With a 6K full format (36.2mm x 24.1mm, 43.5mm diagonal) sensor recording up to 6048 x 4032 pixels, the Sony VENICE uses an ARRI PL lens mount, which can be removed to reveal a full frame Sony E-mount behind it. Sony's E-mount is known to be one of the most adaptable modern lens mounts in wide use, owing to its very short flange focal distance. A future firmware update, due in August of 2018, will enable an extraordinary range of modern and legacy stills optics to be mounted on the camera.
A surprise addition to the VENICE feature set, which was announced right as the camera began to ship in February 2018, is dual-base ISO sensitivities. The camera's standard-base sensitivity remains at ISO 500, but a second high-base ISO of up to 2500 was added for shooting in low-light. We've seen this dual-ISO behavior in other cameras, such as with Panasonic's VariCam 35 and VariCam LT, and it's great to see it being adopted by more manufacturers.
Another standout VENICE feature is the ability to control the application of the 8 stops of built-in neutral density filters in very fine 1-stop increments. This is a boon for DPs who will no longer have to compromise on their chosen lens stop in order to work around NDs that only apply in multi-stop increments.
For much more, watch the video above to find out all about Sony's new flagship digital cinema camera.
