Focus Check

CineD
Focus Check
Latest episode

124 episodes

  • Focus Check

    ep124 - Best & Worst Camera Brands for Battery Longevity | Steadicam Inventor Doc – CineD Focus Check

    09/07/2026 | 1h 26 mins.
    We settle a question every filmmaker has cursed at some point: which camera brands actually let your batteries last — and which strand you the moment you upgrade? Nino goes brand by brand, ranking the best and worst for battery longevity, from Canon's decade-proof LP-E6 to the fragmentation that leaves Insta360 owners buying new cells with every generation.

    Then: the man who invented the stabilized camera. Garrett Brown — the mind behind the Steadicam — is finally getting a documentary backed by Francis Ford Coppola, and it's a reminder of just how much one person changed the way movies move. Plus ARRI's new Alexa 35 Live Xtreme, a tiny $200 pocket camera that came out of nowhere, a new electronic variable ND, fresh lights from Godox, iPhone lenses from Tilta, and the free, filmmaker-built apps quietly reshaping post-production.

    This episode is sponsored by Hollyland — check it out at 40:39.
    Learn more: LINK

    (00:00) Intro & topic outlook

    (07:17) Your Camera Lasts Only as Long as You Can Buy Its Battery: Camera Battery Compatibility, Brand by Brand

    https://www.cined.com/your-camera-lasts-only-as-long-as-you-can-buy-its-battery-camera-battery-compatibility-brand-by-brand/

    (41:43) Steadicam Documentary “Thank You Mr. Brown” Enters Production, Backed by Francis Ford Coppola

     https://www.cined.com/steadicam-documentary-thank-you-mr-brown-enters-production-backed-by-francis-ford-coppola/

    (48:16) ARRI ALEXA 35 Live Xtreme Announced – Up to 8x HFR via SDI, 480fps, Baseband Slow Motion

     https://www.cined.com/arri-alexa-35-live-xtreme-announced-up-to-8x-hfr-via-sdi-480fps-baseband-slow-motion/

    (52:24) AulGo Pocket Camera Hits Kickstarter – 4K Sony Sensor, 6-Axis EIS, 56g Body

     https://www.cined.com/aulgo-pocket-camera-hits-kickstarter-4k-sony-sensor-6-axis-eis-56g-body/

    (55:55) Sony Teases a New RX10 – First Bridge Camera Update in Nearly a Decade

     https://www.cined.com/sony-teases-a-new-rx10-first-bridge-camera-update-in-nearly-a-decade/

    (58:30) KipperTie LCcineND Now Available – Remote Controllable 4×5.65” Electronic ND Filter

     https://www.cined.com/kippertie-lccinend-now-available-remote-controllable-4x5-65-electronic-nd-filter/

    (01:02:30) KNOWLED PL600 RF and PL1200 RF Announced – Nine-Band PaletteLab Engine, 92% Rec.2020, IP65 Weatherproofing

     https://www.cined.com/knowled-pl600-rf-and-pl1200-rf-announced-palettelab-rgbww-engine-92-rec-2020-ip65-weatherproofing/

    (01:08:45) Tilta iPhone Lenses Bring Fisheye, Macro, Wide, and Telephoto Glass for T-Mount

     https://www.cined.com/tilta-iphone-lenses-bring-fisheye-macro-wide-and-telephoto-glass-for-t-mount/

    (01:12:31) Vimeo and FiLMiC Pro Owner Bending Spoons Surges in $1.68 Billion Nasdaq IPO Debut

     https://www.cined.com/vimeo-and-filmic-pro-owner-bending-spoons-surges-in-1-68-billion-nasdaq-ipo-debut/

    (01:15:02) Boris FX Acquires iZotope – RX, Ozone, Neutron, and Nectar Join the Post-Production Toolmaker

     https://www.cined.com/boris-fx-acquires-izotope-rx-ozone-neutron-and-nectar-join-the-post-production-toolmaker/

    (01:17:05) Beat App Introduced – Free Mac Tool for Story Development and Shoot Planning

     https://www.cined.com/beat-app-introduced-free-mac-tool-for-story-development-and-shoot-planning/

    (01:21:28) Clip Sweeper v2 Now Available – Free Mac App for Cleaning Video Project Drives

     https://www.cined.com/clip-sweeper-v2-now-available-free-mac-app-for-cleaning-video-project-drives/

    (01:22:52) Artemis Studio for Mac – Chemical Wedding’s Desktop Companion to Its Director’s Viewfinder App

     https://www.cined.com/artemis-studio-for-mac-chemical-weddings-desktop-companion-to-its-directors-viewfinder-app/

    (01:24:39) DaVinci Resolve 21.0.2 Released – Keyframe Fixes, Retime Curve Improvements, and Better Fusion Vertical Transitions

     https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-21-0-2-released-keyframe-fixes-retime-curve-improvements-and-better-fusion-vertical-transitions/

    Thanks for listening! Leave a comment on the article or the YouTube video, and don't forget to subscribe on your favorite podcasting platform.

    Questions or feedback? Email us at podcast@cined.com.
  • Focus Check

    ep123 - DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: 17 Stops of Dynamic Range? | Leica SL3-P Video Review | Apple Price Hike - CineD Focus Check

    02/07/2026 | 1h 28 mins.
    Nino reports back from DJI's Malta press event with first impressions of the Osmo Pocket 4P, Johnnie's Leica SL3-P video review goes live, and Apple has a mixed week – raising MacBook and iPad prices while also shipping a meaningful Creator Studio update for Final Cut Pro.

    We also cover Adobe's planned acquisition of Topaz Labs, MultiDyne stepping in to save the MRMC motion-control brand, a new sun-tracking cinema viewfinder app, and a stack of smaller gear and firmware news. 

    This episode is sponsored by Hollyland — check it out at (25:13).
    Learn more: LINK

    Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:

    (00:00) Intro & topic outlook

    (05:32) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Malta hands-on – 17-stop dynamic range claim and LOFIC sensor tech

    (26:17) Leica SL3-P review – gorgeous color rendition, confusing menu, now with video review

    https://www.cined.com/leica-sl3-p-review-gorgeous-color-rendition-confusing-menu/

    (32:03)  7Artisans DREAM Series Announced – MF 35mm/50mm/75mm T1.5 Full-Frame Cine Lens for E/L/Z/RF Mounts

    https://www.cined.com/7artisans-dream-series-announced-mf-35mm-50mm-75mm-t1-5-full-frame-cine-lens-for-e-l-z-rf-mounts/

    (37:07) Apple raises MacBook and iPad prices as AI memory crisis reaches consumer hardware

    https://www.cined.com/apple-raises-macbook-and-ipad-prices-as-ai-memory-crisis-reaches-consumer-hardware/

    (40:04) Apple Creator Studio update adds generate captions, edit detection, and auto mask to Final Cut Pro

    https://www.cined.com/apple-creator-studio-update-adds-generate-captions-edit-detection-and-auto-mask-to-final-cut-pro/

    (52:32) XPPen Pilot Pro review – a versatile editing controller, but not for everyone

    https://www.cined.com/xppen-pilot-pro-review-a-versatile-editing-controller-but-not-for-everyone/

    (58:27) LIGHTFRAMER PRO app introduced – turns iPhone into cinema viewfinder with sun tracking

    https://www.cined.com/lightframer-pro-app-introduced-turns-iphone-into-cinema-viewfinder-with-sun-tracking/

    (1:01:40) MultiDyne acquires MRMC assets – forms new company to revive the motion-control brand

    https://www.cined.com/multidyne-acquires-mrmc-assets-forms-new-company-to-revive-the-motion-control-brand/

    (1:05:33) Adobe to acquire Topaz Labs – AI upscaling and image enhancement, on-device models, standalone apps to continue

    https://www.cined.com/adobe-to-acquire-topaz-labs-ai-upscaling-and-image-enhancement-on-device-models-standalone-apps-to-continue/

    (1:11:21) AtomOS 12.7.0 for Ninja RAW, Ninja TX, and Ninja TX GO released – RAW support for Sony α7R VI, Canon EOS R6 V, and Leica SL3-P

    https://www.cined.com/atomos-12-7-0-for-ninja-raw-ninja-tx-and-ninja-tx-go-released-raw-support-for-sony-%ce%b17r-vi-canon-eos-r6-v-and-leica-sl3-p/

    (1:12:47) ARRI LUKA Unreal Engine plugin announced – virtual ARRI lights and cameras, real-time Lumen previs, DMX and LiveLink control

    https://www.cined.com/arri-luka-unreal-engine-plugin-announced-virtual-arri-lights-and-cameras-real-time-lumen-previs-dmx-and-livelink-control/

    (1:17:11) DaVinci Resolve 21.0.1 released – improved RAW decoding, better HDR delivery, and Sony Alpha 7R VI support

    https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-21-0-1-released-improved-raw-decoding-better-hdr-delivery-and-sony-alpha-7r-vi-support/

    (1:18:48) rsv.repair by OTTOMATIC introduced – free recovery tool for Sony .RSV files

    https://www.cined.com/rsv-repair-by-ottomatic-introduced-free-recovery-tool-for-sony-rsv-files/

    (1:21:55) KIPON drop-in variable ND PL mount adapter announced with a deep-recessed design

    https://www.cined.com/kipon-drop-in-variable-nd-pl-mount-adapter-announced-with-a-deep-recessed-design/

    (1:23:51) iFootage Shark Slider Pico Pro released with a higher payload

    https://www.cined.com/ifootage-shark-slider-pico-pro-released-with-a-higher-payload/

    (1:27:01) Canon EOS C50, C80, and C400 firmware updates released

    https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-c50-c80-and-c400-firmware-updates-released/

    📬 Email us: podcast@cined.com
  • Focus Check

    ep122 - New Leica SL3-P Review and Lab Test + What's Next for the DJI Ronin 4D? - CineD Focus Check

    25/06/2026 | 1h 15 mins.
    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/

    📬 Email us: podcast@cined.com
  • Focus Check

    ep121 - Pocket Wars: DJI vs. Insta360, Paramount–Warner Bros. Approved, MRMC Liquidation & New Blazar Anamorphic Zoom & Angénieux EZ 65 Lenses – CineD Focus Check

    18/06/2026 | 1h 26 mins.
    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/

    📬 Email us: podcast@cined.com
  • Focus Check

    ep120 - Cine Gear 2026 Round Up: ZEISS Horizon Anamorphic, Sony RIALTO 65, Kinefinity VISTA – CineD Focus Check

    11/06/2026 | 1h 38 mins.
    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
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About Focus Check
What’s new in filmmaking technology this week? News, reviews, education, insights, opinions and ideas - from the CineD newsroom, mostly with Nino Leitner and Johnnie Behiri. This is Focus Check - the weekly cine tech podcast. New episodes every Thursday.
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