Nexus G1 Final Design & Prototype Unveiled – 6K S35 Blackmagic Sensor, Modular

Camera News

by Heath McKnightYesterday

There is a major update on the development of the Nexus G1. Following the first announcement in January of this year, the company has released a new video with a reveal of the final design. Not only that, but they have a physical prototype. Let’s dive right in!

Nexus Camera is a company run by Australian brothers Thomas and Timothy Boland, who planned to design and build a camera “by filmmakers and for filmmakers.” The Nexus G1 is a box form factor-style camera using the Blackmagic Design 6K Super 35 RAW imaging system that records in Blackmagic BRAW or Apple’s ProRes. After nearly a year, the final design has been released. Project Chief Thomas Boland released a YouTube video on his channel that goes into detail about the final design of the Nexus G1. The surprise at the end of the animation is a real-life prototype.

Features of the Nexus G1’s final design 

Some of the highlights include using a 0.71x speed booster (via the AutoLock module) to turn the camera into a full-frame equivalent. Meanwhile, the built-in LWS spaced 15mm rig rod mount system is a pleasant surprise and slides in and out of the camera body.

The Nexus G1 will be a fully modular camera, allowing for a variety of different setups. For example, they provide a variety of lens mounts, including PL and Micro Four Thirds. Additionally, there is an SDI module that adds a single 3G SDI in/out port. These proprietary modules from Nexus are sold separately.

The feature list includes:

• Blackmagic 6K Super 35 sensor and imaging system with 13.4 stops of dynamic range and dual gain ISO.
• Speed boosters (0.71x) give full-frame equivalent while 4K crop is close to Micro Four Thirds.
• Records in Blackmagic BRAW at 6K/50 fps, 2.8K/120 fps; or Apple ProRes at 4K/60 fps (6K downscaling) or 1080p/120 fps (2.8K downscaling).
• Magnesium alloy and carbon fiber construction with 64 mounting points for accessories.
• 5-inch touchscreen monitor with 1600 nit brightness.
• Integrated 4-inch touchscreen monitor with camera controls.
• Physical buttons also control the camera.
• Internal and adjustable LWS spaced 15mm rig rod mount system, which slide in and out of the body. 
• Built-in ND; the Electronic ND module has a range of 2-7 stops.
• Integrated FIZ control for a third-party electronic lens control system. Also integrates with the Nexus grip.
• Active EF lens mount with proprietary modules, including the AutoLock, to allow for PL and MFT.
• Integrated mini-V-mount bay; accepts Gold Mount, full-size V-mount and dual NPF with adapters. The company says the camera will run up to 11 hours.
• Internal backup battery (NP-F550) provides around 30 minutes of power.
• Storage includes Cfast 2.0, SD cards, USB-C, and the Nexus Maxdrive (520 MB/s).
• Built-in stereo microphone.
• Ports include full-size HDMI output, dual full-size XLR, touch monitor output, EVF, USB-C control, optional SDI, USB-C power output, D Tap power output, and an optional Lemo output.
• The SDI module adds one 3G SDI in/out port and supports camera control via SDI switches.

The Nexus G1 is bringing back memories of the initial specs release of the RED ONE during NAB 2006 and the release in 2007. Cameras have come a long way in the nearly 20 years since RED debuted their first cinema camera. And the G1 could capitalize on the technological breakthroughs we’ve seen in that time.

Price and availability

While they may have missed their 2024 release date goal, Q1/2025 appears to be when the Nexus G1 will be released. For the “expected price,” the Founders Edition will cost $2,980, while the normal price will be $3,300. That puts it in line with the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K.

The upgrade modules include AutoLock ($250), E-ND (Electronic ND, $380), a PL Mount (price TBA), EF FF (G1 becomes a full-frame equivalent camera, price TBA), SDI video port ($180), Maxdrive ($250), Lemo ($50), Nexus Grip ($230), and a Top Handle ($120).

Learn more and join the waiting list at the Nexus Cameras website. The company thanked their supporters, including Blackmagic, New Magic, Laowa, and Tilta.

What do you think of this major update to the Nexus G1? Have you added your name to the waiting list? Let us know in the comments below!