Since its debut just a few short years ago, Sony’s high-end Venice compact cine cam has remained the undisputed pinnacle of its professional video-production lineup, with nothing else really to compare – until now. With the launch of the new Venice 2, Sony now offers cinematographers a significant step up, introducing some bold new features – including a revolutionary interchangeable sensor block – while preserving many of the best features and functions of the original model.
Interchangeable image sensors
In a stroke of genius, the Venice 2 is available with either a 6K or 8K sensor, and with an interchangeable CMOS sensor block that lets you remove and replace the image sensor easily and without additional firmware. By swapping out the newly developed 8.6K sensor for the 6K one, or vice versa, you’re afforded unprecedented versatility for higher frame-recording, as the situation requires.
High frame-rate shooting
When using the 6K sensor with the Venice 2, you can shoot at speeds of up to 120 fps at 4K and 90 fps at 6K. With the 8K sensor, you can achieve up to 60 fps at 8.2K and 90 fps at 5.8K. And with its high-speed readout sensor, the Venice 2 minimizes unwanted Jello effects.
Internal recording
Also new for Venice 2: the ability to record directly to AXS cards internally, freeing you up from the need for an external recorder at high data rates. The Venice 2 features two AXS card slots and also supports cache recording with twice the capacity as the original. Offering significant file-size reduction, 16-bit X-OCN makes it easier to work with full-resolution content from an 8.6K or 6K sensor. The camera also supports internal 4K 4444 and 422 HQ recording.
Mechanical ND filters
Following in the footsteps of its elder sibling, the new Venice 2 provides a built-in eight-step mechanical ND filter mechanism, greatly increasing flexibility, especially when it’s being controlled remotely on drones and cranes, or in an underwater housing.
Anamorphic look
With its support for anamorphic lenses, the Venice 2 lets you capture stunningly beautiful cinematic images. When combined with the ability to shoot 4:3 and 6:5 aspect ratio at high horizontal resolutions, this camera can deliver highly impactful lens flare and bokeh. The 8K sensor can shoot 5.8K with an aspect ratio of 6:5, while the 6K sensor can shoot both 6:5 and 4:3 at 4K.
VENEZIA by Rob Hardy, BSC, ASC | VENICE 2 | Sony | CineAlta
Going forward
To everyone’s great advantage, the remarkable new Venice 2 was developed and designed with targeted input from industry professionals. This is literally a cine cam created by and for the cinematographer, and Sony remains committed to extending its capability with timely upgrades going forward based on continuing discussions with filmmakers.
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