Fujifilm’s first digital cine camera, the GFX ETERNA 55, has joined the list of “Filmed for IMAX” certified digital cameras. The GFX ETERNA 55 joins ARRI Alexa LF, ARRI Alexa Mini LF, Panavision Millennium DXL2, RED Ranger MONSTRO, RED V-RAPTOR, Sony VENICE 1, VENICE 2, ARRI Alexa 65 and 265.
The GFX ETERNA 55 has the tallest digital sensor currently available in the Larger and Large Format category. In Open Gate, the sensor is 43.63 mm wide x 32.71 mm tall. The image diagonal is 54.53 mm—hence the name GFX ETERNA 55. The Open Gate aspect ratio is 4:3 (1.33:1) which is very close to IMAX 1.43:1.
In case you missed our free PDF 40-page FDTimes GFX ETERNA 55 Camera Report, here’s the 1-paragraph summary:
The FUJIILM GFX ETERNA 55 camera is versatile, rugged, small and lightweight. It has redundant menu/monitor displays on both sides. In front, there’s a native Fujfilm G with power and lens data contacts. Fujifilm’s PL mount has /i lens data passthrough to the camera. LPL mounts are available from accessory manufacturers. A front dial adjust the internal variable ND in visually stepless 0.015 increments from ND0.6 to ND2.1 (2 to 7 stops).
Yuji Igarashi, General Manager of Fujifilm’s Professional Imaging Solutions, said, “Receiving this certification is an honor for many reasons, one being that IMAX is a beacon for ambitious filmmakers; we’re so proud that GFX ETERNA 55 provides an accessible pathway for filmmakers to craft stories with an epic cinematic perspective. At Fujifilm, we have a deep belief in the importance of the theatrical moviegoing experience, where audiences come together to share thoughts, ideas, and emotions through the experience of visual storytelling. GFX ETERNA 55 is made for all types of storytellers, including filmmakers who dream of creating larger than life stories for the silver screen and beyond. Fujifilm is proud to provide filmmakers with a system that allows the ability to create motion pictures that are fit for the cinematic scale of the IMAX Experience.”
I asked, “What are the criteria for IMAX certification? We really like this camera as well, by the way.”
An IMAX spokesperson replied, “Our certification is an evolving program, and we evaluate each camera on a case-by-case basis. While we don’t share specific technical thresholds, our focus is on overall image performance and whether a camera can deliver the level of quality audiences expect from the IMAX Experience.”
Of course, there are two categories of cameras used for IMAX: “Filmed for IMAX” with digital certified cameras and “Shot with IMAX” using IMAX film cameras.
And there are two types of IMAX screens: 1.90:1 apect ratio and 1.43:1 aspect ratio.
