Sony has introduced VENICE 2, the addition to its line-up of high-end digital cinema cameras. The VENICE 2 builds upon 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 full-frame 8.6K sensor or the original 6K VENICE sensor. The VENICE 2 also inherits features from the original VENICE including colour science, Dual Base ISO and 8-stops of built-in ND filters.
New VENICE 2 also features a compact body design, internal X-OCN recording and ability to interchange sensors between models to further enhance its operability and versatility Paired with a newly-developed 8.6K (8640 x 5760) full-frame CMOS image sensor, the VENICE 2 offers excellent imagequality with 16 stops of total latitude to capture beautiful images with excellent colour separation and shadow detail. The camera also inherits its colour science from the original VENICE, which is highly regarded for its natural skin tones. The VENICE 2 8K CineAlta camera has a unique dual base ISO of 800/3200 which allows filmmakers to capture incredibly clean, film-like images under a wide range of lighting conditions. It supports everything from full-frame, full-frame anamorphic[ii] to Super35, allat a minimum of 4K resolution, resulting in an outstanding and versatile camera system for cinematographers and productions.
The VENICE 2 maintains many of the features which made the original VENICE a success including Dual Base ISO, 8-stops built-in ND filters, compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including all PL mount and Sony’s native E-mount that enables adapters for a multitude of lenses.
The VENICE 2 was designed with a smaller and more lightweight body than the original VENICE while keeping its intuitive operability. Despite being 44mm smaller and approximately 10% lighter, the chassis of VENICE 2 allows X-OCN and Apple 4K ProRes 4444 and 422 HQ internal recording without the AXS-R7 recorder, offering advanced usability in a compact and lightweight body.
User-selectable capture resolution of the 8.6K image sensor allow shooting in various modes including:
- 8.6K, 3:2, 30FPS, Full-Frame
- 8.2K, 17:9, 60FPS, Full-Frame
- 5.8K, 6:5 Anamorphic, 48FPS, Super35
- 5.8K, 17:9, 90FPS, Super35
For even moreflexibility on-site, the chassis adds the unique feature of interchanging the image sensor block. The camera can be used with the 8.6K sensor as well as the original 6K sensor block.
The camera body automatically recognises the change and will start-upwithout any firmware exchanges or re-installs. In addition, the original 6K sensor will allow higher frame rates.Small, lightweight but solidly built, the VENICE 2 leverages new high-speed 6.6Gbps AXS card, the AXS-A1TS66 for 8K 60p recording. Existing AXS Memory Card Readers, including the AXS-AR3 via Thunderbolt3 interface, are compatible with the new media as well.
Other updates to the VENICE 2include:4K output with LUT applied; Improved 3D LUT processing to improve picture quality; EI changes directly applied to S-Log3 outputs; LUT/ASC-CDL control via Ethernet/Wi-Fi; Zoom to Fit (Full-Frame recording with 17:9/16:9 monitoring) operation; Ethernet connector position changed to Camera Assistant side; Lemo 2pin 12V output connector; and Internal microphone installed.
The VENICE 2 camera with 8.6K image sensor is scheduled to start shipping in February 2022 and VENICE 2 camera with 6K image sensor in March 2022. In addition, the VENICE 2 6K can be used with the existing VENICE Extension System and a next-generation Extension System for VENICE 2 8K is planned to be released by early 2023.