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

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

We hope you enjoyed this episode!

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/

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!

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!

This episode covers a variety of topics, but a few stand out. What could happen if DJI were to release a mirrorless camera? And are smartphones starting to compete with professional DSLM cameras?

Find out the answers to these questions by hitting play and tuning in to this week's conversation between Nino and Johnnie as they discuss the latest industry updates. Enjoy!

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 19:30

Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:

(00:00) - Intro & Overview

(05:59) - CineD Special Edition AV PRO SE CFexpress A 160GB/330GB Launched – From $99

https://www.cined.com/cined-special-edition-av-pro-se-cfexpress-a-160gb-330gb-launched-from-99-excl-taxes/

(12:28) - CineD Best-of-Show Awards at NAB 2025 – Submissions Now Open for Manufacturers

https://www.cined.com/cined-best-of-show-awards-at-nab-2025-submissions-now-open-for-manufacturers/

 (15:01) - Angelbird SSD2GO PKT Review – The Perfect On-Camera SSD?

https://www.cined.com/angelbird-ssd2go-pkt-review-the-perfect-on-camera-ssd/

(20:34) - UNLOCK the FULL Speed of Your External SSDs – iodyne USB4 / Thunderbolt Pro Cables Review

https://www.cined.com/unlock-the-full-speed-of-your-external-ssds-iodyne-usb4-thunderbolt-pro-cables-review/

(27:56) - Tentacle Sync TIMEBAR Timecode Slate – Review

https://www.cined.com/tentacle-sync-timebar-timecode-slate-review/

(31:42) - Canon EOS R5 Mark II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r5-mark-ii-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/

(35:08) - Xiaomi 15 Ultra Launched – with 4K/120 and 10-bit Log Recording & Future Concept Demonstrated

https://www.cined.com/xiaomi-15-ultra-launched-with-4k-120-and-10-bit-log-recording-future-concept-demonstrated/

(43:35) - RealMe Interchangeable Lens Concept for Smartphones Introduced – A Real Threat to Mirrorless Cameras?

https://www.cined.com/realme-interchangeable-lens-concept-for-smartphones-introduced-a-real-threat-to-mirrorless-cameras/

(48:42) - Poll: DJI Mirrorless Camera – Ready for the Company to Enter This Market?

https://www.cined.com/poll-dji-mirrorless-camera-ready-for-the-company-to-enter-this-market/

(54:27) - DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Firmware Update Adds Med-Tele Mode, Focus Breathing Compensation, and More

https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-pocket-3-firmware-update-adds-med-tele-mode-focus-breathing-compensation-and-more/

(57:29) - Laowa Proteus 2x Anamorphic Zoom Series Announced – Lightweight, Compact, and (more) Affordable

https://www.cined.com/laowa-proteus-2x-anamorphic-zoom-series-announced-lightweight-compact-and-more-affordable/

(01:01:11) - DJI and Car Manufacturer BYD Introduce Lingyuan – An Integrated Drone/Car Solution

https://www.cined.com/dji-and-car-manufacturer-byd-introduce-lingyuan-an-integrated-drone-car-solution/

(01:04:02) - FUJIFILM X Summit 2025 Announced for March 20th in Prague – Is a New Camera Coming?

https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-x-summit-2025-announced-march-20th-in-prague-is-a-new-camera-coming/

(01:06:37) - Atomos Shinobi GO Monitor Introduced – Simple, Efficient, and Streamlined

https://www.cined.com/atomos-shinobi-go-monitor-introduced-simple-efficient-and-streamlined/

(01:08:39) - Adobe Claims Nikon N-RAW Is Coming to Premiere Pro Later This Year

https://www.cined.com/adobe-claims-nikon-n-raw-is-coming-to-premiere-pro-later-this-year/

(01:10:03) - Nikon Z8 V2.10 and Z6III V1.10 Firmware Updates Released – Shutter Angle & Video Improvements

https://www.cined.com/nikon-z8-v2-10-and-z6iii-v1-10-firmware-updates-released-shutter-angle-video-improvements/

(01:12:45) - Film vs Digital in 2025: Exploring the Enduring Appeal, Process, and Cost of Shooting on Kodak Vision 3

https://www.cined.com/film-vs-digital-in-2025-exploring-the-enduring-appeal-process-and-cost-of-shooting-on-kodak-vision-3/

(01:16:14) - Crossing the Line – The Storytelling Power of Jumping the Axis in Film

https://www.cined.com/crossing-the-line-the-storytelling-power-of-jumping-the-axis-in-film/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!

In this episode, we are honored to welcome a distinguished guest: Jakob Ballinger, founder and CEO of Lightbridge. With over a decade of experience as a Gaffer alongside Director of Photography Christian Berger, Jakob co-developed the innovative CRLS – Cine Reflectors – introduced in 2017. This groundbreaking approach to lighting emphasizes the use of reflected light to create naturalistic moods, resulting in cleaner sets with fewer stands and fixtures encumbering actors' spaces. Driven by a passion for sharing and inspiring new ideas, Jakob established Lightbridge to disseminate this evolution in lighting tools to filmmakers worldwide. Join us for an insightful conversation as Jakob shares his perspectives on the future trajectory of the film industry.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (22:56).

Chapters & Articles Mentioned in This Episode:

(00:00) - Intro & Overview

For more information on Lightbridge, please visit their website.

Panasonic LUMIX S1RII I SIGMA BF  I News from CP+ - CineD Focus Check Ep 53 

The season of new camera releases has begun, bringing two exciting new models—one from Panasonic and a particularly special one from Sigma. Join us as we dive into the rolling shutter performance of the Panasonic S1R II and get exclusive updates from CP+ in Japan, where Johnnie shares the latest on FUJIFILM Eterna. Stay tuned until the end for all the valuable insights!

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 27:10

(00:00) - Intro & Overview

(02:20) - Panasonic LUMIX S1RII Announced – 44MP, 8K30, 5.9K60, 4K120, Internal ProRes RAW and More

https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1rii-announced-44mp-8k30-5-9k60-4k120-internal-prores-raw-and-more/

https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1rii-interview-everything-you-need-to-know/

(28:10) - SIGMA BF Announced – A New Kind Of Camera?

https://www.cined.com/sigma-bf-announced-a-new-kind-of-camera/

(33:54) - SIGMA 16-300mm f/3.5-6.7 DC OS Contemporary Announced – an All-Rounder Travel Zoom Lens

https://www.cined.com/sigma-16-300mm-f-3-5-6-7-dc-os-contemporary-announced-an-all-rounder-travel-zoom-lens/

(35:12) - SIGMA 300-600mm f/4 DG OS Sports Announced – Next Generation Super Tele

https://www.cined.com/next-generation-super-tele-sigma-300-600mm-f-4-dg-os-sports-announced/

(36:53) - Sony FE 400-800mm F6.3-8 G OSS Announced – Super-Telephoto Zoom Lens

https://www.cined.com/sony-fe-400-800mm-f6-3-8-g-oss-announced-super-telephoto-zoom-lens/

(38:54) - Sony FE 16mm F/1.8 G Ultra-Wide Angle Lens Announced

https://www.cined.com/sony-fe-16mm-f-1-8-g-ultra-wide-angle-lens-announced/

(40:51) - ZEISS Otus ML Lens Series Unveiled – for Mirrorless Mounts

https://www.cined.com/zeiss-otus-ml-lens-series-unveiled-for-mirrorless-mounts/

(44:54) - CAME-TV WAERO Pro Introduced – Wireless Intercom System with Stronger Signal, Longer Range

https://www.cined.com/came-tv-waero-pro-introduced-wireless-intercom-system-with-stronger-signal-longer-range/

(47:25) - The Craft of the Dutch Angle – Unease, Distortion, and Doubt in a Tilted Frame

https://www.cined.com/the-craft-of-the-dutch-angle-unease-distortion-and-doubt-in-a-tilted-frame/

(48:42) - Practical Movie Magic of The Substance – Crafting Horror with In-Camera Effects

https://www.cined.com/practical-movie-magic-of-the-substance-crafting-horror-with-in-camera-effects/

(49:18) - Nostalgic Vibes of Anora – Visual Beauty on a Budget

https://www.cined.com/nostalgic-vibes-of-anora-visual-beauty-on-a-budget/

 (49:58) - Live Interview with Johnnie directly from CP+2025

We hope you enjoyed this episode!

This marks the 52nd episode of Focus Check, meaning a full year has passed since the very first episode! Interestingly, one of our initial topics was Nikon's acquisition of RED, and now, a year later, we’re finally seeing the first results of that deal.

Join Nino and Johnnie as they dive into what this means for filmmakers and explore which lenses are now adaptable to the new Z-Mount RED cameras. Beyond this exciting announcement, they’ll also discuss a variety of new product reviews, industry news, and major developments in the cine tech world.

Tune in and stay with us until the end to stay up to date with all the latest details!

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 14:51

(00:00) - Intro & Overview

(02:43) - RED Nikon Z Mount Versions of the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X Announced

https://www.cined.com/red-nikon-z-mount-versions-of-the-v-raptor-x-and-komodo-x-announced/

(07:13) - Nikon 28-135mm f/4 PZ Launched, Entering Pro Cine Zoom Market

https://www.cined.com/nikon-28-135mm-f-4-pz-launched-entering-pro-cine-zoom-market/

(15:54) - Filmatura M-Lite REVO Launched – DIY Box-style Cinema Conversion Kit for Canon EOS M

https://www.cined.com/filmatura-m-lite-revo-launched-diy-box-style-cinema-conversion-kit-for-canon-eos-m/

(23:49) - K&F Concept Mini Matte Box Review – What Can $100 Buy You?

https://www.cined.com/kf-concept-mini-matte-box-review-what-can-100-buy-you/

(27:59) - DJI Osmo Mobile 7 and 7P Phone Gimbals Announced – with New Multifunctional Module

https://www.cined.com/dji-osmo-mobile-7-and-7p-phone-gimbals-announced-with-new-multifunctional-module/

(33:06) - DJI RS 4 Mini Gimbal Announced with Intelligent Tracking Module

https://www.cined.com/dji-rs-4-mini-gimbal-announced-with-intelligent-tracking-module/

(42:33) - In Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) vs Digital Stabilization – Which One Do You Prefer?

https://www.cined.com/in-body-image-stabilization-ibis-vs-digital-stabilization-which-one-do-you-prefer/

(52:05) - NANLUX Evoke 5000B Introduced – 5000W LED Spotlight with Bi-Color and Green/Magenta Control

https://www.cined.com/nanlux-evoke-5000b-introduced-5000w-led-spotlight-with-bi-color-and-green-magenta-control/

Mentioned factory tour:

(55:57) - Sony TOUGH CFexpress Type A Memory Card Data-Saving Issue Reported

https://www.cined.com/sony-tough-cfexpress-type-a-memory-card-data-saving-issue-reported/

(58:01) - How to Create Cinematic Films – An Entertaining Two-Hour Deep Dive into ALL Required Ingredients

https://www.cined.com/how-to-create-cinematic-films-an-entertaining-two-hour-deep-dive-into-all-required-ingredients/

(01:00:57) - DoPchoice AIRGLOW FLOAT Introduced – Inflatable and Round Toplight Modifier

https://www.cined.com/dopchoice-airglow-float-introduced-inflatable-and-round-toplight-modifier/

(01:03:28) - Adobe Firefly Video Model Launches in Public Beta

https://www.cined.com/adobe-firefly-video-model-launches-in-public-beta/

 (01:09:44) - Filmstro V4 Launched – Introduces Keyframes for Dynamic Music Control

https://www.cined.com/filmstro-v4-launched-introduces-keyframes-for-dynamic-music-control/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!

There are still some great gear updates and valuable feedback from the CineD community worth discussing. So don’t miss out! Tune in to this week’s episode of our cine tech podcast to stay up to date with the latest happenings in our industry.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at (28:10)

(00:00) - Intro & Overview

(06:18) - Feedback from last week’s Episode 

https://www.cined.com/new-creative-ways-to-reduce-prices-i-ursa-cine-12k-for-7k-cined-focus-check-ep50/

 (29:13) - Poll: Would You Buy a Budget Camera from ARRI, Even if It Offers Lower Specs than the Competition?

https://www.cined.com/poll-would-you-buy-a-budget-camera-from-arri-even-if-it-offers-lower-specs-than-the-competition/

(32:32) - REDCINE-X Pro (Beta) Adds Nikon N-RAW Support

https://www.cined.com/redcine-x-pro-beta-adds-nikon-n-raw-support/

(36:03) - Angelbird AV PRO SE CFexpress B v4 Cards Introduced – Up to 4TB Capacity

https://www.cined.com/angelbird-av-pro-se-cfexpress-b-v4-cards-introduced-up-to-4tb-capacity/

(39:45) - Tokina Cinema Vista-C Cinema Prime Lenses Introduced – Vintage Optics, All New Coatings

https://www.cined.com/tokina-cinema-vista-c-cinema-prime-lenses-introduced-vintage-optics-all-new-coatings/

(43:05) - Nikon COOLPIX P1100 Announced – the Perfect Wildlife Filming All-Rounder?

https://www.cined.com/nikon-coolpix-p1100-announced-the-perfect-wildlife-filming-all-rounder/

MZed Wildlife course mentioned:

https://www.mzed.com/courses/doug-jensen-wildlife-cinematography-master-class

 (48:08) - OM SYSTEM OM-3 Announced – Bringing Enhanced Video Capabilities

https://www.cined.com/om-system-om-3-mirrorless-camera-micro-four-thirds/

 (50:40) - Atomos Ninja Phone Price Drops 50% – Now Only $199

https://www.cined.com/atomos-ninja-phone-price-drops-199-iphone/

(55:23) - Has RAW Video Finally Gone Mainstream?

https://www.cined.com/has-raw-video-finally-gone-mainstream/

(01:03:38)  - RØDECaster Video Firmware Update Adds New Workflow Automation Features

https://www.cined.com/rodecaster-video-firmware-update-adds-new-workflow-automation-features/

(01:09:07) - Camera Rentals NYC CinePower Calculator Introduced – A Free Tool to Plan Battery Consumption

https://www.cined.com/camera-rentals-nycs-cinepower-calculator-introduced-a-free-tool-to-plan-battery-consumption/

(01:11:27) - Prioritizing Safety on Set – a Video Interview with Richard Jones, Founder of “Safety for Sarah”

https://www.cined.com/prioritizing-safety-on-set-a-video-interview-with-richard-jones-founder-of-safety-for-sarah/

(01:14:54) - Disability and Stuttering Representation in Entertainment – Marc Winski on HBO Max’s “The Penguin”

https://www.cined.com/disability-and-stuttering-representation-in-entertainment-marc-winski-on-hbo-maxs-the-penguin/

(01:17:12) - Harmony and Tension in Symmetrical Shots – Movie and TV Examples

https://www.cined.com/harmony-and-tension-in-symmetrical-shots-movie-and-tv-examples/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!

It seems that several manufacturers are finding creative ways to reduce prices for their cameras. Following ARRI’s announcement last week, Blackmagic has now announced a price reduction for the URSA Cine 12K to $7,000. Given the strong engagement from the CineD community in the comments on ARRI’s announcement, it’s worth discussing and sharing different perspectives on cameras and the high-end cinema market.

Sponsor: This episode is sponsored by FUJIFILM. Check it out at 29:46

(00:00) - Intro

(03:50) - ARRI ALEXA 35 Base Model Starts at €50K & Adds Flexible Feature Licenses, Lower-Cost Media

https://www.cined.com/arri-alexa-35-base-model-starts-at-e50k-adds-flexible-feature-licenses-lower-cost-media/

(27:49) - Blackmagic Design URSA Cine 12K for $7K Launched

https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design-ursa-cine-12k-for-7k-launched/

Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF Lab Test

https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-ursa-cine-12k-lf-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!