Sony reveals updates and developments for the VENICE 2

Sony Electronics Inc. has announced new updates and developments for the VENICE 2 motion picture camera system, including the release of the VENICE Extension System 2 and version 2.00 firmware update.

“The VENICE 2 was born from the voice and feedback of the cinema community,” said Neal Manowitz, president and COO, Sony Electronics Inc. “Thanks to the continued feedback of our customers, we have been able to fuel the ongoing development of this powerful full-frame cinema camera with the mission to enable more creative freedom.”

VENICE Extension System 2

The VENICE Extension System 2 is an updated version of the original VENICE Extension System and was showcased for the first time at IBC 2022 in Amsterdam at the Sony booth. The Extension System 2 is a tethered extension system that allows the camera body to detach from the actual image sensor block with no degradation in image quality.

The VENICE Extension System 2 adds important enhancements over the original, including compatibility with both the VENICE and the VENICE 2. In addition, the Extension System 2 offers greater mobility and compatibility with either a three-metre or a 12-metre cable – without the need for a repeater.

Thanks to its small size and light weight, filmmakers have greater creative freedom with the ability to shoot in tight spaces, go handheld or mount the Extension System 2 on gimbals and cranes.

“The original VENICE Rialto System has been such a great resource to give me added flexibility for feature films. On Top Gun: Maverick, the small form factor of three VENICE Extension System, paired with three cameras, allowed us to place 6 VENICE cameras in the cockpit of an F-18 fighter jet to capture the excitement of flying in-camera. The extension system has given me the flexibility to be as creative as I want to be,” said Oscar award-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda ASC.

Academy-award-winning cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt ASC has been shooting with the VENICE 2 Extension System on an upcoming project. He added: “The VENICE 2 Rialto has been a huge asset for me. It frees us to use the sensor we already love in ways we never could without it.”

In addition, the Extension System 2 is nearly the same size of the original system, measuring 158 x 147 x 126mm, and weighing around 2.1kg. For added capabilities, such as when shooting for Visual FX, the Extension System 2 is equipped with a tilt/roll sensor on the camera head that detects motion. It records this information in the metadata and outputs the data through the camera’s SDI.

For added functionality, the Extension System 2 also has four assignable buttons – making it perfect for handheld configurations. This feature allows buttons to be assigned for functions, such as changing ND filters, REC Start/Stop, etc.

Pricing and Availability

The new VENICE Extension System 2 will be available in early 2023 for approximately $18,999.99 USD and 18,500 Euros. It will be sold at a variety of Sony’s authorised dealers throughout North America and Europe.

VENICE 2 Version 2.00 Firmware Update

VENICE 2 Version 2.00 adds new features and capabilities specifically requested by production professionals, including new imager modes, higher recording speeds, and sync functions for working with LED walls and volumes.

Added imager modes and recording speeds, include:

Version 2.00 will also allow users to embed LUT (Look Up Table) and CDL (Colour Decision Lists) data in clips. It also offers new monitor-out functions such as zoom to fit for anamorphic lenses and the ability to change the position of the recording status indicator and playback status indicator up to eight positions to the centre of the screen – a needed function when in zoom to fit anamorphic modes.

Additionally, the VENICE 2 Version 2.00 firmware update comes with added functionality to assist with focus. Version 2.00 allows one of nine positions on the viewfinder to be magnified to assist with focus and shooting. New functions also allow users to output the same image as the viewfinder with settings, such as peaking and zebra¹,from monitor-out. Playback functions have also been improved. Playback position in the clip is now displayed and allows frame-by-frame playback. Now, EI metadata is also applied during playback.

New functionality has also been added for virtual production. Version 2.00 firmware update adds sync functions, including phase shifting of Genlock, which enables you to shift on-camera artefacts until they minimized. Additionally, Genlock is now available when shooting at high frame rates.

VENICE 2 Version 2.00 will be released in early 2023.