The Latest Filmmaking & Imaging Tech at NAB 2025: Innovations Unveiled

The NAB 2025 show in Las Vegas has once again set the stage for groundbreaking advancements in filmmaking and imaging technology. From cutting-edge cinema cameras to innovative lenses and AI-powered editing software, this year’s event showcased a plethora of tools designed to empower creators. Industry giants like Blackmagic Design, Fujifilm, and DJI, alongside emerging players like Pix Boom, unveiled products that promise to redefine storytelling. This article dives deep into the most exciting announcements, offering insights into how these technologies will shape the future of content creation.

Main Key Points from NAB 2025

• Blackmagic Design’s Dominance: Introduced the Ursa Cine 17K, Pixis 12K, new autofocus features for the Cinema Camera 6K, and DaVinci Resolve 20 beta with AI enhancements.
• Fujifilm’s GFX Eterna: Showcased advanced features like an electronic variable ND system and internal battery redundancy, catering to professional filmmakers.
• Pix Boom’s Spark Camera: A new high-speed cinema camera capable of 4K at 1,000 fps, targeting slow-motion enthusiasts.
• DJI Ronin 4D Price Cuts: Significant price reductions for 6K and 8K systems, with a near-free ProRes RAW license upgrade.
• Innovative Lenses: New offerings from Dzofilm, Blazar, NiSi, and others, including anamorphic, probe, and medium-format cine lenses.
• Audio and Lighting Advances: Sennheiser’s MKH 80-18 stereo shotgun microphone and Aputure’s Storm XT52 LED fixture stole the spotlight.
• Accessories and Workflow Solutions: Tilta’s Nucleus M2, Core SWX’s Snap batteries, and Axon’s Cine M7 monitors enhance production efficiency.

Full SEO Blog Post: Exploring NAB 2025’s Filmmaking Innovations

Blackmagic Design: Pushing Boundaries

Blackmagic Design solidified its position as a leader in filmmaking technology at NAB 2025. The Ursa Cine 17K, now shipping, offers a body-only version priced at £22,000, delivering unparalleled resolution for high-end productions. Its full-frame RGBW sensor and versatile lens mount options make it a favorite among cinematographers. Meanwhile, the Pixis 12K, priced at just £5,000, brings the same sensor technology into a compact form factor. Despite thermal and processing limitations, it supports 12K open gate at 40 fps and 4K at 84 fps, making it a cost-effective alternative to the Ursa Cine 12K.

Blackmagic also introduced the Pro Handle and Pro Grip accessories for Pixis cameras, enhancing their appeal for broadcast use. These accessories, priced affordably, include features like zoom rockers and built-in EVFs, reminiscent of classic camcorders. Additionally, Camera Update 9.5 brought continuous autofocus and face-tracking to the Cinema Camera 6K, a first for Blackmagic, signaling their commitment to competing with Canon and Sony. The DaVinci Resolve 20 beta further impressed with AI-driven features, streamlining post-production workflows.

Fujifilm’s GFX Eterna: A Game-Changer

Fujifilm’s GFX Eterna garnered attention with its innovative design. The camera features an electronic variable ND system (2-7 stops) and an internal battery that doubles as a redundant power source, ensuring uninterrupted shooting. While it lacks XLR inputs, Fujifilm partnered with Tascam for a hot shoe XLR adapter, enhancing audio capabilities. Support for camera-to-cloud workflows and autofocus with compatible lenses positions the Eterna as a versatile tool for modern filmmakers.

Pix Boom’s Spark: High-Speed Innovation

Newcomer Pix Boom introduced the Spark high-speed cinema camera, capable of capturing 4K at 1,000 fps and 2K at 1,800 fps. Equipped with a Super 35 global shutter sensor and a 3.5-inch touchscreen, the Spark offers remote operation and proprietary 2.4TB SSD recording. While pricing remains undisclosed, its demo reel suggests competitive image quality, making it a contender in the niche high-speed market alongside Freefly and Phantom.

DJI Ronin 4D: More Accessible Than Ever

The DJI Ronin 4D saw significant price reductions, with the 6K system now at £4,289 and the 8K at £8,649. The ProRes RAW license, previously £1,000, is now just £1, effectively making it a free upgrade. These changes, coupled with the system’s unique gimbal-camera integration, make the Ronin 4D an attractive option for indie filmmakers and studios, especially after its use in Netflix’s Adolescence.

Lens Innovations: Expanding Creative Possibilities

NAB 2025 was a treasure trove for lens enthusiasts. Dzofilm unveiled the Vespid 2 primes (T1.9) and the Ara Prime 18mm T1.4, alongside the 360° Extract lens for unique perspectives. Blazar’s Mantis anamorphic lenses, designed for full-frame sensors, offer a 1.33x squeeze and interchangeable mounts, priced competitively. NiSi’s Orus primes (T1.4) and Denz’s APO Cambrian primes cater to medium-format cameras, while Kipon’s Cine Speed 65s introduced a 65mm T1.4 lens for large-format cinematography. These lenses, combined with offerings from Laowa, 7Artisans, and Atlas, provide filmmakers with unprecedented creative flexibility.

Audio and Lighting: Elevating Production Quality

Sennheiser’s MKH 80-18 stereo shotgun microphone, with its dual-capsule design, offers versatile recording options for on-set and location sound. Aputure’s Storm XT52, a 5,200W RGB LED fixture, delivers unmatched brightness and color accuracy, ideal for large-scale productions. Amaran’s Pano 60C and 120C LED panels, with USB-C PD power, provide portable lighting solutions for smaller crews.

Accessories: Streamlining Workflows

Tilta’s Nucleus M2 follow-focus system, priced at £1,338 during pre-order, supports four-channel control and integrates with DJI gimbals. Core SWX’s Snap batteries offer modular power solutions, while Axon’s Cine M7 monitors provide wireless video capabilities. These accessories enhance efficiency, allowing filmmakers to focus on creativity.

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