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8.6KRawdeal forflagshipVenice Sony has revealed its new flagship cinema camera, the Venice 2. It’s an 8.6K full-frame that records Raw files internally, with a claimed dynamic range sensor has Dual Native ISO settings at 800 and 3200 to minimise noise. and 4444 come on both cameras, and ProRes 4444 XQ will arrive via a firmware upgrade. All ProRes is limited to 4K only, though. There is no XAVC codec.
Unlike the original camera that needed a recorder unit to store Raw files, the Venice 2 can record Raw or ProRes internally to the AXS card, which maxes out at 6.6Gbps. The Venice 2 6K still has the 500 and 2500 native ISO settings of the original, as it uses the same 24.8-megapixel sensor. The Raw files are in the X-OCN format, which gives 16-bit encoding for incredible detail. Three different versions of X-OCN are available, offering varying quality levels and file` sizes. ProRes 422 HQ
of 16 stops. A 6K version will also be available with the same sensor as the original camera. This Mark 2 version of the Venice finally allows the whole sensor block to be swapped for further upgrades, as was promised on the original in 2017. The new camera can now be used with its 8.6K sensor, or the original 6K sensor block, which supports higher frame rates. But you can’t just fit a new 8.6K sensor into the original Venice. The 8.6K camera has a new 8640x5760 pixel CMOS sensor, with approximately 50 megapixels – almost double the old camera. The Venice’s dual SxS slots are replaced by AXS memory, which will still be very expensive as it’s so fast. The Venice 2 has the same built-in optical ND system, instead of going to the electronically variable ND from the FX6 and FS5 II. The Venice 2 also sticks with the industry-standard PL lens mount, with Cooke/i Technology. But this can be simply removed, to reveal a lever lock E-mount. Sony E-mount lenses or DSLR lenses can be used with adapters. The sensor shoots in 3:2 ratio up to 8.6K/30p, or in 8.2K/60p for 16:9 or 17:9. Drop to a Super 35 crop and it shoots 90fps at 5.8K, while 120fps is available in 4K. The
The camera is very similar in design to the original Venice, which is really built for multi-crew cinema shoots with big budgets. No official price has been announced, although the flagship 8.6K version is rumoured to cost £45,000/$59,000 in Japan, so it will compete with high-end Arri and Red cameras for the TV and filmmarket. sony.com
BIG MONEY The new 8.6K Sony Venice 2 and its 6K sibling are designed for full-scale productions with huge budgets
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