Focus Check

Can you imagine stepping inside your camera — which is actually a tent — and seeing the very same sheet of material that captured the light hanging on a gallery wall as a photograph? In this special episode of Focus Check, Sony Alpha Rumor's runner Andrea Pizzini explains how he makes single, unrepeatable color photographs up to 127x220cm in size. The story behind the camera is a deeply personal one, and Andrea talks candidly about the events that led him to leave the project behind—and eventually return to it.

► Follow Andrea's project: andreapizzini.com

Topics and Chapters in this Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro: Andrea Pizzini and the Cube camera project
(00:00:29) Running Sony Alpha Rumors, the world's biggest rumour site
(00:02:00) How it started: 43 Rumors and the mirrorless revolution
(00:03:21) Who is Andrea? From the Dolomites to documentary filmmaking
(00:05:43) A difficult childhood and the urge to get out
(00:07:40) Discovering cameras at the age of 12
(00:08:39) Twelve and a half years without sleep – and why the blogs saved him
(00:11:59) Meeting Christian Martinelli
(00:14:13) Building the Cube: a two-metre camera obscura
(00:15:32) Losing Christian
(00:16:52) Friends convince Andrea to rebuild the project
(00:18:57) How it works: lens, panel, paper and developer
(00:21:06) The giant Nikon process lens from eBay
(00:24:06) A focus system built by a former SpaceX engineer
(00:26:04) No pixels: how much resolution is in these images?
(00:27:29) The last photo paper left – and turning a negative into a positive
(00:29:58) Developing the image in 45 minutes
(00:30:42) Looking at the prints in the studio
(00:34:21) Artist or explorer?
(00:36:03) Finding peace through photography
(00:38:14) What if it becomes famous?
(00:40:55) The future of Sony Alpha Rumors
(00:41:50) Could it get smaller – or even shoot video?
(00:45:32) Stay true to reality
(00:47:07) A tribute to Christian: his developing machine
(00:49:55) Does the project have a name?
(00:50:20) Where to follow Andrea's project

Let us know in the comments below what you think of this special episode, or email us at podcast@cined.com. And don't forget to subscribe on your favourite platform!

Are modern sensors too clean? Johnnie argues that CCD cameras like the Digital Bolex had a character today's CMOS sensors lack, while Nino points to image science and noise reduction you can no longer switch off. Also this week: Nino's field test of the DJI SDR Transmission 2, Apple's redesigned Final Cut Camera 2.4 with manual aperture control for the iPhone 18 Pro, Huawei's clip-on Ruiying Z10 camera module for the Mate90 phones, another Sony FX5 delay, FUJIFILM's price increase in Japan, and Imaging World's move to Cologne.

This episode is sponsored by Hollyland Pyro S (sponsor message at 23:55).

Chapters:
(00:00) Intro
(00:56) Widescreen or not? Your feedback on our aspect ratio
(03:16) DJI SDR Transmission 2 field test
(23:55) Sponsor: Hollyland Pyro S
(24:47) Sony FX5 delayed again
(26:33) Apple Final Cut Camera 2.4 and Final Cut Pro 12.4
(32:29) Huawei Mate90 and the Ruiying Z10 clip-on camera
(39:15) Vivo X500 Pro, LOFIC and "are modern sensors too clean?"
(50:36) FUJIFILM raises camera prices in Japan
(53:00) Imaging World moves to Cologne
(57:37) RAW Supersampler for Nikon raw
(01:01:26) Panasonic LUMIX S9 firmware 2.1
(01:02:01) Lomography Joseph Petzval Métamorphose 35 f/1.8
(01:04:16) Godox Litemons SR20R
(01:05:41) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella campaign update
(01:07:49) FUJIFILM Fujikina NYC 2026
(01:10:08) SmallRig Autumn Sale
(01:10:59) Day-for-night: Sunlight in Disguise

All articles and links from this episode: https://www.cined.com/are-modern-sensors-too-clean-dji-sdr-transmission-2-field-tested-huaweis-clip-on-camera-focus-check-ep137/

Full disclosure: the DJI SDR Transmission 2 field test is a paid collaboration with DJI and not a review. The SmallRig Autumn Sale article is sponsored. The OrBrella is our own product, developed with SmallRig.

Send your questions and suggestions to podcast@cined.com, and watch the video version on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQTktdMLtqnic6-qI28B774IC9xLMbKOG

DJI shipped more than 10 million handheld cameras last year – more than every CIPA camera maker combined. Together with Insta360, the company now ships more than twice as many cameras as the entire mirrorless industry. And in our Lab, the Sony FX5 just matched the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF for dynamic range. In this week's episode, Nino and Johnnie are back from IBC to go through the FX5 Lab Test, the ARRI-branded HONOR Magic9 Pro Max, Nikon’s Z5IIC, Meta’s VR Glasses, a SIGMA fp open-gate hack, the Chronos Q12, the big RØDECaster Video update, the crowdfunding launch of our OrBrella light, and more.

 

• OrBrella Crowdfunding Campaign: http://cined.co/OrBrella

• This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at 13:57. 

Check out the Pyro S wireless video transmitter: http://cined.co/nImvmn 

 

Topics and Chapters in this Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro

 

(00:03:25) Sony FX5 Lab Test: Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude

https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/

 

(00:14:49) HONOR Magic9 Pro Max Launches

https://www.cined.com/honor-magic9-pro-max-launches-arri-co-branding-native-logc3-recording-dual-200mp-cameras/

 

(00:21:41) DJI and Insta360 Now Ship More Than Twice as Many Cameras as the Mirrorless Industry

https://www.cined.com/dji-and-insta360-now-ship-more-than-twice-as-many-cameras-as-the-mirrorless-industry-what-the-numbers-can-and-cant-tell-us/

 

(00:36:21) Nikon Z5IIC Announced

https://www.cined.com/nikon-z5iic-announced-24-5mp-full-frame-n-raw-to-sd-card-expeed-7-no-evf-for-1399/

 

(00:40:42) Meta VR Glasses Announced

https://www.cined.com/meta-vr-glasses-announced-100g-form-factor-5k-micro-oled-display-and-a-cinema-push-aimed-straight-at-apples-vision-pro/

 

(00:46:04) SIGMA fp Open-Gate Hack

https://www.cined.com/sigma-fp-open-gate-hack-3k-32-cinemadng-12-bit-raw-full-sensor-readout/

 

(00:52:50) Kron Technologies Chronos Q12 Launched

https://www.cined.com/kron-technologies-chronos-q12-launched-2313-fps-at-2560-x-2016-aps-c-global-shutter-12-bit-cinemadng/

 

(00:56:25) RØDECaster Video 1.4 Firmware Released

https://www.cined.com/rodecaster-video-1-4-firmware-released-4k-capture-mode-individual-ndi-outputs-rodecaster-sync-for-the-whole-range/

 

(01:04:20) Adobe After Effects AI Assistant Enters Public Beta

https://www.cined.com/adobe-after-effects-ai-assistant-enters-public-beta-whole-project-scope-expression-rigs-and-project-cleanup/

 

(01:08:02) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Crowdfunding Now Live

https://www.cined.com/smallrig-x-cined-orbrella-crowdfunding-now-live-60w-bi-color-soft-light-foldable-15-second-setup/

 

(01:13:32) Blazar Remus II 50mm T2.4 1.5X Full-Frame Anamorphic Lens Introduced

https://www.cined.com/blazar-remus-ii-50mm-t2-4-1-5x-full-frame-anamorphic-lens-introduced-improved-sharpness-oval-iris-and-more/

 

(01:16:37) PMI Gear SmokeNINJA PRO V2 Explained

https://www.cined.com/pmi-gear-smokeninja-pro-v2-explained-aero-mesh-chamber-residue-free-vanishing-formula-auto-bubble-snow-nozzle/

 

(01:20:16) XLCS Designs STORMWARDEN Cage for the GoPro MISSION 1 PRO ILS Introduced

https://www.cined.com/xlcs-designs-stormwarden-cage-for-the-gopro-mission-1-pro-ils-introduced-one-piece-design-100-mounting-points-built-in-arca-base/

 

(01:23:34) DigitalFoto IRON Damping Magic Arms Introduced

https://www.cined.com/digitalfoto-iron-damping-magic-arms-introduced-5kg-vertical-payload-swappable-heads-sabertooth-clamp/

 

(01:25:01) DriveShelf for Mac Released

https://www.cined.com/driveshelf-for-mac-released-search-unplugged-drives-cross-drive-duplicate-finder-free-iphone-companion/

 

(01:27:03) CineVerse Roma Comes to Cinecittà Studios

https://www.cined.com/cineverse-roma-comes-to-cinecitta-studios-expo-floor-hands-on-tech-room-aic-imago-panels/

 

(01:28:31) Vimeo Short Film Grant Returns

https://www.cined.com/vimeo-short-film-grant-returns-300000-prize-pool-five-60000-awards-panavision-camera-packages/

 

(01:31:57) Calibrite ColorChecker Turns 50

https://www.cined.com/calibrite-colorchecker-turns-50-1976-macbeth-chart-24-patches-virtual-museum-and-challenge/

 

Let us know what you think in the comments below!

OpenAI has reportedly bought Glass Imaging – the ex-Apple team behind the iPhone's Portrait Mode – for the camera in its first hardware device. Meanwhile, a former cinematographer turned carpenter has got his Digital Bolex rebuild working: original Kodak CCD, Raspberry Pi 5, V-mount battery, wooden box. Big tech vs. one-man camera build – plus the Sony FX5 delay in Japan, DJI SDR Transmission 2, the OrBrella crowdfunding start and lots of IBC gear.

This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland (00:15:06)
► Check out the Pyro S: http://cined.co/nImvmn

 

Topics and Chapters in this Episode:

 

(00:00:00) Intro

 

(00:02:12) OpenAI Reportedly Buys Glass Imaging for the Camera in Its First Hardware Device

https://www.cined.com/openai-reportedly-buys-glass-imaging-for-the-camera-in-its-first-hardware-device-ai-image-processing-from-an-ex-apple-team/

 

(00:15:58) David Bross Digital Bolex Rebuild Reaches Working Prototype

https://www.cined.com/david-bross-digital-bolex-rebuild-reaches-working-prototype-kodak-ccd-raspberry-pi-5-free-loaner-units-planned/

 

(00:29:42) Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.5 Released

https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-camera-for-ios-3-5-released-iphone-18-pro-support-variable-aperture-control-prores-to-pro-video-storage/

 

(00:33:49) Sony FX5 Delayed to Late October or Later in Japan

https://www.cined.com/sony-fx5-delayed-to-late-october-or-later-in-japan-dvf-el1-viewfinder-xlr-h2-handle-and-launch-campaign-also-affected/

 

(00:38:42) Sony DP7 and DP5 Explained

https://www.cined.com/sony-dp7-and-dp5-explained-native-cinema-line-camera-control-2000-nit-calibrated-panels-third-party-wireless/

 

(00:44:50) Tilta EVF Extension Kit for Sony FX5 Detailed

https://www.cined.com/tilta-evf-extension-kit-for-sony-fx5-detailed-cage-base-plate-nucleus-autofocus-integration-xlr-adapter-in-development/

 

(00:47:58) DJI SDR Transmission 2 Launched

https://www.cined.com/dji-sdr-transmission-2-launched-dci-4k60-10-bit-hdr-switchable-tx-rx-transceivers-4km-range/

 

(00:55:39) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Light Introduced

https://www.cined.com/smallrig-x-cined-orbrella-light-introduced-60w-umbrella-style-light-that-deploys-in-five-seconds/

 

(01:01:41) Atomos Shinobi 7 II & Shogun AV-19M Introduced

https://www.cined.com/atomos-shinobi-7-ii-shogun-av-19m-introduced-first-look/

 

(01:05:55) Accsoon CineView M7 Series Updated

https://www.cined.com/accsoon-cineview-m7-series-updated-expanded-camera-control-vertical-ui-user-built-android-apps/

 

(01:09:55) Insta360 Luna Ultra Firmware Update Released

https://www.cined.com/insta360-luna-ultra-firmware-update-released-15x-zoom-concert-stage-mode-4k-vertical-video-and-a-450mm-telephoto-lens/

 

(01:13:33) Cartoni HyperRoll Explained

https://www.cined.com/cartoni-hyperroll-explained-skate-wheels-for-any-camera-cage-nato-rail-mounting-lockable-wheel-angles/

 

(01:22:38) Vocas EL-40 Eyepiece Loupe for the Sony PXW-Z300 Introduced

https://www.cined.com/vocas-el-40-eyepiece-loupe-for-the-sony-pxw-z300-introduced-magnetic-tool-free-mount-flip-up-design-swappable-camera-attachments/

 

(01:24:13) NIPROS VEGA-R Fiber Adapter for RED KOMODO Introduced

https://www.cined.com/nipros-vega-r-fiber-adapter-for-red-komodo-introduced-zero-latency-12g-sdi-analog-optical-transmission-1gbe-control/

 

(01:26:10) FUJIFILM VF-GFXC2 Viewfinder for the GFX ETERNA 55 Explained

https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-vf-gfxc2-viewfinder-for-the-gfx-eterna-55-explained-native-43-oled-two-display-modes-single-cable-connection/

 

(01:31:32) Libec Q30B and Q50B Explained

https://www.cined.com/libec-q30b-and-q50b-explained-quick-deploy-ring-45kg-payload-dust-proof-spreader-locks/

 

(01:34:07) Profoto ProPanel 3×2 Accessories Introduced

https://www.cined.com/profoto-propanel-3x2-accessories-introduced-6x6ft-snapbag-l-40-snapgrid-s-truss-clamp-kit/

 

(01:35:15) DigitalFoto THANOS-PROCINE ELITE Camera Stabilizing System Introduced

https://www.cined.com/digitalfoto-thanos-procine-elite-camera-stabilizing-system-introduced-30kg-payload-improved-arm-vest-and-more/

 

(01:36:50) DigitalFoto Battery Handles for DJI Osmo Pocket and Insta360 Luna Introduced

https://www.cined.com/digitalfoto-battery-handles-for-dji-osmo-pocket-and-insta360-luna-introduced-5000mah-20w-quick-charge-color-display/

 

(01:38:40) Rolux Foldable Dual V-Mount Charger Introduced

https://www.cined.com/rolux-foldable-dual-v-mount-charger-introduced-100w-usb-c-input-fanless-design-780g/

 

(01:40:28) CAME-TV Hub Pro Announced

https://www.cined.com/came-tv-hub-pro-announced-32-headset-intercom-expansion-xlr-audio-30-hour-battery/

 

(01:43:38) SIRUI Aurora 15mm f/1.6 and 24mm f/1.4 Full-Frame Autofocus Lenses Unveiled

https://www.cined.com/sirui-aurora-15mm-f-1-6-and-24mm-f-1-4-full-frame-autofocus-lenses-unveiled/

 

(01:44:59) The Secret That Doesn’t Matter

https://www.cined.com/the-secret-that-doesnt-matter-hitchcocks-macguffin-in-screenwriting-then-and-now/

We hope you enjoyed this episode!

This week's episode is dedicated to remembering our dear colleague and friend Rodney Charters, ASC, who passed away in Amsterdam during the show – we will dedicate more time to him in an upcoming episode.

We work through Johnnie's first hands-on demo of our SmallRig x CineD OrBrella prototype and the 200 pre-orders that sold out in just days, all the winners of our CineD Best-of-Show Awards at IBC 2026 – from the Adobe After Effects AI Assistant and the Deity PR-4 to the Aputure STORM CS32, NANLUX Matrix 2500C, Atomos Shinobi 7 II and Hollyland Pyro 7 Ultra – the Teradek Bolt 7, Sony's DWX Gen 4 and its US patent problem, the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo, SmallRig's iPhone 18 cinema kit, the latest Pixboom Spark update, the Canon EOS R8 Mark II, Tilta's Pyro 7 Ultra cage, the SNAPGRID Core, SmallRig's Nano power banks, the Saramonic WiTalk Base, Angelbird's new CFexpress Type A v4 cards and a new MZed Storytelling Session.

This Episode is Sponsored by Hollyland. Check it out at (00:18:36)
►Learn more: http://cined.co/lwhjQk

Topics and Chapters in this Episode:

(00:00:00) Intro

 

(00:05:33) SmallRig x CineD OrBrella Light Introduced – 60W Umbrella-Style Light That Deploys in Five Seconds

https://www.cined.com/smallrig-x-cined-orbrella-light-introduced-60w-umbrella-style-light-that-deploys-in-five-seconds/

 

(00:21:14) Winners Announced – CineD Best-of-Show Awards at IBC 2026

https://www.cined.com/winners-announced-cined-best-of-show-awards-at-ibc-2026/

 

(00:28:42) Deity PR-4 Detailed – Six Tracks, Wireless Timecode Master, and Dual-Media Recording

https://www.cined.com/deity-pr-4-detailed-six-tracks-wireless-timecode-master-and-dual-media-recording/

 

(00:37:03) OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock with Dual HDMI Introduced – Two HDMI 2.1 Ports, 140W Laptop Charging, Full-Speed Downstream Storage

https://www.cined.com/owc-thunderbolt-5-dock-with-dual-hdmi-introduced-two-hdmi-2-1-ports-140w-laptop-charging-full-speed-downstream-storage/

 

(00:40:28) DZOFILM Arles Zooms Announced – 25-75mm and 65-180mm T2.6 With Prime-Matched Color

https://www.cined.com/dzofilm-arles-zooms-announced-25-75mm-and-65-180mm-t2-6-with-prime-matched-color/

 

(00:42:03) Aputure STORM CS32 Explained – 3,200W of Full Color From a Household Outlet

https://www.cined.com/aputure-storm-cs32-3200w-of-full-color-from-a-household-outlet/

 

(00:44:12) NANLUX Matrix 2500B and Matrix 2500C – First Look

https://www.cined.com/nanlux-matrix-2500b-and-matrix-2500c-first-look/

 

(00:45:14) Atomos Shinobi II Wins One of Two Awards in the Category “Monitors” (Interview video will follow)

 

(00:46:59) Hollyland Pyro 7 Ultra Explained – 4K60 Transmission, 20ms Latency, Camera Control From the Receiver

https://www.cined.com/hollyland-pyro-7-ultra-explained-4k60-transmission-20ms-latency-camera-control-from-the-receiver/

 

(00:48:52) Teradek Bolt 7 Introduced – 6GHz Zero-Delay Wireless Video, 900MHz Radio for Camera Control, and More

https://www.cined.com/teradek-bolt-7-introduced-6ghz-zero-delay-wireless-video-900mhz-radio-for-camera-control-and-more/

 

(00:53:02) Sony DWX Gen 4 Wireless System Detailed – 32-Bit Float Recording, 1.1ms Latency, and a 30% Price Cut

https://www.cined.com/sony-dwx-gen-4-wireless-system-detailed-32-bit-float-recording-1-1ms-latency-and-a-30-price-cut/

 

(00:56:49) Apple iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max Announced – Variable Aperture Main Camera, New Sensor, Pro Controls, Plus the Foldable iPhone Duo

https://www.cined.com/apple-iphone-18-pro-and-18-pro-max-announced-variable-aperture-main-camera-new-sensor-pro-controls-plus-the-foldable-iphone-duo/

 

(01:07:23) SmallRig iPhone 18 Cinema Kit Introduced – HawkLock Cage, 67mm Screw-On Filters, $190 All-in-One Kit

https://www.cined.com/smallrig-iphone-18-cinema-kit-introduced-hawklock-cage-67mm-screw-on-filters-190-all-in-one-kit/

 

(01:09:42) Pixboom Spark Updated – Pre-Record, Browser Remote Control, and 12-Bit RAW in Development

https://www.cined.com/pixboom-spark-updated-pre-record-browser-remote-control-and-12-bit-raw-in-development/

 

(01:14:24) Canon EOS R8 Mark II Announced – 24.2MP Full-Frame, IBIS, and Oversampled 4K60p

https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r8-mark-ii-announced-24-2mp-full-frame-ibis-and-oversampled-4k60p/

 

(01:17:45) Tilta Monitor Cage for Hollyland Pyro 7 Ultra and Integration with Nucleus-M II Demonstrated

https://www.cined.com/tilta-monitor-cage-for-hollyland-pyro-7-ultra-and-integration-with-nucleus-m-ii-demonstrated/

 

(01:19:53) DoPchoice/Ellar Works SNAPGRID Core Modifier for ARRI Omnibar and Astera Titan Tubes Explained

https://www.cined.com/dopchoice-ellar-works-snapgrid-core-modifier-for-arri-omnibar-and-astera-titan-tubes-explained/

 

(01:21:53) SmallRig Nano36 and Nano72 Introduced – Rig-Mountable Power Banks With Retractable USB-C

https://www.cined.com/smallrig-nano36-and-nano72-introduced-rig-mountable-power-banks-with-retractable-usb-c/

 

(01:23:47) Saramonic WiTalk Base Detailed – 64-User Scaling, IP66 Rugged Design, and 700m Range

https://www.cined.com/saramonic-witalk-base-detailed-64-user-scaling-ip66-rugged-design-and-700m-range/

 

(01:26:42) Angelbird AV PRO CFexpress Type A v4 Explained – VPG800 Certification, Up to 1.6TB, and Roman Rabitsch on the Storage Crisis

https://www.cined.com/angelbird-av-pro-cfexpress-type-a-v4-explained-vpg800-certification-up-to-1-6tb-and-roman-rabitsch-on-the-storage-crisis/

 

(01:28:47) Breaking the Framing Rules – New “Storytelling Sessions” Recording Now Available on MZed

https://www.cined.com/breaking-the-framing-rules-new-storytelling-sessions-recording-now-available-on-mzed/

 

Which IBC winner would you have picked? Leave a comment below, write to us at podcast@cined.com, and subscribe to Focus Check wherever you listen to podcasts.