Measuring color with instruments is known as colorimetry, but Fujifilm believes that reproducing colors exactly as measured is not always the right approach when it comes to filmmaking. The color of the sky, the green of foliage, and skintones—Fujifilm has spent decades researching the most pleasing color balance through its experience with motion picture film, photographic film, and digital cameras. The GFX ETERNA 55 is a camera packed with all the color science and expertise that Fujifilm has developed over the years. This philosophy applies not only to its built-in Film Simulations but also to its Log recording capabilities.
The F-Log2 C recording format was developed specifically with this camera in mind. Designed to capture footage with a wide dynamic range and color gamut, F-Log2 C enables rich, detailed image recording. The color space that emerged from extensive trial and error is called F-Gamut C. 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.
Image processing was also reconsidered to allow more flexibility during post-production. The camera retains shadow detail to ensure natural-looking footage even when brightened later. Highlights are rendered with smooth roll-off while maintaining color continuity. This smooth gradation is essential for all kinds of subjects, but skintones in particular are carefully handled—colors and tonal transitions are finely controlled from dark to light, ensuring a natural appearance throughout.
In terms of sharpness, the GFX100 II, which shares the same sensor, emphasizes ease of use, whereas the GFX ETERNA 55 prioritizes 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—equipped with an optical low-pass filter—produces 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.
With over 90 years of experience in film—both motion picture and still—Fujifilm has accumulated extensive knowledge and expertise in color expression. Translating this into the digital realm is one of Fujifilm’s key strengths. Film Simulation features in digital cameras are continuously evolving, and now, with the GFX ETERNA 55, the number of usable LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for video has expanded to a total of ten. These include simulations of positive films like PROVIA and Velvia, bringing expressive possibilities that are unique to digital. Fujifilm wants to empower creators to pursue their own distinctive color aesthetics and build immersive worlds for their stories. Fujifilm understands the beauty of film. What the company has valued in film image-making is now being carried into the digital era through the GFX ETERNA 55.
