The following video presents Behind the scenes of the first footage captured with VENICE from Sony Cine Alta:
“Cinematographer Ed Wild shares his experience of being the first to use #CineAltaVENICE detailing the cameras capability.”
This is an update to the previous blog, Sony VENICE Full-Frame Digital Motion Picture Camera System: 36x24mm Full-Frame Image Sensor; Supports 24x36mm Full-Frame 6K Recording; Compatibility with a Wide Range of Lenses; Ultra Wide Color Gamut; Film Industry’s First Camera with a Built-in 8-Stage Glass ND Filter System .
Sony’s next-generation CineAlta motion picture camera, VENICE, begins shipping to customers in February.
Sony CineAlta VENICE
Additional upcoming features and capabilities planned to be available as FREE firmware upgrades in version 2.0 in 2018 and version 3.0 in 2019.
- Optional licenses are required for Full Frame and anamorphic shooting.
Sony CineAlta VENICE
VENICE firmware roadmap
All updates are subject to change without notice and descriptions do not represent all features being implemented. Below information includes updates according to the news release below.
“High-resolution content requires highly precise focus. VENICE offers up to 4.0x Dot-by-Dot magnification of the viewfinder image for superb focus accuracy.” Image Courtesy of Sony
Version 2.0 firmware: Upgrade is due to be available in Summer 2018
New features and improvements:
25p in 6K Full-Frame Mode
Imager mode
- 4K 6:5 Anamorphic
- 6K 1.85:1
- 6K 17:9
- 6K 3:2
Supporting Lens mount
- E-mount (lever lock type)
Recording format
- Apple ProRes
Simul. Rec combination
- RAW / X-OCN and Apple ProRes
Shooting function
- Select FPS
Monitor Out function
- Additional preset MLUTs
- User 3DLUT
Shooting Assist function
- Surround View
- Dot by Dot Magnification
- Auto White Balance
- High-Lo Key
- False Color
Hardware
- Operator side CLIPS button
Version 3.0 firmware: Upgrade is due to be available in early 2019
New features and improvements
Imager mode
- 5.7K 16:9
- 6K 2.39:1
Simul. Rec combination
- XAVC 4K/QFHD and Apple ProRes Proxy
- RAW/X-OCN and XAVC 4K/QFHD
Shooting function
- Paint menu (Custom mode)
- Cache Rec. (AXS, SxS)
Monitor Out function
- 12G-SDI (for 4K 50/60p)
Hardware
- Remote S700 Protocol
- 12 pin lens remote
Network function
- Wired LAN control
- Wireless LAN control (with CBK-WA02)
Sony CineAlta VENICE
NEWS RELEASE
Sony to Begin Shipments of VENICE Full-frame Motion Picture Camera System
by Sony Pro Team 02/02/2018, in News, Cameras, Sony Professional
Sony Announces Upcoming VENICE Features, Including Dual Base ISO and Future Planned Support for High Frame Rates
Sony’s much-anticipated VENICE, its next-generation CineAlta motion picture camera, begins shipping to customers in February.
Sony CineAlta VENICE
As previously announced, version 1.0 features in VENICE will include support for Full-Frame 24x36mm recording. Now, continuing its approach of incorporating customer feedback into the camera’s development, Sony is announcing several new capabilities including a “Dual Base ISO” mode. With 15+ stops of exposure latitude, VENICE will support an additional High Base ISO of 2500 utilizing the sensor’s unique physical attributes. This takes advantage of Sony’s unique sensor for superb low light performance with exceptional dynamic range – from 6 stops over to 9 stops under 18% middle gray.
Sony CineAlta VENICE: Image Courtesy of Sony
This new capability is a result of requests to increase exposure indexes at higher ISOs for night exteriors, dark interiors, working with slower lenses or where content needs to be graded in High Dynamic Range, while maintaining the maximum shadow details.
An added benefit unique to VENICE is its built-in 8-step optical ND filter servo mechanism. This can emulate different ISO operating points when in High Base ISO 2500 and also maintains the extremely low levels of noise characteristics of the VENICE sensor. This new flexibility significantly expands the range of creative possibilities for production professionals.
Sony CineAlta VENICE: Anamorphic look; Image Courtesy of Sony
VENICE also features new color science designed to deliver a soft tonal film look, with shadows and mid-tones having a natural response and the highlights preserving the dynamic range.
Sony CineAlta VENICE camera menu simulator
Sony has also developed the VENICE camera menu simulator. This user-friendly tool is designed to give camera operators an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the camera’s operational workflow before using VENICE in production via an intuitive, elegant menu system.
Sony CineAlta VENICE: Full 6K resolution; Image Courtesy of Sony
Additional upcoming features and capabilities planned to be available later this year as free firmware upgrades in version 2.0 include:
- 25p in 6K Full-Frame Mode will be added in Version 2
- “False Color” has been moved from version 3 to version 2
Sony CineAlta VENICE: back view
VENICE has an established workflow with support from Sony’s RAW Viewer v3, and third party vendors including Filmlight Baselight v5, Davinci Resolve v14.3, and Assimilate Scratch v8.6 among others. Sony continues to work closely with all relevant third parties to ensure a cohesive workflow including editing, grading, color management, and dailies.
Another often requested feature is support for high frame rates, which Sony is working to implement and make available at a later date.
The latest public demonstration of VENICE is at the BSC Expo 2018, which begins today in Battersea, London. Internationally renowned British cinematographer Richard Blanshard will showcase Full-Frame content shot with the VENICE camera system. He will also deliver a seminar titled “Full-Frame shooting with CineAlta VENICE.”
VENICE Key Features
- True 36x24mm Full Frame imaging based on the photography standard that goes back 100 years
- Built-in 8-Step Optical ND filter servo mechanism
- Dual Base ISO mode, with High Base ISO 2500
- New color science for appealing skin tones and graceful highlights – out of the box.
- Aspect ratio freedom: Full Frame 3:2 (1.5:1), 4K 4:3 full height anamorphic, spherical 17:9, 16:9.
- Lens mount with 18mm flange depth opens up tremendous lens options (PL Lens mount included).
- 15+ stops of exposure latitude: Exceptional Dynamic Range, whether you’re shooting in searing sunlight or almost no light.
- User-interchangeable sensor, an industry first, requires removal of just six screws, enabling future upgrades and production flexibility.
- 6K resolution (6048 x 4032) in Full Frame mode
Sony VENICE has a fully modular design and even the sensor block is interchangeable.
The VENICE CineAlta motion picture camera system will be available in February 2018. VENICE version 2.0 firmware upgrades will be available in summer 2018. Optional licenses are required for Full Frame and anamorphic shooting. For more information about the VENICE platform, please visit www.sony.com/VENICE.
