LensVid Talk – NAB 2025 RoundUp – Cameras, Lenses and Software (Episode 35) LensVid Talk NAB 2025 - Part 1

NAB 2025 was held in Vegas earlier this month, and our co-host Lewis Michelson had a chance to visit the show, shoot some videos, and play around with some of the new gear, and we will be dedicating LensVid Talk 35 (and 36) to a roundup of the main products from the show. In this episode, we look at cameras (and other gear) from Blackmagic Design, including the new PYXIS 12K, the upcoming Fujifilm Eterna, the future PixBoom slow motion affordable APS-C camera, and the Tail 2 from OBSBOT.

We also look at lenses from Nisi with the new Aureus line, Sirui AF anamorphic lenses, Viltrox with its new 35mm f/1.2 (currently under review), Laowa’s new zoom probe lenses, and many new lines of AF and Cine lenses from 7artisians, Blazar’s Mantis anamorphic FF line and new Beetle anamorphic still lens as well as Resolve 20 and Strada’s smooth playback from your computer anywhere with no cloud service.

This video was shot in late April 2025

Saramonic SR-BV1 Dynamic Broadcasting Microphone and SR-HC5 mic boom arm

While not products we saw on NAB, we have recently received two units of the new Saramonic SR-BV1 Dynamic Broadcasting Microphones and two SR-HC5 mic boom arms.

You can hear the mics in action in this video (and the part two that will be published soon), and we also used the SR-HC5 mic boom arms for this shoot. The Arms are very well made from metal with cable holders on the top and have 3 metal locks for each axis, and hence are more useful for stationary recording (as opposed to a podcast or more dynamic recording where you might want to change the position of the mic in real time).

The Saramonic SR-B1 mic sells for just under $100.

The Saramonic SR-HC5 mic boom arm sells for $120.

From the video – SR-BV1 Dynamic Broadcasting Microphones, and SR-HC5 arms with the Saramonic Ultra as backup

Saramonic mics in actionPromediaGear PM501v2 501 to Arca plate

Another none NAB related product (that we just got for review) is called PM501V2. About 7 years ago, we tested the first generation of the ProMediaGear 501 plate with an Arri base plate. This product was designed to help those who work with smaller cameras and use Arca to mount on 501-capable heads (and other types of gear such as gimbals) without a switching plate.

The new version two of this plate is now out and we just received a unit (a short video will be posted soon), but we already played with it and it seems to work well and has a larger Arca base with a more robust lock, and arri locating pins that allow the base to be place in both orientation and not move.

The promediaGear PM501v2 sells for $70.

An official ProMedia Gear video explaining the use of the new PM501v2 

YouTube player

Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K & ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 Switcher

Blackmagic announced the new PYXIS 12K – a compact cinema camera featuring a full-frame sensor with a resolution of 12,288 x 8,040 pixels, offering 16 stops of dynamic range. It supports multiple resolutions and frame rates, including 12K recording at up to 60 fps and 8K at up to 112 fps. The camera includes dual CFexpress Type B card slots for fast media recording, 10G Ethernet for efficient file transfers, and compatibility with Blackmagic Cloud for collaborative workflows. It is available with interchangeable lens mounts, including ARRI PL, Leica L, and Canon EF, and features a modular design for flexible rigging. The PYXIS 12K is priced at just under $5000 and is expected to ship in July 2025.

Our video on the new PYXIS 12K from NAB 2025

YouTube player

The new ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 is a professional live production switcher featuring 8 HDMI inputs with standards conversion, 3 independent HDMI outputs, and ISO recording of all 8 video inputs for post-production editing. It includes a built-in streaming engine for direct broadcasting, CFexpress card support for high-speed recording, and Thunderbolt connectivity for live video capture and playback. The switcher also offers advanced audio capabilities with dual XLR inputs, MADI support, and a headphone jack for monitoring. Additionally, it provides multi-view functionality, chroma keying, and a media pool for animations and graphics. Like the equivalent Rode offering, it can go up to 1080p only and is priced at $2200, it is set to be available in July 2025.

Our video on the ATEM Mini Extreme ISO G2 Switcher from NAB 2025

YouTube player

Fujifilm GFX Eterna

The Fujifilm GFX Eterna medium-format cinema camera was shown for the first time a few months back, and this time on NAB, the company displayed it again under glass, but it seemed to be a more advanced prototype. The camera will feature a 102-megapixel CMOS II HS sensor, approximately 1.7 times larger than a full-frame sensor, and dual base ISO settings of 800 and 3200 for enhanced dynamic range. It supports 4K open gate recording with a 4:3 aspect ratio, enabling tall sensor readouts for filmmaking. The camera includes a variable electronic ND filter adjustable from ND0.6 to ND2.1, internal NP-W235 batteries with hot-swapping capability, and CFexpress Type B and SD card compatibility. Additionally, it integrates Adobe Frame.io Camera to Cloud technology for seamless file uploads. The GFX Eterna is expected to launch later in 2025 (no exact time or price has been disclosed).

The GFX Eterna prototype under glass at NAB 2025

Fujifilm Eterna NAB 2025

Pixboom Spark slow motion camera

The Pixboom Spark is a high-speed cinema camera featuring a Super 35mm BSI global shutter sensor, capable of capturing 4K video at 1,000 fps and 2K at 1,800 fps. It records in the proprietary PXBL format for lossless raw image capture and supports dual M.2 SSDs for unlimited recording duration. The camera offers E and PL lens mount options, a V-mount plate on the back, a modular and lightweight design, and an integrated touchscreen for on-set control. Designed for high sensitivity and accurate motion capture, the Spark aims to make high-speed cinematography more accessible to creators. It is expected to launch by the end of 2025 (pricing is yet to be determined).

Our coverage of the Pixeboom Spark from NAM 2025

YouTube player

OBSBOT Tail 2 PTZ camera

We are currently testing the Tail 2 for a full review, but we also had a chance to see it in action at NAB, where it was on display, tracking in real time with a green screen (with a moon background).

The OBSBOT Tail 2 is a compact AI-powered camera featuring a 1/1.5″ CMOS sensor and a three-axis PTZR (Pan, Tilt, Zoom, Rotate) design for fluid cinematic motion. It captures 4K video at 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps, with 12x hybrid zoom and advanced low-light performance enabled by AI-optimized noise reduction. The camera includes AI Tracking 2.0, offering modes like “Only Me” for precise subject focus and group tracking for multiple targets. It supports vertical shooting without quality loss and integrates seamlessly with live production setups via SDI, NDI, HDMI, and UVC connections. The OBSBOT Tail 2 is designed for solo creators, educators, and live event producers.

The OBSBOT Tail 2 seels for around $1200.

Tail 2 on NAB with a moon live green screen demo with tracking

OBSBOT Tail 2 on the moon NAB 2025

Nisi Aureus

The new NiSi Aureus shown for the first time in NAB 2025 is a series of full-frame Cine prime lenses designed for professional filmmaking, featuring focal lengths of 18mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, and 85mm, all with a fast T1.4 aperture for low-light performance and shallow depth of field. NiSi states that this series has minimal focus breathing, a 90mm front diameter, 86mm filter thread, and 300° focus rotation for precise adjustments. The Aureus series is exclusively available in PL mount and includes luminous markings for easy operation in low-light conditions. Pricing starts at $2300, with availability expected later in 2025.

Official NiSi Aureus video

YouTube player

Sirui VP-1, Aurora, and AF anamorphic lines

In our visit to the Sirui booth, we have seen 3 recent lines of lenses, including the VP-1 budget cinema lenses (24mm, 35mm, and 50mm), the Aurora AF stills 85mm f/1.4 lens and finally the AF anamorphic line with the 40mm announced last year and the more recent 20mm AF lens.

The Sirui 20mm T1.8 1.33x S35 Autofocus Anamorphic Lens has a constant 1.33x squeeze factor for a 2.35:1 widescreen aspect ratio in 16:9 mode. It includes an STM stepping motor for fast and accurate autofocus, with support for eye-tracking and a minimum focus distance of 0.4 meters. The lens has a fast T1.8 aperture for low-light performance and soft bokeh, along with options for blue or neutral anamorphic flares. It is compatible with multiple mounts, including Sony E, Nikon Z, Fujifilm X, and Micro Four Thirds, and weighs only 480 grams, making it suitable for handheld or gimbal use.

The lens is priced at $680.

A visit to the Sirui booth at NAB 2025

YouTube player

Venus Optics Laowa zoom-Probe lenses

We have already discussed the two new Laowa zoom probe lenses when they were first announced as “under development,” but at NAB 2025, both lenses were officially announced with their full specs.

The Laowa 15-24mm T8 and 15-35mm T12 are innovative probe zoom lenses with a 2.3x zoom range, with the 15-24mm T8 providing a faster aperture for low-light conditions and the 15-35mm T12 offering a broader focal range. They include interchangeable barrel options, including Direct View, Periscope, 35° View, and 90° View, allowing for versatile shooting angles. The lenses are equipped with a waterproof tubular design, enabling use in challenging environments, and support up to 2x magnification for extreme close-ups. These lenses are compatible with multiple mounts, including ARRI PL, Sony E, Canon EF, and Nikon Z, and are expected to be available in Q3 2025, priced at $3,500 for the 15-24mm T8 and $4,000 for the 15-35mm T12.

Viltrox 35mm f/1.2 AF FE

Viltrox announced a new member of its high-end Lab family – the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2 lens, a full-frame prime lens designed for Sony E-mount cameras, featuring an ultra-large F1.2 aperture. It includes a 15-element optical design with 5 ED, 3 HR, and 2 UA elements to minimize chromatic aberrations and distortion while maintaining edge-to-edge sharpness. The lens is equipped with a Quad HyperVCM autofocus motor for fast and precise focusing, along with customizable controls such as dual-function buttons and a multi-function ring. Its weather-sealed aerospace-grade metal body ensures durability, and it integrates a smart LCD display for real-time aperture and focus information.

We are currently working on a review of the Viltrox AF 35mm F1.2, which is priced at around $1000.

Viltrox-35mm-f-1-2-NAB--2025

7Artisans new 2025 lines

7Artisans 2025 line was revealed at NAB this year, and it is huge. The company has plans to release a large number of Cine lenses, ranging all the way from 16-135mm, as well as several new series of AF lenses. Here is what the company shared with us during the show:

  • AF 40mm F2.5: Ultra-compact, everyday carry lens for full-frame mirrorless
  • 10mm Ultra-Wide: Natural perspective, no fisheye distortion
  • 8 AF Series: Fast, versatile primes (25mm, 35mm, 50mm)
  • AF 35mm F2.8 + AF 50mm F1.8 White: Aesthetic black & white set
  • 5 FF Cine Lens Set (35mm/50/75): Unified aperture, cinema-standard build, multi-mount

A full table of new 7Artisans lenses at NAB 2025

7artisians-nab-2025

Blazar Mantis and Beetle Anamorphic lenses

During NAB 2025, Blazar announced two new lens lines – the Mantis (line) of full-frame anamorphic lenses and the Beetle (currently a single lens line) of still-oriented lenses.

The Blazar Mantis series consists of full-frame anamorphic lenses with a 1.33x squeeze factor, designed to deliver a 2x cinematic look while maintaining compatibility with a wide range of sensor formats. The series includes 25mm, 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, and 100mm focal lengths, with apertures ranging from T2.0 to T2.4. These lenses feature interchangeable mounts, supporting PL, E, EF, RF, L, and Z without the need for adapters. The Mantis lenses also offer close focus capabilities, starting at 1.25 feet (0.38 meters) for the 25mm lens, and a consistent 80mm front diameter across the lineup.

The Blazar Beetle is a compact 45mm T3.2 (fixed aperture) anamorphic lens with a 1.33x squeeze factor, primarily designed for photographers and videographers seeking a lightweight anamorphic option. A unique feature of the Beetle lens is its rotating barrel, which allows users to switch between horizontal and vertical orientations while maintaining consistent streak direction. It is available in Sony E, Leica L, and Leica M mounts, making it adaptable to various camera systems. The Beetle lens is expected to retail for around $500 USD, with availability starting in August 2025.

Blackmagic Design Resolve 20 (beta)

During NAB, Blackmagic Design revealed the new public beta of DaVinci Resolve 20 with over 100 new features, including AI-driven tools like IntelliScript for creating timelines from text scripts and Multicam SmartSwitch for automatic camera angle selection based on speaker detection. It enhances audio workflows with AI Dialogue Matcher for tone and level consistency, and AI Voice Convert for improving or replicating voice recordings. The update also includes advanced color grading tools like Chroma Warp for intuitive color adjustments and Magic Mask v2 for precise subject isolation. Additionally, it supports vertical timeline layouts, deep image compositing in Fusion, and expanded keyframe editing controls. The beta is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Full NAB 2025 announcement video by Blackmagic Design (resolve demo around 1:45)

YouTube player

Strada – Remote playback with no Cloud

The Strada Remote Playback feature, introduced at NAB 2025, enables instant access to media files stored on local drives, external storage, or NAS devices without requiring cloud uploads or pre-processing. Using adaptive encoding and streaming technology, it allows seamless playback even on standard internet connections. The system eliminates cloud storage costs and streamlines collaboration by letting users browse and play media remotely via Strada’s web app. Additional features, such as sharing, commenting, and messaging, are expected to roll out in future updates.

Official video from Strada about the new capability

YouTube player

You can check out all of the LensVid Talk videos here. If you want us to cover any specific topics or products in our upcoming LensVid talks, please let us know in the comments or on our YT or Facebook pages.

Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *