The VENICE 2 features a compact body design with the ability to swap sensors for higher frame rates. Here’s an in-depth look.
The original Sony VENICE helped capture films like the Oscar award-winning The Father, popular series including The Flight Attendant, The Crown, and Ozark, and even NFL broadcasts.
The new VENICE 2 camera seeks to elevate performance with its streamlined body, interchangeable 8.6K and 6K sensors, 8-stops of built-in ND filters, and more.
Interchangeable Sensors
The Sony VENICE 2 debuts a new 8.6K (8640×5760) full-frame sensor with 16 stops of dynamic range. It has a dual base ISO of 800/3200 to capture clean images in most lighting conditions. Dropped down to 4K, the camera still supports full-frame, full-frame anamorphic, and Super35.
8.6K Sensor Modes
| 8.6K | 3:2 | 30fps | Full-Frame |
| 8.2K | 17:9 | 60fps | Full-Frame |
| 5.8K | 6:5 Anamorphic | 48fps | Super35 |
| 5.8K | 17:9 | 90fps | Super35 |
To shoot at higher frame rates, the camera can use the original 6K sensor, which is completely swappable.
Footage and Reactions
Director of Photography Claudio Miranda tested the low-light capabilities and the camera’s ability to capture skin tones and fire in the desert.
Claudio Miranda explains,
The results, in Miranda’s own words, are . . .
On the simplicity of features like the built-in ND filters, DP Rob McLachlan says:
(Side note: PremiumBeat did the math—it’s $416 per minute for a $300,000, 12-hour day.)
Camera Specs
- Sony PL or E Lens Mount
- Removable PL mount, Cooke /i Protocol
- Sony E-mount with electronic contacts
- 8.6K Sensor
- 8.6K: 1 to 30fps
- 8.2K: 1 to 60fps
- 7.6K: 1 to 60fps
- 5.8K Anamorphic: 1 to 48fps
- 5.8K: 1 up to 90fps
- 5.4K: 1 up to 90fps
- X-OCN Internal Recording
- 4K ProRes 4444/422HQ Internal Recording
- Built-in ND Filter Mechanical Filter Wheel
- Clear, 1 stop (1/2), 2 stop (1/4), 3 stop (1/8), 4 stop (1/16), 5 stop (1/32), 6 stop (1/64), 7 stop (1/128), 8 stop (1/256) ND filters
- ISO Sensitivity 800 / 3200 (Native)
- Rolling Shutter
- 16 Stops Dynamic Range
Availability
The VENICE 2 camera with 8.6K image sensor is scheduled to start shipping in February 2022 and the VENICE 2 camera with 6K image sensor in March 2022.
The price is currently unknown. The original Sony VENICE was released with a starting price point around $40,000.
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