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The Nexus G1, an ambitious independent cinema camera project, has reached a significant milestone with confirmation that the camera is fully operational and initial test footage captured during field testing in the Australian rainforest has been released. This update marks a major leap forward for the project, which began in January 2024 and centers around the Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K imaging system housed within a completely redesigned, modular body.
A New Era for Independent Filmmaking?
For those following the development of the Nexus G1, the latest news confirms the completion and successful testing of the imaging system, cooling system, MaxDrive storage, and optical system. Preorders opened earlier this year, and this “Update #10” provides concrete evidence of the camera’s progress. The accompanying short film, shot with actor Logan Huffman, offers the first glimpse of actual footage produced by the Nexus G1.
Real-World Performance in Challenging Conditions
The footage was intentionally captured handheld, utilizing a variety of lenses – vintage glass, affordable cine primes, and Sigma photo lenses – to demonstrate the camera’s capabilities with readily available optics. According to the development team, this approach provides potential buyers with a realistic understanding of the camera’s performance in practical shooting scenarios.
The Nexus team subjected the camera to rigorous field testing in the hot and humid Australian rainforest for several weeks. They reported an exceptional “run-and-gun” shooting experience, noting a newfound appreciation for handheld filmmaking thanks to the camera’s versatility. Beyond the rainforest, the cooling system underwent extreme stress testing in an environmental chamber, reaching 57°C / 134°F – the highest temperature ever recorded on Earth. The camera successfully recorded for 1.5 hours on a 1TB MaxDrive without overheating, a testament to the deliberately overpowered cooling system designed to minimize thermal noise while maintaining quiet operation.
Optical Precision and Wireless Connectivity
Significant development time was dedicated to optimizing the optical system, specifically sensor stack height. This often-overlooked aspect of camera design ensures accurate lens projection onto the sensor, maximizing edge MTF and reducing chromatic aberrations. The team conducted detailed spectral analysis of IR-filter materials and E-ND elements, supported by access to lab equipment at Griffith University Brisbane.
Addressing a key engineering challenge, the team also solved the issue of wireless connectivity. The magnesium alloy and carbon fiber construction effectively blocks radio signals, necessitating a dual-antenna solution. The Nexus G1 features both internal, flush-mounted dual high-gain antennas and external antenna ports accepting SMA or MMCX whip antennas for extended range.
Expanding Capabilities: Full Frame and Gimbal Integration
The Nexus G1’s modular design extends to a proprietary full-frame (FF) module, optically optimized for the camera body. Future updates will include testing with T1.5 primes boosted to T1.0. Furthermore, the camera has been successfully integrated with the DJI RS3 Pro gimbal, allowing for seamless transitions between handheld, tripod, slider, shoulder rig, and gimbal configurations, with the ability to directly power the gimbal from the camera.
Pricing and Availability
Despite delays caused by complex technical hurdles, the Nexus G1 remains on track for a Q1 2026 release, a shift from the previously announced Q3 2025 timeline. The team emphasizes that these challenges led to technical advancements exceeding original specifications. The standard retail price will be $3,300, while preorders are currently available for $2,980, including a Founders Edition with custom markings and Lightning Strike carbon fiber side panels.
