6th Jun 2023
Sony Announces Major Firmware Updates for FX6 & VENICE 2
Sony has announced new major firmware updates for their full-frame FX6 camera and the flagship VENICE 2 digital cinema camera.
The FX6 Version 4.0 and VENICE 2 Version 2.1 is due to release this summer, and the major upgrade for the VENICE 2 Version 3.0 will be available in early 2024. These updates will be showcased at the Sony booth at the Cine Gear Expo 2023.
FX6 Version 4.0
Sony’s FX6 Version 4.0 develops upon its cinematic capabilities, adding new features that addresses feedback from the filmmaking community, including a desqueeze function for anamorphic lenses and autofocus in S&Q mode.
The new desqueeze function for anamorphic lenses in Version 4.0 only has options for 1.3x and 2.0x. With this option, filmmakers can select the desqueeze ratio for the HDMI output image and the image displayed in the View Finder.
S&Q (Slow & Quick) mode will now support a useful autofocus option in the new version for 7 fps and higher.
FX6 Version 4.0 also includes Cine El Quick support, offering the same production workflow as Cinema Line cameras such as the FX30 and FX3. File naming will now be the same as the high-end CineAlta cameras such as the FX9, VENICE and VENICE 2, ensuring a simpler workflow, especially in a multi-camera setup.
VENICE 2 Version 2.1
In this update to the VENICE 2, Version 2.1 improves the zoom to fit functionality while in 3:2 aspect ratio. Previously, the zoom to fit function cuts off the side of the 17:9 viewing angle, resulting in a narrower angle. Version 2.1 now crops 16:9 from the entire full-frame 3:2 area. In addition, zoom to fit 2:39:1 for 3:2 imager modes will also be available.
VENICE 2 Version 3.0
The VENICE 2 Version 3.0 update, scheduled for early 2024 has been developed with feedback from the filmmaking community in mind, which includes a new frame line generator, improved higher frame rates for anamorphic modes, and improved functionality for live events.
A popular request from the filmmaking community has been fulfilled in this firmware upgrade. Sony’s new frame line generator will enable import/export capability for frame line generation. In addition, higher frame rate modes have been enhanced, allowing filmmakers to shoot at 90 fps with 2x anamorphic lenses, while a 33.333 variable fps has been added for anti-flicker at 50Hz. Colour fidelity of in-camera VFX has also been improved when mixing standard production lighting and LED volumes.
To further enhance the VENICE 2’s use for the growing live cinematic multicam market, Version 3.0 will improve the paint menu and RM/RCP control for live video production, including added adjustments for saturation, skin detail, white-balance and shutter, even when RCP/RM paint control is off. 3D-LUT selection will also be enabled when RCP/RM paint control is on.
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