Fujifilm announces large format Fujifilm GFX ETERNA, its first cinema camera

MAX ETERNA! Planned for release as soon as next year, the large format  Fujifilm GFX ETERNA will be based on the GFX 102MP CMOS II HS sensor and X-Processor 5 in its high-end GFX100 II mirrorless camera.

We rather liked the look of the FUJIFILM GFX100 II when it came out last year, so hearing that the company is developing a cinema camera out of it is rather exciting news. And while that 2025 date might seem optimistic at first glance, the company is planning on showcasing a prototype at InterBEE 2024 that starts in Japan tomorrow.

The GFX ETERNA will be based around the 102 megapixel GFX 102MP CMOS II HS large format sensor, which is approximately 1.7 times larger than a 35mm sensor. This is going to be coupled with the high-speed X-Processor 5 image processing engine.

There aren’t many more details as of yet, but even if it’s just a box-camera form factor and associated bits and pieces wrapped around the GFX100 II’s imaging capabilities that would be a decent unit. 

To briefly recap them, they are:

• 8K/30P video recording. It can also record 4K/60 4:2:2 10-bit video internally
• Output up to 8K/30P 12-bit video in RAW data via HDMI
• Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422 and Apple ProRes 422 LT
• Video Format modes, enabling video recording in multiple formats, including Premista, 35mm, and anamorphic (35mm) with mount adapter
• Tracking AF function for video recording
• F-Log2 with dynamic range expanded up to 14+ stops
• Apple ProRes RAW recording when used with the NINJA V+; Blackmagic RAW recording when used with Blackmagic’s Video Assist 12G
• Timecode synch with ATOMOS AirGlu BT

No doubt this list will expand too. Something else that might expand will probably be the price. The GFX100 II cost $7499 when it was introduced, and it will be interesting to see if  Fujifilm can keep the GFX ETERNA under the important $10,000 barrier.

32-90mm power zoom and PL adaptor

The company is also working on the development of a power zoom GF lens optimized for this G-mount camera, planned to have actual focal length of 32-90mm. There is also going to be an all-important mount adapter from G to PL-mount lenses,

In the run up to the launch, Fujifilm promises rigorous field tests, as well as rather intriguingly says that it will be expanding its product lineup to enhance the GFX ecosystem. “Fujifilm is committed to contributing to the video production with high-quality and productivity across a wide range of fields,” the company says. Watch this space. 

tl;dr

• Fujifilm is developing the GFX ETERNA cinema camera, based on the GFX 102MP CMOS II HS sensor and X-Processor 5, with a planned release in 2025 and a prototype showcase at InterBEE 2024.
• The camera is expected to feature 8K/30P video recording, 4K/60 10-bit recording, and various video format modes, including F-Log2 with over 14 stops of dynamic range.
• A power zoom GF lens with a focal length of 32-90mm is in development, along with a mount adapter for PL-mount lenses.
• Fujifilm aims to enhance the GFX ecosystem with rigorous field tests and continued commitment to high-quality video production, while aiming to keep the price under $10,000.