Sony has finally shipped their flagship next-generation Cine-Alta Venice 2 cinema camera. The camera sports an 8.6K image sensor, with the option to swap out to the original Venice 6K image sensor for higher frame rate recording at lower resolutions.
The upgraded Venice 2 offers a staggering 16+ stops of dynamic range and can record internally with either Sony’s proprietary X-OCN ultra-high-resolution codec or Apple’s 422HQ or 4444 when shooting in 4K. Sony has also reworked the ISO with a dual-range base of 800/3200 for cleaner images.
Image Credit – Sony
Furthermore, coming in early 2023, Sony is planning to issue a firmware update for the Venice 2 which will open up the following imaging modes:
- 8.6K 17:9 up to 48 FPS
- 8.2K 2.39:1 up to 72FPS
- 8.1K 16:9 up to 48FPS
- 5.8K 4:3 up to 60FPS
- 5.5K 2.39:1 up to 120FPS
There are also plans to introduce a next-generation Extension System for 8K around the same timeframe. Meanwhile, the 1st generation Extension System can be deployed on the 6K variant.
The camera supports Cooke/I digital lens data protocol, and what may be its most interesting feature is that a PL mount can be placed on the Venice 2 without removing the native E-Mount. When users want to use E-mount lenses, they just remove the PL mount to reveal the E-Mount underneath.
Image Credit – Sony
The Venice 2 also features eight integrated and motorized ND filters ranging from clear to +7. Other features include de-squeeze ratios, cache rec function, support for 6G/12G output SDI, improved VF menu operations, and Frame Line settings.
Noteworthy highlights include:
- 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 Rang
- Removable PL Mount, Cooke /i Protocol
- Sony E-Mount with Electronic Contacts
- 8 x Integrated ND Filters
- Integrated Assistant-Side Info Screen
The Venice 2 has already shipped to three rental houses including Keslow Camera, Otto Nemenz, and Panavision, and the cameras are available to rent straight away.
The purchase price for the 8K Venice 2 was recently announced at $59,500. The 6K version is listed at $49,000. The full-frame and Anamorphic licenses are an additional $4,000.
The camera has also recently been Netflix Approved and is already working on several projects for the streaming network.
[source: Sony]
Order Links:
- Sony VENICE 2 Digital Motion Picture Camera 8K (B&H)
- Sony VENICE 2 Digital Motion Picture Camera 6K (B&H)
- Sony VENICE 2 Anamorphic License (B&H)
- Sony Venice 2 Full-frame License (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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