In its latest deep-dive video, Fujifilm explores how years of film-era experience have shaped the color science of its new GFX ETERNA 55 camera.
Fujifilm has just released the latest episode in its YouTube series of Development sStories surrounding the effort to bring the GFX ETERNA 55 to the market, and this one delves into the color science of the new camera.
The camera introduces F-Log2 C and F-Gamut C, combining advanced color science, film-inspired processing, and expanded LUT support with the aim of giving filmmakers greater creative control and a more natural cinematic look.
The F-Log2 C recording format was developed specifically with this camera in mind. Fujifilm has a long-standing belief that reproducing colors exactly as measured is not necessarily the right approach in filmmaking. Designed to capture footage with a wide dynamic range and color gamut, Fujifilm says that F-Log2 C enables rich, detailed image recording.
When aiming to capture a broader color gamut than BT.2020, it wasn’t just about expanding the numerical range—Fujifilm focused on developing a gamut that would offer the most natural and balanced color reproduction for their sensors. The color space that emerged from extensive trial and error is called F-Gamut C.
The company also improved image processing to retain more detail in the shadows. A proprietary highlight roll-off technology has been built into the system so that highlights fade smoothly without unwanted color shifts.
There's an interesting contrast here with the GFX100 II, which shares the same sensor. That emphasizes ease of use, whereas the GFX ETERNA 55 has been prioritized to show the lens character. While the GFX100 II applies a certain level of sharpness from the outset to emphasize the resolving power of GF lenses, the GFX ETERNA 55 is equipped with an optical low-pass filter which helps to produce softer, more natural images while still maintaining resolution. Its design preserves the characteristics of the lens used and the atmosphere of the scene as it is.
In the film era, Fujifilm users selected different film types to suit the project: PROVIA for vivid, lively scenes, or a more subdued stock for documentary work. That same philosophy carries through to the company’s Film Simulations, which translate the look and feel of film into the digital workflow.
Until recently, Fujifilm provided LUTs for just two simulations — ETERNA and ETERNA BLEACH BYPASS. That has now been expanded to ten LUTs, including classics like PROVIA and Velvia, and new digital-only options designed to extend creative expression even further.
As we said, this is the third in the series of the company's Development Stories about the new camera. Episode One covered the Product Concept and Episode 2 the Sensor. Both are below.