Sony prepares a 65 mm 9.6K sensor

Sony expands its commitment to the film industry with the development of Rialto 65, a new image sensor block compatible with the 65mm format for the Venice 2, scheduled for release in the first half of 2027.

Designed to expand the capabilities of the Venice 2 platform, the new sensor reinforces Sony's commitment to supporting cinematographers with flexible, future-proof tools. When combined with Venice 2 camera bodies, Rialto 65 transforms the system into a digital cinema in 65 mm format, preserving compatibility with the current Venice 2 ecosystem.

The new sensor block can be mounted directly to the Venice 2 camera body or separately from the body using a cable similar to that of the Venice extension system, allowing for greater mobility and versatile recording setups. This modular approach allows creators to quickly adapt to demanding production environments without compromising image quality.

The new image sensor capable of reaching the 65 mm format has approximately 2.2 times the light reception area of a full-frame image sensor, lo que ofrece una profundidad de campo excepcionalmente reducida y una mayor sensación de escala. Permite a los directores de fotografía capturar tanto los detalles íntimos de los personajes como una amplia profundidad espacial, mejorando la narración visual con una presencia más inmersiva y épica que solo la imagen de gran formato puede proporcionar.

El nuevo sensor será también uno de los más grandes del sector, con una diagonal de aproximadamente 64,60 mm (53.75 mm wide and 35.83 mm high) and an aspect ratio of 3:2. In addition to 9.6K 3:2 gate-open recording, the new sensor supports recording in multiple readout modes to ensure compatibility with a variety of 65mm format lenses, including some with narrower image circles.

When producing works intended for large screens, cinematographers have high expectations for exceptional visual expressions that draw audiences into the story. This development underscores Sony's continued investment in the film industry and its commitment to providing tools that expand the creative possibilities of filmmakers around the world. Rialto 65, currently in development, is scheduled to be exhibited at the Cine Gear Expo, which will be held in Los Angeles, California, starting on Friday, June 5, 2026.