Sony announce its next generation motion picture camera system so lets see what the future holds!
What Sony say about the Sony VENICE their latest camera.
The new Sony VENICE camera brings professional cinematography to the next level. 6K sensor and 15 stops of dynamic range – 9 stops below and 6 stops above 18% grey - for beautiful images, with out of the box 4K 17:9, 3.8K 16:9 UHD capabilities and the option to upgrade to 6K 1.85:1, 6K 17:9, 5.7K, 6K 2.39:1 with firmware.
You get superb dynamic range, a wide colour gamut3 that exceeds BT.2020 colour space and this camera matches the performance of the F65 and F55.
The VENICE is a reliable partner for creativity with the ability to control via Wi-Fi. The extra shallow depth of field captures images that have the equivalent of ½ stop shallower than super 35mm.
Full frame sensor and wide range of lens compatibility to visualise the image of filmmakers
The camera combines a newly developed 36x24mm full-frame sensor and compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including anamorphic, Super 35mm and full-frame PL mount for a greater range of expressive freedom with shallow depth of field. The lens mount can also be changed to handle E-mount lenses for shooting situations that require smaller, lighter, wider and more characteristic lenses. User-selectable areas of the image sensor allow shooting in Super 35 mm 4 – perf. Future firmware upgrades are planned to allow the camera to handle 36mm wide 6K resolution. Fast image scan technology minimises the so-called "Jelly" effect.
Sony VENICE new colour management system and established workflow for flexible post-production
A new colour management system and wide colour gamut gives users more control and greater freedom to work with images during grading and post-production. VENICE also has more than 15 stops of latitude to handle challenging lighting situations from low-light to harsh sunlight.
VENICE achieves high quality and efficient file-based production through Sony’s established 16-bit RAW/X-OCN and XAVC workflows using the portable memory recorder AXS-R7. VENICE is also compatible with current and upcoming hardware accessories for CineAlta cameras (DVF-EL200 Full HD OLED Viewfinder, AXS-R7 recorder, AXS-CR1 and AR1 card reader, AXS and SxS memory cards).
Intuitive design and refined functionality to support smooth on-site operation
VENICE has a fully modular and intuitive design with refined functionality to support smooth and efficient on-site operation. It is the film industry's first camera with a built-in 8-stage glass ND filter system, enabling to reduce the replacement work of the external ND filter and make shooting progress efficient. The camera is designed for easy operation with an intuitive control panel placed on the left and right sides of the cameras. A 24 V power supply input/output and Lemo connector allow use of many standard camera accessories and make use in harsh environments easier.
License options for individual production requirements
With VENICE, Sony is giving users the option to customise their camera by enabling the features needed, matched to their individual production requirements. Optional licenses will be available in permanent, monthly and weekly durations to expand the camera’s capabilities with new features including 4K anamorphic and full frame, each sold separately.
High Performance, Proven Recording Formats
VENICE offers complete production flexibility. Internally, VENICE can support XAVC, ProRes or MPEG HD recording onto SxS memory card. Additionally, by using the AXS-R7 recorder, it can record 16 bit RAW or X-OCN (16-bit eXtended tonal range Original Camera Negative) onto AXS memory card.
XAVC
XAVC is the highest-performing implementation of H.264/AVC intra-frame coding. It supports 4K with superb efficiency and beautiful 10-bit pictures. Naturally, VENICE supports XAVC Class480, which is the highest bitrate and quality available.
Apple ProRes*
Apple ProRes including ProRes 422 proxy formats are popular in postproduction, and are supported by VENICE. This means there’s no need for transcoding; you can simply handle these formats directly from the camera.
* Firmware update required.
RAW
This ultimate 16-bit linear RAW format preserves all the information captured in 4K, with 16 times more tonal values than 12-bit RAW.
X-OCN – 16-bit eXtended tonal range Original Camera Negative
Full 4K and 6K* resolution, with extraordinary colour reproduction, nicely suits Sony’s third generation colour development, S-Gamut 3. In particular, 16-bit scene linear tonal gradation retains the camera’s full dynamic range, with far greater capacity for visual expression than 10-bit or 12-bit digital formats.
16-bit X-OCN offers significant file size reduction, which make working with full resolution content from VENICE’s 6K sensor far more practical in terms of file transfer times and storage requirements.
* Firmware update required.
Simultaneous Recording for faster workflow
A key benefit of VENICE is simultaneous recording using two recording media. For example, a production could use RAW/X-OCN data recorded by AXS-R7 for online editing and also use XAVC, ProRes* or MPEG HD for offline editing without waiting for any file conversion. As VENICE can also record XAVC 4K and RAW / X-OCN* simultaneously, another option would be to use XAVC 4K for quick turnaround mainstream production while using simultaneously recording RAW / X-OCN as a future-proof archive suitable for the highest quality HDR applications.
VENICE supports onboard recording of MPEG HD (fixed FPS only) and HD ProRes Proxy* in XAVC 4K and XAVC QFHD onto SxS media.
*Firmware update required.
Even without using AXS-R7, VENICE itself can record XAVC 4K and ProRes 422 Proxy* simultaneously. VENICE is designed to support both the highest quality imagery and high speed workflows.
VENICE with AXS-R7 supports both RAW and X-OCN recording of MPEG HD (fixed FPS only), HD ProRes*, XAVC 4K* and XAVC QFHD* onto SxS media.
*Firmware update required.
Reliable Partner for Creativity
The VENICE is a cinema camera created by and for the cinematographer. VENICE is equipped with a newly developed full-frame image sensor meeting the needs of the film industry in pushing the boundaries of large format image capture with exceptional picture quality.
Beautiful Image
Satisfied with the current condition? With the wide latitude and gamut recorded by the VENICE, freedom of expression is significantly expanded in grading and based on established workflow.
Simple and Intuitive
Usability and reliability of the camera is one of the major concerns for operators especially in tough or time critical filming conditions. With a user friendly design, clear and simple menu navigation, and a highly durable, reliable construction, using VENICE you can simply concentrate on filming, and not the camera.
36x24mm Full-Frame Sensor for cinema
VENICE is equipped with a 36x24mm full-frame image sensor, designed specifically for the demands and performance of high end cinematography, and can capture images up to a maximum resolution of 6048 x 4032*. By switching imager modes, VENICE can natively support Super35 24.9x18.7mm, 4096 x 3024 resolution (equivalent to 4-perforation motion picture film) and Super35 24.9x14.0mm 4096 x 2160 resolution (equivalent to 3-perforation motion picture film). In other words, VENICE’s new full-frame sensor can capture in almost any format, including full 18mm-height Super35 Anamorphic and spherical and full-frame 24mm-height Anamorphic and spherical*. Almost any aspect ratio can be conjured up: 1.85:1, 2.39:1, 17:9, the list goes on in full-frame* or Super35.
With VENICE, Sony is giving users the option to customize their camera by only enabling the features needed, according to their individual production requirements. Licenses will be available to expand the camera’s capabilities with new features including 4K anamorphic and full-frame*.
* Firmware update required
Creative freedom
Full-Frame Full width 36 mm 6K*
In full-frame, you can use the full 6048 pixel width of the sensor for widescreen spherical 2.39:1 or Large Format Scope. Full-Frame can be used creatively in a number of ways – for example, to allow for extra shallow depth of field or super-wide shooting.
* Firmware update required
Super35 full height 2x squeeze Anamorphic
For anamorphic shooting and production, Super35 full height 2x squeeze anamorphic is supported.
Super35 17:9 and 16:9
These popular imager sizes are natively supported by VENICE. Current Super35mm PL mount lenses can be used.
Fast Shutter
Jello effect is something that we don’t need when filming. VENICE has high speed readout sensor which minimizes the jello effect that are typical in the CMOS sensors.
Phenomenal latitude
VENICE has an exceptional 15+ stops of latitude, with low noise for extraordinary performance in delivering phenomenal images in conditions from searing sunlight to almost no light. VENICE’s real-world performance also excels at High Dynamic Range imaging and allows unprecedented creative freedom in grading.
More Colours for More Expression
VENICE can exceed Rec. 2020 colour space. This means the colour range is wider than DCI-P3 and
can beautifully reproduce the true colour of the scene in front of your lens. This also provides the broad palette in the grading suite using the established workflow of Sony’s third generation LOG gamma encoding (S-Log3), and Ultra-wide colour space.
PL Lens Mount
VENICE comes with the industry-standard PL lens mount. It is compatible with all Super35 and full-frame PL lenses, spherical and anamorphic. The lens mount includes contacts that support Cooke/i Technology. Lens information is recorded as metadata frame by frame.
Lever Lock Type E-mount*
E-mount offers unsurpassed compatibility with Sony lenses. E-mount (lever lock type) gives users the ability to change lenses by rotating the locking collar rather than the lens itself, which means that in most cases lens support rigs don't need to be removed, saves time during a production.
* Firmware update required
Depth of Field
As the sensor size gets larger, depth of field becomes shallower. VENICE’s wide 36 mm full-frame sensor can capture images that have the equivalent of 1-2 stops shallower depth of field compared to Super35.*
* Firmware update required
Anamorphic Look
VENICE’s support for anamorphic lenses combined with its ability to shoot 4:3 aspect ratio at a horizontal resolution of 4K allows the capture of breathtakingly beautiful images with stunning lens flare, bokeh and emotional impact.
6K High Resolution*
The stunning full 6K resolution of the camera can be recorded directly in X-OCN (16 bit Extended tonal range Original Camera Negative) file format. Also, XAVC 4K can be captured onto SxS cards while still sampling from the full 6K resolution of the sensor.
* Firmware update required
Compact and Intuitive
VENICE has a surprisingly compact design which allows easier shooting in confined spaces or on drones. VENICE’s control buttons reflect the requirements of camera operators, carefully positioned for intuitive operation. They even illuminate for easy use on dark sets. On-set monitoring operation is further enhanced by the addition of an extra HD output alongside the standard 4K-SDI. VENICE can be powered by both 12 V and 24 V power sources that can be connected at the rear. A wide range of accessories are supported, including standard Fischer connectors. For enhanced durability in tough conditions, the viewfinder uses a LEMO connector.
Engineered to Survive
VENICE’s chassis is engineered to be amazingly robust and has been rigorously tested in the harshest conditions. Its ventilation system is completely isolated from all electronic components to prevent ingress of dust, sand and splash. The silent-running fan can be cleaned or even swapped out on set quickly and easily.
Easily Configurable
VENICE has a fully modular design and even the sensor block is interchangeable. So, as sensor technology advances in far future, you have the opportunity to upgrade without investing in a new camera. In order to maintain ergonomic balance for operators, the top handle and viewfinder are easily adjustable. As the height of the camera from the bottom to the optical center of the lens mount is the same as the F55, base plates and other accessories used for the F55 can be used with Venice. The AXS-R7 recorder can be attached to VENICE with just four screws.
World’s first 8-step Mechanical ND Filters*
VENICE is the world’s first camera of its class with a servo-controlled 8-step Mechanical ND filter mechanism built into the camera chassis. It offers a massive ND of 0.3 (1/2 = 1 stop) to ND2.4 (1/256 = 8 stops) range that reduces time lost on set changing external filters. The ND filters also greatly increase VENICE’s flexibility when being controlled remotely on drones and cranes, or in an underwater housing.
* Based on Sony market search.
Intuitive and Familiar On-Set Operation
VENICE has control displays on both sides of the camera, with the main display on the camera outside for fast access to the camera settings by the camera assistant while shooting. The camera operator’s OLED mini display allows intuitive control of commonly accessed features such as ND filter, shutter, FPS, White Balance and Exposure Index. The control interface is an all-new design based on extensive researches with camera operators.
Next Generation Viewfinder
The DVF-EL200 was specifically created as the perfect partner for VENICE due to its exceptional performance and additional control features*. It has a 1920 x 1080-resolution OLED panel with exceptional high contrast, enabling precise, high resolution focusing and framing. Its all-new ergonomic design allows for tool-free attachment/detachment and reconfiguring within seconds. A rotary encoder provides instant access to brightness, peaking and contrast. The industry-standard LEMO connector offers exceptional durability.
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Sony VENICE CineAlta specs.