This week, Nino takes the helm solo, while Johnnie is busy reviewing an exciting new camera—stay tuned for details next week! There’s much to discuss: ARRI is offloading its worldwide rental operations through a management buy-out supported by H2 Equity Partners, the FCC has imposed fines on alleged DJI affiliates, and Sony is breathing new life into the RX10 series after nearly a decade, alongside introducing the LYTIA L910 smartphone sensor featuring LOFIC technology. Additionally, there are firmware updates for the Sony VENICE 2 and FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55.
Also on the docket: innovative tools from SmallRig, Tilta, Blackmagic Design, MOFAGE, and LALAL.AI, sun tracking updates for both Artemis and Cadrage, and insights beyond traditional editing at MZed.
This episode is brought to you by our sponsor, d. Catch the details at 32:53.
ARRI Divests Its Rental Services Globally
(01:25 in the episode)
Three months ago at NAB, we inquired about ARRI Rental’s future with Thomas Riedel. Now, the answer is here: ARRI is relinquishing its rental business across Europe, the UK, and North America via a management buy-out supported by H2 Equity Partners, with Dana Harrison stepping in as CEO of this new venture. While financial details remain under wraps, Illumination Dynamics will continue with ARRI. This move resolves long-standing tensions, as every ALEXA 35 sold to an independent rental house was effectively a sale to a competitor.
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P+S Technik Introduces HEXAMO Mount for ARRI ALEXA
(09:14 in the episode)
Remaining within the ARRI circle, Munich’s P+S Technik has unveiled the HEXAMO mount, which adapts the high-end Leitz HEKTOR primes for the ARRI ALEXA system. The process involves removing the existing ALEXA mount by undoing a few screws and installing the HEXAMO mount—a detailed but effective method for specific needs. This product is now available.
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FCC Fines for Alleged DJI Affiliates
(10:38 in the episode)
DJI continues to face challenges in the US, with restrictions preventing new product launches in the American market, resulting in products like the Osmo Pocket 4P missing from US retailers. Companies like Xtra and SkyRover, which offer products resembling DJI’s, have not confirmed any official ties to DJI, claiming independent operation.
The FCC has now fined eight companies, each $25,000, primarily for not responding to FCC inquiries, rather than for the products themselves. This action, amidst a backdrop of blocked new radio authorizations and potential revocations for products containing listed parts, may signal future trends.
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SmallRig’s Innovative Filter Kits for Osmo Pocket 4P
(17:33 in the episode)
While various companies, including Tilta, DJI, Moment, and PolarPro, offer ND filters for the Osmo Pocket 4P, SmallRig’s split filter kits stand out. These kits feature a snap-on, stackable design that allows the combination of up to two filters. Available configurations include fixed ND16, ND64, and ND256 with a CPL; a variable ND 1-5 with CPL and 1/4 black diffusion; and the fixed ND trio with CPL and 1/4 black diffusion. The variable ND option on such a compact camera is unique in the market. Starting at approximately $45-$50, these kits provide affordable solutions for achieving proper motion blur at a 1/50s shutter speed when shooting 25p.
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Sony Unveils LYTIA L910 with LOFIC Sensor Technology
(20:14 in the episode)
Sony’s LYTIA L910 smartphone sensor introduces the LOFIC sensor technology, initially seen in the Osmo Pocket 4P. LOFIC, or Lateral Overflow Integration Capacitor, stores overflow charges from saturated photodiodes, enhancing highlight capacity.
In contrast to the dual-gain approach, which typically doubles rolling shutter by reading the sensor twice, LOFIC simultaneously captures highlights and shadows, then processes them differently. Sony boasts a 100 dB single-exposure dynamic range and 4K 60p HDR capabilities from its 1/1.28-inch, 50-megapixel sensor.
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Sony RX10 V Revives the Series After Nine Years
(25:48 in the episode)
Sony is re-entering the compact camera market with the RX10 V, revitalizing a series dormant for nine years. It retains the 20.1MP 1-inch stacked Exmor RS sensor from the Mark IV but adds the swift BIONZ XR processor with an AI unit, enabling real-time recognition autofocus for a wide range of subjects and offering blackout-free 30fps stills. The camera shines in video capabilities, providing 4K 120p in 10-bit 4:2:2 with S-Cinetone and S-Log3, 16 user LUTs, active stabilization, AI auto-framing, digital audio via the hot shoe, and 4K 30p USB streaming—all through a 24-600mm ZEISS zoom lens.
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Sony VENICE 2 Firmware 5.00 Launched
(33:45 in the episode)
The VENICE 2 by Sony now features firmware 5.00, introducing a new Signature preset look for monitoring—though technical documentation remains forthcoming, so we await footage to evaluate skin tones and highlights.
Notably, the camera can now output 4096×2160 at 47.95fps via a single 12G-SDI line, filling a gap for the 48fps large-format theatrical audience in live and multicam settings. The CNA-2 is now usable as a LAN conversion adapter for multicam, remote operation, and virtual production, while also offering enhancements like improved ICVFX mode visibility and a brighter bubble gauge. It’s essential to note that upgrading to version 5.00 requires updating to 4.10 first. Sony has confirmed support until 2027, promising a long product lifespan.
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FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 Firmware Update and Future Plans
(36:56 in the episode)
The latest firmware, 1.10 for the GFX ETERNA 55, focuses on minor adjustments, mainly enhancing white balance stability when using PL lenses. However, FUJIFILM cautions that color tones might shift post-update, advising users to complete existing projects before upgrading.
Looking ahead, version 1.20 is set to launch later this year, bringing in-camera MXF playback, settings backup and restoration via a specific app, further SDI/HDMI latency enhancements, and more anamorphic de-squeeze options including open-gate 4K 4:3—features that ideally should have been available from the start for anamorphic users.
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Official Launch of Cadrage Studio
(40:32 in the episode)
Cadrage Studio, the comprehensive pre-production suite tied to the Cadrage Director’s Viewfinder app, is now out of its free beta phase. It centralizes the script, shot lists, storyboards, and even allows for 3D location scanning via your phone, transforming them into floor plans—a unique combination not previously seen in one app.
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Sun Tracking Integrations in Artemis and Cadrage
(43:18 in the episode)
The leading director’s viewfinder apps are enhancing their functionalities with sun-position previews. Cadrage Viewfinder, available as a one-time purchase, now includes this feature as a free update for existing users, while Artemis plans to integrate the capabilities of its Helios sun tracker app into its main viewfinder app.
This update seems timely with the new Light Framer Pro app entering the market, which also offers sun tracking. Combining camera, lens, and format previews with sun positioning is incredibly helpful for location scouting—a task traditionally performed with apps like Sun Seeker.
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Blackmagic Design’s UltraStudio Express 3G Series Unveiled
(45:39 in the episode)
Blackmagic Design’s new UltraStudio Express 3G lineup offers compact, USB4-powered capture and playback devices priced at $175 each. The series includes a Recorder 3G and a Monitor 3G, supporting SD and HD resolutions up to 1080p60 in 10-bit 4:2:2, and is compatible with the DeckLink API, ensuring broad application recognition.
Designed for 1080p streaming, archiving, and reference monitoring, these devices are also popular for bypassing macOS color management in DaVinci Resolve for accurate grading. While the pricing is competitive, a 4K option would be welcomed, given its growing standardization.
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Tilta Unveils Universal Camera Cooling System
(48:44 in the episode)
Tilta’s new universal cooling system features a thermoelectric plate capable of reaching 0°C, with three cooling modes, a TFT display, and options for USB-C or magnetic battery power. This system is compatible with camera bodies from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Panasonic LUMIX.
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LALAL.AI Lynx Enhances Production Dialogue
(52:04 in the episode)
LALAL.AI has launched Lynx, a new neural model focused on speech denoising, now powering its Voice Cleaner and voice/noise separation tools. It excels at removing copyrighted background music while preserving dialogue, ideal for scenarios like stage speeches with music that couldn’t be turned off. The model is six times more compact than the previous Andromeda model, with updates targeting distant speech improvement.
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MOFAGE POCO II Filter Mount Now Available
(56:16 in the episode)
The MOFAGE POCO II builds on its predecessor’s success as a budget-friendly PL mount adapter with an integrated drop-in variable ND filter, serving as an alternative to traditional matte boxes. It now offers a swappable front mount, allowing seamless transitions between ARRI PL and Canon EF lenses on one adapter.
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Exploring Transitions Beyond Cuts
(59:00 in the episode)
Concluding with an MZed feature, Mascha’s article “Beyond the Cut” delves into the use of transitions like dissolves, morphs, and wipes, emphasizing their narrative significance. While beginners may overuse cross dissolves to mask poor cuts, professionals understand their meaning. This ties into Mascha’s Mighty Cut webinar, now accessible as a recording on d.
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That wraps up this week’s episode! Questions or comments? Reach out to m, leave a comment under the video or article, and don’t forget to subscribe to Focus Check on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. See you next week with an exciting new camera review!
