Sony has announced the VENICE 2, their new flagship model in a widening lineup of high-end digital cinema cameras. The VENICE 2 adds several new features including a compact design, internal recording, and the option for two different sensors: the newly developed full-frame 8.6K sensor, or the original 6K VENICE sensor. The VENICE 2 keeps many of the popular features from the original VENICE including color science, Dual Base ISO, 8-stops of built-in ND filters, and compatibility with a wide range of lenses, including all PL mount and Sony’s native E-mount enabling adapters to an even greater selection of lenses.

The newly-developed 8.6 K (8640 x 5760) full-frame CMOS image sensor is said to produce 16 stops of total latitude and the dual base ISO has increased to 800/3200. It supports everything from full-frame, full-frame anamorphic to Super35 all at a minimum of 4K resolution. With the 8.6K sensor providing ample oversampling, images shot on VENICE 2 will benefit from less noise and enriched information in a 2K or 4K production making it well suited for VR, in camera VFX, and Virtual Production setups.   

The Venice 2 is designed with a smaller and more lightweight body than the original VENICE. Despite being 44 mm smaller and approximately 10% lighter, the VENICE 2 chassis allows internal recording of X-OCN and Apple 4K ProRes 4444 and 422 HQ without the AXS-R7 recorder. User-selectable capture resolution of the 8.6K image sensor allows shooting in various modes including:

• 8.6K | 3:2 | 30FPS | Full Frame
• 8.2K | 17:9 | 60FPS | Full Frame
• 5.8K | 6.5 Anamorphic | 48FPS | Super35
• 5.8K | 17:9 | 90FPS | Super35

The new model adds the unique feature to interchange the image sensor block. The camera can be used with the 8.6K sensor as well as the original 6K sensor block. The camera body automatically recognizes the change and will start-up without any firmware exchanges or re-installs, adding more flexibility on-site. An advantage of the original 6K sensor is that it will allow higher frame rates. The VENICE 2 camera with 8.6K image sensor is scheduled to start shipping in February 2022 and the VENICE 2 camera with 6K image sensor in March 2022.  

To watch Rob McLachlan ASC, CSC’s short film, Homecoming, which uses the VENICE 2 in 8K with only available light, visit https://youtu.be/YZu2JwedaZM 

Watch the making of Homecoming here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Hr2vTkGFLQ

More on the Venice 2 along with short text films and analysis from Cinematographers Claudio Miranda, ASC and Rob Hardy, BSC, ASC visit: https://pro.sony/en_GB/products/digital-cinema-cameras/venice2