NAB 2025: Cameras, Lenses, and More (Part 2)

Software Innovations and Production Tools for the Modern Creator

NAB 2025 wasn’t just about hardware—the software and production tools announced this year will have a huge impact on how content creators work. Let’s explore the most important developments in software innovation and production tools.

Post-Production Software: The AI Acceleration

DaVinci Resolve 20: Next-Level Automation

Blackmagic Design unveiled their most substantial update yet to DaVinci Resolve, with version 20 packed with AI-powered features that streamline post-production workflows.

The new AI “IntelliScript” capability automatically generates edit timelines from scripts or selects the best takes based on story elements. This transforms the initial assembly process, reducing hours of work to minutes. Enhanced speech-to-text now supports over 60 languages, making captioning and dialogue work significantly faster across international productions.

Text-based editing allows editors to trim or assemble clips via transcript—particularly useful for interview-heavy content—while the AI Voice tool can modify dialogue pitch and tone using trained voice models. This offers new possibilities for dialogue replacement and voice correction without bringing talent back for ADR sessions.  So much time can be saved in post production with these features.

Fairlight audio gets equally impressive AI treatment with assisted mixing and an AI Music Editor that can retime or extend music tracks to fit specific edit points. Meanwhile, Fusion (VFX) sees improved 3D workflows and GPU acceleration, enhancing performance for complex compositing.

What’s valuable here is how Blackmagic has integrated these AI tools throughout the entire post-production pipeline, from the start of assembly to final delivery—including expanded support for immersive video formats like Apple Vision Pro VR content. The update also strengthens cloud collaboration with more Blackmagic Cloud integration for media sharing.

DaVinci Resolve 20 will be available as a free upgrade in 2025 for existing users.  I’m looking forward to the upgrade.

Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects 25.2

Adobe’s NAB releases also focus heavily on AI and workflow improvements. Premiere Pro 25.2 introduces Generative Expand (Extend), powered by Adobe Firefly, which seamlessly extends video frames beyond original edges in 4K. This allows editors to reframe or change aspect ratios by synthetically filling in content, solving a persistent challenge in adaptive formatting.

The new Media Intelligence search is supposed to dramatically improve clip discovery—Premiere analyzes content, spoken words, and visuals so you can search by description without manual metadata tagging. This addresses the growing challenge of managing large media libraries.

Additional improvements include automatic caption translation into 27 languages, drag-and-drop color space management for mixed footage, dynamic audio waveforms for better timeline scrubbing, and broader GPU acceleration support.

After Effects 25.2 emphasizes performance and 3D design tools. The High-Performance Preview engine enables real-time playback without stutters through smart RAM and disk caching—one of the most substantial performance improvements in the application’s history.

For motion graphics, enhanced 3D workflows include Animated Environment Lights that wrap 3D scenes in video-based lighting, support for importing FBX 3D models, and one-click setup for common tasks. Colorists and compositors benefit from new HDR monitoring support for accurate color on HDR displays.

Both Adobe applications are available immediately via Creative Cloud subscriptions.

Frame.io and Cloud Workflows

Cloud-based collaboration continues to advance with Frame.io (now integrated in Premiere/After Effects) announcing expanded cloud storage and faster Camera-to-Cloud transfers.

The integration of Frame.io support directly into cameras marks a significant workflow advancement—Fujifilm’s new GFX Eterna, for example, will upload proxy footage to Frame.io over network connections, allowing editors to begin cutting footage remotely within minutes of it being captured.

This trend toward immediate cloud syncing for faster turnaround times reflects the industry’s movement toward distributed production teams and compressed delivery schedules.

Production Tools: Hardware That Transforms Workflows

Blackmagic’s Live Production Ecosystem

Blackmagic Design expanded their production hardware substantially. The new ATEM Mini Extreme switcher bridges the gap between their consumer-grade ATEM Mini and professional Television Studio lines. It features more inputs, a wider panel with higher-quality buttons, a manual T-bar fader, dual media players, and 10G Ethernet for high-bandwidth streaming. The addition of CFexpress recording and enhanced internal features like additional keyers and instant replay makes this an impressive compact production hub

For signal management, their new Videohub Mini 12G routers in 4×2, 6×2, and 8×4 configurations handle 12G-SDI (4K) signals in remarkably small form factors—as compact as 1/3rd rack width. The HyperDeck Shuttle 4K Pro offers a portable all-in-one recorder with a 7″ touchscreen, recording HDR 4K to SD/U.2 SSD with dual recording capabilities for backup security.

Other significant tools include a 2110 IP Up/Down/Cross Converter to bridge SDI and SMPTE 2110 IP workflows, an upgraded ATEM 4 M/E Constellation 4K switcher (now with 80 inputs and 48 outputs, each with standards conversion), and a new Blackmagic Backup 8 appliance for automatic on-set media backups to standard hard disks.

Together, these products create a comprehensive ecosystem that covers capture, switching, monitoring, and archiving at relatively accessible price points.

Sony’s Virtual Production Innovations

Sony introduced OCELLUS, a marker-less camera tracking system for virtual production that can track camera position and orientation indoors or outdoors without physical trackers. This integrates with both broadcast and cinema workflows to feed real-time camera data into VR/AR engines, simplifying virtual production on LED volumes or location shoots.

Sony’s updated Virtual Production Toolset adds improved off-axis color correction (ensuring virtual sets look consistent from different camera angles), ray-tracing enhancements for more realistic lighting, and real-time moiré reduction to handle the interaction between LED wall pixels and camera sensors.

For accurate monitoring, Sony debuted two 16.5″ 4K TRIMASTER HX reference monitors (BVM-HX1710 and HX1710N) with up to 3000 nits brightness, bringing the HDR capabilities of their 31″ models to a smaller form factor suitable for on-set use. The “N” model supports IP interfaces for SMPTE 2110 video transport.

These tools target high-end television, sports, and film productions adopting virtual production techniques, ensuring consistent color accuracy and streamlined workflows from acquisition to display.

Panasonic’s Connected Production Solutions

Panasonic highlighted updates to their KAIROS IP live production platform. The v1.8 release enables multi-frame and multi-system control, allowing multiple KAIROS Core processing units to be linked and operated together for larger productions. New integration with cloud-based graphics services (Singular.live, Viz Flowics) expands creative possibilities, while the Media Production Suite software received a plugin to control video switchers, unifying camera control and live mixing

On the camera side, the  Panasonic AG-CX370 improves upon the CX350 camcorder with new 12G-SDI output for uncompressed 4K live feeds and Genlock input for multi-camera synchronization. The four-channel audio support handles multiple external sources, making this compact system highly capable for broadcast and streaming applications.

Panasonic also announced a firmware update to their flagship AW-UE160 4K PTZ camera, adding NDI|HX3/NDI 5 support with an “NDI Embedded Bridge” that allows remote sites to connect PTZ cameras over the internet more efficiently. This focus on IP-based remote production reflects the industry’s shift toward distributed teams and remote operation capabilities.

Storage and Media Solutions

NAB 2025 saw important advances in storage technology. SanDisk launched the world’s first CFexpress Type A card in 960GB (and 480GB) capacities—a significant development for Sony Alpha and FX series users who rely on Type A cards for high-bitrate recording.

Their prototype CFexpress Type B phone adapter/recorder allows smartphone users to record ProRes 4K 60p video directly to CFexpress cards, bypassing internal storage limitations and enabling professional-quality mobile filmmaking.

For smaller devices, SanDisk’s new microSD Express card reaches 880 MB/s transfer speeds, making it suitable for next-generation gaming consoles and high-resolution drone cameras. Content creators needing portable high-speed storage will appreciate the new SanDisk USB4 SSD, offering up to 3,800 MB/s transfer speeds thanks to USB4 40 Gbps connectivity, available in 2TB or 4TB capacities with an aluminum chassis for heat dissipation.

These storage advances keep pace with the growing data requirements of 8K, 12K, and high-bitrate workflows enabled by the latest cameras.

Lighting Equipment: Creative Illumination Tools

Aputure’s “Storm” High-Output Solutions

Aputure made a significant impact with their new Storm series lights. The Storm XT52 represents a breakthrough with its 5200W LED point-source design—currently the brightest LED light available. Using Aputure’s advanced BLAIR engine technology for spectrum accuracy, the XT52 effectively replicates natural sunlight on set, allowing precise daylight simulation in studio environments.

Despite its impressive output, the XT52 remains practical for single-operator use, with a manageable lamp head and a briefcase-sized control/power supply unit for portability.

For everyday production needs, the Storm 80C offers an 80W RGBWWW light using the same BLAIR color science for exceptional color accuracy. Available as a three-light kit with modifiers and accessories, it provides a complete solution for interview setups and independent film lighting.

Godox Knowledge Series Innovations

Godox introduced creative lighting tools in their Knowled lineup. The MG1200-Bi “BeamLight Max 60” (or MG6K) combines a 1200W bi-color LED with an ultra-narrow 5° Beam Projector, delivering light output equivalent to a 6K HMI spotlight. This creates extremely high lux levels at a distance, perfect for simulating sunlight beams or long-throw applications, with the benefits of LED technology including dimming and color temperature adjustment.

The Knowled GL7 Lantern offers a massive 7-foot diameter softbox that emits omnidirectional soft light, ideal for large area illumination with a single source. Godox also previewed their AM1600R Inflatable Light Mat, a 4×8 ft flexible LED panel that inflates to create an even diffusion surface and packs down small for transport.

Creamsource Slyyd Control Software

Creamsource launched Slyyd, a multi-fixture smart lighting control application that stands out by controlling fixtures from different manufacturers simultaneously. This universal approach allows advanced color matching between disparate lights and saves lighting presets and scenes for easy recall.

This solution addresses a persistent industry challenge—managing mixed lighting brands on set—potentially replacing multiple proprietary control apps with a single, comprehensive system that streamlines on-set lighting adjustments.

Power Management Solutions

For on-set power needs, Tilta introduced a Portable Quad Charging Station with matching 14.8V batteries. The system fast-charges four V-mount batteries simultaneously, while the Tilta batteries communicate properly with cameras to avoid “unauthorized battery” warnings that often plague third-party power solutions.

SmallRig’s X-Touch 99 provides a shock-proof, dust-proof, water-resistant power bank with a touchscreen interface for monitoring and controlling output. Housing high-performance LG lithium cells, it offers multiple DC outputs (two USB-C PD ports, one USB-A, a 12V DC barrel, and an 8V DC output) with touch display toggling for direct camera or accessory power. The rugged design survives drops from approximately 1.7m (5.5 ft), making it suitable for challenging shooting environments.

Wireless Audio Advancements

Sennheiser unveiled the Profile Wireless, a 2.4 GHz dual-channel wireless mic kit with remarkably compact transmitters, each containing 16GB internal storage for backup recording. An upcoming firmware will enable 32-bit float recording for capturing massive dynamic range without clipping concerns.

The kit’s charging case doubles as an interview microphone—you can insert a transmitter into the handheld adapter for an instant handheld mic setup. This flexible system targets vloggers, mobile journalists, and independent filmmakers needing professional audio quality in a compact package.

Hollyland’s LARK Max 2 offers similar advantages with 32-bit float onboard recording and adjustable noise cancellation from 5dB to 25dB. The system provides live audio monitoring via an earphone connected directly to the receiver.

These dual-channel wireless solutions deliver professional audio quality while minimizing setup complexity and the risk of audio failure thanks to their internal recording capabilities.

Looking Ahead: Industry Trends

NAB 2025 demonstrated several clear industry directions:

1. AI integration is becoming essential rather than experimental, with practical applications across the entire production pipeline
2. Cloud workflows are enabling faster turnaround times and distributed teams
3. Virtual production techniques are becoming more accessible and refined
4. Camera systems continue to deliver higher resolution and dynamic range in smaller packages
5. High-quality lenses are available at more diverse price points
6. LED lighting technology has matured to match or exceed traditional fixtures

These advances collectively empower content creators of all levels to produce higher quality work with greater efficiency. Whether you’re a solo photographer, an independent filmmaker, or part of a major production company, NAB 2025’s announcements offer compelling tools to enhance your creative process.

The future of imaging continues to be bright, driven by technological innovation that helps with creative vision while simplifying technical challenges. As these tools reach the market in 2025, we’ll see their impact across photography, cinematography, and the broader visual storytelling landscape.