PARAMUS, NJ — Sony Electronics Inc. (www.sonycine.com) has announced firmware updates to its Venice digital motion picture camera and FX9 full-frame camera. Both updates are free of charge and build on the two platforms’ image capture and color science technology.
“Sony is committed to empowering filmmakers to fulfill their artistic vision with cameras developed by and for cinematographers,” explains Neal Manowitz, deputy president of imaging and professional solutions Americas, Sony Electronics. “Shooting capability and efficient workflow are key factors in the selection of camera. We listen to our customers and continue to enhance the functionality of Venice and FX9 cameras to better meet their visual storytelling needs.”
The Venice camera launched in 2017 and has since been used to capture more than 200 theatrical, broadcast, cable and streaming releases, including HBO’s The Plot Against America, and 16 other new series. Regular firmware and hardware updates have been key to its wide adoption.
Version 6.0 of Venice firmware will allow the import of Advanced Rendering Transform (.art) files that improve monitoring picture quality and viewing options on-set. These .art files can be generated by Sony’s RAW Viewer software, from users’ own 3D LUT files. Additionally, Sony is collaborating with Technicolor and their color scientists to create a new look library for the Venice camera, which will be available online as a resource for creatives wishing to quickly access some of Technicolor’s premier established looks.
Another enhancement in Version 6.0 firmware is the ability to shoot with a second user frame line. This enables cinematographers to more easily take advantage of Venice’s large sensor size to shoot for both horizontal and vertical distribution within the same composition. High framerate capabilities have also been extended to up to 72fps at 5.7K 16:9 and 110fps 3.8K 16:9. In addition, there is now an up to 72fps at 4K 6:5 imager mode for anamorphic lens operation.
The FX9 launched in 2019, bringing full-frame imaging to run-and-gun, documentary and independent productions. Employing the form factor, ergonomics and workflow of Sony’s FS7 and FS7II camera, FX9 brings color science from Venice, and auto focus (AF) technology from Sony’s Alpha interchangeable lens camera to creatives desiring a small camera footprint.
Version 2.0 of FX9 firmware supports 4K 60p/50p recording through oversampling from a 5K cropped area of 6K full-frame sensor. Version 2.0 also enables output of a 4K 16-bit RAW signal to an external recorder with the optional XDCA-FX9 accessory. This additional bit depth beyond the camera’s internal 10-bit recording is well suited for projects requiring more intensive post production.
Additionally, FX9 Version 2.0 firmware will expand the camera’s operability with Eye AF technology and touch-screen operation for focus control and menu setting on the viewfinder. Further enhancements include 180fps full-frame HD recording, 4K (4096×2160) DCI recording, and the ability to load user 3D LUTs.
Version 6.0 of Venice firmware is planned for release in November, while Version 2.0 of FX9 firmware is planned for an October release.