NAB 2023: Fujifilm adds to Fujinon Duvo Series of cinematic lenses

Fujifilm is showcasing a variety of new gear and technology at the NAB Show. This includes the new Fujinon Duvo HZK25-1000mmF2.8-5.0 CineBox PL Lens (Duvo 25-1000), as well as a full display of Fujinon cinema and broadcast lenses, and a full array of Fujifilm X Series and GFX System digital cameras and lenses.

As part of Fujifilm X Series’ presence, attendees can also try out the newly launched firmware featuring Frame.io Camera to Cloud functionality on site, using loaned Fujifilm X-H2 (X-H2) and Fujifilm X-H2S (X-H2S) mirrorless digital cameras.

“There is something special about being able to bring both our Electronic Imaging and Optical Devices Divisions, and the cutting-edge products they make, to the NAB Show floor,” said Victor Ha, vice president, electronic imaging and optical devices divisions, Fujifilm North America Corporation. “It’s fun to see how the synergies between our X Series and GFX System mirrorless digital cameras and our Fujinon cinema/broadcast lenses are creating new conversations and opportunities for our customers to explore. This year, we’re showcasing some of our latest offerings in an incredibly immersive way, and we can’t wait to see the response.”

The Fujinon Duvo HZK25-1000mmF2.8-5.0 CineBox PL lens is making its debut. A new category of lens, the development of which was first announced in October 2022, Duvo 25-1000 is a native PL-mount box lens that combines broadcast functionality with beautiful bokeh, delivering a cinematic look to live, as well as scripted productions. Duvo 25-1000 utilises innovative optical design technology to achieve a maximum aperture of F2.8 and 40x zoom ratio.

This ultra-high zoom ratio lens is compatible with the large sensors of digital cinema cameras, yet provides a brightness of F2.8 at the wide angle. Not only does it enable filming in low-light environments such as indoor concerts or night-time events, but the shallow depth of field creates the bokeh that delivers the highly sought-after cinematic look.

Duvo HZK25-1000mm is being shown on a Panasonic Connect AK-PLV100 in Super 35 cinematic with both traditional broadcast zoom and focus controllers. The Preston FIZ and Microforce Controllers will be shown, as well. An assortment of Fujinon UA Series box and portable broadcast lenses, and various Fujinon Premista, Cabrio and MK cinema lenses, will also be available to demo on site.

As per Fujifilm’s development roadmap for its Duvo Series of cinematic lens products, future cinematic lenses will consist of a standard zoom lens and a wide-angle zoom lens. Similar to the Duvo 25-1000, these lenses will be dual format, compatible with two types of large sensors. The lenses will be designed to support the Super 35 cinematic sensor and will also be compatible with full-frame-equivalent image sensors with the use of a built-in 1.5x expander.

With its firmware update including Frame.io Camera to Cloud functionality made officially available to the public this week, Fujifilm is sharing this integration with attendees at this year’s NAB Show. Attendees can get firsthand experience test-driving the integration by making images or video and watching them be delivered to Frame.io directly from the originating X-H2S or X-H2 digital cameras. Within Frame.io, these images and video can be automatically edited, viewed online, or printed at Fujifilm’s NAB Show booth within minutes.

With Frame.io Camera to Cloud integration for the X-H2S and X-H2 cameras, users with the FT-XH file transmitter accessory will have the ability to use their paid Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions – and any active internet connection – to deliver any combination of still or video files to Frame.io, directly from the camera. This will accelerate production workflows and create opportunities to remotely collaborate in near-real-time by providing centralised access to still and video assets as they are being created – even across multiple users.

“NAB is the perfect place to celebrate and demonstrate our new Frame.io Camera to Cloud functionality, because NAB attendees are so engaged and interested in the latest tech,” said Ha. “Having Frame.io Camera to Cloud technology in X-H2 and X-H2S will fundamentally change the way we make images and video because of how it simplifies collaboration and how it saves time for everyone involved.”

Additionally, Fujifilm’s on-site technical team will be conducting 30-minute personalised demo sessions for attendees, featuring both cameras. Space is available on a first come, first served basis and may be reserved at the Fujifilm booth. Lastly, attendees can also take advantage of Fujifilm’s complimentary gear loan service to test out the latest X Series and GFX System cameras and lenses on site (subject to availability and Fujifilm’s standard equipment loan terms and conditions). Loans are limited to two hours with a maximum of one camera and lens per person (available Sunday – Tuesday, April 16-18, 2023 only).