Fujifilm's Eterna 55 Cinema Camera to Receive Major Firmware Upgrades, Enhancing Filmmaking Capabilities

Fujifilm has announced a comprehensive firmware update schedule for its Eterna 55 cinema camera, designed to significantly enhance its utility for professional cinematography. The updates, spanning from the present through early 2027, promise to introduce a suite of new features and improvements.

The initial release, version 1.10, is available immediately and focuses on improving the camera's overall stability and user experience through essential bug fixes. Subsequent updates in late 2026, designated as version 1.20, will bring support for in-camera MXF (Material eXchange Format) playback, a new dedicated application for backing up and restoring camera settings, and expanded anamorphic desqueeze options, including Open Gate 4K 4:3. Additionally, Fujifilm plans to refine SDI and HDMI video latency, building upon previous enhancements.

A particularly impactful update, version 1.30, is slated for release in January 2027 or later. This update will introduce advanced functionalities for the camera's integrated electronic variable neutral density (VND) filter, offering additional preset options for coarse adjustments and automatic in-camera ND filter density adjustments. This latter feature will allow filmmakers to perform iris pulls while maintaining consistent iris, shutter angle, and ISO sensitivity, an innovative capability currently seen in some Sony cameras. Furthermore, version 1.30 will add Local Application Control Bus System (LANC) support and enable remote control of Duvo Series lenses via the camera's multi-function dial. These updates underscore Fujifilm's commitment to evolving the Eterna 55 into an even more versatile and powerful tool for the cinematic arts, empowering filmmakers with greater creative control and technical precision.