Sony Announces New Extension System to Support VENICE 2 Cinema Camera

Sony has announced the next generation of the Sony Rialto Venice Extension System to support the VENICE 2 8K Camera.

The Rialto Extension System 2 updates the original, to give the VENICE 2 a tethered extension between the image sensor block to the camera body from a distance with no degradation in the 8K image quality.

“The VENICE 2 was born from the voice and feedback of the cinema community,” said Neal Manowitz, President and COO, Sony Electronics Inc.

Image Credit – SONY

“Thanks to the continued feedback of our customers, we have been able to fuel the ongoing development of this powerful full-frame cinema camera with the mission to enable more creative freedom.”

Image Credit – SONY

The VENICE Extension System 2 adds important enhancements including backward compatibility with the original VENICE cinema camera, plus the 9.8-foot & 39-foot Sensor-Block Extension Cables (3m, 12m) without the need for a repeater.

The Extension System 2 also provides a tilt/roll sensor to detect the motion of the camera and records this information in the image file’s metadata. Users can also output the data through SDI.

The Extension System 2 also has four customizable buttons to assign functions such as REC Start/Stop, changing ND filters, and other features. The VENICE Extension System 2 is nearly the same size as the original ES, measuring 158 x 147 x 126 mm, and weighing around 2.1 kg.

Image Credit – SONY

Key Features

  • Supporting resolutions up to 8K
  • 9.8 & 39′ (3m, 12m) Sensor-Block Extension Cables
  • Wide Bandwidth Data over Longer Distance
  • Tilt/Roll Sensor Metadata for VENICE 2
  • For Handheld/Gimbal Use & Tight Setups
  • For Car Rigs, Cranes & Jibs
  • 4 x User-Assignable Buttons
  • Compact, Lightweight 4.6 lb Form

In addition, Sony has released Version 2.00 firmware for the VENICE 2 Cinema Camera which provides added functionality including new imager modes, higher recording speeds, and sync functions for working with LED walls and volumes.

Added imager modes include full-frame options of 8.6K at 17:9 up to 49fps, 8.2K at 2.39:1 up to 72 fps, and 8.1K at 16:9 at up to 48fps. Super35 imaging options are also included at 5.*K 4:3 Anamorphic up to 60fps, and 5.5K 2.39:1 at up to 120fps.

The firmware also provided added support for follow-focus applications, the output of the viewfinder with peaking and zebra settings through monitor-out, and playback functions with frame-by-frame control. EL metadata is also applied. Genlock at high frame rates is also supported.

The Sony Rialto VENICE Extension System 2 will be available for preorder from authorized Sony distribution outlets at a retail price of $18,999.99 USD (18,500 €), with shipping scheduled for early 2023. The VENICE 2 Firmware 2.00 update will also be available for download at about the same time.

[source: SONY]

Order Links:

  • Sony VENICE 2 Digital Motion Picture Camera (8K) (B&H)
  • Sony Rialto Camera Extension System 2 for Sony VENICE/VENICE 2 (B&H)

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