Another enticing offering for seasoned professionals, DPs, camera assistants, colorists, VR, and VFX departments is about to hit the market next spring. Sony has just announced the latest addition to its CineAlta camera lineup – the VENICE 2. It seems that Sony has kept the overall body I/O and mounting thread options similar to the modular configuration of the original VENICE, but there’s much, much more.
Unlike its predecessor, the 8.6K Sony VENICE 2 can shoot and record 8.6K footage at 30 fps and 8.2K in either 17:9 or 16:9 at up to 60 fps. On top, it also has multiple 4K capture resolutions in full-frame, full-frame anamorphic, and Super 35, and there are easily selectable full-frame modes such as full 8.6K30, 8.2K60, 5.8K48, and 5.8K90.
Furthermore, the VENICE 2 sensor raises the camera’s dual-range base ISO to an impressive 800/3200 for cleaner images in a variety of situations. The 8.6K sensor can be swapped with the 6K sensor from the original VENICE to allow for higher frame recording with the original camera.
Other noteworthy features include an impressive 16-stop dynamic range, internal recording onto a high-speed ASX card, internal recording formats up to ProRes 4K 4444 and 422, and an interchangeable sensor with updated usability and body design.
The new 8.6K sensor also features, windowing, oversampling 8.6K to 4K picture quality, and optimal VFX and VR support with its low noise, 8K output, and enhanced information.
Image Credit: Sony
As with the original VENICE, the VENICE 2 comes with a removable PL Mount that supports the Cooke /i Technology lens metadata protocols, allowing you to work with cinema-style glass ranging from vintage to modern.
Interestingly, the PL Mount can be removed to get access to a Sony E-Mount, thus accepting native E-mount lenses. The newcomer also features eight integrated and motorized ND filters range from clear to seven stops of ND in one-stop increments.
Users will also get access to well-known features from the original VENICE such as support for the X-OCN XT recording format, various de-squeeze ratios, cache rec function, support for 6G/12G output SDI, improved VF menu operations and Frame Line setting and much more.
Image Credit: Sony
Other updated features of the VENICE 2 include the ability to apply 4K LUTs on output, 8K output over SDI (with the 8.6K sensor), an internal scratch microphone, a relocated LAN connector from the operator side to the assistant side, flexible anamorphic and full-frame license upgrades, improved 3D LUTs, Ethernet and wireless control of LUT and ASC-CDL configurations, and a 2-pin LEMO-type power output.
Sony VENICE 2 Highlights
- X-OCN Internal Recording
- 4K ProRes 4444/422HQ Internal Recording
- Interchangeable CMOS 8.6K Sensor Block
- 16 Stops of Dynamic Range,
- 800/3200 Base ISO Range
- Removable PL Mount, Cooke /i Protocol
- Sony E-Mount with Electronic Contacts
- 8 x Integrated ND Filters
- Integrated Assistant-Side Info Screen
The Sony VENICE 2 is scheduled to start shipping in February 2022. No word on price yet.
[source: Sony]
B&H Pre-Order Link:
Sony VENICE 2 Digital Motion Picture Camera (8K)
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