If you haven't gotten your fill of new products after last week's Bild Expo—and there was a cornucopia of news—then we have another exciting week for you. In the leadup to IBC, which opens today in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, we will be sharing multiple announcements with a good mix of photo and cinema products.
Perhaps the biggest news is the launch of the Sony BURANO, a CineAlta camera that fills the gap between the top-of-the-line VENICE 2 and FX9. Another big announcement for IBC is the release of the full-frame Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K. There is also an upgraded GFX100 II from FUJIFILM for medium-format aficionados and Panasonic has the G9 II Micro Four Thirds camera for compact system fans. Plenty of other video news is coming in, as well, with DZOFilm lenses, the ARRI SkyPanel X LED system, and more.
Let's get into it.
Sony designs BURANO CineAlta camera for solo shooters
There has long been a major gap in Sony's Cinema Line. When you advance past FX9, your next choice is jumping a large gap to the VENICE. Not only is this a major leap in price, it is also a serious difference in operation and functions which, unless you have a film crew, you may not be able to make the most of without serious effort. Thhe BURANO is here to fill this gap. This CineAlta camera is a smaller, lighter take on the VENICE imaging platform that is ideal for solo shooters.
Featuring an 8.6K full-frame sensor, the BURANO can deliver imagery that is a near-perfect match to the VENICE and other Cinema Line cameras, like the FX6 or FX9. It also blends the best of the CineAlta and FX lineups by incorporating interesting features from each.
For example: the BURANO features a removable PL mount, revealing an active E mount that supports Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detect); the camera has in-body image stabilization—two features from the FX models. It also takes on the electronic variable ND filter from the FX line for rapid, smooth exposure adjustments.
As for the CineAlta specs, that sensor is a big part of it and it can record in up to 8.6K resolution at 30 fps using the X-OCN LT codec for ultimate image quality. With 16 stops of dynamic range, this camera will deliver class-leading imagery. A handy feature that splits the difference between the CineAlta and FX lines is the use of CFexpress Type B, a powerful consumer format that provides excellent speed and is readily available.
All these features combine to make the BURANO an outstanding choice for independent filmmakers, documentarians, and solo operators.
FUJIFILM GFX100 II is a revamp of the brand's medium-format flagship
Never did I think there would be a time in which medium format would become as accessible as it is today, and we have FUJIFILM to thank for that. These aren't budget cameras, either, and the GFX100 II is one of the most impressive cameras ever made.
Using the GFX 102MP CMOS II HS sensor, the GFX100 II can benefit from readout speeds that are about twice as fast as before. With the X-Processor 5, you can shoot at up to 8 fps with this megapixel monster. AF has received a serious improvement, including subject detect, which just doubles down on the camera's speed credentials.
It still should be said that the 102MP 44 x 33mm sensor is incredible when it comes to image quality. The 16-bit images have smooth color gradations, and the camera now starts at ISO 80 as the standard. And, if you really wanted to, you could use Pixel Shift Multi-Shot to create 400MP images by using the in-body image stabilization system.
Stills isn't all the GFX100 II can do—it does video, as well. The basic info is that you can record 8K 30p and 4K 60p in 10-bit 4:2:2 internally. That's solid. It's also one of the only ways to capture larger than full-frame video. You can use the GFX format, crop down to Premista, 35mm, and Anamorphic.
Having all these options makes the GFX100 II one of the most flexible cinema options when it comes to format selection. The camera also has F-Log2 and is the first to have Frame.io integration with the need for another accessory.
There's almost too much left to talk about, so I would advise you to watch our hands-on video review. There you'll see the 9.44m-dot 1.0x EVF in action, get a better view of the rest of the camera, and check out a few more sample images.
FUJIFILM wasn't finished there though, the company announced a few new lenses this week for the GFX System. These are the GF 55mm f/1.7 R WR, GF 30mm f/5.6 T/S, GF 110mm f/5.6 T/S Macro.
Blackmagic shows off full-frame Cinema Camera 6K and more
In its pre-IBC showcase, we got the usual smattering of simple upgrades and smaller products from Blackmagic. But then, we got a showstopper with the reveal of a full-frame Cinema Camera 6K. It looks and feels like the current Pocket series—meaning all your accessories will work with this new model—but it has the benefit of the larger-format sensor for more cinematic imagery.
This isn't just a Pocket camera with a bigger sensor thrown in; Blackmagic took care to design this around the new sensor. That includes the use of a new OLPF, optimized for this sensor. You'll still be able to record using the full sensor in a 3:2 Open Gate mode and now you can save that data to CFexpress Type B cards, in addition to USB SSD recording.
One of the bigger changes is that Blackmagic isn't using the Canon EF mount here, but instead is opting for the L-Mount. Going mirrorless means adapters are much more widely available and you can make use of the latest glass from manufacturers like Sigma and Leica. All the old accessories will still work, so feel free to pop on your EVF, use the same cage, and keep your stack of batteries at the ready.
There were a few other releases:
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Blackmagic Camera app for iOS
Blackmagic is bringing a great deal to IBC.
Panasonic announces phase-detect AF to MFT with G9 II mirrorless camera
Much attention is given to full-frame and other decently large formats, but we can't forget about Micro Four Thirds. Panasonic certainly hasn't. This week the brand announced the Lumix G9 II Mirrorless Camera which is their first MFT camera to feature phase-detect AF.
For those who didn't know, Panasonic developed the G9 line to be a photo-oriented model within the MFT family. The GH Series gets all the attention with its often class-leading video performance, but the G9 was meant to give photographers what they want. That meant a more ergonomic design and faster performance―which the G9 II offers.
Phase-detect AF is the key improvement and it does make the camera feel and respond much faster. This is thanks to a new 25.2MP sensor that also grants some improved image quality. It has dual output gain to give a boost to dynamic range and low-light performance.
To keep things rolling on this advanced camera (or prevent rolling in your footage), the G9 II has in-body stabilization rated to 8 stops. It'll also use that system to create 100MP handheld high-res images. As for the speed side, it will shoot up to 60 fps with AF-C.
Not to forget about video, the G9 II will shoot at up to 5.8K open gate, as well as the usual DCI 4K and lower. It also packs a full-size HDMI port. AF might give this model a leg up over the older, more video-centric models, and it comes with V-Log standard.
As for the rest of the design, it has a 3" 1.84m-dot articulating touchscreen, a 3.68m-dot 0.8x electronic viewfinder, and two USH-II SD card slots.
It's a nice camera if you have been waiting to upgrade your Micro Four Thirds kit. It also seems like a natural match for the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 35-100mm f/2.8 and Leica DG Vario-Elmar 100-400mm f/4-6.3 II lenses announced alongside the camera.
ARRI reveals modular SkyPanel X LED light system
If you have been waiting for some new LED news from ARRI, this company will be delivering at IBC this year, with the SkyPanel X system. These new panels offer incredible modularity and versatility while maintaining ARRI's class-leading light quality. Each panel, which is configurable in different sizes (X21, X22, X23) offers soft, hard, and open-face light natively.
As for the light itself, the SkyPanel X will offer 4800 lux at 33' and eight pixels per panel. There is full RGB color control with a CCT range of 1500-20,000K, and numerous effects available. If you are familiar with ARRI lighting, you should be very happy with the performance here.
Build quality is outstanding. It can handle all weather conditions with its IP66 rating, so even water won't be an issue. You can create different configurations with a few panels to get more light if you need it. Internal power supplies make it easier to run cables and, when set up as larger two- or three-panel units, you can power the entire fixture with a single cable.
Control options are what we have come to expect. The SkyPanel X has DMX, a weatherproof control panel, a new LiCo App for Bluetooth control, LumenRadio wireless, and the other usual suspects.
This is looking like a killer new system.
In other news...
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Canon has released native RF-mount versions of its cinema lenses. These are the CN-R line and we have a quick preview. Canon also revealed a new CR-N100 PTZ Camera and RC-IP1000 PTZ Controller.
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Last week, DZOFilm made its Tango Zoom line official. This week, we now have the official launch of the PAVO anamorphic lenses. We covered both when they were shown off at NAB earlier this year.
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OM SYSTEM has updated its rugged series with the Tough TG-7.
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Apple announced the iPhone 15 lineup alongside the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. There's a lot to unpack here, but the big news is USB-C is coming to iPhone, along with enhanced functionality. We will certainly be back to talk about what this means for using your iPhone for photo and video work.
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Hot on the heels of its Ninja refresh, Atomos has just done the same for the Shogun and Shogun Ultra. These releases should make it easier to navigate the lineup, since the Ninja and Shogun have feature parity; the key difference between the two series is the size. Now you can choose whether you want a smaller 5" screen or a larger 7" screen without giving up features.
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