Sony Announces Upcoming VENICE Features, Including Dual Base ISO, Future High Frame Rate Support

Sony’s next-generation CineAlta motion picture camera,VENICE, begins shipping to customers in February.

As previously announced, VENICE’s version 1.0 features will include support for Full-Frame 24x36mm recording but after hearing customer feedback about the camera’s development, Sony is announcing several new capabilities including a “Dual Base ISO” mode. With 15+ stops of exposure latitude, VENICE will support an additional High Base ISO of 2,500 utilizing the sensor’s unique physical attributes. This takes advantage of Sony’s unique sensor for superb low light performance with exceptional dynamic range – from six stops over to nine stops under 18% middle gray.

This new capability is a result of requests to increase exposure indexes at higher ISOs for night exteriors, dark interiors, working with slower lenses or where content needs to be graded in High Dynamic Range, while maintaining maximum shadow details.

An added benefit unique to VENICE is its built-in, eight-step optical ND filter servo. This can emulate different ISO operating points when in High Base ISO 2500 and also maintains the extremely low levels of noise characteristics of the VENICE sensor. This new flexibility expands the range of creative possibilities for production professionals.

VENICE also features new color science designed to deliver a soft tonal look, with shadows and mid-tones having a natural response and the highlights preserving the dynamic range.

Sony has also developed the VENICE camera menu simulator. This user-friendly tool is designed to give camera operators an opportunity to familiarize themselves with the camera’s operational workflow before using VENICE in production via an intuitive menu system.

Additional upcoming features and capabilities planned to be available later this year as free firmware upgrades in version 2.0 include:

• 25p in 6K Full-Frame Mode will be added in Version 2
• “False Color” has been moved from Version 3 to Version 2

VENICE has an established workflow with support from Sony’s RAW Viewer v3, and third party vendors including Filmlight Baselight v5, Davinci Resolve v14.3, and Assimilate Scratch v8.6 among others. Sony continues to work closely with all relevant third parties to ensure a cohesive workflow including editing, grading, color management, and dailies.

Another often requested feature is support for high frame rates, which Sony is working to implement and make available at a later date.

The latest public demonstration of VENICE is at the BSC Expo 2018, which begins today in Battersea, London. Internationally renowned British cinematographer Richard Blanshard will showcase full-frame content shot with the VENICE camera system along with a seminar titled “Full-Frame shooting with CineAlta VENICE.”

VENICE Key Features

• True 36x24mm Full Frame imaging based on the photography standard that goes back 100 years
• Built-in 8-Step Optical ND filter servo mechanism
• Dual Base ISO mode, with High Base ISO 2500
• New color science for appealing skin tones and graceful highlights – out of the box.
• Aspect ratio freedom: Full Frame 3:2 (1.5:1), 4K 4:3 full height anamorphic, spherical 17:9, 16:9.
• Lens mount with 18mm flange depth opens up lens options (PL Lens mount included).
• 15+ stops of exposure latitude: Exceptional Dynamic Range, whether you’re shooting in searing sunlight or almost no light.
• User-interchangeable sensor, an industry first, requires removal of just six screws, enabling future upgrades and production flexibility.
• 6K resolution (6048 x 4032) in Full Frame mode