Huge Nexus Project update: This is now the complete Nexus G1 design

It might not have made the original 2024 target ship date, but the design work on the Nexus G1 is now complete and it looks like a serious amount of camera for the money.

The Nexus G1 has been one of the camera stories of the year and each update surrounding it has generated a huge groundswell of interest. We’re nearly a year into the story now and for those looking for the quick recap, basically, it’s a modular box form-factor cinema camera built around the sensor and main electronics of the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6k. Or that’s how it started anyway; along the way it’s mutated and changed into something rather more than that while, at the same time, the Blackmagic PYXIS came along and ticked off a lot of the original design goals.

As Nexus Project Chief, Thomas Bolland, writes in his latest project update (number 7 for those keeping track), the Nexus has now advanced beyond a mere box camera to become something entirely new. The evolution it’s undergone means it's missed its 2024 launch window, but the upside of that is you now get a lot more camera than before.

Have a look at the new video below.

This has just dropped and we’ll be unpacking it in a bit more detail over the next few days. But in the meantime, here are Bolland’s thoughts on the camera and where it’s currently at.

Mission creep - in a good way

“Everything you need to shoot is built in, so you don’t need to get bogged down with external accessories and rigging,” he says. "ND solution? Built in. Cage? Built in. Focus/FIZ control system? Built in. V-Mount and power distribution system? Built in. Full size XLR ports? Built in. Lens rod mounts? Built in! 

“Also, the Nexus G1 is modular,” he continues, “so you can install upgrade modules as you like, to get features like the Nexus Electronic ND (which is a gamechanger BTW), SDI video ports, Lemo power output, MFT AutoLock Lens mount, full frame expander module, etc.”

The body of the Nexus G1 is now made entirely of magnesium alloy and carbon fiber. This gives it a good balance between the rigidity and durability needed to support the many mounting points — 64 of them! —  and the lightness required to ensure handheld shooting and gimbal use is easy and comfortable. That results in an extremely rigid exoskeleton with plenty of space inside for modules while keeping the overall form factor compact.

Imaging features have been souped up too.

“The Nexus G1 has the Blackmagic 6K Super 35 sensor, which when paired with our MFT AutoLock mount, allows you to use speed boosters – and achieve full frame equivalent image coverage with only a 0.71x speed booster,” says Bolland. “Plus, in 4K crop mode, you get close to MFT equivalent sensor size. So basically you get Micro Four Thirds, Super 35, and Full Frame in the one camera.”

The team says that all the small design details will now be finalized, and the Nexus G1 will begin to move towards the production stage. However, in keeping with the avowedly home-brew nature of the project, the team is still happy to entertain feature suggestions or other thoughts.

“We are in the unique position of being filmmakers ourselves, and also industrial designers, so this has allowed us to zero in on what really matters, and then design unique solutions to achieve it. While designing the Nexus G1 we have been fiercely focused on above all else, making it extremely easy to use and optimising workflow for filmmakers, while making zero compromises on image quality or versatility.”

Price and availability

Nexus is sticking to its guns and still saying it can bring the price in at under $3000, at least for early purchasers who will be able to pick it up for $2980 (body price excusing modules and accessories). Normal price will be $3300. Current target release is Q2 2025 and a waitlist is open at https://nexus-cameras.com.

tl;dr

• The Nexus G1 is a modular cinema camera based on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, featuring built-in accessories like ND filters, power distribution, and full-size XLR ports.
• Constructed from magnesium alloy and carbon fiber, the Nexus G1 is designed for durability while remaining lightweight and compact for handheld and gimbal shooting.
• Equipped with a Blackmagic 6K Super 35 sensor, the camera offers versatility with Micro Four Thirds, Super 35, and Full Frame imaging options using compatible mounts.
• The anticipated price for early buyers is $2980, with a standard price of $3300, and the target release date is set for Q2 2025, with a waitlist currently available.