Sony Announces Range Of Powerful New Updates For Venice System

Sony has unveiled a host of new updates and developments for its VENICE CineAlta motion picture camera system.

The version 2 firmware has been advanced and will now be available in the beginning of July 2018.
 
Sony also announced the development of its new VENICE Extension System designed for expanded flexibility and enhanced ergonomics. Its plan for high frame rate support for the system was also highlighted.
 
"VENICE was born from the voice of cinematographers," said Sebastian Leske, Product Marketing Manager, Cinematography, Sony Professional Solutions Europe. "Their voices continue to fuel the ongoing development of this powerful camera with the mission to make a real difference in their daily work. These new enhancements provide professionals more freedom to hone their craft, and also protects their investment."
 
VENICE Version 2 firmware
Version 2 adds new features and capabilities specifically requested by production professionals to deliver more recording capability, customisable looks, exposure tools and greater lens freedom. Highlights include:
 
• Dual base ISO - With 15+ stops of exposure latitude, VENICE will support high Base ISO of 2500 in addition to existing ISO of 500, taking full advantage of Sony's unique sensor for superb low light performance with exceptional dynamic range from +6 stops to -9 stops as measured at 18% middle gray. This increases 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 the maximum shadow details.
• Select FPS (off speed) – in individual frame increments, from 1 to 60.
• Additional Imager modes – V2.0 newly adds several Imager Modes, 25p in 6K Full-Frame, 25p in 4K 4:3 Anamorphic, 6K 17:9, 1.85:1 and 4K 6:5 Anamorphic imager modes.
• User up-loadable 3D LUTs – users can customise their own looks and save them directly into the camera.
• Wired LAN remote control – users can remotely control and change key functions, including camera settings, FPS, shutter, EI, iris (Sony E-mount lens), rec start/stop, and built-in optical ND filters.
• E-mount –users can remove the PL mount and use a wide assortment of native E-mount lenses.

VENICE Extension System
At Cine Gear 2018, Sony demonstrated the VENICE Extension System, a Full-Frame tethered extension system that allows the camera body to detach from the actual image sensor block with no degradation in image quality up to 20 feet apart. These are the result of Sony's long-standing collaboration with James Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment.
 
"This new tethering system is a perfect example of listening to our customers, gathering strong and consistent feedback, and then building that input into our product development," added Mr Leske. "The 'Avatar' sequels will be among the first feature films to use the new VENICE Extension System, but it also has tremendous potential for wider use with handheld stabilisers, drones, gimbals, and remote mounting in confined places."
 
High Frame Rate
Sony also revealed the details of a planned optional upgrade to support high frame rate – targeting speeds up to 60 fps in 6K, up to 90 fps in 4K, and up to 120 fps in 2K, to be released in the spring of 2019.

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