Sony VENICE Full Frame 6K CineAlta Digital Motion Picture Camera

The new flagship of Sony's CineAlta family, the Sony VENICE CineAlta 6K Digital Cinema Camera (6K with 6048x4032*), offers an interchangeable PL or E-Mount, integrated ND filters in 8-stages, 15+ stops of exposure latitude, a wide color gamut and improved color management system.

VENICE compact form factor suits gimbal, aerial, handheld, and studio setups. While its sister camera, the F65, offers an 18MP sensor, VENICE boasts a 24.7MP Full Frame CMOS sensor with a maximum resolution of 6048 x 4032*. 

VENICE will also include a Dual Base ISO mode, supporting an additional High Base ISO of 2500. This feature takes full advantage of the sensor's unique design for exceptional low light performance and dynamic range (from 6 stops over to 9 stops under 18% middle gray). This new capability represents an increase in exposure indexes at higher ISOs for night exteriors, dark interiors, slower lenses, or where content needs to be graded in High Dynamic Range, while maintaining maximum shadow detail.

VENICE CineAlta features a dual display for menu control on both sides of the camera so your camera assistant or DIT can adjust shutter angle, ISO, ND selection, white balance, and frame rate, while the main camera menu is accessible by the camera operator. Note that the camera left side display for your AC is slightly smaller yet preserves necessary functionality.

VENICE offers similar workflows to your Sony F65 or F55 cameras, plus the same color space: Rec.2020. Captured footage from VENICE offers a very different look. Venice also features the ability to accept PL or E-Mount lenses when you swap the lens mount.

Interchangeable Lens Mount & Lever Lock 

The highlight of this camera for many will be the ability to accept your existing PL lenses on an E-Mount camera. Sony designed VENICE to easily attach a PL Mount on top of the native E-Mount with connection points via 6 screws. VENICE comes with the specialized adapter PL mount.

This adapter isn't like what you are used to seeing from third-party manufacturers where the mount adapter locks into place inside. The PL Mount on VENICE secures to the face of the sensor block.

In addition, VENICE offers other connectivity options for future growth and current use. Cooke/i Technology is included with 4-pin lens contacts located on the sensor block module, which will pass through to/from your lens. 

The E-Mount features a lever lock so you can change lenses by rotating the locking collar, rather than the lens itself. That means that your lens support won't need to be removed so you can save valuable time on set.

Overhauled Color Science & VENICE's Look

Sony revamped their color science when creating VENICE. The camera features S-Log3 gamma curve and offers both Auto White Balance (AWB) and White Balance 2000~15,000 Kelvin with Green/Magenta adjust possible. It also exceeds BT.2020 color space. Sony states that this means the color range is wider than DCI-P3 to produce true color and reflect accurately what you see.

VENICE performs well in bright sun ranging down to incredibly low light. VENICE produces soft imagery without the sometimes harsh quality many digital cameras realize. The image processing in the VENICE CineAlta produces deep darks yet retains highlights and colors. The original Impressionist painters would approve of the camera name choice, since VENICE also delivers smooth and natural skin tones and reproduces true color.

Creative Freedom

Full-Frame Full Width 36mm 6K (with required firmware update)

Sony states that in Full Frame, you can use the full 6048 pixel width of the sensor for widescreen spherical 2.39: 1 or Large Format Scope. Full-Frame can be used creatively in a number of ways, such as allowing for extra shallow depth of field or super-wide shots.

Super35 Full Height 2.0x Squeeze Anamorphic Supported

VENICE supports Anamorphic shooting and production with Super35 full height 2x squeeze Anamorphic.

Super35 17:9 and 16:9 Supported

Both 17:9 and 16:9 are natively supported by Venice.

ALSO NOTE: Your Super35 F55 sensor is visually compatible with VENICE due to the density of the pixels. If you shot a scene with both cameras side-by-side you should see similar coverage. 

Built-in Filters

VENICE streamlines your workflow by providing the first film industry 8-step servo-controlled Mechanical ND filter system. The 8-stage glass internal filters include a dual turret format (each circular turret holds 3 high-quality optical filters). The full list includes: ND0.3, ND.6, ND.9, ND1.2, ND1.5, ND1.8, ND2.1, ND2.4 in 1-stop increments (1/2 - 1/256). You can either dial in the filter selection directly on the camera or via remote control, with appropriate accessories.

This new workflow with filters on-board will help those using VENICE CineAlta on a gimbal. aerial device, or underwater housing when you cannot swap filters quickly.

NOTE: VENICE is the world's first camera of its class with a servo-controlled 8-step Mechanical ND filter mechanism built into the camera chassis.

Recording

Record simultaneously on VENICE to XAVC 4K and ProRes onto your (2) separate media cards.

With a firmware update, VENICE will record RAW or X-OCN simultaneously on the optional AXS-R7 Recorder and XAVC 4K internally.

Modular & Compact Form

The modular and compact form of Venice offers the ability to add on-board accessories with ease, plus use VENICE on your aerial devices, gimbals, Steadicam systems, or in handheld mode and in small spaces. VENICE offers mount points for your on-board monitors, wireless video, audio and lens control systems.

The top handle and viewfinder position are adjustable to maintain and ergonomic balance for each operator. The provided handle offers a T-shape design so you can cross your forefinger over for a more secure feel. In addition, there is a safety lock so you can slide the handle to where you want without removing it from the chassis. The handle includes multiple mount points on the top and sides of the handle.

The control buttons for VENICE are positioned for intuitive operation and are based upon research Sony did with camera operators while developing the camera. The buttons illuminate to help you in dark locations and on set.

Your monitoring abilities are improved by the addition of an extra HD output alongside the standard 4K-SDI.

Any baseplate for your Sony F55 should fit on VENICE due to similarities in structure. The F55 is the same height from the camera bottom to the optical center. It also natelively fits an ARRI support system.

The bottom of VENICE includes a detachable shoulder pad so you can add a third-party soft shoulder pad. With the balancing options on this camera (the handle movement, your battery mounted on the rear to balance your heavier lenses) and the lightweight of this small camera body, the provided shoulder pad will do nicely for shorter handheld shooting.

Like all Sony cameras, the chassis on VENICE is engineered for harsh conditions. A ventilation system is isolated from all electronic components to prevent the introduction of dust, sand, and splashes. Swap out the silent fan on set, if needed.

Viewfinder

The optional DVF-EL200 viewfinder on VENICE features a 1920x1080 resolution OLED panel with high contrast and the ability to focus and frame easily. It offers tool-free attachment and a LEMO connection. A rotary encoder delivers fast access to brightness, peaking, and contrast adjustments.

The optional viewfinder mount can be adjusted up or down and slid forward or back to accommodate different body sizes and camera configurations.

Power and I/O

Sony VENICE features a 24V power supply input/output and LEMO connector for standard camera accessories. Both inputs are located in the rear of the camera. It includes a DC Input (XLR 4-pin male), plus the option for DC battery input on a 5-pin connector.

Input/Output includes:

• 1x XLR 5-Pin Female Audio Input (LINE/ AES/EBU / MIC / MIC+48V selectable)
• 1x BNC for Timecode Input
• 1x BNC for Genlock Input
• 1x LEMO 5-Pin Female AUX for Timecode Output
• 1x 8-Pin Connector for Remote, only available with firmware update
• 1x 12-pin Connector for Lens, only available with firmware update
• 1x 12V DC Output
• 2x 24V Fischer 3-Pin Output
• 4x BNC SDI Output for 12G, 3G, 1.5G-SDI
• 1x BNC HD Monitor Output for 1.5G-SDI
• 1x HDMI Type-A Output
• 1x Stereo Mini Jack for Headphone Output
• 1x USB Type-A
• 2x 4-contact for Lens Metadata (Cooke/i Technology protocol)
• 1x RJ-45 Type for Ethernet Network (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX)

Connectivity

Sony has included an Ethernet RJ-45 connection. Future plans call for more wireless instead of only wired options.  

FREE Software

You can color grade and transcode with FREE Sony Software: Catalyst Browse and RAW Viewer while using VENICE.

Catalyst Browse FREE Download

With Catalyst Browse you can browse files, view and edit metadata, watch video, apply color correction, create looks. You can transcode and copy files with this tool, as well.

RAW Viewer FREE Download

This Free tool offers the ability to debayer RAW files, perform quality control over recorded files, and adjust your look with color grading. RAW Viewer also supports various control panels.

Firmware Updates

IMPORTANT NOTE: VENICE firmware is constantly updated by the AbelCine Rental Department.

Firmware V1.01 Update:

Update V1.01 will address an issue with frame rates 50p and 59.94p only; it does not update other frame rates.

Firmware V2.0 Update:

• Added Monitor Output LUT: User 3D LUT (.cube) loading and output is now supported
• Improved Imaging Assist Functions:
  • Dual Base ISO2500 High Sensitivity mode has been added to support shooting at higher sensitivity
  • A Surround View imager mode has been added to 4K 17:9, 3.8K 16:9, and 4K 4:3 modes, which displays an image 5% larger than the recorded image for checking the image outside the recorded area
  • The resolution of the HD output magnified image has been increased by generating the source image from 4K data. Auto White Balance function is now supported.
  • A High/Low Key function has been added to check for blown-out highlights in high luminance areas (High Key) and blocked-out shadows in low luminance areas (Low Key)
  • False color output in the viewfinder is supported using the DVF-EL200 viewfinder
• Button Operation: Operation of the CLIPS button on the Operator side is now supported (has the same function as the CLIPS button on the Assistant side)
• Network Function:
  • Simple camera control is supported from a web browser on a Windows/Macintosh computer or other device over a wired LAN network
  • The FPS, EI, Shutter, ND, WB, Lens (E mount lens), REC, and ASSIGN 1/2/3/4 functions can be controlled
• Other Functions: The firmware of an AXS-R7 can now be updated using a USB flash drive while the AXS-R7 is attached to the unit
• Major Functions Updated in Version 2.0:
  • Eliminated restrictions on playback function (in Version 1.0, there were restrictions on full-frame playback; playback in all imager modes is now supported)
  • The following three new imager modes have been added:
    • 4K 6:5 Anamorphic (when Anamorphic License is installed)
    • 6K 1.85:1 (when Full Frame License is installed)
    • 6K 17:9 (when Full Frame License is installed)
  • New lens mount support: Pro E-mount has been released, adding support for E-mount lenses
  • Added recording formats: 
    • Recording to SxS media in the following Apple ProRes formats is now supported
    • HD ProRes 422, HD ProRes 422 HQ, HD ProRes 422 Proxy
  • Added simultaneous recording format: Simultaneous Apple ProRes format recording is supported when recording in RAW (or X-OCN) format
  • Added variable speed shooting mode:
    • A Variable (FPS Select) function has been added to support variable shooting speeds
    • Slow motion and quick motion are now supported

Firmware V3.0 Update:

Added Imager Modes

• 6K 2.39:1 (when Full Frame License is installed)
• 7K 16:9 (when Full Frame License is installed)

New High Image Quality Profile X-OCN XT

• X-OCN XT, which provides higher image quality than X-OCN ST, is now supported for the X-OCN recording format.

Added De-Squeeze Ratios

• When an Anamorphic License is installed, additional De-Squeeze ratios 1.25×, 1.3×, 1.5×, and 1.8× can now be selected. This can be applied to SxS recording and VF/Monitor/SDI output (options available will vary depending on the imager mode). 

Added Cache Rec Function

• The Cache Rec function can now be selected during either AXS standalone recording or SxS standalone recording.

Added AXS Relay Rec Function

• Relay recording using the two slots on an AXS-R7 is now supported during AXS standalone recording.

Added Simultaneous Recording Format 

• Simultaneous AXS recording (RAW/X-OCN) and 4K XAVC-Intra recording to SxS memory is now supported.
• ProRes 422 Proxy can now be selected in Sub Rec Format at the same time as 4K XAVC-Intra recording.

Added SxS Recording Folder Structure Selection

• The name of the root folder for SxS recording can now be set to the existing “XDROOT” or to “Cam ID + Reel#” format (same as AXS recording).

47.952 fps Support

• 952 fps can now be selected as the project frame rate for AXS recording in 4K 4:3 and 4K 17:9 modes. 

6G/12G SDI Output Support

• 4K transfer is now supported using a single SDI cable by selecting 6G/12G as the 4K SDI output (47.952 fps not supported).

Improved Imaging Assist Functions

• The false color function can now also be applied to the SDI Monitor output. The number of identification colors has been increased to ten, and the display levels are now adjustable.
• A Flip function (horizontal invert function) can now be selected. The VF/Monitor/SDI output image and SxS recording image can be flipped.

Network Function

• Control from a web browser on a tablet or smartphone, similar to using a wired LAN, is supported by connecting a CBK-WA02 Wireless LAN Adaptor.
• Configuration of full menu settings from the web remote control screen is now supported (although some items are not configurable).

Improved Operations

• When a DVF-EL200 is attached, viewfinder- related menus (VF Display and VF Function) are displayed on the viewfinder screen, and the corresponding functions can now be configured using the Menu button and SEL/SET (Enter) dial of the DVF-EL200.
• The on-screen display (OSD) Status Info and Frame Line settings for each output have been simplified.
• Menu Operation: Monitoring > OSD Appearance 

Other Functions

• CDL files (*.cdl) created using external tools can be imported and applied to the Look.

Firmware V4.0 Update:

Imager Mode

• 4K 2.39:1 for HFR

Recording Formats

• HFR shooting in Select FPS Shooting Functions
• 4K 2.39:1 Max. 120FPS
• 4K 17:9 Max. 110FPS
• 4K 4:3 Max. 72FPS
• 6K 3:2 Max. 60FPS

Shooting Function

• RM/RCP control (Incl. paint)
• Cooke/i3 and Zeiss Extended metadata in X-OCN/RAW

Monitor Out Function

• Pure P HD-SDI output in 25p/29p

Shooting Assist Function

• LINE+MASK Frame Line

Hardware

• S700 Protocol

Firmware V5.0 Update:

HFR Capabilities

• 6K 2.39:1 Max 90FPS
• 6K 17:9 Max. 72FPS
• 6K 1.85:1 Max. 72FPS

HD ProRes 4444

• Up to 30FPS on SxS Pro+ cards

Monitor Out Function

• Flip & Flop via SDI & VF
• High resolution Magnification via Monitor Out

Shooting Assist Function

• Improved User Marker Settings

Firmware V6.0 Update (Available Nov. 2020):

HFR Capabilities

• 5.7K 16:9 Max. 72FPS
• 4K 6:5 Max. 72FPS
• 3.8K 16:9 Max. 110FPS

Shooting Functions 

• Gyro Tilt/Roll information stored as metadata (X-OCN & XAVC)
• Support for FUJINON Premista series ZEISS eXtended Data

Monitor Out Functions

• 3D LUT support in VF
• New ART (Advanced Rendering Transform) file import for improved on-set monitoring

Shooting Assist Functions 

• Second User Frame Line
• 9:16 and 1:1 preset Frame Line
• REC beep & alarm volume can be adjusted individually
• Maintain CamID+Reel# when loading ALL File
• Display Genlock and TC lock status on OSD
• De-squeeze On/Off by USER button

Firmware V6.01 Update:

SONY is pleased to announce that firmware update VENICE V6.01 has been officially released. During Sony's ongoing QC process, they experienced a very rare occurrence of the CineAlta logo screen freezing during power on initialization. A simple power off/on recycle would resolve the issue. This problem is now fixed in V6.01. There are no new features added to this release.

NOTE: As with the previous releases DO NOT INSTALL THIS FIRMWARE ON A V3.0 VENICE. The camera must already be at V4.0 or higher prior to installation. 

Version 6.01 firmware is available for download from https://pro.sony/ue_US/support-resources/venice/software

NOTE: Rental kits do not necessarily include the same accessories as retail products, and are variable based on client needs. Please contact your AbelCine Rental Agent for details, or if you require specific accessories for your rental.