Live cameras.
Sponsor of this Episode is NANLITE: Check out the section at: 14:07
Topics and Chapters in this Episode:
0:00 Intro — Intro & topic outlook04:05 - Canon EOS R6 V Unveiled – 7K Full-Frame Video Hybrid with IBIS, Active Cooling, and No EVF
15:08 - Sony Alpha 7R VI Announced – 66.8MP Stacked Sensor, 8K 30p, 4K 120p and Sensor-Level Dual Gain
Sony Alpha 7R VI Announced – 66.8MP Stacked Sensor, 8K 30p, 4K 120p and Sensor-Level Dual Gain
35:24 - Sony a7R VI Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/sony-a7r-vi-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
43:23 - Panasonic LUMIX L10 Announced – Leica 10.9-34mm F1.7-2.8 Zoom, 5.6K 30p Video, V-Log, and More
49:15 - DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Teaser Shows New Two-Camera Pro Version
https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-teaser-shows-the-new-two-camera-pro-version/
51:28 - Eurovision Song Contest with 24 x ARRI ALEXA 35 Live - about CineD's behind-the-scenes cooperation, embedded into the production
01:04:32 - Sony Hands Image Sensor Manufacturing to TSMC in Landmark Joint Venture, Marking the End of Its Fully In-House Era
01:10:52 - Flying with Batteries in 2026 – What the New Global Power Bank Rules Mean for Filmmakers
ep115 - I'm Back Founders: Why a Digital Sensor for Your Film Camera Hit $1M – CineD Focus Check
I'm Back Roll APS-C on Kickstarter: https://i-m-back-gmbh.kckb.me/8c61e3bd Samuel and Filippo, the two founders of I'm Back, join Nino to talk about their latest Kickstarter campaign: the I'm Back Roll APS-C — …
Show notes
I'm Back Roll APS-C on Kickstarter: https://i-m-back-gmbh.kckb.me/8c61e3bd
Samuel and Filippo, the two founders of I'm Back, join Nino to talk about their latest Kickstarter campaign: the I'm Back Roll APS-C — a self-contained digital sensor that replaces the pressure plate inside any analog 35mm camera. Nearly $1 million raised, 1,400+ backers, and two significant mid-campaign updates later, we dig into the engineering, the philosophy, and the honest unknowns.
This episode is sponsored by NANLITE. Learn more at (24:43).CHAPTERS
(00:00) Introduction & What's I'm Back
(01:57) How Samuel and Filippo met & founded I'm Back
(03:02) Samuel's original idea and first prototype
(06:36) The Roll APS-C: how it works and what's inside
(09:42) Kickstarter response: nearly $1 million and two campaign updates
(14:34) Why the Roll is I'm Back's original idea — and why it took 10 years
(25:46) Camera compatibility and the 4mm thickness challenge
(28:20) Which cameras will and won't fit
(29:35) Mid-campaign update 1: the 2.5" OLED touchscreen
(34:17) Mid-campaign update 2: the wired sync shutter button
(37:57) Video capabilities — what's known and what isn't yet
(43:22) Thermal concerns and overheating in video mode
(47:53) Addressing unfair reviews and how to properly compare results
(57:17) Looking for a bigger partner — an open call from I'm Back
(01:00:10) Past delays, COVID, and the August 2027 delivery target
(01:07:03) Kickstarter used right — developing from scratch vs. pre-built products
(01:08:42) Gadget or tool? The honest case for the Roll APS-C
Have feedback on this episode? Email us at [email protected].
ep114 - NAB 2026 Best of Show: Kinefinity Vista, GoPro Mission 1, iodyne & more – CineD Focus Check
Episode 114 of Focus Check is our full NAB 2026 Best of Show breakdown — 11 categories, 12 winners — covering cameras, lenses, lights, monitors, intercoms, power, storage, and post-production tools. Plus …
Show notes
Episode 114 of Focus Check is our full NAB 2026 Best of Show breakdown — 11 categories, 12 winners — covering cameras, lenses, lights, monitors, intercoms, power, storage, and post-production tools. Plus non-NAB releases from DJI and ARRI.
This episode is sponsored by Nanlite. Check it out at 27:58
(00:00) Intro & overview
(03:31) Kinefinity Vista Teased at NAB 2026 – Sub-$3,000 Full-Frame 6K Open Gate in a Palm-Sized Body
(14:07) GoPro MISSION 1 Series at NAB 2026 – On the 1-Inch Sensor, GP3 Processor, and an MFT Mount
(28:59) Radiant Images Combines 24 iPhones with Gaussian Splatting for Next-Gen Bullet Time
(35:06) FUJINON GF 32-90mm T3.5 PZ OIS WR Lens Announced – Purpose-Built for GFX ETERNA 55
(39:19) DZOFILM Arcana Anamorphic Prime Lenses – Hands-On With the 1.5x Hybrid Trio
https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-arcana-anamorphic-prime-lenses-hands-on-with-the-1-5x-hybrid-trio/
(40:47) NANLUX Evoke 5C Detailed – Pocket Point Source with IP67 and a New HSIW Mode
https://www.cined.com/nanlux-evoke-5c-detailed-pocket-point-source-with-ip67-and-a-new-hsiw-mode/
(44:45) Atomos CEO Peter Barber on the Sumo PRO-19, Rebuilding the Brand, and Acquiring Flanders Scientific
(52:49) Hollyland SolidCom H1 – Enterprise Wireless Intercom
(55:50) Core SWX x Mondobytes PowerVault Introduced – Modular, Multi-Format Charging in One Case
(59:27) iodyne Pro Mini Starts Shipping – Digital Label, Passkey Unlock, and RAID-6 in a Pocket SSD
(01:05:15) XLCS Killdozer Cage – Weatherproof CNC Cage System
(01:06:37) Adobe Reinvents Color Grading in Premiere, Expands Firefly with Kling 3.0, and Debuts Frame.io Drive
(01:09:51) Pixboom Spark Ships in May: 12-Bit RAW and ProRes RAW Coming Next
https://www.cined.com/pixboom-spark-ships-in-may-12-bit-raw-and-prores-raw-coming-next/
(01:15:33) NiSi 50mm T1 Cine Prime Unveiled – LPL Mount and Large-Format Coverage
https://www.cined.com/nisi-50mm-t1-cine-prime-unveiled-lpl-mount-and-large-format-coverage/
(01:20:47) OWC Express 4M2 Ultra Announced – DIY Thunderbolt 5 NVMe RAID up to 6,622 MB/s
https://www.cined.com/owc-express-4m2-ultra-announced-diy-thunderbolt-5-nvme-raid-up-to-6622-mb-s/
(01:22:53) DJI Mic Mini 2 Released – 11g Transmitter, Three Voice Tone Presets, and Mic 3 Cross-Compatibility
(01:25:17) DJI Lito X1 and Lito 1 Launched – Aimed at First-Time Aerial Creators
https://www.cined.com/dji-lito-x1-and-lito-1-launched-aimed-at-first-time-aerial-creators/
(01:27:18) DJI Power 1000 Mini Released – Compact 1kWh Power Station with Retractable USB-C and 58-Minute Recharge
(01:28:41) ARRI cforce MAX Replaces the cforce plus – Twice as Fast, 15% Smaller, and With an Onboard Touchscreen
Have feedback on this episode? Email us at [email protected] or leave a comment below.
ep113 - NAB 2026 Wrap-Up: Biggest Trends, Camera News & Hard Truths About the Industry ft. Michael Cioni - CineD Focus Check
Live from NAB 2026 — Nino Leitner, Johnnie Behiri, Graham Sheldon, and Michael Cioni break down four packed days on the show floor. AI is finally landing inside tools you actually use, a new wave of affordable …
Show notes
Live from NAB 2026 — Nino Leitner, Johnnie Behiri, Graham Sheldon, and Michael Cioni break down four packed days on the show floor.
AI is finally landing inside tools you actually use, a new wave of affordable Chinese cameras is threatening Japan's dominance, and the ARRI acquisition raises big questions about the future of cinema cameras. We also get into the GoPro effect, the sunk-cost fallacy killing established brands, and why NAB itself might be at a dangerous inflection point.
Plus our show floor favorites: 4D video & Gaussian Splatting, Profoto 3x2, NanoLux 5C, Kinefinity Vista, and the Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive.
📍 Recorded at NAB 2026, Las Vegas — B&H booth
Topics and chapters in this episode:
(0:00) Intro — NAB 2026 special episode
(0:06) Welcome & meet the guests
(1:30) Overview: 50 videos, staggered releases
(2:19) Michael Cioni: AI integrating into real tools (Resolve 20.1)
https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-21-hands-on-at-nab-2026-photo-page-intellisearch-and-cinefocus-in-action/
(4:36) AI assisting editors, not replacing them
(5:00) Graham: cinema glass, anamorphics & T1 primes
(6:39) Johnnie: Chinese cameras challenging Japanese dominance
(8:00) Kinefinity & Bosma — affordable full-frame cinema cameras
https://www.cined.com/kinefinity-vista-teased-at-nab-2026-sub-3000-full-frame-6k-open-gate-in-a-palm-sized-body/
(10:21) DJI, Insta360 & finding niche markets
(11:31) PixBoom high-speed camera — making slow-mo accessible
(13:00) Japanese companies: conservative culture vs. fast-moving rivals
(14:00) GoPro as a cautionary tale — fads, trends & standards
(16:00) Why companies stop listening to customers
(17:00) How to synthesize real user feedback
(19:00) Steve Jobs on why sales culture kills innovation
(20:09) Marvel sequels, peak TV & the overbuilding problem
(21:40) The ARRI acquisition — who bought it & why it matters
https://www.cined.com/arris-new-owner-thomas-riedel-with-chris-richter-and-david-bermbach-exclusive-nab-2026-interview/
(25:00) ARRI's decline: writer's strike, peak TV & the ZERP era
(27:44) Alexa 35 pre-orders, layoffs & the lighting division
(29:04) Thomas Riedel — a safe pair of hands?
(31:00) Why private equity would have been the worst outcome
(33:31) Red sold to Nikon — smart exit or low price?
(34:09) Should ARRI have built a consumer camera?
(35:20) Adobe's multi-front war — Canva, CapCut & Evoto
(38:00) ARRI's Germanic perfectionism vs. iterative releases
(40:10) Canon in the high-end: lessons learned
(40:32) Sony Venice — succeeding where others haven't
(41:01) ARRI pivots to broadcast — collision course with Sony?
(42:12) Alexa 35 Live at Eurovision 2026 — CineD media partnership
(45:19) Is broadcast the new lifeline for cinema camera makers?
(47:10) Blackmagic Design — going all-in on ethernet & broadcast
(49:31) Small HD, Evoto & attacking one vulnerability at a time
(51:31) Michael Cioni on building Strada in public
(53:20) Sunk-cost fallacy — knowing when to change course
(55:00) Tiny product teams & the power of iteration
(57:12) NAB show floor highlights — what inspired us
(57:39) Graham: GoPro's Hail Mary & entrepreneurs taking risks
(1:00:43) Michael: quality of NAB attendees is up, numbers are down
(1:02:44) Nino: fewer international visitors, missing creators
(1:04:04) Johnnie's red flag — is NAB heading for an inflection point?
(1:06:00) Michael: NAB needs to find its ideal customer profile
(1:08:14) The great American mall analogy — cascading effect
(1:09:38) IBC, South Hall & the shrinking show floor
(1:11:30) Streamers buying live sports rights — what it means
(1:12:01) Blackmagic immersive camera & the Vision Pro
(1:13:37) Nino's favorite: 4D video & Gaussian Splatting studios
(1:18:00) Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive — 16K for VR
(1:19:20) DaVinci Resolve 20.1 photo page — bad news for Adobe
(1:20:00) Michael's favorite: Suno AI music composition
(1:28:46) AI as a creative superpower, not a replacement
(1:31:33) Graham's favorites: Profoto 3x2 & NanoLux 5C
(1:33:02) Johnnie's favorites: small capable tools & Kinefinity Vista
(1:34:38) Wrap-up & goodbye from NAB 2026We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]
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