Sony Expands Filmmaking Versatility and Creative Freedom

posted:

14/05/2020

VENICE and FX9 Full-Frame Cameras Upgrades

Sony is expanding the capabilities of its digital motion picture camera VENICE and FX9 full-frame camcorder in 2020 to offer even greater expression and usability for cinematographers and their collaborators in production and post. These firmware upgrades build on the two platforms’ extraordinary image capture and color science. VENICE delivers more monitoring options and high frame rate and FX9 expands shooting as well as recording capabilities for content creators.

“Sony is committed to empowering filmmakers to fulfill their artistic vision with cameras developed by and for cinematographers,” said Claus Pfeifer, Head of Connected Content Acquisition, Sony Professional Solutions Europe. “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.”

Sony Expands Filmmaking Versatility and Creative Freedom with VENICE

Since its launch in 2017, VENICE has been used to capture more than 200 theatrical, broadcast, cable and streaming releases, including HBO’s “The Plot Against America” and sixteen other series premiering in March and April 2020. Regular firmware and hardware updates have been key to the wide adoption of VENICE.

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 the Sony RAW Viewer software, from users’ own 3D LUT files. Additionally, Sony is collaborating with Technicolor and their award-winning color scientists to create a new “look library” for the VENICE, which will be available online as a resource for creatives wishing to quickly access some of Technicolor’s premier established looks inspired by their cinematic history.

Another enhancement in VENICE 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.

VENICE Version 6.0 features also include:

Expansion of HFR Capabilities – up to 72fps at 5.7K 16:9 and 110fps 3.8K 16:9, which simplifies post-production of slow-motion especially for TV drama workflows that have quick turnarounds. In addition, up to 72fps at 4K 6:5 imager mode for Anamorphic lens operation.
Improved 3D LUT monitoring – 3D LUT look can be fed to camera viewfinder
Gyro information in metadata – camera’s Tilt & Roll data can be referenced by VFX teams

FX9 was launched in 2019 to bring full-frame imaging to “run-and-gun,” documentary, and independent productions. Employing the form factor, ergonomics and workflow of Sony FS7 and FS7II camera, FX9 brings color science from VENICE, and auto focus (AF) technology from the Sony interchangeable lens camera, Alpha™, 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 ideal for projects requiring more intensive post-production.

Sony Expands Filmmaking Versatility and Creative Freedom with FX9 Full-Frame Camera

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:

FX9 Version 2.0 features also include:

180 fps full-frame HD recording
4K (4096×2160) DCI recording
Ability to load user 3D LUTs
HDR shooting function recorded in Hybrid Log Gamma

FX9 Imager Scan and Recording Format Chart

Version 6.0 of VENICE firmware is planned for release in November 2020, and Version 2.0 of FX9 firmware is planned for an October 2020 release.

For more information on the Sony full-frame cinema cameras and entire portfolio of professional imaging and production solutions, please visit pro.sony.

About Sony Professional Solutions

Sony Professional Solutions is part of Sony Corporation and exists to help professionals to truly live their vision, by unleashing the incredible power of images. With a winning combination of innovative technology and industry expertise, Sony partners with businesses across a wide variety of sectors including Media and Broadcast, Sports, Healthcare, Corporate, Education and Theatre to deliver industry leading and transformational customer solutions. Operating with over 40 years’ experience and a trusted network of established technology partners, the wide Sony portfolio of knowledge, products and services propositions provides true value to businesses and informs, educates and inspires their customers.

About Sony Corporation

Sony Corporation is a creative entertainment company with a solid foundation of technology. From game and network services to music, pictures, electronics, semiconductors and financial services – the Sony purpose is to fill the world with emotion through the power of creativity and technology.

Sony Corporation are supporting the global industry with the unveiling of our "Sony Global Relief Fund for COVID-19," - a $100 million fund to support those around the world affected by the COVID-19 virus.