Focus Check

• ep60 - NAB 2025 Highlights – Blackmagic PYXIS 12K, URSA Cine Immersive, DaVinci 20, FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA, and LOTS More...

  So many new gear updates have dropped recently due to NAB Show 2025—it’s almost overwhelming to keep track! But don’t worry—sit back, relax, and check out this week’s episode of FocusCheck for all the highlights and key updates. From cameras and lenses to lighting and software, we’ve got everything covered in one easy-to-digest episode. Enjoy! Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (34:36) Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) -  Intro (02:07) - Blackmagic Design NAB 2025 Update – Join the Live Stream https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-nab-2025-update-join-the-live-stream/ (03:29) - Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Camera Explained in Video Interview https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-pyxis-12k-camera-explained-in-video-interview/ (07:16) - Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Camera Price Increased by 32% to $6,595 in the USA Due to Tariffs https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-pyxis-12k-camera-price-increased-by-32-to-6595-in-the-usa-due-to-tariffs/  (10:57) - Immersive Video for Apple Vision Pro with Blackmagic Design URSA Cine Immersive & DaVinci Resolve 20 – Interview https://www.cined.com/immersive-video-for-apple-vision-pro-with-blackmagic-design-ursa-cine-immersive-davinci-resolve-20-interview/ (15:30) - Blackmagic Design PYXIS Top and Side Handles Explained https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-pyxis-top-and-side-handles-explained/ (19:27) - DaVinci Resolve 20 Released in Public Beta – with AI-Powered Features https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-20-released-in-public-beta-with-ai-powered-features/ (23:49) - FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA Camera Development Update – Internal ND, Hot Swap, Audio, and More https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-camera-development-update-internal-nd-hot-swap-audio-and-more/ (35:40) - Tilta Nucleus-M II Introduced – Features a New 4-Channel FIZ Unit, Flexible Motors, and More https://www.cined.com/tilta-nucleus-m-ii-introduced-new-fiz-unit-flexible-motors-and-more/ (40:04) - NiSi AUREUS PRIME T1.4 Cinema Lens Series Introduced – Fast & Full-Frame https://www.cined.com/nisi-aureus-prime-t1-4-cinema-lens-series-introduced-fast-amp-full-frame/ (44:31) - BLAZAR Mantis 1.33x Anamorphic Full-frame Lightweight Lens Series Announced https://www.cined.com/blazar-mantis-1-33x-anamorphic-full-frame-lightweight-lens-series-announced/ (46:57) - DZOFILM X-tract Macro Zoom Probe Lens Introduced – 3 versions, 18-28mm, T8, and Full-Frame https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-x-tract-macro-zoom-probe-lens-introduced-3-versions-18-28mm-t8-and-full-frame/ (49:25) - Laowa Probe Zoom Lenses Introduced – 15-35mm T12 / 15-24mm T8 with Interchangeable Barrel Options https://www.cined.com/laowa-probe-zoom-lenses-introduced-15-35mm-t12-15-24mm-t8-with-interchangeable-barrel-options/ (51:36) - Hollyland LARK MAX 2 – 32-bit Float and Wireless Monitoring https://www.cined.com/hollylands-lark-max-mk-ii/ (55:12) - Saramonic K9 Audio System Debuts with Ultra-Wide UHF Transmission https://www.cined.com/saramonic-k9-audio-system-debuts-with-ultra-wide-uhf-transmission/ (57:56) - Sennheiser Profile Wireless Introduced – All-In-One, Clip-On Microphone System https://www.cined.com/sennheiser-profile-wireless-introduced-all-in-one-clip-on-microphone-system/ (01:00:09) - NANLITE PavoTube II 6XR RGBWW Tubes with CRMX and 8 Pixels Explained https://www.cined.com/nanlite-pavotube-ii-6xr-rgbww-tubes-with-crmx-and-8-pixels-explained/ (01:01:35) - GVM Reign FH400 Introduced – Flat, Lightweight COB Light https://www.cined.com/gvm-reign-fh400-introduced-flat-lightweight-cob-light/ (01:03:17) - Aputure STORM XT52 – First Look at the Brightest LED Fixture Yet https://www.cined.com/aputure-storm-xt52-first-look-at-the-brightest-led-fixture-yet/ (01:05:45) - amaran Pano 120c Presented – a Lightweight, Full Color, LED Light Panel with Multiple Powering Options https://www.cined.com/amaran-pano-120c-presented-a-lightweight-full-color-led-light-panel-with-multiple-powering-options/ (01:08:35) - ASUS ProArt Monitors, a MicroLED Display, and a Display Calibrator Explained https://www.cined.com/asus-proart-monitors-a-microled-display-and-a-display-calibrator-explained/ (01:13:06) - ATOMOSphere, A-Eye PTZ cameras, a TX-RX System, and StudioSonic Headphones Introduced https://www.cined.com/atomos-atomosphere-a-eye-ptz-cameras-a-tx-rx-system-and-studiosonic-headphones-introduced/ (01:18:51) - Strada Agents Introduced – Be Your Own Cloud for Remote Collaboration https://www.cined.com/strada-agents-introduced-be-your-own-cloud-for-remote-collaboration/ We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]

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• ep59 - NAB 2025 Wrap-Up & Announcements | Industry in Crisis? | Why Blackmagic Gets it Right | with Michael Cioni

  Live from NAB 2025 in Las Vegas, with special guest Michael Cioni. Nino and Johnnie are recapping the show and trying to identify this year’s trends. They also discuss the different approaches of camera manufacturers and wonder if a new platform for narrative video content might be just around the corner. Stick around until the end and enjoy!   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 38:19. Also big shoutout to iodyne, who hosted us at their booth. They're all about fast storage workflows for professionals, check out their site: https://iodyne.com   Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) – Intro (01:02) – Is this NAB changing? Question to Michael Cioni (06:26) – How could NAB develop in the future? (10:03) – Content consumption is higher than ever – so why is the industry struggling? (15:08) – Michael’s prediction of a new category of content between streaming platforms and YouTube (20:12) – What happened to Vimeo? (23:01) – What’s the trend at this year’s NAB? (29:15) – How Chinese manufacturers are getting so good at manufacturing (34:12) – Why California is such a good spot for software developers (39:24) – What is repatriation? (43:29) – Michael explains the idea behind his latest startup and how innovation is happening (46:28) – The different approaches of camera manufacturers (49:12) – Will RED’s bottom-up approach frustrate the existing user base? (53:34) – Why are major players becoming more open and allowing others to integrate their technology (e.g., Apple ProRes on Windows)? (55:46) – How will the camera of the future look?

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• ep58 - From Home Depot to Hollywood: How Storytelling Trumps Tech - with Tal Lazar

  In this special episode of Focus Check, Nino Leitner is joined by cinematographer and educator Tal Lazar, known for his work with AFI, Columbia University, Sundance, and MZed. Together, they dive deep into what it really takes to become a visual storyteller in today’s rapidly changing film industry. Can cinematography truly be taught? Is film school still worth the cost? Why do we obsess over gear when storytelling is the goal? And how can filmmakers bridge the intimidating gap between creativity and technology? Tal shares insightful and often provocative thoughts on education, collaboration, and why the best cinematographers are also great communicators. He also talks about his highly rated MZed courses (The Art & Science of Lenses, Cinematography for Directors and The Language of Lighting), his new podcast VISIUM, and his upcoming book The Language of Cinematography. 🎬 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with real talk, deep insights, and a refreshing perspective on what makes great images truly work.   Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (25:04) Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) - Intro & Roger Deakins Story (01:32) - Cinematography and Storytelling (02:32) - Teaching Cinematography in Film Schools (04:51) - Collaboration in Filmmaking (11:45) - The Importance of Networking in Film Education (26:06) - Understanding Lenses and Their Impact on Storytelling (31:39) - The Role of Technology in Cinematography (42:37) - Cinematography as a Language (44:27) - Tal's New Podcast & Book https://visium.cinematicimpact.com https://learn.cinematicimpact.com   We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected] 

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• ep57 - Sony VENICE Extension System Mini, Canon R50 V & Powershot V1 | How Netflix’s Adolescence Was Made

  Major camera announcements from leading manufacturers Sony and Canon happened this week - the Sony VENICE Extension System Mini as well as the Canon Powershot V1 and R50 V. In addition to that, we talk about Johnnie's experience transforming the FUJIFILM GFX100RF into an anamorphic camera via adapter. We're also diving into a wide range of topics, including the creator economy vs. Hollywood, the innovative production techniques behind Netflix's Adolescence, and the latest gear updates from across the industry. It’s a packed episode, so grab some popcorn and join the conversation to stay up to date with everything happening in the world of filmmaking. Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (30:37). Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) - Intro & Overview (01:45) - FUJIFILM GFX100RF Announced – A Compact Fixed-Lens GFX Camera with Pro Features https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx100rf-announced-a-compact-fixed-lens-gfx-camera-with-pro-features/   14:26 - Sony VENICE Extension System Mini Unveiled – A Compact Solution for Cinema Production https://www.cined.com/sony-venice-extension-system-mini-unveiled-a-compact-solution-for-cinema-production/   22:35 - Canon PowerShot V1 Goes Global – Pocketable 4K https://www.cined.com/canon-powershot-v1-goes-global-pocketable-4k/   25:54 - Canon EOS R50 V Announced with RF-S 14-30mm F4–6.3 IS STM PZ Lens https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r50-v-announced-with-rf-s-14-30mm-f4-6-3-is-stm-pz-lens/   31:41 - Canon RF 20mm F1.4L VCM Lens Announced https://www.cined.com/canon-rf-20mm-f1-4l-vcm-lens-announced/   (34:38) - CineD Special Edition AV PRO SE CFexpress A 160GB/330GB Launched https://www.cined.com/cined-special-edition-av-pro-se-cfexpress-a-160gb-330gb-launched-from-99-excl-taxes/   (36:46) - Creator Economy vs. Hollywood: Michael Cioni’s Industry Wake-Up Call https://www.cined.com/creator-economy-vs-hollywood-michael-cionis-industry-wake-up-call/ (47:55) - Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K 65 Footage, BTS & DaVinci Resolve 19.1.4 Gets ProRes Encoding for Windows https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-ursa-cine-17k-65-footage-bts-davinci-resolve-19-1-4-gets-prores-encoding-for-windows/   (54:21) - One Take, No Cuts – How Netflix’s Adolescence Was Made https://www.cined.com/one-take-no-cuts-how-netflixs-adolescence-was-made/   (01:07:46) - KipperTie LCminiND – Electronic Variable ND for Drop-In Filter Adapters with LC-Tec’s Technology https://www.cined.com/kippertie-lcminind-electronic-variable-nd-for-drop-in-filter-adapters-with-lc-tecs-technology/   (01:11:31) - SIRUI Joins the L-Mount Alliance https://www.cined.com/sirui-joins-the-l-mount-alliance/   (01:13:58) - The Sunglasses Billionaire Who Got Hollywood to Leave Film Behind – The Story of RED Cameras https://www.cined.com/the-sunglasses-billionaire-who-got-hollywood-to-leave-film-behind-the-story-of-red-cameras/   (01:18:28) - Laowa Wide-Angle Vista Vision Line Expanded with 9mm, 10mm, 12mm, and 14mm Cine Lenses https://www.cined.com/laowa-wide-angle-vista-vision-line-expanded-with-9mm-10mm-12mm-and-14mm-cine-lenses/   (01:20:30) -The Power of Backlight in Film – What It Reveals and Conceals https://www.cined.com/the-power-of-backlight-in-film-what-it-reveals-and-conceals/   We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected] 

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• ep56 - FUJIFILM GFX100RF Discussed - Large Format with Fixed Lens | Tilta Tripods Review | Eddie AI Assistant Video Editor 2.0 | Peak Design Roller Pro

  A new camera announcement from FUJIFILM: the GFX100RF, a large-format camera with a fixed 35mm f/4 lens. It seems that many manufacturers are jumping on the trend of lifestyle cameras. Join the conversation to discover all the details about this new camera and other industry updates this week!   Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) - Intro & Overview (01:04) - FUJIFILM GFX100RF Introduced https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx100rf-announced-a-compact-fixed-lens-gfx-camera-with-pro-features/   (09:40) - New Tilta Tripods Put to the Test – All Four at Once! https://www.cined.com/new-tilta-tripods-put-to-the-test-all-four-at-once/ Tilta Factory Tour: https://www.cined.com/tilta-factory-tour-watch-how-your-nucleus-nano-ii-and-hydra-arm-mini-are-being-made/   (17:26) - Eddie AI Assistant Video Editor 2.0 Released – Native Windows and Mac Apps, Rough Cut Mode and More https://www.cined.com/eddie-ai-assistant-video-editor-v-2-released-native-windows-and-mac-apps-rough-cut-mode-and-more/   (20:53) - Peak Design Roller Pro – the Disguised Camera Trolley https://www.cined.com/peak-design-roller-pro-now-live-on-kickstarter/   (25:54) - ProGrade Media Hub First Impressions – Less Overtime Backing Up Files https://www.cined.com/prograde-media-hub-first-impressions-less-overtime-backing-up-files/   (27:56) - Motorized Precision EVO Introduced – A Compact Cinebot for Motion Control https://www.cined.com/motorized-precision-evo-introduced-a-compact-cinebot-for-motion-control/   (31:01) - CINELUX NEXA-MAG for RED DSMC1 and DSMC2 Cinema Cameras Released https://www.cined.com/cinelux-nexa-mag-for-red-dsmc1-and-dsmc2-cinema-cameras-released/   (33:18) - The Making of Flow – A Journey of Self-Learning and Courage https://www.cined.com/the-making-of-flow-a-journey-of-self-learning-and-courage/   (35:19) - Nexus G1 Modular Box Form-Factor Cinema Camera – Development Update https://www.cined.com/nexus-g1-modular-box-form-factor-cinema-camera-development-update/   (39:32) - “Like This Article” – Show Some Love For What Our Team Does! https://www.cined.com/like-this-article-show-some-love-for-what-our-team-does/   We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]   

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