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 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/

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

https://www.cined.com/paramounts-111-billion-warner-bros-merger-wins-us-approval-but-the-fight-is-far-from-over/

 

(48:25) MRMC enters liquidation weeks after Nikon exit

https://www.cined.com/mrmc-enters-liquidation-weeks-after-nikon-exit-with-asset-sale-agreed-but-not-yet-closed/

 

(51:28) Blazar Sentinel anamorphic zoom announced

https://www.cined.com/blazar-sentinel-anamorphic-zoom-announced-35-60mm-1-33x-squeeze-full-frame-coverage-970g/

 

(56:44) Angénieux EZ 65 series announced

https://www.cined.com/angenieux-ez-65-series-announced-two-large-format-zooms-60mm-image-circle-lpl-mount/

 

(59:31) Hollyland Astra P1 PTZ camera announced

https://www.cined.com/hollyland-astra-p1-ptz-camera-announced-uhd-4k60-30x-optical-zoom-ai-auto-tracking-and-more/

 

(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

https://www.cined.com/skyrover-s1-and-x1-fly-more-combos-add-a-new-touchscreen-remote-with-5-5-inch-display/

 

(1:15:32) Godox LR150 Air and LC500R Air released

https://www.cined.com/godox-lr150-air-and-lc500r-air-released-inflatable-ring-and-wand-heads-one-battery-grip-92-minute-runtime/

 

(1:19:30) Tilta foldable charging station introduced

https://www.cined.com/tilta-foldable-charging-station-introduced-6-channel-np-f-charging-priority-fast-charge-mode-tft-status-display/

 

(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/

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

https://www.cined.com/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

https://www.cined.com/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

https://www.cined.com/why-profoto-is-betting-on-high-end-cinema-lighting-the-thinking-behind-the-propanel-3x2/ 

(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

https://www.cined.com/cadrage-studio-launches-in-early-access-pre-production-suite-from-the-directors-viewfinder-team/ 

(01:21:42) Kinefinity VISTA Confirmed at $2,499 – Full-Frame 6K Open Gate, 220GB Built-In SSD, 610g Body

https://www.cined.com/kinefinity-vista-confirmed-at-2499-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

https://www.cined.com/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

https://www.cined.com/the-chronos-projects-edge-bets-on-real-cameras-where-most-long-term-remote-timelapse-rigs-use-action-cams/ 

📬 Email us: podcast@cined.com

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: podcast@cined.com

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:

https://www.cined.com/virtual-production-for-beginners-new-mzed-course-on-green-screen-stages-unreal-engine-and-real-time-compositing/ 

📬 Email us: podcast@cined.com