Sony has unveiled a comprehensive firmware roadmap designed to introduce new features and enhancements to its Cinema Camera Line.
This plan aims to address the evolving demands of the digital filmmaking landscape and will affect the VENICE 2, FX6, FX3, FX30, and BURANO cinema cameras.
Here’s a detailed overview of the forthcoming updates for each model:
Image Credit: Sony
VENICE 2
The upcoming version 4.0 firmware for the Sony VENICE 2 will introduce support for the EL Zone exposure system, which presents exposure values in stops rather than IRE.
This change aligns camera exposure more closely with lighting design and reinstates the correlation between lighting and lens stop values.
Furthermore, version 4.0 will include frame lines in various colors on the menu screen, facilitating easier identification and access for filmmakers.
The VENICE 2’s version 4.0 firmware is anticipated to be available in August 2025, with subsequent versions 5 and 6 slated for release in 2026 and 2027, respectively. At this time, specific features for these future updates have not been disclosed.
Image Credit – SONY
FX3 and FX30
Both the Sony FX3 and FX30 cinema cameras will receive new features in version 6 of their operating system.
This update will revamp the menu system to better align these models with the entire Cinema line, simplifying the transition for users moving to higher-end cameras.
Image Credit: Sony
These models will also adopt the new “Big 6” menu, which is already present in the Venice and Burano platforms.
This menu will enable filmmakers to easily check and adjust key settings, including ISO, frame rate, LUTs, ND filters, and more, all at a glance.
Additionally, the FX3 and FX30 will support 1.5x anamorphic de-squeeze, offering enhanced flexibility in aspect ratio and lens options.
They will also enable external RAW recording via HDMI to Blackmagic RAW on Blackmagic Video Assist monitor recorders.
Users can expect these updates to roll out in Fall 2025, around September.
FX6
Version 6.0 of the firmware for the Sony FX6 will support Blackmagic RAW recording via SDI to Blackmagic Video Assist recorders, extending the camera’s capabilities to include the Big 6 menu option.
However, it is important to note that the FX6 will no longer overlay camera data on images in the viewfinder, commonly referred to as On-Screen Display.
Version 6 of the FX6 firmware is scheduled for release in February 2026.
Image Credit – SONY
BURANO
Version 2.0 of the Sony BURANO firmware is expected to debut in March 2025 and introduces numerous improvements based on user feedback, ironically featuring more new functionalities than the other firmware updates outlined in the roadmap.
The updates will include additional recording formats, a 1.8x anamorphic de-squeeze option, and various monitoring enhancements.
The latest recording formats will allow for a full-frame 16:9 crop in 3.8K, utilizing nearly the entire image sensor spectrum. This upgrade will enable the Burano to capture video at up to 120 frames per second.
Additionally, the camera will support 16:9 X-OCN capture at a cinematic 24 frames per second, offering Super 35mm aspect ratios in 4:3 at 4K up to 60 fps, and 16:9 at 1.9K up to 240 fps.
The 1.8x anamorphic de-squeeze will remain supported at higher frame rates of 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96, and 110 fps.
Moreover, new exposure tools will be incorporated from the Venice camera system, featuring high/low key value exposure tools and an expanded white balance memory that includes eight presets.
Camera operators can also look forward to improved image stabilization in both Full Frame 6K and Super 35 1.9K widescreen modes.
Other improvements will include standardized SDI video output supporting X-OCN and XAVC, along with the display of camera status information on the screen outside of the image.
Version 2 will also support Viewfinder Gamma Display Assist in SLog3 mode. Lastly, enhancements such as breathing compensation and image stabilization metadata will be introduced while shooting in X-OCN.
Availability
The rollout of these updates will commence in Spring 2025 with the Burano, continuing through 2026 and beyond.
Users will be able to download the updates for either Mac or PC at SonyCine.com.
[source: Sony PixelShift]
Order Links:
- Sony VENICE 2 Digital Motion Picture Camera (B&H)
- Sony FX6 Full-Frame Cinema Camera (B&H)
- Sony FX3 Full-Frame Cinema Camera (B&H)
- Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera (B&H)
- Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera (B&H)
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