Sony has just announced the BURANO cinema camera. The BURNAO belongs to the elite line of CineAlta and joins the mighty VENICE and VENICE 2. The BURANO is Sony’s answer to solo shooters who want a very capable high-end cinema camera. It’s armed with many powerful capabilities: 8.6K full-frame sensor, IBIS, Variable ND filter, Dial Base ISO, and even X-OCN (the LT version). You can think of it as a hybridization of FX9 together with VENICE 2. Details (and pictures) are below.

Sony BURANO

Sony has just introduced the BURANO CineAlta camera. The BURANO is located at a good spot between the FX9 and the VENICE 2. We had the privilege of seeing the camera before the announcement, at Pinewood Studios, to test it, try it, and speak to Sony’s engineers, product managers, marketing, and filmmakers who used the BURANO for short docus. Let’s start from the end, by presenting our opinion, that we think that the BURNAO will sell like hotcakes. As opposed to other high-end cinema cameras, the BURANO aims at solo shooters, since its sophisticated specs can be well utilized by one operator.

At the beginning of the presentation, Sony emphasized that the BURANO was developed due to filmmakers’ demand, for a camera that sits between the FX9 and the VENICE 2. Some of you will define the BURANO as Mini VENICE, just like ARRI Mini and ALEXA, or ALEXA Mini LF and ALEXA LF. The BURANO is much more compact than the VENICE, and as mentioned above, owns some pretty solid specs made especially for indie filmmakers (but lacks the Rialto). 

As opposed to other high-end cinema cameras, the BURANO aims at solo shooters, since its sophisticated specs can be well utilized by one operator. At the beginning of the presentation, Sony emphasized that the BURANO was developed due to filmmakers’ demand, for a camera that sits between the FX9 and the VENICE 2. Some of you will define the BURANO as Mini VENICE…

8.6K FF sensor & 16 stops of DR

As stated by Sony: “Using the widely appreciated color science of the VENICE cameras, BURANO features an 8.6K full-frame sensor that shares most of the VENICE 2 specifications enabling it to work alongside that camera in all types of productions. The sensor features dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 and 16 stops of latitude to produce stunning images even in the most challenging lighting conditions”. Furthermore, similar to all cameras in Sony’s full-frame Cinema Line, BURANO will have the ability to shoot at full-frame, Super 35, and inherits a de-squeeze function for anamorphic lenses with up to 8K at 30 frames per second, 6K at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 frames per second.  

PL & IBIS

The BURANO combines exceptional image quality with high mobility and is the world’s first digital cinema camera with a PL-Mount to feature in-body image stabilization. In addition, the compact housing includes for the first time a thinner-than-before electronically variable ND filter structure alongside the optical image stabilization mechanism, a technological feat never achieved previously. When removing the PL lens mount, the camera can be used with E-mount lenses and supports fast hybrid AF and subject recognition AF, perfect for fast-moving photography. Sony adds that: “With a newly developed image stabilization mechanism and control algorithm that leverages the advanced image stabilization technology cultivated in the Alpha series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, unwanted camera shake, such as movement from shooting handheld or walking, can be corrected when shooting with an E-mount or PL-mount lens”.

BURANO is the perfect camera for both scripted and unscripted projects, be they for commercial, wildlife, or documentary productions, creating content that has a true cinematic feel, even when working with streamlined crews. This camera once again pushes back the boundaries of digital cinematography and is a wonderful addition onset alongside our existing digital cinema cameras.

Sebastian Leske, Head of Business Development, Cinema, Sony Europe

Improved ergonomics

BURANO also includes design improvements based on feedback from the filmmaking community. For example, all menu buttons are positioned on the camera operator’s side. Additionally, tally lamps are placed in three locations to make it easier for the surrounding crew to check the shooting status. The 3.5-inch multi-function LCD monitor can be used as a viewfinder, for touch focus, or menu control. The BURANO also comes equipped with an optional robust T-handle, viewfinder arm, two 3-pin XLR audio inputs, and a headphone terminal (stereo minijack), convenient for solo operation. 

Recording Formats

The BURANO can record from HD to 8K depending on the resolution, aspect ratio, and codec. BURANO supports multiple internal recording formats, such as the new XAVC H for 8K, which uses the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 high compression efficiency codec. Other recording formats include XAVC and X-OCN LT. X-OCN is Sony’s original compressed RAW format that can capture information shot with 16-bit linear data, which gives filmmakers more freedom in post for color grading. X-OCN LT can reduce file transfer time and storage size load, making post-production workflows more efficient than standard versions of RAW data. BURANO is also equipped with two new CF express Type B memory card slots and supports VPG400, which can sustain high bitrate writing of video data, including X-OCN LT 8K. Sony will also be releasing in early 2024 new compatible CFexpress Type B memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/ CEB-G960T (960 GB).

Matching the Cinema Line and especially the VENICE 2

BURANO supports various log recording modes including S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut. Cine, which are color spaces that cover a color gamut exceeding BT.2020 and DCI-P3. BURANO can reproduce the same color as all cameras in Sony’s Cinema Line, including the VENICE 2. This allows filmmakers to match cameras within the line. The camera also features a gen-lock. Additionally, the BURANO comes with four new cinematic looks: Warm, Cool, Vintage, Teal, and Orange, in addition to supporting industry standards s709 and 709 (800%) Look Up Tables (LUTs).

Cinema camera with Run N’ Gun capabilities

If VENICE 2 is for the highest quality cinema expression, and for project style, and the FX9 is for Run N’ Gun with high mobility, then the BURANO is for high mobility for small crews and solo operators. However, it has the look and operability of a cinema camera. That definition was stated in Sony’s deck presenting the BURANO. Here are some highlights:

• 8.6K full-frame sensor with AF
• 8K 30p (FF), 6K 60p (FF), and 4K 120p (S35)
• IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization)
• Variable ND filter
• Dial Base ISO (800 & 3,200)
• Internal 16bit X-OCN LT and 8K XAVC H

If VENICE 2 is for the highest quality cinema expression, and for project style, and the FX9 is for Run N’ Gun with high mobility, then the BURANO is for high mobility for small crews and solo operators.

Designed for small crews

As explained, the BURANO was developed to meet the demand of small crews. It doesn’t mean that the BURANO is not suitable for Hollywood production. The contrary! The BURANO can be a perfect fit for big-budget/mega-budget Hollywood-style productions, as a B camera to be paired with the VENICE 2. The BURANO excels in its high-readout sensor and thus can be used on action shots since there are almost no rolling shutter artifacts. Here are the BURANO’s properties that constitute advantages to small crews:

• High mobility for solo and small crew shooting
• Compact and lightweight body (less than 3Kg)
• Electronic variable ND filter built-in (ND 0.6 to 2.1)
• World’s first in-body optical image stabilization for PL lenses
• Phase detection AF/subject recognition AF with AI processing (with E-mount lens)
• Color reproductions are synced with VENICE 2

The BURANO was developed to meet the demand of small crews. It doesn’t mean that the BURANO is not suitable for Hollywood production. The contrary! The BURANO can be a perfect fit for big-budget/mega-budget Hollywood-style productions, as a B camera to be paired with the VENICE 2.

Advanced autofocus on a cinema beast

We had the chance to try the AF capabilities of the camera. And it worked pretty well. We were delighted to shoot and pick our focus via the touch interface, lock on the object’s face, and hold and control it efficiently. That’s because the BURANO was developed with a powerful and advanced AF technology perfectly paired with the E-mount lenses, characterized by XD linear motor which is Sony’s unique technology that is able to deliver smooth, quiet, accurate autofocus, in conjunction with the camera body. With no gears and no mechanical parts, you will get a contactless, frictionless movement for accurately fast AF on a cinema camera.

Flexibility is the key

As explained, the BURANO can meet the demand of professionals in multi-crew production, and also in indie-style shooting. Sony wanted to create a cinema camera with maximum flexibility: One-person style with a PL mount lens, one-person style with an E mount lens, and a project style for mega-budget environments. Moreover, the camera is very durable. The BURANO was designed with a magnesium alloy body for durability and has a completely sealed ventilation system. We have seen a couple of docus shots on the BURANO in very harsh conditions, trying to break the camera with no success. The camera was able to be well utilized during rain, skydiving, desert, and more tough conditions. Furthermore, it’s built like a tank. Although there’s no screen interface on the body, the added touch LCD can do all functions, including the AF which we wrote above.

Additionally, the BURNAO had new dedicated accessories like a grip remote control, which is an easy arm angle setting that allows full control from the grip, CFexpress Type B recording media VPG400-certified (400 MB/s) to guarantee stable writing speed for 8K and X-OCN LT, atet has high capacity (1920 GB/960 GB). We tried the Grip Remote Control and it worked like a charm. It’s very efficient and effective.

Sony wanted to create a cinema camera with maximum flexibility: One-person style with a PL mount lens, one-person style with an E mount lens, and a project style for mega-budget environments.

Price and availability

The Sony CineAlta BURANO will be available in spring 2024. No info regarding the price yet, however, we’ve been told that the price will be around $25,000 USD.

Initial thoughts

Although the BURANO was created as a camera that sits in the sweet spot between FX9 and VENICE 2, we expect it to be like the use-case of the ARRI Mini/Mini LF. When ARRI released the Mini version of the ALEXA (S35 and LF), the guys at ARRI didn’t expect it to be such dominant cameras. We think that the BURANO will do the same, Hence, replacing the VENICE in high-end productions. There’s a solid chance that professional DPs will choose the BURANO instead of VENICE (in case X-OCN LT is enough), since it’s lighter, more compact, and can be easily rigged to gimbals and steady cams. Additionally, the BURANO is much more user-friendly in handheld shooting style. We wouldn’t call it a VENICE 2 Mini, but it’s not far from this definition. Anyway, if the price tag is fair, the Sony BURANO is expected to sell like hotcakes. It’s a tough day for RED Raptor owners….

Product List

Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA