FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 Camera Released – Final Features Discussed

by Omri Keren LapidotSeptember 12^th, 2025

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Now that FUJIFILM has officially lifted the (entire) curtain on the GFX ETERNA 55, it’s time to take a deeper dive into the process behind this unique camera. We met with FUJIFILM at IBC in Amsterdam to explore the long journey behind the company’s new large-format cinema camera. Beyond specifications, we also got some interesting insights into the ETERNA 55’s unique features, positioning, creative flexibility, and the way FUJIFILM embeds their film heritage into digital cinema.

The world of cinema cameras is an intricate one. Conservative and cutting-edge, it tries to create tools that will take the craft of filmmaking, honed by generations of cinematographers, and inject it with innovative tech. This may be the reason why we haven’t seen too many camera manufacturers braving the odds and entering the fray. FUJIFILM, however, did just that, and with flying colors. The company, well-versed in the worlds of photographic film and cinema lenses, has been taking their first steps into the cine camera field with a unique offering – a large sensor cine camera. What started as the “ETERNA” just got a new name, emphasizing what is possibly the camera’s most prominent feature – the 44 x 33mm sensor.

What’s behind the ETERNA 55 name?

The “55” points directly to the 55mm image diagonal of the large format sensor (also known as “medium format” in terms of digital stills, 44x33mm in size, approximately 70% larger than 3:2 full frame sensors). Cine formats are still categorized in analog terms. “Large format refers to almost anything between full frame and 65mm, so FUJIFILM went with the ’55’ to emphasize the actual sensor diameter. This should also help with lens matching, as Cine lenses tend to mention the projection diameter as part of their specifications.

“The most accurate way to describe this sensor is by its diagonal: 55mm. That’s why we chose it for the name. It’s transparent and precise.”

John Blackwood, FUJIFILM

It’s not the size, it’s how you use it

As mentioned before, at the heart of the ETERNA 55 stands the impressive 44x33mm, 102 Megapixel sensor. These numbers allow for some interesting motion capture features, but it’s not only the size or resolution; it’s the implementation of these features into the camera that makes the magic happen. The FUJIFILM ETERNA 55 can shoot 4:3 open gate, cropped pixel: pixel 8K, Super 35, Premista format, and more. The sensor is more of a multi-format canvas that enables various forms of capture. The ETERNA 55 sensor is among the “tallest” in the business, enabling both anamorphic shooting, post crops, and even vertical crops, making the camera more versatile than one could initially perceive.

Colors are a camera’s best friend

Since its founding in the early 20th century, FUJIFILM has been all about colors. This journey continued along the digital era and peaked with the ETERNA 55. Twenty internal film simulations are onboard, tailored for fast-turnaround workflows or as an initial baseline for further color correction in post. The F-Logs are also here, and FUJIFILM will release a range of 3D LUTs inspired by their film stock for those who wish to take more control over the footage. These can be applied in-camera, through external accessories, or in post-production.

A power-efficient powerhouse

Despite its body and sensor size, as well as its target market, the GFX ETERNA 55 is surprisingly efficient. Designed for practicality on (and off) set, it supports power consumption of around 21W nominal, quite remarkable considering sensor size and resolution, as well as the required processing power. The ETERNA 55 uniquely includes a slot for an NP-W235 battery that may power the camera during main battery swaps, and will provide additional peace of mind, backing up camera power. It will automatically recharge once a main battery is attached.

Price and target market

At $16,500, the FUJIFILM ETERNA 55 doesn’t quite follow the trend of compactness and affordability we’re seeing over the last several years. That’s not surprising considering the unique sensor size; however, the camera may have a hard time competing against the similarly priced RED V-RAPTOR XE 8K VV or the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF at about half the price. Both use smaller sensors, but these sensors are made for motion capture from the ground up, and are housed in cameras offering better recording options, such as internal RAW video recording, frame rates, resolution, and oversampling. This puts the ETERNA 55 in a challenging position. Will FUJIFILM colors, 4:3 sensor, and compact design be enough to challenge the industry veterans?

Is FUJIFILM ready for the big screen?

First and foremost, we should commend FUJIFILM for braving the risks and hazards of the cine camera segment. Even if you won’t buy the ETERNA 55, this camera will alter the market, strengthening competition and challenging other manufacturers to up their game. The camera will face fierce competition, but it does offer a unique package that surpasses the relevant competition. The design and ergonomics are also innovative, leveraging the company’s experience in the hybrid market with features like the small NP-W235 battery trickling up to cine gear.

Will the GFX ETERNA 55 find its place in your workflow, be it as an owned or a rental? Might it even redefine how you think about large-format cinematography? Let us know in the comments