Focus Check

Imagine this: YouTube has paid over $100 billion to creators in the last four years. That’s an enormous sum — far more than most TV networks spend on content today. In this episode, we take a closer look at what that means for creators and the platform as a whole.

Further in this episode, we talk about plenty of other highlights, including two brand-new Hohem gimbals (which Nino reviewed), a range of innovative new lights from several manufacturers, and exciting new lenses — all covered in this episode of Focus Check. So, as always, hit that play button and enjoy.

Chapters and Articles in This Episode
 

(00:00) – Intro

(07:44) – Hohem iSteady MT3 & MT3 Pro Gimbal Review – Built-In AI Tracking and Pro Performance Without the Pro Price
https://www.cined.com/hohem-isteady-mt3-mt3-pro-review-built-in-ai-tracking-and-pro-performance-without-the-pro-price/

(15:15) – DJI RS 5 Announced – Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module, 5th-Gen Stabilization, and One-Hour Fast Charging
https://www.cined.com/dji-rs-5-announced-enhanced-intelligent-tracking-module-5th-gen-stabilization-and-one-hour-fast-charging/

(25:31) – YouTube Paid Creators $100 Billion in Four Years – Here Are Their Priorities for 2026
https://www.cined.com/youtube-paid-creators-100-billion-in-four-years-here-are-their-priorities-for-2026/

(37:25) – Sony a7S III Firmware Update Version 5.00 Released with Expanded Autofocus Customization
https://www.cined.com/sony-a7s-iii-firmware-update-version-5-00-released-with-expanded-autofocus-customization/

(40:50) – Sony Firmware Updates for VENICE 2 V4.1, BURANO V3.0, FX6 V6.0, and FR7 V4.0 Firmware at BSC Expo 2026 – New Anamorphic Modes, BIG6, Blackmagic RAW
https://www.cined.com/sony-firmware-updates-for-venice-2-v4-1-burano-v3-0-fx6-v6-0-and-fr7-v4-0-firmware-at-bsc-expo-2026-new-anamorphic-modes-big6-blackmagic-raw/

(48:20) – Sony VENICE 2 Extension System Mini – Now Shipping
https://www.cined.com/sony-venice-2-extension-system-mini-now-shipping/

(54:43) – Astera QuikBeam Announced – Ultra-Compact Fresnel with Multiple Powering Options
https://www.cined.com/astera-quikbeam-announced-ultra-compact-fresnel-with-multiple-powering-options/

(58:17) – NANLITE FC-720B and FC-720C Announced – 750W Additions to the FC Series
https://www.cined.com/nanlite-fc-720b-and-fc-720c-announced-750w-additions-to-the-fc-series/

(01:00:49) – Aputure NOVA 9° 2×1 and NOVA II 1×1 Announced – A 9° Long-Throw Panel and a High-Output 1×1
https://www.cined.com/aputure-nova-9-2x1-and-nova-ii-1x1-announced-a-9-long-throw-panel-and-a-high-output-1x1/

(01:05:51) – Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH – Innovative and Exorbitantly Priced
https://www.cined.com/leica-noctilux-m-35mm-f-1-2-asph-innovative-and-exorbitantly-priced/

(01:10:13) – Pixboom Spark First Production Unit Rolls Off Assembly Line – Mid-March Shipping Confirmed
https://www.cined.com/pixboom-spark-first-production-unit-rolls-off-assembly-line-mid-march-shipping-confirmed/

(01:16:49) – Blazar Talon 1.5X AF Anamorphic Lenses Announced – World’s First 1.5x Squeeze Autofocus System
https://www.cined.com/blazar-talon-1-5x-af-anamorphic-lenses-announced-worlds-first-1-5x-squeeze-autofocus-system/

(01:23:00) – Eddie AI Adds Multi-Track Audio Support for Professional Editing Workflows
https://www.cined.com/eddie-ai-adds-multi-track-audio-support-for-professional-editing-workflows/

(01:25:13) – FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 Firmware Version 1.04 Released – Display Delay of External Monitor Improved
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-firmware-version-1-04-released-display-delay-of-external-monitor-improved/

(01:27:04) – Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 II Macro Lens Announced
https://www.cined.com/brightin-star-60mm-f-2-8-ii-macro-lens-announced/

(01:29:08) – Hollyland Solidcom M1 Pro Released – A Scalable 1.9 GHz Intercom for Medium-Scale Productions
https://www.cined.com/hollyland-solidcom-m1-pro-released-a-scalable-1-9-ghz-intercom-for-medium-scale-productions/

(01:32:20) – Freeze, Move, Immerse – Bullet Time and Volumetric Capture in Action
https://www.cined.com/freeze-move-immerse-bullet-time-and-volumetric-capture-in-action/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]

In this episode, we break down our Canon EOS C50 Lab Test results and explore the gap between specs and real-world performance. We also cover the Nikon ZR firmware update, Vimeo's mass layoffs under Bending Spoons, rumors of a potential Leica sale, SmallHD and Iodyne product updates, this year's Oscar cinematography nominees, and Google's $2 million partnership with Sundance to train filmmakers on AI tools. Plus: why Adobe's 20% stock drop signals bigger shifts in the creative software landscape.

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Chapters and Articles in This Episode

(00:00) - Intro

(03:06) - Canon EOS C50 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-c50-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/

(11:22) - Nikon ZR Firmware V1.10 Released – Wired Timecode Sync, RED File Naming, and More
https://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-firmware-v1-10-released-wired-timecode-sync-red-file-naming-and-more/

(14:34) - Vimeo Layoffs Eliminate Majority of Staff Just Four Months After $1.38B Acquisition
https://www.cined.com/vimeo-layoffs-eliminate-majority-of-staff-just-four-months-after-1-38b-acquisition/

(23:48) - Leica Camera AG Owners Reportedly Considering Sale of Controlling Stake Valued at €1 Billion
https://www.cined.com/leica-camera-ag-owners-reportedly-considering-sale-of-controlling-stake-valued-at-e1-billion/

(33:38) - ProClip Acquires INOVATIV – What It Means for the Film Industry’s Favorite Cart Maker
https://www.cined.com/proclip-acquires-inovativ-what-it-means-for-the-film-industrys-favorite-cart-maker/

(38:31) - 98th Academy Awards Nominations: “Sinners” Breaks All-Time Record With 16 Nods, Cinematography Race Features Diverse Field
https://www.cined.com/98th-academy-awards-nominations-sinners-breaks-all-time-record-with-16-nods-cinematography-race-features-diverse-field/

(40:23) - SmallHD PageOS Update Adds Fleet Control, Portrait Mode, and Canon Camera Control
https://www.cined.com/smallhd-pageos-update-adds-fleet-control-portrait-mode-and-canon-camera-control/

(45:13) - Accsoon CineView M7 Firmware Update Adds Sony EI Control, Nikon Support, ARRI-Style False Color, and Vertical Workflow
https://www.cined.com/accsoon-cineview-m7-firmware-update-adds-sony-ei-control-nikon-support-arri-style-false-color-and-vertical-workflow/

(51:33) - Eddie AI “Dirty Multicam” Support for Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve Launched
https://www.cined.com/eddie-ai-dirty-multicam-support-for-premiere-pro-and-davinci-resolve-launched/

(59:53) - Google.org Invests $2 Million in Sundance Institute for AI Filmmaking Education
https://www.cined.com/google-org-invests-2-million-in-sundance-institute-for-ai-filmmaking-education/

(01:09:50) - LumaFusion for Android 2.5 Brings Head and Tail Transitions, Multi-Clip Editing, and APV Codec Support
https://www.cined.com/lumafusion-for-android-2-5-brings-head-and-tail-transitions-multi-clip-editing-and-apv-codec-support/

(01:11:33) - SWIT PowerCell Batteries Now Available for Sony, Canon, Nikon, and FUJIFILM Cameras
https://www.cined.com/swit-powercell-batteries-now-available-for-sony-canon-nikon-and-fujifilm-cameras/

(01:14:43) - Cinematographer Bob Poole on Filming Elephants With FUJINON Duvo HZK25-1000mm – Respectful Wildlife Filmmaking
https://www.cined.com/cinematographer-bob-poole-on-filming-elephants-with-fujinon-duvo-hzk25-1000mm-respectful-wildlife-filmmaking/

(01:18:42) - Adding Elements in VFX Compositing to Sell the Illusion – A Step-by-Step Guide from Digby Hogan
https://www.cined.com/adding-elements-in-vfx-compositing-to-sell-the-illusion-a-step-by-step-guide-from-digby-hogan/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]

This week, we celebrate the 100th episode of the CineD Focus Check show—a perfect opportunity to look back at the episodes that stood out and became truly special over time.

It is also the right moment to thank our community. Your continued support, engagement, and passion for the show mean a great deal to us. We are genuinely grateful to have such a strong audience that shares our enthusiasm for filmmaking and the content we produce every week.

In this milestone episode, we also cover a long-anticipated review. Johnnie shares his experience shooting with the FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55, along with insights and footage from a recent mini-documentary he shot using the camera.

As always, Nino rounds things out with the latest weekly gear news.

So hit play and enjoy our 100th episode of CineD Focus Check.

 

Chapters and Articles in This Episode

(00:00) - Intro

 

(00:43) - Celebration of the 100th Episode and Recap

 

(30:27) - FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 – First-Look Review & Mini Documentary

https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-first-look-review-mini-documentary/

 

(58:03) - Behringer FLOW 4V – Compact Audio Mixer and Recorder for Filmmakers

https://www.cined.com/behringer-flow-4v-compact-audio-mixer-and-recorder-for-filmmakers/

 

(01:02:22) - PrimeLight Design VoxBox Pro MK3 Announced – Support for Wide Lenses and Integrated Filtration

https://www.cined.com/primelight-design-voxbox-pro-mk3-announced-support-for-wide-lenses-and-integrated-filtration/

 

(01:08:01) - Tilta Boulder Camera Cart XL Introduced – Carries up to 500kg of Gear

https://www.cined.com/tilta-boulder-camera-cart-xl-introduced-carries-up-to-500kg-of-gear/

 

(01:11:48) - Call to Adventure in Different Films and How Characters Refuse to Hear It

https://www.cined.com/call-to-adventure-in-different-films-and-how-characters-refuse-to-hear-it/

 

(01:14:11) - CINELUX REDUXA R2 Introduced – Focal Reducer for RED DSMC2 Cameras

https://www.cined.com/cinelux-reduxa-r2-introduced-focal-reducer-for-red-dsmc2-cameras/

 

(01:20:01) - Google Veo 3.1 Ingredients to Video Update Adds Native Vertical Format, 4K Upscaling, and Enhanced Character Consistency

https://www.cined.com/google-veo-3-1-ingredients-to-video-update-adds-native-vertical-format-4k-upscaling-and-enhanced-character-consistency/

 

 (01:23:10) - Godox KNOWLED P600R Hard P4 and P1200R Hard P8 Announced – High-Output LED Panels with Multi-Zone Pixel Control

 

https://www.cined.com/godox-knowled-p600r-hard-p4-and-p1200r-hard-p8-announced-high-output-led-panels-with-multi-zone-pixel-control/

 

(01:26:40) - PolarPro CineFlow Filter Introduced – Adds Motion Effects In-Camera

https://www.cined.com/polarpro-cineflow-filter-introduced-adds-motion-effects-in-camera/

 

(01:28:18) - Ruko U11MINI 4K Pocket-Sized Drone Introduced – Under 249 Grams, Dedicated Touchscreen Controller

https://www.cined.com/ruko-u11mini-4k-pocket-sized-drone-introduced-under-249-grams-dedicated-touchscreen-controller/

 

(01:30:03) - Viltrox NexusFocus F1 Crowdfunding Campaign Launching Today – AI Autofocus for PL-Mount Lenses

https://www.cined.com/viltrox-nexusfocus-f1-crowdfunding-campaign-launching-today-ai-autofocus-for-pl-mount-lenses/

 

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]

This week’s episode dives into Apple’s newly announced Creator Studio – now offered as a subscription model. Johnnie and Nino also take a closer look at the rise and fall of Vimeo, discussing what changed over the years on this once filmmaker-focused platform. Plus, FUJIFILM has announced a… let’s say, very unique cinema camera.

So don’t miss out on the latest updates from the world of cine tech!

Chapters and Articles in This Episode

(00:00) - Intro

(01:37) - Recent Podcast Episode:

https://www.cined.com/podcast/

(07:35) - Episode topics overview

(12:30)- Apple Creator Studio Announced – Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro & More Subscription Bundle With AI Editing and Generative Tools

https://www.cined.com/apple-creator-studio-announced-final-cut-pro-logic-pro-pixelmator-pro-more-subscription-bundle-with-ai-editing-and-generative-tools/

Apple Creator Studio: CineD Exclusive Interview Reveals the Future of Pro Apps & Licensing

https://www.cined.com/apple-creator-studio-cined-exclusive-interview-reveals-the-future-of-pro-apps-licensing/

(36:56) - How Vimeo Betrayed the Filmmakers Who Built It

https://www.cined.com/how-vimeo-betrayed-the-filmmakers-who-built-it/

(49:24) - GOA – An Indian Wildlife Documentary – Shot on PIXBOOM Spark and LUMIX Cameras

https://www.cined.com/goa-an-indian-wildlife-documentary-shot-on-pixboom-spark-and-lumix-cameras/

(54:38) - FUJIFILM Instax Mini Evo Cinema Launched with Built-in Printer

https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-launches-the-instax-mini-evo-cinema-camera-with-built-in-printer/

(01:01:43) - Poll: Mobile Filmmaking – What Would It Take for You to Move From iPhone to Android Device?

https://www.cined.com/poll-mobile-filmmaking-what-would-it-take-for-you-to-move-from-iphone-to-android-device/

(01:13:50) - MID49 Direct Connect XLR Module for FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 – Lower Profile, Two-Channel Balanced Audio

https://www.cined.com/mid49-direct-connect-xlr-module-for-fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-lower-profile-two-channel-balanced-audio/

(01:17:54) - GoPro and ASUS Launch Co-Branded Creator Laptop – Workflow Integration or Marketing Exercise?

https://www.cined.com/gopro-and-asus-launch-co-branded-creator-laptop-workflow-integration-or-marketing-exercise/

(01:24:30) - ARRI Reaffirms Commitment to Lighting and Camera Systems – Full Roadmap for 2026, Munich Consolidation Underway

https://www.cined.com/arri-reaffirms-commitment-to-lighting-and-camera-systems-full-roadmap-for-2026-munich-consolidation-underway/

(01:27:31) - Hohem iSteady MT3 Gimbal Series & Company’s First Portable SSD-001 Released

https://www.cined.com/hohem-isteady-mt3-gimbal-series-companys-first-portable-ssd-001-released/

(01:32:44) - Talking About “Lens Character”, Finding the Right Words – a Video Series by Tito Ferradans

https://www.cined.com/talking-about-lens-character-finding-the-right-words-a-video-series-by-tito-ferradans/

(01:35:08) - Extreme Wide Shots for Impactful Storytelling – With Film Examples

https://www.cined.com/extreme-wide-shots-for-impactful-storytelling-with-film-examples/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!
You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at [email protected]

This week on CineD Focus Check, CineD's Nino Leitner sits down with cinematographer Oren Soffer, co-cinematographer on Gareth Edwards’ The Creator—the $70M sci-fi feature that sparked industry conversation for its minimal, agile approach to big-scale filmmaking.

But this episode is not about camera specs. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about generative AI and what it’s doing to culture, trust, and creative work. Oren shares why he believes public generative video models (like Sora) are fundamentally harmful—flooding feeds with “slop,” accelerating misinformation, and eroding shared reality. At the same time, he outlines a pragmatic middle ground: bespoke, closed-loop models trained on your own data, and specific use cases where AI could speed up workflows (without cutting artists out).

We also cover:

Why Hollywood struggles to adopt proven “lean production” methods—even when they work

The state of theatrical cinema, what’s actually changing, and what still brings audiences back

Why the AI hype cycle may be approaching a breaking point—and what “the last one standing” could look like

The core belief underneath it all: humans still seek connection with other humans

If you’re worried about the future of human creativity—or trying to navigate what’s real versus synthetic—this conversation is essential.

 

(00:00) — Why This Conversation Matters
Why this episode goes beyond gear and into culture, trust, and creativity.

(01:24) — Introducing Oren Soffer
Cinematographer of The Creator and why this conversation exists.

(03:00) — How Oren Got Into Filmmaking
Early influences, film school, and learning through doing.

(06:45) — The DSLR Revolution Changed Everything
Affordable cameras and the democratization of cinema.

(09:15) — Small Cameras, Big Movies
Why size stopped mattering and flexibility won.

(11:40) — Breaking Into Hollywood
Oren Soffer’s path to large-scale narrative work.

(13:10) — Shooting The Creator Differently
Minimal crews, real locations, and a radical production mindset.

(15:20) — Why Studios Won’t Take the Same Risk
Institutional fear, IP pressure, and Hollywood inertia.

(18:00) — Hollywood’s Structural Crisis
Budgets, streaming, and fewer films being made.

(21:20) — The Reality of Movie Theaters Today
Why attendance and output don’t tell the same story.

(24:30) — How Generative AI Entered Filmmaking
Tech culture vs. film culture.

(27:30) — Three Camps Reacting to AI
Rejection, blind adoption, and cautious pragmatism.

(31:40) — Why Public Video AI Is “Ontologically Evil”
Slop, misinformation, and the collapse of trust.

(36:40) — Ethical vs. Unethical AI Use
Closed-loop systems and filmmaker-controlled tools.

(42:40) — Why Black-and-White Thinking Fails
AI isn’t yes-or-no — and never was.

(46:00) — Will AI Kill Jobs or Reshape Them?
Historical parallels and uncomfortable realities.

(49:30) — Practical AI Use Cases in Filmmaking
Storyboards, previs, and speeding up iteration.

(56:20) — The McDonald’s AI Ad Backlash
Why audiences instantly rejected synthetic people.

(58:50) — Why Replacing Everyone Is the Wrong Goal
Efficiency myths and worse results at higher cost.

(01:02:00) — The Growing Backlash Against AI Content
From curiosity to open hostility.

(01:07:20) — Creatives Are Not in the Driver’s Seat
The real problem with AI adoption.

(01:12:40) — Why This Moment Still Gives Hope
Community, craft, and shared values.

(01:17:30) — The AI Business Model Problem
Why most AI companies may not survive.

(01:22:00) — The Illusion of Intelligence
Why current models don’t actually “understand.”

(01:27:30) — What Real Intelligence Would Require
Vision, meaning, and embodiment.

(01:32:30) — Why Synthetic Experiences Fall Short
Cinema, concerts, and human presence.

(01:38:00) — Advice to Young Filmmakers
Ignore the noise. Focus on making.

(01:54:55) — Final Thoughts: Creativity Won’t Disappear
Why humans will always need to create and tell stories.