As Sony VENICE is about to start shipping this month, Sony announced that it will come with a dual-native ISO of 500 and 2500, similar to Panasonic VARICAM 35.


Sony VENICE cinema camera

Firmware Features Coming in Stages


Sony is planning to bring various features to their new camera in phases through firmware updates. They are starting with firmware version 1.0 which will be available in all Sony VENICE cameras from the very beginning. Version 2.0 is planned for release in August 2018 and firmware version 3.0 is scheduled for early 2019. To get more information about the key features of the new Sony VENICE Full-frame cinema camera go ahead and check our article about it.

Full Frame from the Start, plus Dual Base ISO 500 & 2500


As we already reported, despite Sony’s initial plan to only add the full-frame option at a later stage, version 1.0 firmware will include support for Full-Frame 24x36mm recording (via a paid upgrade). Several new capabilities have been now announced for the VENICE – for example a “Dual Base ISO” mode. Apart from the native 500 ISO, Sony VENICE will support an additional High Base ISO of 2500 to utilise the sensor’s proclaimed 15+ stops of exposure latitude. According to Sony, this should improve image quality in low light and achieve exceptional dynamic range – from 6 stops over to 9 stops under 18% middle gray. It’s cool to see this feature in another camera apart from Panasonic’s line-up of pro cameras (VARICAM, VARICAM LT and EVA1 have the dual base ISO feature too).

Another unique feature on the Sony VENICE is its built-in 8-step optical ND filter with servo mechanism that also allows remote control. New color science is designed to deliver a soft tonal film look with natural response and the highlights preserving dynamic range.

Sony has developed the so-called VENICE camera menu simulator. It is an online tool designed to give camera operators an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the camera’s operational workflow before using the Sony VENICE in production by going through all the menus.


Sony VENICE Firmware Roadmap


Version 2.0 Firmware New Features & Improvements:

• Imager mode – 4K 6:5 Anamorphic, 6K 1.85:1, 6K 17:9, 6K 3:2 25p, 6K 3:2 In-camera playback, 4K 4:3 25p 29p
• Supporting Lens mount – E-mount (lever lock type)
• Recording format – Apple ProRes
• Simul. Rec combination – RAW / X-OCN 0& Apple ProRes
• Shooting function – Select FPS, Dual Base ISO
• Monitor Out function – Additional preset MLUTs, User 3DLUT
• Shooting Assist function – Surround View, Dot by Dot Magnification, Auto White Balance, High-Lo Key, False Colour in Viewfinder
• Hardware – Operator side CLIPS button
• Network – Wired LAN control (partial)

Version 3.0 Firmware New Features & Improvements:

• Imager mode – 5.7K 16:9, 6K 2.39:1
• Simul. Rec combination – XAVC 4K/QFHD & Apple ProRes Proxy, RAW/X-OCN & XAVC 4K/QFHD
• Shooting function – Paint menu (Custom mode), Cache Rec. (AXS, SxS)
• Monitor Out function – 12G-SDI (for 4K 50/60p)
• Shooting Assist function – False Color
• Hardware – Remote S700 Protocol, 12pin lens remote
• Network function – Wired LAN control (FULL MENU), Wireless LAN control (with CBK-WA02)

VENICE has an established workflow with support from Sony’s RAW Viewer v3, and third party vendors including Filmlight Baselight v5, Davinci Resolve v14.3, and Assimilate Scratch v8.6 among others.

Sony seems to listen to their users and tries to implement a lot of features based on this feedback. An often requested feature is support for high frame rates. Sony claims to be working to implement this feature and make it available at a later date.

What is your opinion about Sony’s new cinema camera and their firmware upgrade roadmap? Let us know in the comments below.

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