Welcome to the latest episode of our weekly roundup of news from the TV and film industry.
This week we are featuring the long-anticipated firmware update v3.0 for the Sony FX9, Samyang's announcement of a new line-up of premium cine lenses - the XEEN Meister and XEEN Anamorphic and Laowa's release of their new super-compact Macro lens for Sony full-frame cameras.
Sony FX9 Firmware v3.0
Sony has released the long-anticipated firmware update v3.0 for the FX9. Announced earlier in the year, firmware update v3.0 brings major new features to the FX9 such as Anamorphic lens support with 2x de-squeeze and Real-time tracking AF with touch control allowing users to choose a focus point on the LCD viewfinder. Other notable improvements and new features include B4 lens support with Super 16mm mode and the ability to assign Centre Scan Mode on a custom button allowing camera operators to quickly switch between various crop modes. Firmware v3.0 also brings support for SR Live for HDR metadata and Remote control using a smartphone via USB tethering among others
Xeen Premium Cine Lenses
Samyang has announced a new line-up of premium cine lenses - the XEEN Meister and XEEN Anamorphic. Designed for high-end cinematography and the latest full-frame sensors the XEEN Meister range currently includes a trio of lenses including a 35mm, a 50mm, and an 85mm all at T1.3 enabling cinematographers to capture stunning images at a very wide maximum aperture. These lenses also feature a robust build design incorporating titanium elements, i/ Technology lens metadata support, luminous scales and a 300 degree focus rotation. On the other hand, the XEEN Anamorphic 50mm T2.3, also offers full-frame coverage and oval bokeh thanks to the newly developed 15 blade iris design, however it brings an even bigger canvas thanks to the 2x squeeze factor. The anamorphic lens will be available only in PL mount, while the XEEN Meister Cine Primes will be available in a variety of lens mounts including PL, Canon EF, and Sony E mount.
Laowa Ultra Macro
Unique lens specialists Laowa have released a new super-compact Macro lens for Sony full-frame cameras. Designed for macro photography and video, the new Laowa 85mm f/5.6 ULTRA Macro lens features an internal focus design and comes in at just 260 grams. In addition, the lens also features an advanced optical formula with 13 elements arranged in 9 groups. Also, the optical design includes multiple low dispersion elements to eliminate chromatic aberrations. The new Laowa 85mm Macro lens also comes with a 2x magnification and a close focus distance of just 16.3 cm. The 46mm front filter thread makes it possible to use a huge variety of filters, while the upcoming Canon RF, Nikon Z and Leica M mounts will ensure compatibility with other camera systems.
That's it for this week, we'll be back next week with more news in 90 seconds.
