Sony announces a significant firmware upgrade to its VENICE Full Frame cinema camera. The new version 5.0 firmware allows elevation of VENICE fps capabilities up to 90 FPS (Frame per Second) at 6K resolution 2.39:1 and 72 FPS at 6K 17:9. Furthermore, firmware 5.0 offers more options to improve production workflow. Read down below.

VENICE Version 5.0: Advanced HFR Capabilities

Sony continues to develop firmware that enhances FPS capabilities, especially concerning 6K resolution. Firmware 4.0 (supposed to be released in June) includes an HFR license to support 120fps at 4K 2.39:1, 110fps at 4K 17:9, 75fps at 4K 4:3 and 60fps at 6K 3:2.

VENICE’s Version 5.0 update will further enable cinematographers to shoot at speeds of up to 90fps at 6K 2.39:1 and 72fps at 6K 17:9/1.85:1.

Yes, it sounds strange. Sony announces the ver 5.0 firmware before 4.0 has been released. However, there is nothing to complain about, because it seems that Sony wants to utilize its FF flagship to meet the demand for high-end productions.

The new Version 5.0 firmware will allow the camera to be even more flexible, ultimately increasing its benefit and versatility to all cinematographers

Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Product and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics

“Through an ongoing dialogue with cinematographers, we have continued to evolve VENICE to meet the needs of top talent,” said Neal Manowitz, deputy president for Imaging Product and Solutions Americas at Sony Electronics. “To date, more than 100 features and episodic productions have been shot on VENICE. The new Version 5.0 firmware will allow the camera to be even more flexible, ultimately increasing its benefit and versatility to all cinematographers.”.

By the way, you can check our article regarding the first film that was shot on the VENICE paired with the new FUJINON Premitsa large format cine-zoom lens.

VENICE Version 5.0 Firmware highlights

Version 5.0 also offers various features to achieve enhanced shooting usability and an efficient production workflow. Highlights include：

• HFR Capabilities – Up to 90fps at 6K 2.39:1 and 72fps at 6K 17:9.
• Apple ProRes 4444 – Record HD videos in high picture quality with SxS PRO+, without Sony’s AXS-R7 recorder; this is especially effective for HD VFX workflow.
• 180 Degree Rotation Monitor Out – Flip and flop images via viewfinder and SDI.
• High-Resolution Magnification via HD Monitor Out – Existing advanced viewfinder technology for clearer magnification is now extended to HD Monitor Out.
• Improved User Marker Settings – Menu updates for a more accessible selection of frame lines on the viewfinder.

Sony VENICE: An exciting versatile cinema camera

It seems that VENICE is gaining more and more popularity. Many modern productions choose VENICE to be their high-end weapon of choice. For instance, the upcoming (2020) Bad Boys for Life directed by Adil El Arbi, Bilall Fallah, and James Cameron’s Avatar’ Sequels. The fascinating fact is that Avatar will be shot with the CBK-3610XS, which is VENICE Extension System that was titled as NAB 2019 Product of the Year. The Extention System enables cabled separation of the VENICE camera body and image sensor block by up to 5.5m with no degradation in image quality, and thus allows much more versatility in complex production environments.

Price

There is no info regarding pricing nor licensing for VENICE firmware 5.0. Probably you will have to pay to get those high FPS at 6K. FYI, the camera body costs more than $40,000 (in case you asked).