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DJI RS 5 Review | Blazar Viper Anamorphic Lenses | GoPro Cine Cam? | RØDECaster Video Core – Focus Check ep107

March 12^th, 20263

by Felix TappeinerMarch 12^th, 2026

In this week’s episode of Focus Check, Nino and Johnnie cover a packed week of filmmaking news. The headlines include an in-depth DJI RS 5 review tracing a decade of Ronin evolution, new Blazar Viper 1.5x full-frame anamorphic lenses, Fujifilm’s community-voted X-mount lens concepts, smartphone camera highlights from Mobile World Congress 2026 (Vivo X300 Ultra and TECNO concept devices), a new lesson in the “Ethical AI Video for Filmmakers” course exploring Higgsfield AI, the newly introduced RØDECaster Video Core with long-awaited EDL export for the entire range, GoPro’s new GP3 AI processor, Leica’s US price increase, and the 40th ASC Awards winners with Oscars just around the corner. We have a lot to unpack, so sit back, relax, and tune in!

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DJI RS 5 Review – A Decade of Ronin Evolution

This week’s centerpiece is a paid video collaboration with DJI, something we at CineD are transparent about from the start. Nino has been using DJI gimbals since the earliest Ronin days, having first started with Freefly Movi gimbals (including the original M10 and later the beloved M5), before switching to the Ronin-S ecosystem when single-handed gimbals proved their worth on professional productions. The RS 5 review is a comprehensive 20-minute video with a written companion article covering both the broader Ronin legacy and what’s genuinely new in this iteration.

Key upgrades that make the RS 5 worth considering:

Electronic Briefcase Handle (combo kit): Enables low-angle operation while retaining full joystick and button control from a secondary grip. This has been highly requested and addresses a real ergonomic limitation of previous models.

RS Intelligent Tracking Module: A magnetically attached wide-angle camera that transmits a live image to the gimbal screen, allowing box-based subject tracking independent of the main camera. Tested in a busy Vienna square, it held tracking even when subjects were occluded, outperforming the Hohem in this regard. Best suited for less experienced operators; Nino still prefers manual technique for daily use.

Z-axis indicator: A gyro-based display showing vertical movement in real time, useful for training the ‘chicken walk’ technique and minimizing the bobbing that three-axis gimbals cannot stabilize by design.

Fine-tuning knobs on all three axes: Teflon-coated for smooth operation even in cold weather, these allow micro-adjustments after lens or filter changes without a full rebalance. Previously, only one axis had this.

Auto-lock / fold mode: Pressing the standby button now automatically moves the gimbal into a flat fold position for easier transport, with multiple configurable modes.

One-pull tripod leg: Both secondary legs spread automatically when a single leg is pulled, a small but genuinely useful time-saver.

The RS 5 has a maximum payload of 3 kg. There is no Pro version yet, which limits its use in high-wind or car-rig scenarios where the previous RS 4 Pro’s higher payload capacity was essential. Nino hopes a Pro version will follow. The Ronin 2, still widely used on larger productions, also hasn’t seen an update in years.

Watch/read the full DJI RS 5 Review

Viper 1.5X Full Frame Anamorphic Lenses – Image credit: Blazar

Blazar Viper 1.5X Full Frame Anamorphic Lenses

Blazar has officially introduced the Viper 1.5x full-frame anamorphic lens set, featuring 35mm, 50mm, and 75mm focal lengths at T2.1. These manual focus lenses are positioned as a cleaner, more modern alternative to the popular Remus series, which is known for its more vintage, characterful rendering. According to CineD team member Francesco, the Viper footage looks sharper and less caricaturistic than the Remus, appealing to those who want anamorphic shooting with a contemporary feel.

The lenses are available in PL and EF mounts, a choice that reflects both licensing practicality and the manual-focus nature of the lenses, which makes adapting to other systems relatively straightforward. Pricing has not yet been officially confirmed, but the Remus set of 33/50/85mm retails at $2,899 for context. A closer look is expected at NAB.

FUJIFILM “Focus on Glass – Untold Stories”: 14 X Mount Lens Concepts Revealed, Community Vote Now Open

Fujifilm has introduced a genuinely engaging community initiative: 14 X-mount lens concepts shared publicly, with a community vote updated every five minutes. The presentation thoughtfully outlines every variable a lens designer must balance, contrast, bokeh shape, breathing, OIS, autofocus, cost, size, weight, resolving power, and more, making the case that no single lens can do it all.

Early voting results show users overwhelmingly favor versatile zoom lenses: the 16-80mm f/2.8 leads, followed closely by an 18-50mm f/1.4. Both reflect a clear demand for a run-and-gun lens that is wide, fast, and practical for Fujifilm’s strong APS-C sensor lineup. Cine prime lenses, while conceptually discussed, rank near the bottom at 12th out of 14, a clear signal for Fujifilm’s planning priorities.

Nino and Johnniej discuss the crowded cine lens market more broadly, noting that both Canon (Sumire, CN-E) and Sony have tried and struggled to establish cine lens lines, while Chinese manufacturers continue to improve quality at competitive prices. The advice: Fujifilm should invest in what its core audience, primarily photographers and hybrid shooters, actually wants.

Read the full Fujifilm Focus on Glass article and vote

Mobile World Congress 2026: Vivo X300 Ultra & TECNO Concept Devices

Vivo X300 Ultra 400mm Zeiss Telephoto

Vivo, long known for impressive computational photography in partnership with Zeiss, is pushing further into optical territory with the X300 Ultra. The phone pairs its built-in stabilization and sensor system with an attachable Zeiss fixed telephoto lens reaching an equivalent 400mm focal length. While the practical use cases skew toward wildlife and sports, the concept is noteworthy for emphasizing optical reach rather than purely computational zoom, an area where smartphones still have room to grow.

The X300 Ultra also introduces log recording to Android, following Apple’s lead. Both Nino and Johnnie agree that Vivo’s image quality, even before this update, was already impressive, and they note it’s time CineD started reviewing more Android-based Chinese phone cameras.

Read about the Vivo X300 Ultra

TECNO Modular Magnetic Concept Devices

TECNO showcased over ten concept devices at MWC 2026, all centered on a modular magnetic form factor that allows attaching accessories such as gaming controls, camera enhancements, and more. The concept echoes ideas from a decade ago (notably an Israeli company that predated the original iPhone), and connects to Apple’s existing MagSafe ecosystem as a possible future direction for data-transferring magnetic accessories.

Nino and Johnnie remain skeptical of smartphones being heavily rigged up for filmmaking. Once a phone requires an external recorder, ND filter, anamorphic adapter, and audio setup, the convenience advantage evaporates. The Tilta Chronos cage system is cited as a more minimalist approach that actually works in practice.

Read about TECNO’s experiential phone concepts

Ethical AI Video for Filmmakers: Exploring Higgsfield AI

Drew Geraci, cinematographer known for “House of Cards” and the course instructor for “Directing the Future: Ethical AI Video for Filmmakers” on MZed Pro, has released a new lesson diving into Higgsfield AI. Higgsfield is one of the largest multi-model AI video platforms, offering access to models from Google (Veo 3), Kling, Sora, and others through a single subscription or credit system.

The lesson covers what Higgsfield is, how to navigate its different models, which model suits which creative purpose, and how to approach AI generation efficiently to avoid unnecessary credit spend. Higgsfield also has its own Cinema Studio model, which tends to use fewer credits.

Nino reflects on the broader state of AI video in 2026: the industry needs to move past blanket opposition and toward informed, ethical engagement. The course is updated monthly and sits alongside 66 other filmmaking courses on MZed Pro.

Read about the new Higgsfield AI lesson

RØDECaster Video Core – Image credit: RØDE

RØDECaster Video Core Introduced With RØDECaster Sync – EDL Export Comes to the Entire Range

Rode has introduced the RØDECaster Video Core, a ‘headless’ version of the RØDECaster Video S (which itself launched in November 2025). The Core strips away buttons and screens, designed for users who already own a RØDECaster 2 or Duo and want to add video switching without duplicating controls. Connecting the two via USB-C allows users to use the familiar audio console’s pads and controls for video switching as well.

More importantly, RØDE is rolling out EDL export via a software update to the entire RØDECaster Video range, including the original and the S. This has been the missing feature that kept us on the Blackmagic ATEM Mini ISO Pro. EDL export is a universal protocol compatible with Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, removing the DaVinci-only dependency of the ATEM workflow. The Core supports up to three cameras plus USB-C devices and retails at around $600.

Felix, CineD’s podcast producer, will test the new setup to see if it can replace their existing ATEM workflow, especially given RØDE’s additional advantage of microphone-to-camera auto-switching and better audio preamps than Blackmagic’s audio path.

Read about the RØDECaster Video Core and EDL export

GoPro GP3 Processor – AI-Powered 5nm Chip for ‘Ultra-Premium’ Market

GoPro unveiled the GP3 processor, a new 5-nanometer, AI-powered chip that the company’s CEO says will drive their push into the ‘ultra-premium end of the imaging market.’ No new camera product was announced alongside it, but new cameras are expected in Q2 2026. The vague but ambitious language suggests GoPro may be eyeing a product category beyond its traditional hero action cam lineup.

The announcement is genuinely the first thing in a long while to generate excitement around GoPro. The company’s stock has lost roughly 93% of its value over five years, and recent camera releases felt incremental relative to DJI and Insta360’s advances. The 5nm process brings real practical benefits: lower power consumption, less heat, reduced thermal throttling, all critical for small form-factor devices that need to process high-quality video.

GoPro also holds the CineForm codec (acquired years ago), which was once a ProRes equivalent for Windows. It’s unclear if this will play a role in any new product strategy.

Read about the GoPro GP3 Pr ocessor

Leica US Price Increase – M-System Affected, SL3 and SL3-S Bodies Spared

Leica has confirmed a US price increase taking effect March 13th, 2026. The M-system cameras and a range of lenses are affected, with increases of $500-$800 depending on the product. The SL3 and SL3-S bodies, the models more relevant to video-oriented users, are not affected. Leica.com is displaying a banner flagging the upcoming pricing adjustment.

A notable deal is currently available at B&H: the SL3-S with the 28-70mm f/2.8 lens is bundled for approximately $6,500, roughly $1,060 below normal combined pricing. Note: this price increase is separate from tariff-related adjustments that occurred in mid-2025.

Read about the Leica US price increase

40th ASC Awards: Michael Bauman Wins Top Prize for One Battle After Another

The 40th American Society of Cinematographers Awards were held in Los Angeles. Michael Bauman took the top prize in the theatrical feature category for One Battle After Another. We have also been running educational articles this week, diving into the cinematography of Oscar-nominated films, timed to the Academy Awards on March 16th, 2026.

Other notable ASC Award highlights:

David Mullen, ASC (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, “Mad Men”) received the Career Achievement in Television award.

Robert Yeoman, ASC, longtime Wes Anderson collaborator, received the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Owen Wilson with a video message from Anderson himself.

Mandy Walker, currently in her third year as ASC President, presented portions of the ceremony.

Autumn Durald Arkapaw is widely expected to win the Academy Award for Cinematography for “Sinners,” a visually inventive vampire film that we also covered in a detailed behind-the-scenes article on the film’s prosthetics and long-take approach.

40th ASC Awards full winners and coverage

Chapters & Articles:

(00:00) Intro

(05:35) DJI RS 5 Review – A Decade of Ronin Evolution Culminates in the Most Capable Single-Operator Gimbal Yet

https://www.cined.com/dji-rs-5-review-a-decade-of-ronin-evolution-culminates-in-the-most-capable-single-operator-gimbal-yet/

(23:07) Blazar Viper 1.5X Full Frame Anamorphic Lenses Officially Introduced

https://www.cined.com/blazar-viper-1-5x-full-frame-anamorphic-lenses-officially-introduced/

(27:06) FUJIFILM “Focus on Glass – Untold Stories”: 14 X Mount Lens Concepts Revealed, Community Vote Now Open

https://www.cined.com/fujifilm-focus-on-glass-untold-stories-14-x-mount-lens-concepts-revealed-community-vote-now-open/

(36:53) Vivo X300 Ultra Introduces 400mm Zeiss Telephoto Lens Kit

https://www.cined.com/vivo-x300-ultra-introduces-400-mm-zeiss-telephoto-lens-kit/

(42:32) TECNO Showcases Experiential Phone With Over Ten Concept Devices