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Header image for article The Latest on Sony VENICE Firmware Version 5.0

The Latest on Sony VENICE Firmware Version 5.0

Sony VENICE firmware version 5.0 has arrived. This update brings a bevy of new features and improvements, including new frame rates and monitoring options to streamline workflows.

NOTE: As with the previous V4.01 release, DO NOT INSTALL THIS FIRMWARE ON A V3.0 VENICE. The camera must already be at V4.0 or V4.01 prior to installation. Due to the risk of improper install, the download link for 5.0 firmware is not public at the time of writing. Contact our Tech Services for details on updating your camera. Once you've obtained the firmware, be sure to update your AXS-R7 RAW Recorder in parallel in order to avoid a firmware mismatch with your VENICE camera body. The AXS-R7 can now be updated while attached to the camera body, utilizing a USB thumb drive in the USB Type "A" port on the rear upper of the camera body (usualy used to attach the CBK-WA02 Wireless LAN Adaptor). However, the procedure for formatting the USB thumb drive to update the AXS-R7 can be a little tricky, especially when using a Mac computer. See this article for details.

See below for the release notes shared by Sony, but here the standout features from this update in my opinion.

  • New frame rate options
    • 72 fps high frame rate support at 6K 17:9 and 5.7K 16:9, up from 60 fps
    • 90 fps HFR for 6K 2.39:1
    • Adds remaining frame rate options for 4K 2.39:1 (previously only 120 fps)
    • Current max frame rates for the camera (format dependent):
      • 6K: 90 fps
      • 4K: 120 fps
    • Note HFR license add-on purchase is still required for these new frame rate options
  • Additional ProRes codec support
    • Adds HD ProRes 444, limited to non-variable frame rates up to 29.97 only (which is standard for ProRes on the VENICE)
  • Additional monitoring options for desqueeze, horizontal, and vertical flip
  • Enhanced metadata recording
    • Now includes lens data and user frame line settings 

As we’ve come to expect from Sony, they continue to deliver on their commitment to expand and improve their product offerings well after launch. Firmware 5.0 carries on that tradition while also refining the camera features based on user needs and feedback.

 

Sony's V5.0 Release Notes

VENICE V5.00 firmware includes the following new features and improvements:

  • Additional HFR support
    • 6K 17:9 up to 72 fps
    • 5.7K 16:9 up to 72 fps
    • 6K 2.39:1 up to 90 fps
  • 4K 2.39:1 resolution operates like all the other resolutions
    • Previously it was limited to 120 fps only
  • Flip & Flop support for VF and Monitor outputs for use with Steadicam
  • User Frame line operation is improved
    • Display of aspect ratio and pixel count is now shown in menu
    • Additional Preset frame lines
    • Recorded metadata now includes User Frame line setting
  • Cooke /i2 metadata recorded in X-OCN/RAW and XAVC files
  • HD ProRes 4:4:4:4
    • Fixed frame rate only
    • Up to 29.97
    • Simultaneous Record not available
  • Desqueeze monitoring options increased.
    • X1.65 added
  • FPS information is now shown as Fix23.98 when in 23.98 (23.976 fps) project mode
    • Previously Fix24 was shown for both 23.98 and 24 projects
    • Sub Display, Operator Display, etc. …
  • Tilt/Roll gyro has been activated
    • VF and Monitor outputs
  • Additional Paint Menu support for live operation
    • User Gamma, Knee, White Clip, Detail, Matrix, Multi Matrix, Scene File, Test SAW

 

Nic Somera
Camera Technology Specialist, AbelCine LA

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