Sony is expanding its “long-term commitment to the cinema industry” with the development of Rialto 65, a new 65mm format capable image sensor block for the Venice 2, targeting release in the first half of 2027.
Designed to extend the capabilities of the Venice 2 platform, the new sensor “reinforces Sony’s focus on supporting cinematographers with flexible, future-ready tools”.
“When paired with existing Venice 2 camera bodies, Rialto 65 effectively transforms the system into a 65mm format digital cinema platform, preserving compatibility with the current Venice 2 ecosystem,” said Sony.
“The new sensor block can be mounted to the Venice 2 camera body directly or separate from the body via a cable similar to the Venice Extension System, enabling greater mobility and versatile shooting configurations.
“This modular approach allows creators to adapt quickly to demanding production environments without compromising image quality.”
The new image sensor capable of 65mm format has approximately 2.2 times the light-receiving area of a full-frame image sensor, delivering an “exceptionally shallow depth of field and a heightened sense of scale”.
It enables cinematographers to “capture both intimate character detail and expansive spatial depth, enhancing visual storytelling with a more immersive and epic presence that only large-format imaging can provide”.
The new sensor will also be one of the industry’s largest with a diagonal size of approximately 64.60 mm (width 53.75 mm, height 35.83 mm) and a 3:2 aspect ratio.
In addition to 9.6K 3:2 open gate recording, the new sensor supports recording in multiple readout modes to ensure compatibility with various 65mm format lenses including some with more narrow image circles.
“In the production of works intended for large screens, cinematographers have high expectations for exceptional visual expressions that draw audiences into the story,” Sony concluded.
“This development underscores Sony’s ongoing investment in the cinema industry and its commitment to delivering tools that expand creative possibilities for filmmakers worldwide.”
The under development Rialto 65 is scheduled to be exhibited at the Cine Gear Expo, which will be held in Los Angeles, California, starting Friday 5 June 2026.
