What’s new with the Sony Venice camera

Sony announces new updates and developments for its VENICE CineAlta cinema camera system, including version 2 firmware, which has been advanced and will be available in early July 2018.

Sony announces the development of its new VENICE Extension System designed for greater flexibility and improved ergonomics. Also announced is Sony’s plan for high frame rate support for the VENICE system.

VENICE Version 2 firmware

Version 2 adds new features and capabilities specifically requested by production professionals to offer more recording capability, customizable look and feel, exposure tools and greater lens freedom. Highlights include:

• Dual ISO base: with 15+ stops of exposure latitude, VENICE will support high ISO of 2500 in addition to existing ISO of 500, taking full advantage of Sony’s unique sensor for excellent low light performance with an exceptional dynamic range of +6 stops at – 9 stops measured at 18% mid gray. This increases exposure rates at higher ISOs for night exteriors, dark interiors, working with slower lenses or where content must be rated at High Dynamic Range, while maintaining maximum shadow detail.
• Select FPS (shutdown speed) – in single frame increments, from 1 to 60.
• Additional Imager Modes: V2.0 just added several Imager modes, 25p in 6K full frame mode, 25p in 4K 4: 3 anamorphic modes, 6K 17: 9, 1.85: 1 and 4K 6: 5 anamorphic imaging.
• User-loadable 3D LUTs: users can customize their own looks and save them directly in the camera.
• Wired LAN remote control: users can control and change key functions remotely, including camera settings, FPS, shutter, EI, iris (Sony E-mount lens), start/stop recording and built-in optical ND filters.
• E-mount: users can remove the PL mount and use a variety of native E-mount lenses.
• VENICE extension system

Sony is also announcing details of a planned optional upgrade to support high frame rates: targeting speeds of up to 60 fps in 6K, up to 90 fps in 4K and up to 120 fps in 2K to be released in Spring 2019.