In Broadcast - June 2018 - 32
32 www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 8 - Issue 6 | June 2018 InAPAC Emotions in Every Frame Sony VENICE VENICE is part of Sony's CineAlta family As one of the first manufacturers to embrace the full frame technology in high-end digital cinema camera systems, Sony's VENICE is generating phenomenal interest within the global cinematography community... V ENICE is fast establishing itself as a versatile, high-end shooting solution capable of delivering truly cinematic results. Recently added to Netflix's list of approved cameras in all 4K modes, VENICE is the latest addition to Sony's CineAlta family. With its forwardthinking sensor, impressive colour science and user-friendly operation, the camera has been created by and for the cinematographer, pushing the boundaries of large format image capture with exceptional picture quality. It is a testament of Sony's endless pursuit for unlimited creative possibility, which started in 1999 with the introduction of the first 24p digital motion picture production system - HDW-F900. Creative Freedom Realised Capable of capturing 6K footage up to 6048 x 4032 pixels depending on aspect ratio, VENICE is equipped with the 36mm x 24mm full frame sensor - the size of the classical 35mm still photograph negative and twice the size of 35m 4-Perf film - that offers a more natural perspective with shallower depth of field compared to Super35. It is the first Sony camera with a sensor area tall enough for traditional 4-Perf anamorphic. Developed from scratch, the high-speed readout sensor minimises the 'jello' effect and comes with very little noise, capturing a plethora of permutations from full frame 3:2 to Super35 4K full 18mm height 4:3, Anamorphic and Spherical, and everything in between. In addition to the 15+ stops of exposure latitude, VENICE supports an additional High Base ISO of 2500 utilising the sensor's unique physical attributes on top of its native ISO Camera features a 36mm x 24mm full frame sensor 500. This takes advantage of Sony's unique sensor for superb low light performance with exceptional dynamic range - from six stops over to nine stops under 18% middle gray. The capability is a result of requests to increase exposure indexes at higher ISOs for night exteriors, dark interiors, working with slower lenses or where content needs to be graded in High Dynamic Range, while maintaining the maximum shadow details. VENICE features new colour science designed to deliver a soft tonal film look, with shadows and mid-tones having a natural response and the highlights preserving the dynamic range. This translates to more control and greater freedom to work with images during grading and postproduction using the established workflow of Sony's third-generation LOG gamma encoding (S-Log3), and ultra-wide colour space. An added benefit unique to VENICE is its built-in 8-step optical ND filter servo mechanism. This can emulate different ISO operating points when in High Base ISO 2500 and also maintains the extremely low levels of noise characteristics of the full frame sensor. This new flexibility significantly expands the range of creative possibilities for production professionals. Ensuring that it is truly lens agnostic, VENICE is equipped with industrystandard PL lens mount, ensuring compatibility with all Super35 and full frame PL lenses, spherical and anamorphic. Notably, VENICE's support for anamorphic lenses captures breathtakingly beautiful images with stunning lens flare, bokeh and emotional impact. Engineered to Survive Carefully considering what the next generation camera requires, Sony intends for VENICE to be a reliable partner for creative professional filmmakers with the goal to have an intuitive design and refined functionality that would make it a pleasure to work with. Key aspects of the camera are carefully considered - form factor, ergonomics, build quality, ease of use, simple and established workflow. VENICE features a modular design With the design concept revolving around simple and robust, VENICE's chassis has been rigorously tested in the harshest condition and is surprisingly compact, allowing for shooting in confined spaces or even on drones. The control buttons reflect the requirements of camera operations, carefully positioned for intuitive operation and even illuminate to accommodate dark sets. On-set monitoring is further enhanced with the additional HD output alongside the standard 4K-SDI. With the intention to offer a future-proof camera system, VENICE's modular design and user interchangeable sensor allows the sensor block to be exchanged and swapped easily, accommodating different shooting scenarios as the need arises. It also allows the sensor to be upgraded without having to buy a new camera. A Uniquely Creative Tool Further as announced at NAB 2018, VENICE will be enhanced with a new MultiDyne Silverback cameramounted fibre system and Teradek Bolt wireless hardware. Supporting 3G-SDI out of the box, the Silverback also plans to support 12G-SDI after a future update, eventually allowing for conversion of quad-link to and from 12G and dual-link 6G SDI. This enriches users' capability to output live 4K signal over fibre, while simultaneously record 6K or 4K on camera. Further, the wireless Teradek Bolt allows for RAW and X-OCN recording from the VENICE without video and power cables. Having already been specified for shoots, the interest for VENICE is a testament to the industry's appetite for a creative tool that promises natural skin tones, elegant highlight handling and wide dynamic range. Sony will be showcasing VENICE at BroadcastAsia 2018 for the first time. Drop by the Sony booth at BroadcastAsia, Suntec Singapore on Level 4 to experience the uniquely creative filmmaking tool.