Sony is proud to present the next-generation cinema camera system, featuring a large-format sensor, phenomenal color science and intuitive ergonomics.

Your partner in creativity

The VENICE is a cinema camera created by and for filmmakers. It features a new full-frame image sensor that meets the needs of the film industry by pushing the limits of large-format capture with exceptional image quality.

Simple and intuitive

A practical, reliable camera is an operator's main concern, especially in difficult shooting conditions (in terms of weather or environment). With its intuitive design, easy-to-navigate menu and rugged construction, the VENICE camera makes you forget all about yourself, so you can concentrate on shooting, and only shooting.

Full-frame 36x24mm sensor designed for cinematography

The VENICE camera is equipped with a 36×24 mm full-frame image sensor, designed specifically for the demands of high-definition cinematography. This sensor can capture images up to a maximum resolution of 6048 x 4032*. By switching image modes, the VENICE can natively support Super35 24.9×18.7 mm, 4096 x 3024 resolution (equivalent to 4-hole photo film) and Super35 24.9×14.0 mm 4096 x 2160 resolution (equivalent to 3-hole photo film). In other words, the new VENICE sensor can capture in almost any format, including Super35 anamorphic 18mm-height and spherical, full-format 24mm-height, and full-format anamorphic and spherical. Almost any aspect ratio can be used: 1.85: 1, 2.39: 1, 17: 9, the list continues with full format and Super35.

With the VENICE, Sony offers users the opportunity to customize their camera to suit their individual production needs. Licenses will be available to extend the camera's capabilities with new features, including 4K anamorphic and full format*.

Creative freedom

In full frame, you can use the sensor's full width of 6048 pixels to create a 2.39: 1 spherical panoramic screen or a Large Format Scope. Full format can be used creatively in many ways, for example, to enable shallow depth of field or super-wide shooting.

Super35 full-height 2x squeeze Anamorphic

For anamorphic shooting and production, the full-height Super35 2x squeeze anamorphic is compatible.

Super35 17:9 and 16:9

These popular image formats are natively supported by VENICE. Current PL Super35mm mounting lenses can be used.

Quick shutter

Jello effect is a phenomenon to be avoided when shooting. VENICE features a high-speed readout sensor that minimizes the jello effect inherent in traditional CMOS sensors.

Phenomenal latitude

The VENICE has an exceptional latitude of 15+ stops, with low noise, for extraordinary performance in conditions ranging from sunlight to almost no light. It also excels in High Dynamic Range imaging, enabling unprecedented creative freedom.

More colors for more expression

VENICE can exceed the Rec. 2020 color space. This means that the color gamut is wider than DCI-P3 and can reproduce the true colors of the scene magnificently.

Here is an excerpt from "THE DIG", the first film shot with the Sony CineAlta VENICE camera (written and directed by Joseph Kosinski, cinematography by Claudio Miranda, ASC).

PL optical frames

VENICE comes with the industry-standard PL frame. It is compatible with all PL Super35 and full-frame, spherical and anamorphic lenses. The lens mount includes contacts that support Cooke/i technology. Lens information is recorded as frame-by-frame metadata.

Lever Lock Type E-mount

E-mount offers unrivalled compatibility with Sony lenses. The E-mount (lever lock type) allows users to change lenses by turning the locking collar rather than on the lens itself, which means that, in most cases, the lens support platforms do not need to be removed, saving time during production.

E-mount* lever lock

The E-mount offers unrivalled compatibility with Sony lenses. The E-mount (lever lock type) allows users to change lenses by turning the locking collar rather than the lens itself, meaning that, in most cases, lens support platforms do not need to be removed. This saves time in production.

Depth of field

As the width of the sensor increases, the depth of field becomes shallower. The VENICE's large 36mm full-frame sensor can capture images with the equivalent of 1-2 stops of depth of field, compared with the Super35.*.

Anamorphic look

The VENICE's compatibility with anamorphic lenses, combined with its ability to shoot in 4:3 at 4K horizontal resolution, enables breathtaking images to be captured with stunning flare and bokeh effects.

High resolution 6K

The camera's astonishing 6K resolution can be recorded directly in the X-OCN (16-bit Extended tonal range Original Camera Negative) file format. What's more, 4K XAVC can be captured on SxS cards while sampling from the sensor's 6K resolution.

Compact and intuitive

VENICE boasts a surprisingly compact design, making it easier to shoot in confined spaces or on drones. The camera's buttons are designed to meet operator requirements and positioned for intuitive operation. They are backlit for easy use in dark environments. Monitoring is enhanced by the addition of an extra HD output alongside the 4K-SDI standard. The VENICE can be powered by 12V and 24V power sources that can be connected to the rear. A wide range of accessories are compatible, including standard Fischer connectors. For longer life, the viewfinder uses a LEMO connector.

Designed for survival

The VENICE chassis is built to resist. It has been tested under the most extreme conditions. Its ventilation system is completely isolated from all electronic components to prevent the ingress of dust, sand and splashes. The silent fan can be cleaned or even replaced quickly and easily.

Easily configurable

The VENICE has a fully modular design, and even the sensor block is interchangeable. This means you can upgrade without investing in a new camera. To maintain an ergonomic balance for operators, the top handle and viewfinder are easily adjustable. The height of the camera, from the bottom to the optical center of the lens mount, is identical to that of the F55, so you can use the base plates and other accessories of the F55. The AXS-R7 recorder can be attached to VENICE with just four screws.

The world's first eight-stage ND mechanical filters

In its class, the VENICE is the world's first camera with an 8-stage mechanical ND filter mechanism integrated into its chassis. It offers a massive ND range from 0.3 (1/2 = 1 stop) to ND2.4 (1/256 = 8 stops), reducing the time wasted on changing external filters. ND filters greatly increase the flexibility of the VENICE when remotely controlled on drones and cranes, or in an underwater housing.

Intuitive operation on the tray

There are two control screens on either side of the camera, with the main display on the outside of the camera for quick access to settings by the camera assistant while shooting. The miniature OLED screen allows intuitive control of normally accessible functions, such as ND filter, shutter, FPS, white balance and exposure index. The control interface is a completely new design based on extensive research with camera operators.

New-generation viewfinder

The DVF-EL200 viewfinder has been specially designed as the ideal partner for VENICE, thanks to its outstanding performance and additional control functions*. It features a 1920 x 1080 OLED resolution panel with exceptional contrast, enabling precise, high-resolution focusing and framing. Its all-new ergonomic design enables tool-free attachment/detachment and reconfiguration in seconds. A rotary encoder provides instant access to brightness, peak and contrast. The industry-standard LEMO connector offers exceptional durability.

Simultaneous recording for faster workflow

A key advantage of the VENICE is simultaneous recording using two recording media. For example, a production could use the RAW/X-OCN data recorded by the AXS-R7 for online editing and also use XAVC, ProRes * or MPEG HD for offline editing without waiting for any file conversion. As the VENICE can also record XAVC 4K and RAW/X-OCN * simultaneously, another option would be to use XAVC 4K for routine production while simultaneously using RAW/X-OCN recording as a future-proof archive, suitable for the highest-quality HDR applications.

Sony has just released software version 2.01 of the VENICE, which corrects the untimely display of a message in the viewfinder without disrupting camera operation. To download it, click here.

E-learning modules: Learn how to better use some of the features of the Sony Venice camera:

• Change between XAVC, X-OCN and RAW recording formats
• Select 8-Step mechanical ND filters
• Easy white balance adjustment

The new firmware (MPC-3610 V5.02) is available here.