Sony expands VENICE 2 with 65mm head
The RIALTO 65 pairs a 9.6K sensor with an existing VENICE 2 body and will be available in the first half of 2027.
Translated from Dutch by AI
Sony has announced the RIALTO 65 Camera Extension System for the VENICE 2. The system brings a 65mm sensor to a detachable camera head that can be connected to the existing camera body via a cable.
The RIALTO 65 uses a 53.75-by-35.83mm sensor with an aspect ratio of 1.5:1. According to technical reports, the sensor delivers 9.6K open gate, while the VENICE 2 body records the material internally in 16-bit X-OCN.
The camera operates in two configurations. In Extension Mode, the camera head is separate from the body and the connection runs via a cable. In Studio Mode, the head is mounted directly on the body. Sony says the compact setup is suitable for situations in which a full-size studio camera is difficult to use, such as confined spaces or moving rigs.
For rental companies and facilities producers, the connection to the existing VENICE 2 ecosystem may be relevant. The body, recording media and existing colour and workflow components remain part of the chain. This could limit the switch to a larger image format to a front-end expansion of an existing camera.
Sony expects availability in the first half of 2027. The company has not yet published a price. The final market terms for rental, service and compatibility with all existing VENICE 2 configurations have also not been fully worked out.
The RIALTO 65 could be technically interesting for high-end films and drama series, but the announcement does not indicate what the recording costs or demand for 65mm material will be. A larger sensor may entail different lenses, lighting, storage and post-production requirements. The camera does use X-OCN, however, meaning existing Sony-based post-production chains could potentially be continued.
For European facilities companies, the expansion could extend the useful life of VENICE 2 packages. According to the available information, they would not immediately need to acquire an entirely new camera system, but would have to await details on price, delivery, lenses, cable lengths and post-production support before assessing any investment.
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The technical specifications and availability have been confirmed by Sony and an independent technical publication. Interpretations concerning investment value and workflow benefits have been phrased as possible consequences.
- Confirmed Sony has announced the RIALTO 65 for the VENICE 2. — Mentioned in the official press release.
- Confirmed The camera will be available in the first half of 2027. — Mentioned by Sony and CineD.
- Confirmed The sensor measures 53.75 by 35.83 millimetres. — Mentioned in CineD's technical reporting.
- Confirmed The RIALTO 65 supports Extension Mode and Studio Mode. — Mentioned in Sony's press release.
- Confirmed Sony has not yet published a price. — CineD explicitly reports that Sony has not announced a price.