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!

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.

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

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

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