Sony begins to deliver the first units of its new CineAlta Venice camera

Features of version 1.0 of this CineAlta camera include support for 24 x 36 mm full frame recording.

Just five months after its official presentation at IBC 2017 in Amsterdam, Sony has begun to send its customers the first units of its new Venice digital cinematography camera.

Features of version 1.0 of this CineAlta camera will include support for 24 x 36mm full frame recording.

Now, continuing its commitment to incorporating customer feedback into camera development, Sony announces new capabilities, including a mode ISO base doble. With over 15 stops of exposure latitude, Venice will be compatible with a High base ISO of 2500 that will utilize the unique physical attributes of the sensor. This will take advantage of Sony's unique sensor to deliver exceptional low-light performance with extraordinary dynamic range: from 6 stops to 9 stops at 18% medium gray.

This new capability is the result of requests from a increased exposure rates at the highest ISO values to work in nighttime exteriors and dark interiors, use slower lenses or handle high dynamic range content, all without losing a single detail in the shadows.

8-stop ND optical filter servo

Another added advantage unique to Venice is its 8-stop ND optical filter servo mechanism integrated. This mechanism allows different ISO operating modes to be emulated when using the high base ISO 2500, while maintaining the extremely low noise levels characteristic of the Venice sensor. This new flexibility considerably expands the variety of creative possibilities for production professionals.

Also includes a new color technology Designed to deliver a cinematic look with soft tones, where shadows and midtones have a natural response and highlights maintain dynamic range.

Sony has also developed the menu simulator in this chamber. This simple tool has been designed to give camera operators the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the camera's operational workflow before using it, thanks to an intuitive and elegant menu system.

New features and capabilities are expected to be available later this year with the free update to the firmware version 2.0 of the camera, which will include: a full frame mode with 6K resolution at 25p; function False color, which has been included in version 3 to version 2; stream compatible with Sony's RAW Viewer v3 application, as well as third-party applications such as Filmlight Baselight v5, Davinci Resolve v14.3 and Assimilate Scratch v8.6, among others.

Another highly requested feature is high frame rate support, which Sony is working on to make available later.

Venice main features

True 36 x 24mm full frame images based on 100+ year old photography standard

Integrated 8-stop ND optical filter servo mechanism

Dual base ISO mode, with high base ISO 2500

New color technology for attractive skin tones and elegant highlights right out of the box.

Aspect ratio freedom: 3:2 full frame (1.5:1), 4K 4:3 anamorphic full height, 17:9 spherical, 16:9.

Lens mount with 18mm flange depth offering a wide variety of lens options (PL mount optics included).

Over 15 stops of exposure latitude: Exceptional dynamic range, whether shooting in bright sunlight or in near-no light.

Ability to exchange the sensor by simply removing six screws, facilitating future upgrades and offering production flexibility.

6K resolution (6048 x 4032) in full frame mode