Sony Venice 2 and Burano : SICA event

Sony Promotional Event by SICA at Prasad Lab Theatre

Date: Sunday, 23rd March 2025 | Time: 10 AM onwards

The Southern India Cinematographers’ Association (SICA), in collaboration with Sony, hosted an exclusive Sony Cinema Line promotional event at Prasad Lab Theatre, Chennai. The event attracted a remarkable turnout of industry veterans, working cinematographers, and aspiring members, all eager to explore Sony’s latest advancements in cinema camera technology.

Many film students were present to gain knowledge under CAM BENEFIT TRUST.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by the SICA General Secretary Ilavarasu setting the stage for an insightful and engaging session.

Sony’s dignitaries present at the event:

Sandheev Nair – Cinema Product Specialist

Sundaresan Melatur– Technical Consultant

Kishore – Area Sales Manager (ASM)

Rishabh – C Pro Product Manager

Musthafa – C Pro Specialist

These key representatives from Sony India outlined the company’s vision for the future of digital cinema technology and the role of Sony’s Cinema Line cameras in shaping the industry.

All welcomed by Treasurer Sakthi Saravanan

Honoring Cinematic Excellence

As part of SICA’s tradition, cinematographers who have significantly contributed to the industry were honored on stage along with Sony Users  Cinematographers including:

P.C. Sreeram (National Award Winner & Legendary Cinematographer),Kichaas Krishnaswamy, GP Krishna,Nirav Shah, CJ Rajkumar, Mahesh Muthuswamy,Vasanth and Sree Saravanan.

Deep Dive into Sony Venice 2, Burano, and FX Series Cameras

The SICA event provided insights into Sony Venice 2, Burano, and the FX series, highlighting their advanced technology, firmware enhancements, and how they serve different levels of filmmakers—from high-end cinema productions to documentary, commercial, and independent filmmaking. Let’s break down each camera in detail, focusing on their real-world applications and advantages.

Sony Venice 2 – The Pinnacle of Digital Cinema

The Sony Venice 2 is Sony’s flagship digital cinema camera, designed for high-end feature films, episodic TV, and commercial productions. Its full-frame sensor delivers stunning image quality, making it one of the most preferred cameras in Hollywood and international cinema.

Key Features & Use Cases:

1. Dual Base ISO – The Venice 2 has a dual base ISO of 800 and 3200, allowing cinematographers to shoot in low-light conditions with minimal noise. This makes it perfect for night shoots, dark interior scenes, and high-contrast lighting setups.
2. 8.6K & 6K Sensor Options – The 8.6K version provides extreme resolution for IMAX and VFX-heavy productions, while the 6K version is ideal for more streamlined workflows.
3. Internal X-OCN Recording – Supports 16-bit X-OCN (Sony’s compressed RAW format), allowing filmmakers to retain high dynamic range and color fidelity while saving storage space.
4. Color Science & Skin Tones – Sony’s proprietary S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut3.Cine color spaces provide rich, natural skin tones, making it a favorite for cinematic storytelling.
5. High Frame Rate Capabilities – Venice 2 supports up to 120 fps in 4K and 90 fps in 6K, which is beneficial for slow-motion cinematography in action films, commercials, and music videos.
6. Lens Mount Flexibility – It comes with native PL mount but can be adapted to E-mount, expanding lens choices for cinematographers.
7. Anamorphic Support – The camera offers 1.8x and 2.0x anamorphic de-squeeze, making it a solid choice for productions opting for a cinemascope look.

• Major Hollywood Studios: Used in films like Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water.
• Premium TV Series: Ideal for Netflix Originals due to its Netflix-approved status.
• Luxury Commercials & High-End Music Videos: Used for automobile ads, luxury brands, and high-budget productions requiring pristine image quality.

Sony Venice 2, already an industry favorite, was showcased with its latest Version 3 firmware updates, including:

90 fps anamorphic shooting at 5.8K, expanding high-speed capabilities

Parachute support for secure backup, ensuring data integrity during high-stakes shoots

in camera vfx : improve color fidelity normal and led volumes

Sony Burano – The Compact Venice Alternative

The Sony Burano is a compact full-frame cinema camera that brings Venice-level image quality into a lightweight and more accessible body. Designed for documentary filmmaking, solo operators, and run-and-gun shoots, it balances portability with high-end performance.

Key Features & Use Cases:

1. 8.6K Full-Frame Sensor – Similar to the Venice 2, making it one of the best small-form-factor cameras with an extensive dynamic range.
2. Electronic Variable ND Filter (8 Stops) – Allows real-time ND adjustment, beneficial for outdoor shooting, nature films, and fast-paced productions where light conditions change frequently.
3. Autofocus with Phase Detection – Unlike Venice, Burano has advanced autofocus, making it perfect for fast-moving subjects in documentaries, sports, and wildlife cinematography.
4. CFexpress Type B Card Slots – Enables high-speed recording with compact media, improving workflow for travel filmmakers and journalists.
5. S-Cinetone & S-Log3 Profiles – Offers a balance between cinematic color reproduction and quick-turnaround workflows, making it ideal for wedding videographers, commercial filmmakers, and indie directors.
6. Lightweight Body with E-Mount Compatibility – Unlike Venice, which primarily supports PL mount, Burano natively supports E-mount lenses, giving access to lighter, more affordable lens options.

Uses of  Sony Burano

• Documentary Filmmakers: Its compact size and autofocus make it perfect for travel, nature, and interview-based filmmaking.
• Indie Filmmakers & Commercial Shoots: Provides a cinematic look with a portable setup.
• Variable light conditions : Variable ND filter help in to auto adjust according to light variations
• Sony’s Burano, positioned as a revolutionary full-frame cinema camera, was the centerpiece of the presentation. The camera boasts:
• Back-illuminated and stacked sensor (ensuring superior low-light performance)
• Full-frame 8.6K resolution / 4K at 120fps (ideal for high-end productions)
• Multiple image scan formats for versatile filmmaking needs
• Wide color gamut exceeding BT.2020 for lifelike colors
• Dual ISO (800 / 3200) for optimal performance in different lighting conditions
• 18-stop dynamic range (+6 / -10 stops) for exceptional exposure latitude
• X-OCN LT 16-bit recording, ensuring maximum post-production flexibility
• Interchangeable mount system:
• E-mount (18mm flange distance)
• PL mount (52mm flange distance) for cinema lenses
• Four monitoring LUTs: Warm, Vintage, Cool, Teal & Orange, Natural S709
• First-ever in-body stabilization in a cinema camera (Fast Hybrid IBIS)
• Internal ND filters with auto exposure adjustment

Sony FX Series – Versatile Options for All Filmmakers

The Sony FX series includes FX9, FX6, and FX3, offering more affordable and lightweight alternatives for filmmakers who don’t need the full power of Venice or Burano.

1. Sony FX9 – The Documentary Powerhouse

• 6K Full-Frame Sensor, Downsampled to 4K – Provides a sharp, noise-free image.
• Fast Hybrid Autofocus – Ideal for cinéma vérité, reality TV, and solo operators.
• Electronic Variable ND Filter – Great for outdoor & run-and-gun filmmaking.
• Professional XAVC-I Codec – Offers a balance of quality and file size.

📌 Best For: Documentaries, broadcast TV, event coverage, and corporate films.

2. Sony FX6 – The Cinematic Workhorse

• 4K Full-Frame Sensor – Compact but powerful, great for handheld, gimbal, and drone work.
• S-Cinetone & 15+ Stops of Dynamic Range – Produces film-like skin tones and shadow detail.
• Fast Hybrid Autofocus & Face Detection – Keeps subjects in sharp focus even in movement.

📌 Best For: Indie films, music videos, wedding films, and fast-action cinematography.

3. Sony FX3 – The Indie & Solo Creator’s Dream

• Full-Frame 4K Sensor with 10-bit 4:2:2 Internal Recording – Balances cinematic quality with portability.
• Active Cooling System – Allows extended shooting without overheating.
• Compact Size & IBIS (In-Body Stabilization) – Perfect for handheld, vlogging, and travel filmmaking.

📌 Best For:  indie filmmakers, and wedding videographers who need high-quality video in a small package.

Each camera in Sony’s lineup is designed to meet the needs of different filmmaking styles. The Venice 2 is the gold standard for all round purpose , while Burano bridges the gap for indie filmmakers and documentarians. Meanwhile, the FX series offers powerful yet budget-friendly options for filmmakers across various industries.

Hands-on Experience and Cinematographers’ Insights

Cinematographer Sree Saravanan presented test footage shot at ISO 12,800, demonstrating:

Moonlight cinematography, from log capture to final grade presented in DCP format.

Creating “Night for Day” effects, showcasing Sony’s unparalleled low-light performance

Mahesh Muthuswami shared his real-world experiences using Sony Venice 2, emphasizing:

Compact yet powerful full-frame sensor

New color science that delivers rich skin tones

Dual ISO flexibility for varied lighting conditions

Rialto System, allowing the sensor block to be detached from the camera body, providing unique rigging possibilities

In-built ND filters, making location shooting more efficient

Cinematographer Vasanth, known for his expertise with Sony Venice, elaborated on:

Shallow depth-of-field advantages with full-frame sensors

How dual ISO handles neon and LED fixtures without introducing artifacts

Cinematographer GP Krishna spoke about Sony’s pioneering role in electronic cinematography, recalling:

Sony’s historical innovations in digital imaging

How Sony transformed video into a true cinematic format

Kichaas Krishnaswamy provided a detailed comparison of:

Film vs. digital imaging, addressing key differences in texture, tone, and exposure

Exposure latitude and dynamic range, explaining why modern digital cameras now rival traditional film stock

Nirav Shah shared his challenging experience operating IMAX film cameras for Christopher Nolan’s Tenet, highlighting:

The physical intensity of handling IMAX 70mm film cameras with challanging action shot and Hollywood practice of viewing dailies.

Live Demonstration: Lighting & Camera Testing

To provide attendees with a hands-on experience, a live lighting setup with a model was arranged, allowing cinematographers to:

Test the Sony Venice 2 and Burano in different lighting conditions

Explore how the cameras handle contrast, color depth, and highlight retention

Compare indoor vs. outdoor shooting performance.

The event concluded in a positive note on many take aways for SICA members.

Article by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/ Cinematographer