Jake Fruia
With the Sony VENICE’s impending release, we spent time with Sony at the Band Pro VENICE Hands On event to learn about the ins and outs of the camera with Sony’s Michael Kovacevich.
Full frame sensor and wide range of lens compatibility
VENICE combines a newly developed 36x24mm Full Frame sensor to meet the high-quality demands of feature filmmaking. Full Frame offers the advantages of compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including Anamorphic, Super 35mm, Spherical and Full Frame PL mount lenses for a greater range of expressive freedom with shallow depth of field. The lens mount can also be changed to support E-mount lenses for shooting situations that require smaller, lighter, and wider 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 minimizes “Jello” effects.
New color management system and established workflow for flexible post-production
A new color management system with an ultra wide color gamut gives users more control and greater flexibility 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 with a gentle roll-off handling of highlights.
VENICE achieves high quality and efficient file-based production through Sony’s established 16-bit RAW/X-OCN via the AXS-R7 recorder, and 10 bit XAVC workflows. 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 high-speed Thunderbolt-enabled AXS-AR1 card reader, using established AXS and SxS memory card formats.
Intuitive design & refined functionality support simple and efficient on-location operation
VENICE has a fully modular and intuitive design with refined functionality to support simple and efficient on-location operation. It is the film industry’s first camera with a built-in 8-stage glass ND filter system, making the shooting process efficient and streamlining camera setup. The camera is designed for easy operation with an intuitive control panel placed on the Assistant and Operator sides of the camera. A 24 V power supply input/output and LEMO connector allow use of many standard camera accessories, designed for use in harsh environments.
License options for individual production requirements
With VENICE, Sony is giving users the option to customize 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.
The VENICE CineAlta digital motion picture camera system is scheduled to be available in February 2018.
The Sony VENICE will ship this month for $44,000. For more information see the video above, the press release below and visit Pro.Sony.com
You can also pre-order your Sony VENICE now from dealers such as Band Pro.
Sony to Begin Shipments of VENICE Full-frame Motion Picture Camera System
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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
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
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.
