Sony has announced new firmware for its VENICE (version 6.0). The firmware will arrive in November and includes Increased HFR (High Frame Rates) capabilities, Advanced Rendering Transform (.art) workflow, and new Frame-lines presets. Read more below.
Sony VENICE: One of the most important cameras in the industry
The VENICE, which is Sony’s flagship and named on the famous Venice Beach in Los Angeles and the Italian city, it’s known for being one of the most important cameras in the industry. The VENICE has been accepted honorary within industry professionals and Hollywood productions. This camera initiated numerous fascinating discussions regarding its utilization in Top Gun: Maverick which was shot on the IMAX-certified Sony Venice 6K. The production has assembled a specialized camera system of six Sony VENICE 6K cinema cameras inside a fighter-jet cockpit. Read more in the article: Top Gun: Maverick – Six Sony VENICE Cameras Inside a Fighter-Jet Cockpit.
According to Sony, since its launch in 2017, VENICE has been used to capture more than 200 theatrical, broadcast, cable, and streaming releases. Besides, regular firmware and hardware updates have been key to the wide adoption of VENICE. Indeed, the camera has been undergone major improvements via firmware updates which constitute an important part of the camera’s roadmap. See below the chart that demonstrates the firmware updates that drew VENICE’s evolution.
Version 6.0 firmware
This firmware update will grant VENICE users four major improvements: Allowing the import of Advanced Rendering Transform (.art) files that improve monitoring picture quality and viewing options on-set. A brand new Technicolor’s “look library” that will be available free to VENICE shooters. Also, the HFR (High Frame Rate) capabilities will be increased, and last but not least, is the ability to shoot with a second user frame line. Let’s elaborate a bit on each of those features:
Advanced Rendering Transform
Version 6.0 firmware upgrade will support the new Advanced Rendering Transform file (.art) which will improve the picture monitoring quality and viewing options on set. To utilize this feature, a 3D LUT has to be created in Sony RAW viewer of any grading tool and converted to an ART file in Sony RAW viewer. Then, this ART file can be imported to the VENICE. Check out the chart below (a screenshot from Sony Professional Solutions Americas YouTube channel), that demonstrates that workflow of the ART file.
Technicolor Look Library
Additionally, Sony is collaborating with Technicolor to create a free new “look library” dedicate to the VENICE. This recourse will be available free of charge online for filmmakers wishing to access Technicolor’s established film print emulation looks.
Frame-lines options
Version 6.0 will enable cinematographers to more easily composed for multiple horizontal and vertical aspect ratios simultaneously taking advantage of the VENICE’s large sensor size. New presets 9 by 16 and one by one frame-lines, and users will be able to add up to two additional custom frame-lines. That feature is expected to be utilized for users shooting content intended for smartphone viewing.
Furthermore, this ability will also be useful for those shooting commercial content dedicated to a wide range of viewing environments, including large video installations, small social media displays, and everything in between.
HFR (High Frame Rate) expansion
Version 6.9 further expands Venice’s high frame rate capabilities with up to 72 FPS at 5.7K 16:9 and 4K 6:5 for anamorphic. Besides, there will be a possibility for 110 FPS at 3.8K 16:9. Check the table below that emphasizes the changes in HFR possibilities.
VENICE Version 6.0 features also include gyro information in metadata – camera’s Tilt & Roll data can be referenced by VFX teams.
Summary
As explained, the VENICE is an outstanding cinema camera that getting better with each firmware update. The Version 6.0 of VENICE firmware is planned for release in November 2020. By the way, there will be a firmware release to the FX9 as well. For further reading, head over the article: Sony FX9 RAW Recording Announced, But It Will Cost You $3,800.
