Sony announces Flagship Venice 2 cinema camera with 8.6K . internal RAW recording
Sony has revealed its latest flagship cinema camera, Venice 2, capable of recording 8.6K full-frame video at 30fps. Based on its predecessor, the slightly more compact Venice 2 features interchangeable image sensors: the original Venice 24.8-megapixel 6K full-frame sensor or a 50MP 8.6K full-frame sensor new. These sensors have very similar specifications to Sony’s sensors a9 II and a1 mirrorless camera system, but the company doesn’t say whether they’ll be the same.
While the old sensor achieved 15 stops of dynamic range, according to Sony, the new sensor can shoot up to 16 stops. Both the old and new models share a common color science. Like its predecessor, the Venice 2 offers dual-base ISO, but 800/3200 compared to the original’s 500/2500. The 8.6K (8640×5760-pixel) sensor can shoot 8.6K 3:2 at 30fps, 8.2K 17:9 at 60fps, 5.8K 17:9 at 90fps (Super35) and 5.8K 6:5 anamorphic at 48fps (Super35), while the 6K sensor (6048×4032-pixel) can shoot at 6K 3:2 and 6K 17:9 at 60fps and 4K 6: 5 anamorphic at 60 fps (Super35). Venice 2 uses Sony’s new AXS memory card, allowing data transfer at up to 6.6Gbps.
The new 8.6K sensor-equipped Venice 2 camera ships in February 2022; version 5.8K will ship a month later. The cameras will be available with PL and Sony E lens mount options. No pricing information has been given.
PRESS PRESS
Sony Launches VENICE 2 Flagship Digital Cinema Camera
LOS ANGELES, CA – November 15, 2021 – Today, Sony Electronics Inc. introduces VENICE 2, a new flagship model and the latest addition to the cinema’s high-end digital camera lineup. VENICE 2 builds on the strength of the original VENICE with new features including a compact design, internal recording and the option for two different sensors: the newly developed 8.6K full-frame sensor or the original VENICE 6K sensor. VENICE 2 also inherits popular features from the original VENICE including color science, Dual Base ISO, and 8 stops of built-in ND filter.
The new sensor translates to outstanding image quality and incredible light sensitivity in low light
Paired with the newly developed 8.6 K (8640 x 5760) full-frame CMOS image sensor, the VENICE 2 offers superb image quality with a total latitude of 16 stops.[i] to capture beautiful images with excellent color separation and shadow detail. The camera also inherits the color science from the original VENICE which was appreciated for its natural skin tones. The VENICE 2 8K CineAlta camera features a unique dual base ISO of 800/3200 allowing filmmakers to capture extremely clean, film-like images in a variety of lighting conditions. It supports everything from full-frame, full-frame anamorphic[ii] to Super35 all in at least 4K resolution, resulting in an outstanding and versatile camera system for videographers and producers.
To illustrate the power of the VENICE 2 and its new 8.6K sensor, Sony worked with industry-leading cinematographers to test the camera’s image quality on a few separate footage without sacrificing quality. need to use any professional film lighting system.
Award-winning cinematographer Robert McLachlan ASC, CSC, who has made critically acclaimed productions including Game of Thrones (for which he received two Emmy nominations), Westworld, and Lovecraft Country. McLachlan tested and filmed with the new full-frame VENICE 2 8.6K in two countries and gave his reaction.
“I really wish we had a large format 8.6K sensor like the Sony VENICE 2 in my previous work. It will make it feel more epic and at the same time, more engaging, thanks to the increased resolution, richness and dimension. The increased speed, clearer highlights and shadows along with the potential for a super shallow depth of field will be a big asset. “
Oscar-winning cinematographer[iii] Claudio Miranda ASC, ACC used the original VENICE and tested the VENICE 2 against the original in the sub-zero darkness of the California desert. He made this assessment:
“3200 ASA is amazing. I think how clean it is – definitely a big deal,” says Miranda. “In the movie, the shadows are still realistic, and the wide shots are quite spectacular. There were no film lights in this shoot. Just the car’s headlights, the flames, and that’s the point. It’s about going to the middle of nowhere and setting a big fire and seeing how much the new sensor can light up the mountain, making no noise.”
Rob Hardy, BSC, ASC, British cinematographer known for his groundbreaking work on Mission Impossible: Fallout, Ex-Machina and DEVS and BAFTA winner for cinematography for Boy A, among others also commented. :
“I got used to the original VENICE and I can say, I am quite a supporter of that camera. The opportunity to use VENICE 2 is really a really great opportunity. This is my first time using that larger sensor, the 8.6K, and we’ve been lucky enough to get some anamorphic lenses that really set up for the full cinematic effect and really make full use of the sensor. The ISO has been increased to allow me to shoot at higher speeds in low light, which wasn’t really an option before, and that’s been a big boon to me. ”
With the 8.6K sensor providing rich oversampling, images captured on the VENICE 2 will have less noise and richer information in 2K or 4K production. It also means that the camera is well-suited to VR, in camera VFX and Virtual Production settings, delivering immersive experiences and immersive visuals, especially when paired with LED displays. Large-scale and high-contrast crystal from Sony.
The success of the original VENICE
Since its launch in 2017, VENICE has been used to shoot more than 300 films in theatrical, broadcast, cable and streaming, including the Emmy-winning series “The Crown”. Regular hardware and firmware updates to meet the latest innovative needs are key to VENICE’s widespread adoption.
“We are delighted to witness the success of the original VENICE over the past four years. Based on our conversations with videographers and production companies around the world, we recognized an opportunity for improvement by leveraging many of the latest imaging and sensor technologies. we. By doing so, we are taking the VENICE picture quality to the next level. We’re also making the camera smaller and are offering internal audio recording to allow for more creative freedom: whether that means using cameras on drones, Steadicams, gimbals on no good underwater shell,” said Neal Manowitz, President and COO, Sony Electronics Inc.
User-influenced upgrades
VENICE 2 maintains many of the features that made the original VENICE successful including Dual Base ISO, 8 stops of built-in ND filter, compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including all PL mounts and mounts Sony’s original E allows adapters for a multitude of lenses.
Thanks to direct feedback from the manufacturing community, the VENICE 2 was designed with a smaller and lighter body than the original VENICE while retaining intuitive operability. Although 44 mm smaller and about 10% lighter[iv]The VENICE 2 chassis allows X-OCN and Apple 4K ProRes 4444 and 422 HQ internal recording without the need for an AXS-R7 recorder, delivering advanced usability in a compact and lightweight body.
The user-selectable shooting resolution of the 8.6K image sensor enables shooting in various modes including:
- 8.6K | 3: 2 | 30FPS | Full frame
- 8.2 thousand | 17: 9 | 60FPS | Full frame
- 5.8 thousand | 6.5 Anamorphic | 48FPS | Super35
- 5.8 thousand | 17: 9 | 90FPS | Super35
Interchangeable sensor design
For more on-site flexibility, the VENICE 2 chassis adds a unique feature to image sensor block swapping. The camera can be used with the 8.6K sensor as well as the original 6K sensor block.[v] The body automatically recognizes the change and will boot without swapping out or reinstalling the firmware, adding flexibility on-site. The original 6K sensor will allow for a higher frame rate.
Enhanced usability with internal recording and smaller size
Small and light but solidly built, the VENICE 2 body leverages the new high-speed 6.6 Gbps AXS card AXS-A1TS66 for 8K 60p recording. Existing AXS memory card readers including AXS-AR3 over Thunderbolt™ 3[vi] interface compatible with new vehicles.
In addition, the user interface of VENICE 2 resembles the original VENICE but incorporates improvements to make it easier and even more intuitive to use. The camera offers an advanced product design and is compatible with most original VENICE accessories.
Other updates to VENICE 2, based on feedback from existing VENICE users to improve usability, include:
4K output with LUT applied Enhanced 3D LUT processing for improved picture quality EI changes applied directly to S-Log3 output LUT/ASC-CDL control over Ethernet/Wi-Fi Zoom to Fit (Full-Frame Recording with 17:9/16:9 supervision) working Ethernet connector position changed to side Camera support Lemo 2pin 12V output connector Internal microphone installed Availability
The VENICE 2 camera with 8.6K image sensor is expected to start shipping in February 2022 and the VENICE 2 camera with 6K image sensor in March 2022.
Additionally, the VENICE 2 6K can be used with an existing VENICE Expansion System, and the Next Generation Expansion System for the VENICE 2 8K is expected to be released in early 2023.
Exclusive stories and exciting new content can be found using the new VENICE 2 and other Sony imaging products at www.sonycine.com, a website created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of the Sony Cinema Series.
NOTE
[i] 15+ stops for the 6K . pattern
[ii] Optional license required for full-frame and anamorphic shooting.
[iii] 2012 Academy Award for Best Cinematography “Life of Pi”
[iv] Compare with VENICE used with AXS-R7 . external recorder
[v] The VENICE 2 8.6K image sensor block cannot be attached to the VENICE.
[vi] Thunderbolt and the Thunderbolt logo are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and/or other countries.
