Sony's Venice will offer HFR of up to 90 fps in 6K starting in January

Version 5.0 of the popular Venice firmware will offer advanced high frame rate capabilities of up to 90 fps in 6K 2.39:1 and 72 fps in 6K 17:9, HD ProRes 4444, among many other advancements.

Sony will update its popular camera for digital cinematography in January 2020 Venice with the version 5.0 of its firmware that will provide it with greater frame rate (HFR) technology capabilities and greater workflow flexibility.

Following the release this June of firmware version 4.0, which includes an HFR license to support 120 fps in 4K 2.39:1, 110 fps in 4K 17:9, 75 fps in 4K 4:3 and 60 fps in 6K 3:2, the update to version 5.0 of Venice will allow cinematographers shoot at speeds up to 90 fps in 6K 2.39:1 and 72 fps in 6K 17:9/1.85:1. This improvement will allow you to shoot three times slower at 24p, even in 6K. Cinematographers can use the same camera at different speeds without giving up the shallow depth of field, full frame, and high image quality of 6K upsampling.

Sebastian Leske, head of film product marketing at Sony Solutions Europe, states that "our constant dialogue with cinematographers is responsible for the VENICE system having continued to evolve to meet the needs of the best talent. To date, more than 100 film productions and series have been recorded with the VENICE system. The new version 5.0 of the firmware will give the camera even more flexibility, which will mean an increase in its benefits and greater versatility for all cinematographers."

Among other notable projects recorded with Venice, the action thriller 21 Bridges from STXfilms (led by ASC member Paul Cameron); the third installment of the saga Bad Boys, Bad Boys for Life, from Sony Pictures (directed by Robrecht Heyvaert), and Minamata (directed by Benoît Delhomme) and starring Johnny Depp.

Other features

Version 5.0 also offers multiple features that improve recording processes and the fluidity of production processes. Among others, the possibility of working with Apple ProRes 4444 stands out, being able to record HD videos with the high image quality of the SxS PRO+ cards, but without the Sony AXS-R7 recorder. It is especially effective in the HD VFX workflow.

In addition, Sony has incorporated advanced technology to be able to enlarge the image on the HD monitor with greater clarity than the current viewfinder, now also on the HD monitor, as well as an updated menu to facilitate the selection of frame lines in the viewfinder.

Finally, it should be noted that along with the Sony F65, F55 and F5, the VENICE camera now carries the ACES logo, since it also meets the specifications of the ACES Product Partner Logo Program.