Sony presents its new Burano film camera, a complement (or alternative) to the Venice 2

Burano joins the CineAlta family of Sony not to replace the Venice, but to offer a versatile alternative for single camera operators and small teams.

The new Burano of Sony includes a sensor that adapts to the color science of the Venice 2 and has been specially designed for single camera operators and small teams. This camera, which combines professional cinematographic features with a commitment to mobility, is presented as the “world's first digital cinema camera with PL mount” that incorporates image stabilization in its body. Additionally, its compact housing includes “for the first time” a thinner variable neutral density electronic filter structure than before, along with an optical image stabilization mechanism.

This is how it defines Sebastian Leske, director of film industry business development at Sony Europe, his new camera: "Burano is the perfect camera for scripted and unscripted projects, whether for commercial, nature or documentary productions, and allows you to create content with an authentic cinematic look, even when working with small teams. This camera once again pushes the limits of digital cinematography and is a wonderful addition to our current family of digital cinema cameras."

Burano: 8.6K full frame sensor, up to 120 fps…

Maintaining the color science of Venice cameras, Burano incorporates a sensor Full Frame de 8,6K which shares most of the specifications of the Venice 2, allowing you to work with that camera in all types of productions. The sensor has Double basic ISO of 800 and 3200, and 16 steps of latitude; will have the ability to roll Super 35 Full Frame, and inherits the decompression function for anamorphic lenses with up to 8K at 30 frames per second, 6K at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 frames per second.

The Burano camera can record from HD up to 8K depending on resolution, aspect ratio and codec. Sony's development supports several internal recording formats, such as the new XAVC H for 8K, which uses the codec MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 high compression capacity. Other supported recording formats include XAVC y X-OCN LT. X-OCN is Sony's original compressed RAW format that can capture information recorded with 16-bit linear data, giving filmmakers more freedom in post-production for color grading. X-OCN LT can reduce file transfer time and storage size burden, increasing the efficiency of post-production workflows compared to standard versions of RAW data.

Burano presents all these features in a compact and lightweight body to offer great mobility, approximately 32mm shorter and 1.4kg lighter than the Venice 2 camera. Likewise, the system is housed in a robust magnesium chassis, allowing for filming in complex environments. The system is also accompanied by a commitment to sustainability, as the case and bags for cameras and accessories have been made primarily from plant cellulose instead of plastic, as part of Sony's efforts to be environmentally friendly. Additionally, a molded cellulose cushion is used in the chamber as a cushioning material, so expanded polystyrene is not used.

Optical stabilization, PL and E mount…

Burano is presented as the “world's first PL mount digital cinema camera” compatible with image stabilization in the body. With a newly developed image stabilization mechanism and control algorithm that takes advantage of the advanced image stabilization technology used in the Alpha series of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses, it can correct unwanted camera shake, such as shake when recording handheld or walking, during shooting with an E-mount or PL lens.

On the other hand, more than 70 E-mount lenses can take advantage of the image stabilization function developed with Alpha, as well as fast hybrid autofocus, which combines the advantages of phase and contrast detection methods. In addition, they also support AI high-precision subject recognition autofocus. Using an E-mount lens further reduces the weight and size of the camera.

Burano also includes design improvements based on feedback from the filmmaking community. For example, all Menu buttons are located on the operator's side of the camera. Additionally, Tally lamps have been placed at three locations to make it easier for surrounding staff to check the recording status. The 3.5-inch multifunction LCD monitor can be used as a viewfinder for touch focusing or menu control. The Burano camera also comes equipped with an optional robust T-grip, a viewfinder arm, two 3-pin XLR audio inputs and a headphone terminal (stereo mini jack), very convenient for solo work.

Production versatility

Burano admits various logging modes, including S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut.Cine, which are color spaces that cover a higher color gamut than BT.2020 and DCI-P3. Likewise, it includes four new cinematic aspects: warm, cool, retro, and teal and orange, plus support for industry-standard s709 and 709 (800%) reference tables (LUT). Additionally, like the Venice series, Burano can be used for virtual production with large LED monitors, such as Sony's Crystal LED Verona.

Burano is also equipped with two CFexpress memory card slots type B and is compatible with VPG400, which supports high bit rate writing of video data, including X-OCN LT 8K. Sony will also launch new compatible Type B CFexpress memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/CEB-G960T (960 GB), in spring 2024.

The Burano camera, CFexpress type B memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/CEB-G960T (960 GB) and the new GP-VR100 handle remote control will be available at spring 2024. However, the camera may be discovered during IBC 2023 (September 15 – 18) at the Sony booth.