Fujifilm's GFX ETERNA 55 Joins IMAX's Elite Camera Roster

VALHALLA, NY – January 20, 2026 – Fujifilm has officially entered the upper echelon of cinematic production, announcing that its GFX ETERNA 55 has been certified by IMAX. The camera, Fujifilm’s first digital system purpose-built for professional filmmaking, now joins an exclusive list of devices approved for the “Filmed For IMAX” program, signaling a significant new option for directors and cinematographers aiming to create content for the world’s most immersive theatrical format.

The certification places the GFX ETERNA 55 alongside industry titans from ARRI, RED, and Sony, marking a deliberate and ambitious strategic move by Fujifilm. By meeting IMAX's rigorous standards for image quality, color fidelity, and the ability to capture its signature Expanded Aspect Ratios, the camera is not just a new product but a new contender in the high-stakes world of blockbuster filmmaking.

The Standard for Immersive Cinema

Achieving IMAX certification is a milestone that validates a camera's ability to deliver the highest level of visual quality. The “Filmed For IMAX” program is an end-to-end ecosystem that provides filmmakers with technology and support to optimize their films for the unique demands of The IMAX Experience®. This certification means that productions shot with the GFX ETERNA 55 can be presented with up to 26% more picture, filling more of the giant screen with stunning clarity and detail.

IMAX carefully vets each camera, ensuring it can handle the immense resolution and dynamic range required to create visuals that hold up on screens several stories high. Key attributes for certification include a large physical sensor size that prioritizes vertical image area, a critical component for capturing IMAX's taller aspect ratios like 1.90:1 and 1.43:1, which stand in contrast to conventional widescreen formats.

“Adding the Fujifilm GFX ETERNA 55 to our roster of IMAX‑certified cameras is a win for filmmakers and fans alike, giving the world’s best storytellers another world‑class tool to design truly immersive, cinematic visuals specifically for IMAX,” said Jonathan Fischer, Chief Content Officer at IMAX. “As we continue to expand the ecosystem of certified cameras, we’re opening the door for more directors, DPs, and production partners to deliver unforgettable experiences to audiences around the world.”

A New Canvas for Storytellers

At the heart of the GFX ETERNA 55's capability is its sensor—the tallest digital filmmaking sensor currently available on the open market. Derived from the company's renowned 102-megapixel medium-format technology, the sensor provides a massive canvas for image capture. In its native 4:3 “Open Gate” mode, it utilizes a vertical height of 32.71mm, giving filmmakers unprecedented freedom in framing and post-production reframing.

This tall aspect ratio is ideal for both spherical and anamorphic lens workflows. For anamorphic productions, the sensor's height allows cinematographers to capture the full, distinctive look of the lenses without cropping, preserving the unique visual characteristics. The camera’s flagship F-Log2 C color profile is designed to maximize this sensor, capturing over 14 stops of dynamic range. This ensures that filmmakers can retain immense detail in both the deepest shadows and brightest highlights, providing extensive flexibility during the color grading process.

Beyond the sensor, the GFX ETERNA 55 is engineered for the rigors of a professional set. It features a “visually stepless” internal electronic variable ND filter for precise exposure control in changing light, industry-standard connections for seamless integration into existing rigs, and an adaptable lens mount. It records in robust formats like Apple ProRes HQ, a trusted codec in post-production pipelines, at resolutions up to 8K.

Challenging the Cinema Goliaths

With this certification, Fujifilm is stepping into an arena dominated by established heavyweights. The current list of IMAX-certified cameras includes the Arri Alexa LF and Mini LF (used on Dune), the Sony CineAlta Venice (used on Top Gun: Maverick), and various 8K cameras from RED and Panavision. These systems represent the pinnacle of cinematic technology, often commanding prices and rental costs that place them out of reach for all but the largest studio productions.

Fujifilm, however, appears to be positioning the GFX ETERNA 55 as a more accessible entry point into this exclusive club. “Receiving this certification is an honor for many reasons, one being that IMAX is a beacon for ambitious filmmakers; we’re so proud that GFX ETERNA 55 provides an accessible pathway for filmmakers to craft stories with an epic cinematic perspective,” stated Yuji Igarashi, general manager of Fujifilm's Professional Imaging Group.

This focus on accessibility could disrupt the market, potentially democratizing large-format production and enabling a wider range of independent filmmakers and smaller productions to achieve an IMAX-quality aesthetic. Early tests by professional cinematographers have been met with praise for the camera’s color science, often described as having a natural, “filmic roll-off” reminiscent of celluloid, a testament to Fujifilm's long heritage in film stock manufacturing. The camera's combination of a unique large-format look, professional workflow features, and a potentially more attainable price point creates a compelling value proposition that could challenge the market's status quo.

From Still Photography to Silver Screen Supremacy

This launch is not an isolated event but the culmination of a long-term strategy. Fujifilm has spent years building its reputation in the digital era with the GFX and X Series mirrorless systems, celebrated for their exceptional image quality and color reproduction. The GFX ETERNA 55 leverages that expertise, adapting the large sensor from its GFX100 series cameras specifically for the demands of motion pictures. The inclusion of 10 new Film Simulation 3D LUTs and 20 internal film simulation modes further builds on this legacy, offering filmmakers creative looks inspired by the company's iconic film stocks.

By designing a camera from the ground up for cinema—rather than simply adding video features to a stills body—Fujifilm has demonstrated a deep understanding of the professional cinematographer's needs. Its robust build, reliable codecs, and versatile lens compatibility underscore a serious commitment to becoming a major player in the motion picture industry. This move aligns with the company’s stated belief in the power of the theatrical experience, providing a powerful new tool for creators who dream of seeing their stories unfold on the grandest scale possible.