FUJIFILM GFX ETERNA 55 Firmware Updates Coming Up – SDI RAW Output, MXF Playback, and More

by Johnnie BehiriNovember 20^th, 2025

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At Inter BEE 2025, FUJIFILM has confirmed the shipping status of the GFX ETERNA 55 and unveiled a significant firmware roadmap for the large-format cinema camera. The company announced immediate firmware support for SDI RAW output compatibility with external recorders, alongside planned spring 2026 updates bringing MXF playback, LANC protocol support, and enhanced anamorphic workflow features. Additionally, FUJIFILM revealed firmware updates for the GFX 100II and showcased a prototype EVF accessory designed specifically for the GFX ETERNA 55.

Speaking with Yuji-san and Makoto-san from FUJIFILM’s camera division at Inter BEE taking place in Japan, the team confirmed that the GFX ETERNA 55 has begun shipping from their warehouse as of late October. This milestone arrives one year after the camera’s initial announcement, marking the transition from demonstration units under glass to customer deliveries through authorized dealers, including B&H and CVP.
The timing of this shipping announcement coincides with a useful firmware development that addresses external recording workflows, a cornerstone of the GFX ETERNA 55’s capture pipeline, given its external-only RAW recording architecture. SDI RAW output support will be available very soon!

SDI RAW output support will be available soon

The first firmware update for the GFX ETERNA 55 enables SDI raw output compatibility, specifically targeting integration with Atomos and Blackmagic Design external recorders. According to Makoto-san, this update required synchronized development between FUJIFILM’s camera firmware and the recording device manufacturers.

It’s worth noting that the GFX ETERNA 55, like most of the other cameras in FUJIFILM’s X and GFX lineup, supports SSD recording via USB-C for compressed formats up to ProRes HQ. This provides an alternative capture path alongside CFexpress and SD card internal recording, though RAW capture remains exclusive to external recorders.

It is a bit unfortunate, but the system architecture currently does not support internal RAW recording, a limitation Makoto-san confirmed is inherent to the camera’s design rather than a future firmware possibility.

Spring 2026 feature enhancements

FUJIFILM has outlined a spring 2026 firmware update that will address user requests gathered during the year-long development period between announcement and shipping. Two key additions focus on professional workflow integration:
– First, MXF playback support will be added directly on the camera body. While the GFX ETERNA 55 currently records in MXF format, playback review requires external systems. The planned update will enable on-camera playback, streamlining field verification workflows.
– Second, LANC protocol support will be integrated into the camera’s remote control functionality. This positions the GFX ETERNA 55 for compatibility with lens control systems that have adopted LANC as a standardized communication protocol.

Anamorphic workflow improvements

For cinematographers working with anamorphic glass, FUJIFILM will extend the squeeze viewing mode beyond its current limitation to anamorphic-specific formats. The planned update will allow users to select squeeze mode across all viewing modes, providing greater flexibility when monitoring desqueezed output during production.

Additionally, FUJIFILM will introduce adjustable sensitivity settings for the Electronic ND multi-controller, addressing user feedback that the current implementation makes precise stop adjustments challenging. The update will also include automatic exposure compensation, bringing the GFX ETERNA 55 in line with features available on competing cinema cameras.

GFX 100II firmware update and film simulation LUTs

Beyond the GFX ETERNA 55, the company announced firmware support for the GFX 100II, enabling compatibility with the GF 32-90mm lens. This update ensures lens communication and autofocus functionality for users adding this ultra-wide zoom to their kit.

Separately, FUJIFILM has released new film simulation LUTs that convert F-Log2 and F-Log2C footage to the company’s established film simulation profiles. (article here). While initially associated with the GFX ETERNA 55, these LUTs are compatible across FUJIFILM’s camera lineup, offering post-production color grading options for any F-Log2 and F-Log 2C material.
Yuji-san emphasized that FUJIFILM’s unified R&D team develops firmware and features simultaneously for both the GFX cinema line and X-series cameras, determining which implementations make sense for specific camera models based on market positioning and technical feasibility.

EVF accessory prototype demonstrated

At Inter BEE, FUJIFILM showcased a prototype electronic viewfinder designed specifically for the GFX ETERNA 55. The demonstration unit repurposed a GFX 100II EVF with a modified proprietary connector that delivers both power and DisplayPort signal in a single connection.
Makoto-san described the unit as a compatibility test sample rather than a production model, noting that the team is evaluating development viability based on testing results. The FUJIFILM team is still evaluating how to market the EVF, and if it should be sold separately rather than bundled with the camera body, given that most users will purchase after initial GFX ETERNA 55 availability.
No timeline was provided for potential production or availability.

Are you planning to integrate the GFX ETERNA 55 into your workflow? How important is SDI RAW output versus HDMI for your production needs? What other firmware features would enhance the camera for your specific applications? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below.