Sony Venice 2: Extension Mini!

Sony Venice  VENICE Extension System Mini (RIALTO Mini)

The VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS) is a compact, lightweight, and versatile addition to Sony’s CineAlta line, designed to enhance creative flexibility for filmmakers. Building on the success of the VENICE Extension System 2, this new iteration offers significant size reduction (70% smaller), improved portability, and uncompromised 8.6K image quality. Its ultra-compact design, advanced features like drop-in ND filters, and compatibility with both VENICE 2 6K and 8K models make it a game-changer for high-end cinematography. Future applications include handheld and gimbal shooting, complex rigging in vehicles or helicopters, virtual production, VFX workflows, and stereoscopic 3D filming due to its 64mm inter-sensor distance.

Specifications as Points
– Official Name: VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS)
– Sensor: 8.6K Full Frame CMOS (same as VENICE 2 8K)
– Size: 63.9 × 103.2 × 60.2 mm (2.5 × 4.1 × 2.4 inches)
– Weight:0.54 kg / 1.2 lb (with E-mount)
1.05 kg / 2.3 lb (with PL Mount)
-Size Reduction: Approximately 70% smaller than the VENICE Extension System 2
– Mounts:Native Sony E-mount
– PL Mount adapter included (with Cooke /i protocol via 4-pin LEMO connector)
– Third-party LPL, PV, and other mounts available
– Compatibility: Works with VENICE 2 6K and 8K camera bodies (upgrades 6K models to 8.6K)
– ND Filters: 9 drop-in glass filters (Clear, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2, 1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4)
Filter density auto-recognized by VENICE 2
– Available separately as Camera Extension System ND Filter Kit (CBK-ND1K)
– Cable: 4.5 m / 14.8 ft detachable, flexible cable (7.6 mm diameter, 3.3 mm thinner than predecessor)
– Optional 12 m / 39.4 ft cable (CBK-12C3621)
– Mounting: 15 mounting points for accessories and rigging
– Buttons: 2 assignable buttons (e.g., record start/stop, EL Zone toggle)
– Power Output: 24V Fischer 3-pin connector for accessories
– Metadata: Passes lens metadata (E-mount and PL) and gyro sensor data in real-time
– Gyro Sensor Tilt/roll sensor for real-time level display
– 3D Capability: 64mm inter-sensor distance (matches human interpupillary distance) when using two units side by side
– Applications: Ideal for handheld, gimbal, vehicle/helicopter rigging, virtual production, VFX, and 3D stereoscopic shooting
– Shipping: Expected to start later in 2025

Advantages
– Compact and Lightweight: At smartphone size (2.5 × 4.1 × 2.4 inches) and 1.2–2.3 lb, it’s perfect for nimble, portable shooting.
– Uncompromised Image Quality: Retains the VENICE 2’s 8.6K sensor for top-tier cinematic visuals.
– Creative Flexibility: Detachable, thinner cable and 15 mounting points simplify rigging in tight or dynamic spaces.
– Versatile ND System: 9 drop-in filters (including clear) enhance exposure control without adding bulk.
– Enhanced Compatibility: Works with both 6K and 8K VENICE 2 models, upgrading 6K users to 8.6K.
– Real-Time Data: Metadata and gyro sensor support improve VFX and virtual production workflows.
– 3D Ready: 64mm sensor spacing enables high-quality stereoscopic filming.

Future Applications
– Handheld and Gimbal Work: Ultra-compact size and light weight make it ideal for dynamic, on-the-go shooting.
– Complex Rigging: Suited for cars, helicopters, and confined spaces due to its small footprint and flexible cable.
– Virtual Production and VFX: Real-time metadata and lens communication enhance integration with digital workflows.
– Stereoscopic 3D Filming: Dual-unit setups with 64mm spacing open doors for immersive 3D content creation.
– High-End Cinematography: 8.6K resolution and ND flexibility cater to feature films, commercials, and documentaries requiring top image quality in challenging setups.

Drafted by

CJ Rajkumar

Author/ Cinematographer