Sony Electronics announces new VENICE Extension System 2 and VENICE 2 Version 2.00 Firmware Update with Powerful New Features and Capabilities

Sony Contacts: Tanya Lyon, Sony Cine Marketing, [email protected]

LOS ANGELES, September 8, 2022 – Sony Electronics Inc. is announcing new updates and developments for the VENICE 2 motion picture camera system, including the release of the VENICE Extension System 2 for expanded flexibility and version 2.00 firmware update.

"The VENICE 2 was born from the voice and feedback of the cinema community," said Theresa Alesso, President of Imaging Products and Solutions Americas, 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 will be showcased for the first time at IBC 2022 in Amsterdam from September 9^th to 12^th in 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 and can transmit wide bandwidth sensor data over longer distances. In addition, the Extension System 2 offers greater mobility and compatibility with either a 3-meter or a 12-meter 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 has been shooting with the VENICE 2 Extension System on an upcoming project. He offered this feedback, “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 126 mm, and weighing around 2.1 kg. 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 $24,399.99 CAD. It will be sold at a variety of Sony's authorized dealers throughout North America. 

A product video on the new VENICE Extension System 2 can be viewed HERE. ​ 

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 (Color 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 center 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 zebra,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 artifacts 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.

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new VENICE Extension System 2 and VENICE 2 as well as Sony's other imaging products can be found at www.sonycine.com a site created to educate and inspire all fans and customers of Sony Cinema Line.

¹ To use the VENICE Extension System 2, VENICE2 firmware Ver2.00 and VENICE firmware 6.3 are necessary and will be available in early 2023. ​ 

² Compatible with the VENICE 2 6K and the VENICE 2 8K

³ Claudio Miranda won an Academy award in 2013 for Best Cinematography for “Life of Pi”

⁴ 2021 Academy Award for Best Cinematography for “Mank”

⁵ With a PL mount adapter when used with the VENICE 2 8K sensor block excluding a cable

⁶ As of Sept 2022, the Tilt/Roll and recording to metadata function only works with the VENICE 2. VENICE doesn’t support tilt/roll sensor or recording to metadata and output through SDI. 

⁷ As of Sept 2022, only assignable button 3 is available for VENICE

⁸ Other functions can also be included

⁹ Genlock is now available when the frame rate (fps) is N-fold* of the Genlock frequency *N must be 2 or above. When N is 1, Genlock is not available.

For more information visit sony.com/VENICE.

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About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment to industry leading 4K and 8K Ultra HD TVs. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

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