Focus Check

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Aug 2026

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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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August 20, 2026Episode 1311 hr 15 min

ep130 - YouTube's New View Count | Artlist's $500 'Unlimited' AI Deal Lasted a Week – CineD Focus Check

Artlist sold a year of unlimited AI video generation with Seedance 2.5 for $500, paid up front. Days later, it was gone. This is not a company blindsided by success – this is a company that knew exactly what was going to happen and did it anyway. Our recommendation: do not give Artlist your money up front, because they cannot be trusted. And that wasn't even the week's biggest shakeup. YouTube just moved the goalposts for every creator on the platform: from August 24, a view registers from the moment playback starts – first frame, no minimum watch time. Drones are about to get 25% more expensive in the US, and Kodak just posted its best numbers in years on film stock. This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:15:55) Learn more: http://cined.co/VRLOCb Topics and Chapters in this Episode: (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:25) YouTube Changes How Views Are Counted – No Minimum Watch Time, All Formats, From August 24 https://www.cined.com/youtube-changes-how-views-are-counted-no-minimum-watch-time-all-formats-from-august-24/ (00:08:16) YouTube Makes Monetization Harder – New Partner Program Rules Explained https://www.cined.com/youtube-makes-monetization-harder-new-partner-program-rules-explained/ (00:16:45) Nikon ZR Owners Are Still Waiting – Where Is the Big Firmware Update? https://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-owners-are-still-waiting-where-is-the-big-firmware-update/ (00:23:08) US Drone Tariffs Hit on September 3 – 25% More Expensive, and DJI Is Still Banned https://www.cined.com/us-drone-tariffs-hit-on-september-3-25-more-expensive-and-dji-is-still-banned/ (00:29:20) Artlist Sold a Year of Unlimited Seedance 2.5 for $500 and Delivered a Week https://www.cined.com/artlist-sold-a-year-of-unlimited-seedance-2-5-for-500-and-delivered-a-week/ (00:37:22) HONOR Robot Phone Launches – ARRI LogC3, Wide Gamut 3, and a Motorized Titanium Gimbal Camera https://www.cined.com/honor-robot-phone-launches-arri-logc3-wide-gamut-3-and-a-motorized-titanium-gimbal-camera/ (00:41:55) RocXZoom Heading to Kickstarter – Robotic 50x Zoom Camera With AI Subject Tracking From Ex-DJI Engineers https://www.cined.com/rocxzoom-heading-to-kickstarter-robotic-50x-zoom-camera-with-ai-subject-tracking-from-ex-dji-engineers/ (00:46:40) Sony and TSMC Definitive Sensor Deal Signed – 747 Billion Yen, New Kumamoto Fab, and Volume Production in 2029 https://www.cined.com/sony-and-tsmc-definitive-sensor-deal-signed-747-billion-yen-new-kumamoto-fab-and-volume-production-in-2029/ (00:52:45) Kodak Posts a Fourth Straight Quarter of Growth – And Film Is Doing the Heavy Lifting https://www.cined.com/kodak-posts-a-fourth-straight-quarter-of-growth-and-film-is-doing-the-heavy-lifting/ (00:56:50) Fränk Film Processor – Develop Super 8, Double 8, and 16mm at Home https://www.cined.com/frank-film-processor-develop-super-8-double-8-and-16mm-at-home/ (01:00:51) Your Mac Can Finally Make DCP Delivery Drives – INT DCP Baker Costs Just $20 https://www.cined.com/your-mac-can-finally-make-dcp-delivery-drives-int-dcp-baker-costs-just-20/ (01:04:50) amaran Mic Released – 30mm Dynamic Capsule, On-Board AI Noise Reduction, and 2.4GHz Wireless https://www.cined.com/amaran-mic-released-30mm-dynamic-capsule-on-board-ai-noise-reduction-and-2-4ghz-wireless/ (01:07:51) FAMILIARITÉ – Isabelle Huppert Stars in a Short Film Shot Entirely on the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P https://www.cined.com/familiarite-isabelle-huppert-stars-in-a-short-film-shot-entirely-on-the-dji-osmo-pocket-4p/ (01:10:17) Steadicam Elite Announced – For Hybrid Cinema and Live-Production Work https://www.cined.com/steadicam-elite-announced-for-hybrid-cinema-and-live-production-work/ (01:11:43) Point-of-View Perspective in Film – Controlling Tension, Immersion, and Empathy https://www.cined.com/point-of-view-perspective-in-film-controlling-tension-immersion-and-empathy/ Let us know what you think in the comments below or on YouTube, and email us at podcast@cined.com if there is something you want us to discuss on the show. Don't forget to subscribe on your favourite podcasting platform – Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen.

August 13, 2026Episode 1301 hr 56 min

ep129 - RED's RAW Patent Falls in Japan + Every Camera Maker's Numbers – CineD Focus Check

For almost two decades, one patent decided which cameras could record RAW internally. This week it fell in Japan – and the company that brought it down is the last one you'd guess. On top of that, every major camera manufacturer reported numbers within days of each other: FUJIFILM's Imaging Division is now the group's biggest earner, Panasonic posted its best quarter in 41 years without any help from cameras, and GoPro is down to $27 million in cash while it looks for a buyer. Winners, losers, and a power shift nobody saw coming. This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:12:47): http://cined.co/VRLOCb Topics and Chapters in this Episode: (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:58) CIPA First-Half 2026 Numbers – Compact Cameras Keep Booming While the Market Shifts to Pricier Gear https://www.cined.com/cipa-first-half-2026-numbers-compact-cameras-keep-booming-while-the-market-shifts-to-pricier-gear/ (00:13:36) Canon's Cameras Are Printing Money Again – And Compacts Are Leading the Charge https://www.cined.com/canons-cameras-are-printing-money-again-and-compacts-are-leading-the-charge/ (00:18:10) FUJIFILM Cameras Are Selling Like Never Before – Imaging Is Now the Group's Biggest Earner https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-cameras-are-selling-like-never-before-imaging-is-now-the-groups-biggest-earner/ (00:25:00) Nikon Misses the Industry Party – Camera Sales Slip in China While Memory Prices Eat Into Profits https://www.cined.com/nikon-misses-the-industry-party-camera-sales-slip-in-china-while-memory-prices-eat-into-profits/ (00:33:34) Panasonic Posted Its Best Quarter in 41 Years – and Cameras Have Nothing to Do With It https://www.cined.com/panasonic-posted-its-best-quarter-in-41-years-and-cameras-have-nothing-to-do-with-it/ (00:38:51) Sony's Money Is in the Sensor – Quarterly Numbers, the Tamron Bid, and the Kumamoto Question https://www.cined.com/sony-q1-fy2026-financial-results-image-sensors-shine-outlook-raised-and-tamron-bid-confirmed/ (00:46:10) GoPro Says Its Sale Process Is in the Later Stages – Camera Sales Fall 38%, Cash Down to $27 Million https://www.cined.com/gopro-says-its-sale-process-is-in-the-later-stages-camera-sales-fall-38-cash-down-to-27-million/ (00:54:35) Videndum H1 2026 Results – Cine Brands Outperform While the Going-Concern Warning Stays https://www.cined.com/videndum-h1-2026-results-cine-brands-outperform-while-the-going-concern-warning-stays/ (01:05:44) Sony FX5 IBIS Lock Service Targeted for December – Sony Answers Our Open Questions https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-ibis-lock-service-targeted-for-december-sony-answers-our-open-questions/ (01:14:24) The Drone in Your Kit Could Be Next – US FCC Proposal Targets Thermal and LiDAR Models Already Approved for Sale https://www.cined.com/the-drone-in-your-kit-could-be-next-us-fcc-proposal-targets-thermal-and-lidar-models-already-approved-for-sale/ (01:17:44) RED's Compressed RAW Patent Invalidated in Japan – Nikon Loses Defending the Patent It Once Fought https://www.cined.com/reds-compressed-raw-patent-invalidated-in-japan-nikon-loses-defending-the-patent-it-once-fought/ (01:24:45) Welcome Back, EVF – We've Missed You! https://www.cined.com/welcome-back-evf-weve-missed-you/ (01:31:27) Atlas Mercury Anamorphic Lens Price Drop – New Lower Pricing Across All Nine Focal Lengths https://www.cined.com/atlas-mercury-anamorphic-lens-price-drop-new-lower-pricing-across-all-nine-focal-lengths/ (01:34:55) Blackmagic Camera 10.2.2 Released – Cinema Camera 6K Gains Phase-Detect Autofocus, Cloud Streaming, and 10-Minute Pre-Record https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-camera-10-2-2-released-cinema-camera-6k-gains-phase-detect-autofocus-cloud-streaming-and-10-minute-pre-record/ (01:37:32) DJI Mic Mini 2S Released – 32-Bit Float Internal Recording, 14.5GB Storage, and Four-Transmitter Support https://www.cined.com/dji-mic-mini-2s-released-32-bit-float-internal-recording-14-5gb-storage-and-four-transmitter-support/ (01:43:32) Saramonic K9 XTX Released – Plug-On UHF Transmitter With 32-Bit Float Recording, Timecode, and 48V Phantom Power https://www.cined.com/saramonic-k9-xtx-released-plug-on-uhf-transmitter-with-32-bit-float-recording-timecode-and-48v-phantom-power/ (01:45:24) CP+ 2027 Announced – Four Days in Yokohama, Exhibitor Applications Open, and a New Early Bird Plan https://www.cined.com/cp-2027-announced-four-days-in-yokohama-exhibitor-applications-open-and-a-new-early-bird-plan/ (01:47:00) Strada 2.0 Now Available – Mounts Remote Storage as a Virtual Drive, and More https://www.cined.com/strada-2-0-now-available-mounts-remote-storage-as-a-virtual-drive-and-more/ (01:48:01) HOVERAir VERSA – Pocket Camera Gimbal and Drone in One: Pro Gear or Gimmick? https://www.cined.com/hoverair-versa-pocket-camera-gimbal-and-drone-in-one-pro-gear-or-gimmick/ (01:50:58) Brevidy for Adobe Premiere Pro – AI Captions, Automatic Social Clips, and Vertical Reframing in One Panel https://www.cined.com/brevidy-for-adobe-premiere-pro-ai-captions-automatic-social-clips-and-vertical-reframing-in-one-panel/ (01:53:32) Unlocking Performance – Actor-Director Collaboration, Uncanny Choices, and On-Set Immersion https://www.cined.com/unlocking-performance-actor-director-collaboration-uncanny-choices-and-on-set-immersion/ Leave a comment on the CineD article for this podcast or on the YouTube video, or email us at podcast@cined.com .

August 6, 2026Episode 1291 hr 28 min

ep128 - Sony FX5 Poll Results & Delivery Delays + Sony's Bid to Buy Tamron – CineD Focus Check

Sony is warning that FX5 orders have outstripped its own expectations, and at the same time the company has put a non-binding offer on the table to buy Tamron outright. We extensively cover the FX5, and also talk about the FCC pressure on XTRA in the US, a major Nexus G1 update, Christopher Nolan's fully analogue IMAX production of The Odyssey, and a long run of lens, accessory and software releases. This episode is sponsored by Hollyland at (29:29) ► Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmn Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) Intro (01:48) Sony warns of possible delivery delays as Sony FX5 orders far exceed expectations https://www.cined.com/sony-warns-of-possible-delivery-delays-as-sony-fx5-orders-far-exceed-expectations/ (09:01) Poll: Sony FX5 – which missing feature do you want most? https://www.cined.com/poll-sony-fx5-which-missing-feature-do-you-want-most/ (20:18) Sony FX5 interview – firmware V2 timing confirmed, anamorphic limitations, and Cinema Line strategy https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-interview-firmware-v2-timing-confirmed-anamorphic-limitations-and-cinema-line-strategy/ (30:21) Sony proposes to acquire lens maker Tamron – what a takeover could mean for the lens market https://www.cined.com/sony-proposes-to-acquire-lens-maker-tamron-what-a-takeover-could-mean-for-the-lens-market/ (40:03) XTRA Muse 2 Pro pre-orders paused in the US – full refunds issued as FCC scrutiny intensifies https://www.cined.com/xtra-muse-2-pro-pre-orders-paused-in-the-us-full-refunds-issued-as-fcc-scrutiny-intensifies/ (45:48) Nexus G1 update – CINAF autofocus for any lens, U-Mount now standard, production nears final stretch https://www.cined.com/nexus-g1-update-cinaf-autofocus-for-any-lens-u-mount-now-standard-production-nears-final-stretch/ (54:48) How Christopher Nolan shot The Odyssey entirely on IMAX film – inside the new Keighley camera https://www.cined.com/how-christopher-nolan-shot-the-odyssey-entirely-on-imax-film-inside-the-new-keighley-camera/ (01:02:54) Does film have a future? A Kodak factory tour documentary about film, shot on film https://www.cined.com/does-film-have-a-future-a-kodak-factory-tour-documentary-about-film-shot-on-film/ (01:06:27) DaVinci Resolve 21.0.3 released – keyframe ease actions, interlaced fixes, and Sony BURANO X-OCN decode fix https://www.cined.com/davinci-resolve-21-0-3-released-keyframe-ease-actions-interlaced-fixes-and-sony-burano-x-ocn-decode-fix/ (01:07:26) Blackmagic UltraStudio Mini 12G family released – Thunderbolt 4 capture and playback, 12G-SDI fill and key, DaVinci Resolve replay https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-ultrastudio-mini-12g-family-released-thunderbolt-4-capture-and-playback-12g-sdi-fill-and-key-davinci-resolve-replay/ (01:09:11) Cooke SP3 and AP3 lenses now available for Nikon Z mount https://www.cined.com/cooke-sp3-and-ap3-lenses-now-available-for-nikon-z-mount/ (01:10:27) Simmod 4-in-1 ARRI PL lens adapter with interchangeable mount released https://www.cined.com/simmod-4-in-1-arri-pl-lens-adapter-with-interchangeable-mount-released/ (01:13:08) CINELUX REDUXA A1 focal reducer for ARRI ALEXA Classic/XT/SXT teased https://www.cined.com/cinelux-reduxa-a1-focal-reducer-for-arri-alexa-classic-xt-sxt-teased/ (01:15:18) Megadap M2RF Leica M to Canon RF autofocus adapter released https://www.cined.com/megadap-m2rf-leica-m-to-canon-rf-autofocus-adapter-released/ (01:18:19) SmallRig HawkLock cage and accessories for Sony FX5 announced https://www.cined.com/smallrig-hawklock-cage-and-accessories-for-sony-fx5-announced/ (01:19:01) Tilta full camera cage for Sony FX5 announced https://www.cined.com/tilta-full-camera-cage-for-sony-fx5-announced/ (01:20:24) MID49 previews a modular support and power system for the Sony FX5 https://www.cined.com/mid49-previews-a-modular-support-and-power-system-for-the-sony-fx5/ (01:22:10) MID49 Baseline 15mm LW baseplate released for Pixboom Spark https://www.cined.com/mid49-baseline-15mm-lw-baseplate-released-for-pixboom-spark/ (01:23:51) Native Premiere Pro masking and overlapping performances in Resolve – AI masking course update on MZed https://www.cined.com/native-premiere-pro-masking-and-overlapping-performances-in-resolve-ai-masking-course-update-on-mzed/ (01:25:53) The philosophy of shooting with available light https://www.cined.com/the-philosophy-of-shooting-with-available-light/ Email us at podcast@cined.com. New episodes every Thursday.

July 30, 2026Episode 12858 min

ep127 - DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Beats the ALEXA 35, Insta360 Luna Ultra Fails – Focus Check

The DJI Osmo Pocket 4P just did something no camera has done in more than 70 CineD lab tests. Nino Leitner sits down with Gunther Machu to go through the full lab results for both new gimbal cameras – the DJI Osmo Pocket 4P with its new LOFIC sensor, and the Insta360 Luna Ultra. One of them delivered the highest dynamic range figure we have ever measured. The other delivered the lowest exposure latitude result in our database. Both lab tests are live on CineD now. ► Read more: https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4-pro-beats-the-arri-alexa-35-in-our-lab-while-the-insta360-luna-ultra-fails-focus-check-ep127/ ► DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Lab Test: https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/ ► Insta360 Luna Ultra Lab Test: https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/ Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) Intro: a lab test result we have never seen before (01:03) Welcome and why this episode is different (02:42) Why we never lab tested fixed-lens cameras before (06:27) DJI vs. Insta360 – the rivalry (09:08) LOFIC explained: lateral overflow integration capacitor (13:36) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: dynamic range results https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/ (22:32) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: rolling shutter https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/ (24:54) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: exposure latitude https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-4p-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/ (33:26) Sponsor: Hollyland Lark A1 https://www.hollyland.com/product/lark-a1 (34:30) DJI Osmo Pocket 4P: the 60mm mid tele camera (38:07) Insta360 Luna Ultra: dynamic range and aggressive noise reduction (43:12) Insta360 Luna Ultra: exposure latitude (48:17) The Luna Ultra tele camera and the 8K exception (51:08) Price comparison and the odd launch timing (54:34) Summary: which one should you buy? (55:41) Outlook: LOFIC in more cameras and smartphones This episode is brought to you by Hollyland and the Lark A1 wireless microphone, starting under 70 USD: https://www.hollyland.com/product/lark-a1 Let us know what you think — email us at podcast@cined.com

July 23, 2026Episode 1271 hr 37 min

ep126 - FX5 In-Depth with Philip Bloom: Finally a True Cinema Line Compact? – CineD Focus Check

The Sony FX5 is here – and this week’s episode is largely dedicated to it. Nino is joined live from Tokyo by Johnnie and by special guest Philip Bloom from London, both of whom spent a week shooting with Sony’s newly announced compact cinema camera. Beyond the FX5 deep dive, the trio covers A24’s controversial $75M Google DeepMind deal, ByteDance’s Seedance 2.5 API, the EBU’s new camera guidelines for respectful coverage of women’s athletics, fresh lenses from Tamron, Viltrox, and NiSi, Godox’s inflatable mat light, a new high-payload modular gimbal from Poland, and a lot more – all the way to two awards you can enter right now. ► Our review: https://youtu.be/MevszuiRKbQ ► Philip Bloom's review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LfnBkKhtQRU This episode is sponsored by Hollyland at (53:23) ► Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmn Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) Intro (01:26) Sony FX5 Announced – Full-Frame 5K Open Gate, Internal X-OCN RAW, Three Base ISOs, 4K 240p https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-announced-full-frame-5k-open-gate-internal-x-ocn-raw-three-base-isos-4k-240p/ (05:51) Sony FX5 Review – Finally, a Compact Camera Worthy of the Cinema Line Name https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-review-finally-a-compact-camera-worthy-of-the-cinema-line-name/ (54:14) A24 Defends Its $75M Google DeepMind AI Deal After Fan Backlash https://www.cined.com/a24-defends-its-75m-google-deepmind-ai-deal-after-fan-backlash/ (01:01:16) ByteDance Seedance 2.5 API Goes Live – 30-Second Single-Shot Clips, 50 Reference Inputs, and 3D Camera Blockouts https://www.cined.com/bytedance-seedance-2-5-api-goes-live-30-second-single-shot-clips-50-reference-inputs-and-3d-camera-blockouts/ (01:06:15) EBU Sport Publishes “Raising the Bar” – Camera Guidelines for Respectful Coverage of Women’s Athletics https://www.cined.com/ebu-sport-publishes-raising-the-bar-camera-guidelines-for-respectful-coverage-of-womens-athletics/ (01:11:35) Tamron 12-20mm f/2.8 Announced – Compact Ultra-Wide Zoom for Sony E and Nikon Z Full-Frame Cameras https://www.cined.com/tamron-12-20mm-f-2-8-announced-compact-ultra-wide-zoom-for-sony-e-and-nikon-z-full-frame-cameras/ (01:13:26) Viltrox AF 26mm f/2.8 EVO Full-Frame Pancake Lens Announced for Sony E and Nikon Z https://www.cined.com/viltrox-af-26mm-f-2-8-evo-full-frame-pancake-lens-announced-for-sony-e-and-nikon-z/ (01:15:22) NiSi 16mm f/2.8 Medium Format Lens for FUJIFILM G & Hasselblad XCD Announced https://www.cined.com/nisi-16mm-f-2-8-medium-format-lens-for-fujifilm-g-hasselblad-xcd-announced/ (01:17:18) Godox KNOWLED AM800R Released – 800W Full-Color Inflatable 4’×4′ Mat Light https://www.cined.com/godox-knowled-am800r-released-800w-full-color-inflatable-4x4-mat-light/ (01:19:20) HD Air Studio HALO Modular Gimbal Debuts – 15kg Payload, 360° Roll and Pan, Handheld-to-Remote Head https://www.cined.com/hd-air-studio-halo-modular-gimbal-debuts-15kg-payload-360-roll-and-pan-handheld-to-remote-head/ (01:24:01) edelkrone Krone X Compact Announced – Up to Seven Axes of Motion in a Backpack https://www.cined.com/edelkrone-krone-x-compact-announced-up-to-seven-axes-of-motion-in-a-backpack/ (01:26:16) Zaxcom Publishes White Paper on Narrow Band Direct Conversion – New Receiver Architecture Promises Better Interference Rejection https://www.cined.com/zaxcom-publishes-white-paper-on-narrow-band-direct-conversion-new-receiver-architecture-promises-better-interference-rejection/ (01:27:45) LIT OS 0.9 beta4 for the LIT DUO 1 Light Meter Released – Higher Spectrum Resolution, CRI and SSI, New ΔEV Mode https://www.cined.com/lit-os-0-9-beta4-for-the-lit-duo-1-light-meter-released-higher-spectrum-resolution-cri-and-ssi-new-%ce%b4ev-mode/ (01:29:35) Log Cam and RAW Cam Bring Open Gate RAW and Log Video to Older iPhones – A Skeptical Look https://www.cined.com/log-cam-and-raw-cam-bring-open-gate-raw-and-log-video-to-older-iphones-a-skeptical-look/ (01:32:19) CineD Best-of-Show Awards at IBC 2026 – Submit Your Product/Innovation Now! https://www.cined.com/cined-best-of-show-awards-at-ibc-2026-submit-your-product-innovation-now/ (01:33:44) Sony Future Filmmaker Awards 2027 Open for Entries – New Immersive Category, Snapdragon Shorts Award, Free Entry Worldwide https://www.cined.com/sony-future-filmmaker-awards-2027-open-for-entries-new-immersive-category-snapdragon-shorts-award-free-entry-worldwide/ Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and leave a comment! Email us at podcast@cined.com .

July 16, 2026Episode 1261 hr 0 min

ep125 - ARRI Sells Its Rental Business | DJI 'Front Companies' Fined | Sony RX10 V – CineD Focus Check

ARRI is selling its global rental business – we break down the management buy-out backed by H2 Equity Partners and what it means for rental-exclusive cameras and lenses. Also this week: the FCC fines alleged DJI "front companies", Sony announces the RX10 V after nine years plus the LYTIA L910 LOFIC smartphone sensor, firmware news for the VENICE 2 and GFX ETERNA 55, new gear from SmallRig, Tilta, Blackmagic Design, and MOFAGE, LALAL.AI's new Lynx speech denoising model, sun tracking coming to Artemis and Cadrage – and a look beyond the hard cut on MZed. This episode is sponsored by Hollyland: [INSERT SPONSOR URL] ► Learn more: http://cined.co/nImvmn Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode: (00:00) Intro (01:25) ARRI Sells Its Global Rental Business – Management Buy-Out Backed by H2 Equity Partners https://www.cined.com/arri-sells-its-global-rental-business-management-buy-out-backed-by-h2-equity-partners/ (09:14) P+S Technik HEXAMO Mount Brings Leitz HEKTOR Primes to ARRI ALEXA https://www.cined.com/ps-technik-hexamo-mount-brings-leitz-hektor-primes-to-arri-alexa/ (10:38) DJI 'Front Companies' Fined by the FCC – A Selective Crackdown That Only Hurts Filmmakers https://www.cined.com/dji-front-companies-fined-by-the-fcc-a-selective-crackdown-that-only-hurts-filmmakers/ (17:33) SmallRig Split Filter Kits for DJI Osmo Pocket 4P Announced – Snap-On Dual Design, Stackable Optics, Adjustable VND https://www.cined.com/smallrig-split-filter-kits-for-dji-osmo-pocket-4p-announced-snap-on-dual-design-stackable-optics-adjustable-vnd/ (20:14) Sony LYTIA L910 Announced – LOFIC Structure, 100 dB Single-Exposure Dynamic Range, and 4K 60p HDR https://www.cined.com/sony-lytia-l910-announced-lofic-structure-100-db-single-exposure-dynamic-range-and-4k-60p-hdr/ (25:48) Sony RX10 V Announced – 24-600mm ZEISS Zoom, AI Recognition AF, and 4K 120p Video https://www.cined.com/sony-rx10-v-announced-24-600mm-zeiss-zoom-ai-recognition-af-and-4k-120p-video/ (32:53) Sponsor: Hollyland ► Learn more: http://cined.co/nImvmn (33:45) Sony VENICE 2 Firmware V5.00 Released – Signature Preset Look, 4K 47.95p 12G SDI Output, CNA-2 LAN Support https://www.cined.com/sony-venice-2-firmware-v5-00-released-signature-preset-look-4k-47-95p-12g-sdi-output-cna-2-lan-support/ (36:56) FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 Firmware 1.10 Released – Roadmap Promises Automatic ND Control, LANC Support, and MXF Playback https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-firmware-1-10-released-roadmap-promises-automatic-nd-control-lanc-support-and-mxf-playback/ (40:32) Cadrage Studio Officially Released – Pre-Production Suite Exits Early Access with Subscription Pricing https://www.cined.com/cadrage-studio-officially-released-pre-production-suite-exits-early-access-with-subscription-pricing/ (43:18) Artemis and Cadrage Add Sun Tracking – Director's Viewfinder Apps Converge on Sun-Position Pre-Vis https://www.cined.com/artemis-and-cadrage-add-sun-tracking-directors-viewfinder-apps-converge-on-sun-position-pre-vis/ (45:39) Blackmagic UltraStudio Express 3G Announced – USB4 Capture and Playback, 3G-SDI and HDMI https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-ultrastudio-express-3g-announced-usb4-capture-and-playback-3g-sdi-and-hdmi/ (48:44) Tilta Universal Cooling System Announced – Thermoelectric Plate, Three Cooling Modes, and USB-C or Magnetic Battery Power https://www.cined.com/tilta-universal-cooling-system-announced-thermoelectric-plate-three-cooling-modes-and-usb-c-or-magnetic-battery-power/ (52:04) LALAL.AI Lynx Announced – Targets Noise in Production Dialogue https://www.cined.com/lalal-ai-lynx-announced-targets-noise-in-production-dialogue/ (56:16) MOFAGE POCO II Drop-In Filter Mount Now Available to Order – New EF Mount, Increased Clearance, and More https://www.cined.com/mofage-poco-ii-drop-in-filter-mount-now-available-to-order-new-ef-mount-increased-clearance-and-more/ (59:00) Beyond the Cut – Dissolves, Morphs, and Other Transitions https://www.cined.com/beyond-the-cut-dissolves-morphs-and-other-transitions/ Any questions or comments? Write us at podcast@cined.com. Don't forget to subscribe to CineD Focus Check on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

July 9, 2026Episode 1251 hr 26 min

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

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.

July 9, 2026Episode 1241 hr 28 min

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

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

June 25, 2026Episode 1231 hr 15 min

ep122 - New Leica SL3-P Review and Lab Test + What's Next for the DJI Ronin 4D? - CineD 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/ 📬 Email us: podcast@cined.com

June 18, 2026Episode 1221 hr 26 min

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

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