Focus Check

ep103 - 'All Cameras Look the Same' — David Bross on Digilog App, DIY Camera Building & Escaping the Digital Look – Focus Check Podcast

In this conversation, David Bross shares his unique journey from being a director of photography to woodworking and app development. He discusses the creation of his free iPhone app Digilog, which simulates Kodak film looks, and his philosophy of open-source software and teaching the next generation of filmmakers.
David walks us through the technical challenges behind the Digilog app (free in the App Store here), from translating his DaVinci Resolve color grading workflow into code, to navigating Apple's app review process which rejected the app 15 times before approval. He also talks about sourcing rare Kodak CCD sensors to revisit the Digital Bolex project, not as a revival but as a stepping stone toward something bigger: building custom, artisanal cameras shaped by personal needs rather than the technological race. Along the way, he shares a candid take on why he believes modern cameras have reached a point of visual uniformity — and why that's a problem worth solving.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to David Bross and His Journey
(03:15) Transition from Filmmaking to Woodworking
(04:26) The Creation of Digilog App
(06:35) Technical Challenges and Unique Features of Digilog
(09:01) OpenGate Recording and Real-Time Processing
(10:39) Audio Issues and User Experience
(12:45) Film Stocks and Recording Formats
(15:02) Anamorphic Lenses and Future Plans
(17:54) Community Feedback and Open Source Philosophy
(18:53) The Decision to Offer Digilog for Free
(20:07) Educating the Next Generation of Filmmakers
(21:30) Navigating Technology and Filmmaking Aspirations
(23:49) The Changing Landscape of Cinematography
(25:48) Reviving the Bolex Project
(30:00) Creating Custom Cameras for Personal Needs
(34:50) The Quest for Unique Camera Aesthetics
(39:12) Harnessing Computational Power in Filmmaking

ep102 - YouTube Paid $100 Billion to Creators | Hohem iSteady MT3 | DJI RS 5 | Astera QuikBeam – CineD Focus Check

Imagine this: YouTube has paid over $100 billion to creators in the last four years. That’s an enormous sum — far more than most TV networks spend on content today. In this episode, we take a closer look at what that means for creators and the platform as a whole.
Further in this episode, we talk about plenty of other highlights, including two brand-new Hohem gimbals (which Nino reviewed), a range of innovative new lights from several manufacturers, and exciting new lenses — all covered in this episode of Focus Check. So, as always, hit that play button and enjoy.
Chapters and Articles in This Episode
 
(00:00) – Intro
(07:44) – Hohem iSteady MT3 & MT3 Pro Gimbal Review – Built-In AI Tracking and Pro Performance Without the Pro Pricehttps://www.cined.com/hohem-isteady-mt3-mt3-pro-review-built-in-ai-tracking-and-pro-performance-without-the-pro-price/
(15:15) – DJI RS 5 Announced – Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module, 5th-Gen Stabilization, and One-Hour Fast Charginghttps://www.cined.com/dji-rs-5-announced-enhanced-intelligent-tracking-module-5th-gen-stabilization-and-one-hour-fast-charging/
(25:31) – YouTube Paid Creators $100 Billion in Four Years – Here Are Their Priorities for 2026https://www.cined.com/youtube-paid-creators-100-billion-in-four-years-here-are-their-priorities-for-2026/
(37:25) – Sony a7S III Firmware Update Version 5.00 Released with Expanded Autofocus Customizationhttps://www.cined.com/sony-a7s-iii-firmware-update-version-5-00-released-with-expanded-autofocus-customization/
(40:50) – Sony Firmware Updates for VENICE 2 V4.1, BURANO V3.0, FX6 V6.0, and FR7 V4.0 Firmware at BSC Expo 2026 – New Anamorphic Modes, BIG6, Blackmagic RAWhttps://www.cined.com/sony-firmware-updates-for-venice-2-v4-1-burano-v3-0-fx6-v6-0-and-fr7-v4-0-firmware-at-bsc-expo-2026-new-anamorphic-modes-big6-blackmagic-raw/
(48:20) – Sony VENICE 2 Extension System Mini – Now Shippinghttps://www.cined.com/sony-venice-2-extension-system-mini-now-shipping/
(54:43) – Astera QuikBeam Announced – Ultra-Compact Fresnel with Multiple Powering Optionshttps://www.cined.com/astera-quikbeam-announced-ultra-compact-fresnel-with-multiple-powering-options/
(58:17) – NANLITE FC-720B and FC-720C Announced – 750W Additions to the FC Serieshttps://www.cined.com/nanlite-fc-720b-and-fc-720c-announced-750w-additions-to-the-fc-series/
(01:00:49) – Aputure NOVA 9° 2×1 and NOVA II 1×1 Announced – A 9° Long-Throw Panel and a High-Output 1×1https://www.cined.com/aputure-nova-9-2x1-and-nova-ii-1x1-announced-a-9-long-throw-panel-and-a-high-output-1x1/
(01:05:51) – Leica Noctilux-M 35mm f/1.2 ASPH – Innovative and Exorbitantly Pricedhttps://www.cined.com/leica-noctilux-m-35mm-f-1-2-asph-innovative-and-exorbitantly-priced/
(01:10:13) – Pixboom Spark First Production Unit Rolls Off Assembly Line – Mid-March Shipping Confirmedhttps://www.cined.com/pixboom-spark-first-production-unit-rolls-off-assembly-line-mid-march-shipping-confirmed/
(01:16:49) – Blazar Talon 1.5X AF Anamorphic Lenses Announced – World’s First 1.5x Squeeze Autofocus Systemhttps://www.cined.com/blazar-talon-1-5x-af-anamorphic-lenses-announced-worlds-first-1-5x-squeeze-autofocus-system/
(01:23:00) – Eddie AI Adds Multi-Track Audio Support for Professional Editing Workflowshttps://www.cined.com/eddie-ai-adds-multi-track-audio-support-for-professional-editing-workflows/
(01:25:13) – FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 Firmware Version 1.04 Released – Display Delay of External Monitor Improvedhttps://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-firmware-version-1-04-released-display-delay-of-external-monitor-improved/
(01:27:04) – Brightin Star 60mm f/2.8 II Macro Lens Announcedhttps://www.cined.com/brightin-star-60mm-f-2-8-ii-macro-lens-announced/
(01:29:08) – Hollyland Solidcom M1 Pro Released – A Scalable 1.9 GHz Intercom for Medium-Scale Productionshttps://www.cined.com/hollyland-solidcom-m1-pro-released-a-scalable-1-9-ghz-intercom-for-medium-scale-productions/
(01:32:20) – Freeze, Move, Immerse – Bullet Time and Volumetric Capture in Actionhttps://www.cined.com/freeze-move-immerse-bullet-time-and-volumetric-capture-in-action/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

ep101 - Canon EOS C50 Lab Test discussed | Nikon ZR Firmware Update | Vimeo Layoffs | Leica Sale Soon? | CineD Focus Check

In this episode, we break down our Canon EOS C50 Lab Test results and explore the gap between specs and real-world performance. We also cover the Nikon ZR firmware update, Vimeo's mass layoffs under Bending Spoons, rumors of a potential Leica sale, SmallHD and Iodyne product updates, this year's Oscar cinematography nominees, and Google's $2 million partnership with Sundance to train filmmakers on AI tools. Plus: why Adobe's 20% stock drop signals bigger shifts in the creative software landscape.
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Chapters and Articles in This Episode
(00:00) - Intro
(03:06) - Canon EOS C50 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitudehttps://www.cined.com/canon-eos-c50-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
(11:22) - Nikon ZR Firmware V1.10 Released – Wired Timecode Sync, RED File Naming, and Morehttps://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-firmware-v1-10-released-wired-timecode-sync-red-file-naming-and-more/
(14:34) - Vimeo Layoffs Eliminate Majority of Staff Just Four Months After $1.38B Acquisitionhttps://www.cined.com/vimeo-layoffs-eliminate-majority-of-staff-just-four-months-after-1-38b-acquisition/
(23:48) - Leica Camera AG Owners Reportedly Considering Sale of Controlling Stake Valued at €1 Billionhttps://www.cined.com/leica-camera-ag-owners-reportedly-considering-sale-of-controlling-stake-valued-at-e1-billion/
(33:38) - ProClip Acquires INOVATIV – What It Means for the Film Industry’s Favorite Cart Makerhttps://www.cined.com/proclip-acquires-inovativ-what-it-means-for-the-film-industrys-favorite-cart-maker/
(38:31) - 98th Academy Awards Nominations: “Sinners” Breaks All-Time Record With 16 Nods, Cinematography Race Features Diverse Fieldhttps://www.cined.com/98th-academy-awards-nominations-sinners-breaks-all-time-record-with-16-nods-cinematography-race-features-diverse-field/
(40:23) - SmallHD PageOS Update Adds Fleet Control, Portrait Mode, and Canon Camera Controlhttps://www.cined.com/smallhd-pageos-update-adds-fleet-control-portrait-mode-and-canon-camera-control/
(45:13) - Accsoon CineView M7 Firmware Update Adds Sony EI Control, Nikon Support, ARRI-Style False Color, and Vertical Workflowhttps://www.cined.com/accsoon-cineview-m7-firmware-update-adds-sony-ei-control-nikon-support-arri-style-false-color-and-vertical-workflow/
(51:33) - Eddie AI “Dirty Multicam” Support for Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve Launchedhttps://www.cined.com/eddie-ai-dirty-multicam-support-for-premiere-pro-and-davinci-resolve-launched/
(59:53) - Google.org Invests $2 Million in Sundance Institute for AI Filmmaking Educationhttps://www.cined.com/google-org-invests-2-million-in-sundance-institute-for-ai-filmmaking-education/
(01:09:50) - LumaFusion for Android 2.5 Brings Head and Tail Transitions, Multi-Clip Editing, and APV Codec Supporthttps://www.cined.com/lumafusion-for-android-2-5-brings-head-and-tail-transitions-multi-clip-editing-and-apv-codec-support/
(01:11:33) - SWIT PowerCell Batteries Now Available for Sony, Canon, Nikon, and FUJIFILM Camerashttps://www.cined.com/swit-powercell-batteries-now-available-for-sony-canon-nikon-and-fujifilm-cameras/
(01:14:43) - Cinematographer Bob Poole on Filming Elephants With FUJINON Duvo HZK25-1000mm – Respectful Wildlife Filmmakinghttps://www.cined.com/cinematographer-bob-poole-on-filming-elephants-with-fujinon-duvo-hzk25-1000mm-respectful-wildlife-filmmaking/
(01:18:42) - Adding Elements in VFX Compositing to Sell the Illusion – A Step-by-Step Guide from Digby Hoganhttps://www.cined.com/adding-elements-in-vfx-compositing-to-sell-the-illusion-a-step-by-step-guide-from-digby-hogan/
We hope you enjoyed this episode!You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com

ep100 – Episode 100 Special: A Look Back & A Look Forward | We Tested FUJIFILM's GFX Eterna 55 and Have Opinions

This week, we celebrate the 100th episode of the CineD Focus Check show—a perfect opportunity to look back at the episodes that stood out and became truly special over time.
It is also the right moment to thank our community. Your continued support, engagement, and passion for the show mean a great deal to us. We are genuinely grateful to have such a strong audience that shares our enthusiasm for filmmaking and the content we produce every week.
In this milestone episode, we also cover a long-anticipated review. Johnnie shares his experience shooting with the FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55, along with insights and footage from a recent mini-documentary he shot using the camera.
As always, Nino rounds things out with the latest weekly gear news.
So hit play and enjoy our 100th episode of CineD Focus Check.
 
Chapters and Articles in This Episode
(00:00) - Intro
 
(00:43) - Celebration of the 100th Episode and Recap
 
(30:27) - FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 – First-Look Review & Mini Documentary
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-first-look-review-mini-documentary/
 
(58:03) - Behringer FLOW 4V – Compact Audio Mixer and Recorder for Filmmakers
https://www.cined.com/behringer-flow-4v-compact-audio-mixer-and-recorder-for-filmmakers/
 
(01:02:22) - PrimeLight Design VoxBox Pro MK3 Announced – Support for Wide Lenses and Integrated Filtration
https://www.cined.com/primelight-design-voxbox-pro-mk3-announced-support-for-wide-lenses-and-integrated-filtration/
 
(01:08:01) - Tilta Boulder Camera Cart XL Introduced – Carries up to 500kg of Gear
https://www.cined.com/tilta-boulder-camera-cart-xl-introduced-carries-up-to-500kg-of-gear/
 
(01:11:48) - Call to Adventure in Different Films and How Characters Refuse to Hear It
https://www.cined.com/call-to-adventure-in-different-films-and-how-characters-refuse-to-hear-it/
 
(01:14:11) - CINELUX REDUXA R2 Introduced – Focal Reducer for RED DSMC2 Cameras
https://www.cined.com/cinelux-reduxa-r2-introduced-focal-reducer-for-red-dsmc2-cameras/
 
(01:20:01) - Google Veo 3.1 Ingredients to Video Update Adds Native Vertical Format, 4K Upscaling, and Enhanced Character Consistency
https://www.cined.com/google-veo-3-1-ingredients-to-video-update-adds-native-vertical-format-4k-upscaling-and-enhanced-character-consistency/
 
 (01:23:10) - Godox KNOWLED P600R Hard P4 and P1200R Hard P8 Announced – High-Output LED Panels with Multi-Zone Pixel Control
 
https://www.cined.com/godox-knowled-p600r-hard-p4-and-p1200r-hard-p8-announced-high-output-led-panels-with-multi-zone-pixel-control/
 
(01:26:40) - PolarPro CineFlow Filter Introduced – Adds Motion Effects In-Camera
https://www.cined.com/polarpro-cineflow-filter-introduced-adds-motion-effects-in-camera/
 
(01:28:18) - Ruko U11MINI 4K Pocket-Sized Drone Introduced – Under 249 Grams, Dedicated Touchscreen Controller
https://www.cined.com/ruko-u11mini-4k-pocket-sized-drone-introduced-under-249-grams-dedicated-touchscreen-controller/
 
(01:30:03) - Viltrox NexusFocus F1 Crowdfunding Campaign Launching Today – AI Autofocus for PL-Mount Lenses
https://www.cined.com/viltrox-nexusfocus-f1-crowdfunding-campaign-launching-today-ai-autofocus-for-pl-mount-lenses/
 
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com 

ep99 - Apple Creator Studio | Rise and fall of Vimeo | FUJIFILM Instax Mini Evo Cinema - CineD Focus Check

This week’s episode dives into Apple’s newly announced Creator Studio – now offered as a subscription model. Johnnie and Nino also take a closer look at the rise and fall of Vimeo, discussing what changed over the years on this once filmmaker-focused platform. Plus, FUJIFILM has announced a… let’s say, very unique cinema camera.
So don’t miss out on the latest updates from the world of cine tech!
Chapters and Articles in This Episode
(00:00) - Intro
(01:37) - Recent Podcast Episode:
https://www.cined.com/podcast/
(07:35) - Episode topics overview
(12:30)- Apple Creator Studio Announced – Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro, Pixelmator Pro & More Subscription Bundle With AI Editing and Generative Tools
https://www.cined.com/apple-creator-studio-announced-final-cut-pro-logic-pro-pixelmator-pro-more-subscription-bundle-with-ai-editing-and-generative-tools/
Apple Creator Studio: CineD Exclusive Interview Reveals the Future of Pro Apps & Licensing
https://www.cined.com/apple-creator-studio-cined-exclusive-interview-reveals-the-future-of-pro-apps-licensing/
(36:56) - How Vimeo Betrayed the Filmmakers Who Built It
https://www.cined.com/how-vimeo-betrayed-the-filmmakers-who-built-it/
(49:24) - GOA – An Indian Wildlife Documentary – Shot on PIXBOOM Spark and LUMIX Cameras
https://www.cined.com/goa-an-indian-wildlife-documentary-shot-on-pixboom-spark-and-lumix-cameras/
(54:38) - FUJIFILM Instax Mini Evo Cinema Launched with Built-in Printer
https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-launches-the-instax-mini-evo-cinema-camera-with-built-in-printer/
(01:01:43) - Poll: Mobile Filmmaking – What Would It Take for You to Move From iPhone to Android Device?
https://www.cined.com/poll-mobile-filmmaking-what-would-it-take-for-you-to-move-from-iphone-to-android-device/
(01:13:50) - MID49 Direct Connect XLR Module for FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 – Lower Profile, Two-Channel Balanced Audio
https://www.cined.com/mid49-direct-connect-xlr-module-for-fujifilm-gfx-eterna-55-lower-profile-two-channel-balanced-audio/
(01:17:54) - GoPro and ASUS Launch Co-Branded Creator Laptop – Workflow Integration or Marketing Exercise?
https://www.cined.com/gopro-and-asus-launch-co-branded-creator-laptop-workflow-integration-or-marketing-exercise/
(01:24:30) - ARRI Reaffirms Commitment to Lighting and Camera Systems – Full Roadmap for 2026, Munich Consolidation Underway
https://www.cined.com/arri-reaffirms-commitment-to-lighting-and-camera-systems-full-roadmap-for-2026-munich-consolidation-underway/
(01:27:31) - Hohem iSteady MT3 Gimbal Series & Company’s First Portable SSD-001 Released
https://www.cined.com/hohem-isteady-mt3-gimbal-series-companys-first-portable-ssd-001-released/
(01:32:44) - Talking About “Lens Character”, Finding the Right Words – a Video Series by Tito Ferradans
https://www.cined.com/talking-about-lens-character-finding-the-right-words-a-video-series-by-tito-ferradans/
(01:35:08) - Extreme Wide Shots for Impactful Storytelling – With Film Examples
https://www.cined.com/extreme-wide-shots-for-impactful-storytelling-with-film-examples/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com 
 

ep98 - "The Creator" DP Oren Soffer vs. AI Hype - CineD Focus Check

This week on CineD Focus Check, CineD's Nino Leitner sits down with cinematographer Oren Soffer, co-cinematographer on Gareth Edwards’ The Creator—the $70M sci-fi feature that sparked industry conversation for its minimal, agile approach to big-scale filmmaking.
But this episode is not about camera specs. It’s an honest, wide-ranging discussion about generative AI and what it’s doing to culture, trust, and creative work. Oren shares why he believes public generative video models (like Sora) are fundamentally harmful—flooding feeds with “slop,” accelerating misinformation, and eroding shared reality. At the same time, he outlines a pragmatic middle ground: bespoke, closed-loop models trained on your own data, and specific use cases where AI could speed up workflows (without cutting artists out).
We also cover:
Why Hollywood struggles to adopt proven “lean production” methods—even when they work
The state of theatrical cinema, what’s actually changing, and what still brings audiences back
Why the AI hype cycle may be approaching a breaking point—and what “the last one standing” could look like
The core belief underneath it all: humans still seek connection with other humans
If you’re worried about the future of human creativity—or trying to navigate what’s real versus synthetic—this conversation is essential.
 
(00:00) — Why This Conversation MattersWhy this episode goes beyond gear and into culture, trust, and creativity.
(01:24) — Introducing Oren SofferCinematographer of The Creator and why this conversation exists.
(03:00) — How Oren Got Into FilmmakingEarly influences, film school, and learning through doing.
(06:45) — The DSLR Revolution Changed EverythingAffordable cameras and the democratization of cinema.
(09:15) — Small Cameras, Big MoviesWhy size stopped mattering and flexibility won.
(11:40) — Breaking Into HollywoodOren Soffer’s path to large-scale narrative work.
(13:10) — Shooting The Creator DifferentlyMinimal crews, real locations, and a radical production mindset.
(15:20) — Why Studios Won’t Take the Same RiskInstitutional fear, IP pressure, and Hollywood inertia.
(18:00) — Hollywood’s Structural CrisisBudgets, streaming, and fewer films being made.
(21:20) — The Reality of Movie Theaters TodayWhy attendance and output don’t tell the same story.
(24:30) — How Generative AI Entered FilmmakingTech culture vs. film culture.
(27:30) — Three Camps Reacting to AIRejection, blind adoption, and cautious pragmatism.
(31:40) — Why Public Video AI Is “Ontologically Evil”Slop, misinformation, and the collapse of trust.
(36:40) — Ethical vs. Unethical AI UseClosed-loop systems and filmmaker-controlled tools.
(42:40) — Why Black-and-White Thinking FailsAI isn’t yes-or-no — and never was.
(46:00) — Will AI Kill Jobs or Reshape Them?Historical parallels and uncomfortable realities.
(49:30) — Practical AI Use Cases in FilmmakingStoryboards, previs, and speeding up iteration.
(56:20) — The McDonald’s AI Ad BacklashWhy audiences instantly rejected synthetic people.
(58:50) — Why Replacing Everyone Is the Wrong GoalEfficiency myths and worse results at higher cost.
(01:02:00) — The Growing Backlash Against AI ContentFrom curiosity to open hostility.
(01:07:20) — Creatives Are Not in the Driver’s SeatThe real problem with AI adoption.
(01:12:40) — Why This Moment Still Gives HopeCommunity, craft, and shared values.
(01:17:30) — The AI Business Model ProblemWhy most AI companies may not survive.
(01:22:00) — The Illusion of IntelligenceWhy current models don’t actually “understand.”
(01:27:30) — What Real Intelligence Would RequireVision, meaning, and embodiment.
(01:32:30) — Why Synthetic Experiences Fall ShortCinema, concerts, and human presence.
(01:38:00) — Advice to Young FilmmakersIgnore the noise. Focus on making.
(01:54:55) — Final Thoughts: Creativity Won’t DisappearWhy humans will always need to create and tell stories.

ep97 - Discussion of all Lab Tests of 2025, Annual Lab Test Breakdown - CineD Focus Check

In this episode, we break down all the camera lab tests of 2025 and give you a clear overview of which cameras stood out — and which ones fell a bit short.
Nino and Gunther go through all seven cameras we tested, sharing key insights, surprises, and takeaways from this year’s results.
Hit play and join us for a deep dive into the cameras that shaped 2025.
Chapters and Articles in This Episode
(00:00) - Intro
 
(03:18) - Evolution vs Revolution in 2025 Camera Tests
 
(08:40) - Canon EOS C400 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-c400-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
 
(13:14) - Canon EOS R5 Mark II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r5-mark-ii-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
 
(17:17) - Canon EOS R1 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/canon-eos-r1-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
 
(20.44) - Panasonic LUMIX S1II Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/panasonic-lumix-s1ii-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
 
(34:08) - Nikon ZR Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range, and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/nikon-zr-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
 
(45:35) - Sony FX2 Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/sony-fx2-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
 
(53:38) - Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Lab Test – Rolling Shutter, Dynamic Range and Exposure Latitude
https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-pyxis-12k-lab-test-rolling-shutter-dynamic-range-and-exposure-latitude/
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com 

ep96 - Why Roger Deakins Is Right About AI (And Everyone's Missing It) with Tal Lazar - CineD Focus Check

In this special episode of the CineD FocusCheck Podcast, host Nino welcomes back filmmaker, educator, and author Tal Lazar for a wide-ranging conversation about what cinematography really is — and what it needs to become in an age of rapidly evolving technology.
Tal’s new book, Cinematography: Beyond Technique, challenges a long-standing assumption in filmmaking: that mastering cameras, lenses, and lighting is enough. Drawing on over 15 years of teaching at institutions such as AFI, Sundance, and FilmLab, Tal argues that cinematography lives in the space between intention and execution — not in technology itself.
Together, Nino and Tal explore:
Why great images don’t automatically make great films
How directors and cinematographers often talk past each other on set
What blocking rehearsals reveal about hidden gaps in film education
Why lenses, lighting, and framing are storytelling tools — not technical checklists
And how AI forces filmmakers to re-examine creative intention, not just workflow
The conversation also tackles one of today’s most controversial topics: AI in filmmaking. Referencing recent statements by Roger Deakins and drawing parallels to the Canon 5D revolution, Tal explains why resisting new tools outright is rarely productive — but why giving up creative intention is far more dangerous.
This episode is not about choosing sides between “traditional” and “modern” filmmaking. It’s about understanding the language of images deeply enough to make deliberate, meaningful choices — regardless of the tools involved.
Whether you’re a director, cinematographer, producer, or educator, this episode offers a thoughtful, practical perspective on collaboration, visual storytelling, and the future of the craft.
Chapters and Articles in This Episode
(00:00:57) – Welcome & Introduction Nino welcomes viewers to the special episode and introduces Tal Lazar and the topic of his new book.
(00:02:06) – Tal Lazar, Cinematography Beyond Technique & Teaching Background Tal’s background as a filmmaker and educator and how the book grew out of 15 years of teaching.
(00:05:35) – Visual Storytelling, “The Reading,” and Cinematic Intention Using painting and visual examples to explain how audiences identify story and main characters.
(00:09:02) – What Makes a Great Cinematographer Technical skill, clarity of intention, communication, and common misunderstandings on set.
(00:14:13) – Directors, DPs, and Collaboration on Set Blocking rehearsals, overlapping responsibilities, and why collaboration improves films.
(00:20:45) – How Directors and Cinematographers Should Communicate What productive creative conversations sound like versus ineffective ones.
(00:25:31) – Lighting and Lenses as Storytelling Tools Lighting as observation and language; lenses, perspective, intimacy, and emotional distance.
(00:38:19) – AI, Roger Deakins, and Creative Intention AI as a tool versus a threat, and what reactions reveal about how cinematography is understood.
(00:49:45) – Lessons from the Canon 5D Era & the Future of AI Parallels between past camera revolutions and today’s AI-driven changes.
(01:13:51) – Practical Advice & Key Takeaways How filmmakers should embrace technology without sacrificing intention; final thoughts and wrap-up.
We hope you enjoyed this episode! You have feedback, comments, or suggestions? Write us at podcast@cined.com 

ep95 - Nexus G1 Explained, A Conversation with the Camera’s Creators : The Most Ambitious Cinema Camera Yet? CineD Focus Check

For this week's episode on the CineD Focus Check podcast, Nino speaks with special guests Timothy and Thomas Boland from Nexus Camera about how the Nexus G1 came to life — and what it’s trying to solve for solo operators and small crews.
They share their background in industrial design and filmmaking, why rigging and workflow friction pushed them toward building their own camera, and how they approached key features such as a modular electronic ND system, expanded I/O and power distribution, integrated lens-control ideas, materials and cooling design, and a service plan for repairs and warranty.
Nino also asks the questions many people have been wondering about: how Nexus works with Blackmagic Design as an authorized dealer, how the economics of sourcing hardware are handled, and what changed in the timeline as the project moved toward manufacturing.
Toward the end, the team reveals a notable update on lens adaptability and discusses what’s next—including future accessories and software expansion.
(00:00) - Intro
(01:39) - The origin story of the Nexus G1
(06:32) - Meet the founders of Nexus, Thomas and Timothy
(09:51) - The relationship between Blackmagic Design and Nexus
(13:09) - Technical details of the Nexus G1
(19:28) - Camera body materials and thermal design
(24:44) - Connectivity options of the Nexus G1
(31:17) - Lens mount system on the Nexus G1
(32:21) - Roadmap for the camera launch
(33:58) - How does the warranty process work with the Nexus G1?
(39:38) - The current sensor in the Nexus G1 and potential future upgrades
(48:14) - What would they do differently if they could start from scratch?
(51:46) - Rapid-fire questions for the creators
(59:31) - Power efficiency of the Nexus G1
(01:03:03) - Unveiling the new update for the Nexus G1
 
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ep94 - Netflix vs. Paramount Bidding War, Sony’s 200MP Sensor, Tilta AF Adapter & The Steve Jobs Story Behind the "Ken Burns Effect"

As many of you have probably heard, two giants in Hollywood are now competing to merge with one another. Netflix is attempting to acquire Warner Bros., while Paramount has also submitted its own bid for the company. But what does this actually mean, especially for filmmakers? Nino and Johnnie break it down in detail in this episode, along with a range of other compelling topics.
 
Chapters and Articles in This Episode
(00:00) - Intro
(01:02) - Netflix Acquires Warner Bros. Discovery for $83 Billion – Streaming Giant’s Business Model Poses Existential Threat to Theatrical Exhibition
https://www.cined.com/netflix-acquires-warner-bros-discovery-for-83-billion-streaming-giants-business-model-poses-existential-threat-to-theatrical-exhibition/
(24:26) - Death of the Triple-Camera Phone? Sony LYTIA 901 Sensor Does 4x Zoom Without Extra Lenses
https://www.cined.com/death-of-the-triple-camera-phone-sony-lytia-901-sensor-does-4x-zoom-without-extra-lenses/
(36:20) - Mavis Camera Introduces Film Kit – LUT Workflows, Open Gate Capture, and Apple Log 2 Support
https://www.cined.com/mavis-camera-introduces-film-kit-lut-workflows-open-gate-capture-and-apple-log-2-support/
(39:40) - DIGILOG Camera iPhone App Brings Kodak 500T Film-Inspired Look, Open-Gate ProRes Recording, Free Download
https://www.cined.com/digilog-camera-iphone-app-brings-kodak-500t-film-inspired-look-open-gate-prores-recording-free-download/
(42:27) - Tilta Nucleus Auto Focus Adapter Explained – Unlock the Full Potential of Every Manual Lens
https://www.cined.com/tilta-nucleus-auto-focus-adapter-explained-unlock-the-full-potential-of-every-manual-lens/
(51:02) - Middle Control 3 Pro Brings Sony Camera Control to Blackmagic ATEM Switchers
https://www.cined.com/middle-control-3-pro-brings-sony-camera-control-to-blackmagic-atem-switchers/
(56:45) - The Story Behind the Ken Burns Effect: How a Phone Call From Steve Jobs Made Documentary’s Most Influential Technique a Household Name
https://www.cined.com/the-story-behind-the-ken-burns-effect-how-a-phone-call-from-steve-jobs-made-documentarys-most-influential-technique-a-household-name/
(01:02:44) - Audiio Voices Introduced – Record Your Voiceover and Transform It into a Professional Style
https://www.cined.com/audiio-voices-introduced-record-your-voiceover-and-transform-it-into-a-professional-style/
(01:06:17) - Imagen AI Introduces Adaptable AI Color Grading, Free Beta Access, and More
https://www.cined.com/imagen-ai-introduces-adaptable-ai-color-grading-free-beta-access-and-more/
(01:09:12) - fylm.ai Update – Adds Adobe Premiere Extension for Seamless Collaboration and Full Remote Grading
https://www.cined.com/fylm-ai-update-adds-adobe-premiere-extension-for-seamless-collaboration-and-full-remote-grading/
(01:12:42) - Apple Vision Pro Strategy For Immersive Video Production: Live Sports, Static Foveation, And Monetization Challenges
https://www.cined.com/apple-vision-pro-strategy-for-immersive-video-production-live-sports-static-foveation-and-monetization-challenges/
(01:17:00) - Cartoni Ragno Pod Announced – Portable Tripod Riser with 100kg Payload, 629mm Elevation
https://www.cined.com/cartoni-ragno-pod-announced-portable-tripod-riser-with-100kg-payload-629mm-elevation/
(01:20:04) - ZILR ZIPR Introduced – An E-Powered K.I.T. Cart for Production Mobility
https://www.cined.com/zilr-zipr-introduced-an-e-powered-k-i-t-cart-for-production-mobility/
 
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