This is rather neat: the new Venice Extension System 2 increases flexibility with 8K data transmission and extends up to 12 meters away from the camera body.
Want your Venice to go further? Job done. The Venice Extension System 2 is an updated version of the original Venice Extension System, a tethered extension system that allows the camera body to detach from the actual image sensor block with no degradation in image quality.
V 2 adds important enhancements over the original, including compatibility with both the Venice and the Venice 2. In addition, it offers greater mobility and compatibility with either a 3-meter or a 12-meter cable – without the need for a repeater.
As Sony happily says, thanks to its small size and light weight, filmmakers have greater creative freedom with the ability to shoot in tight spaces, go handheld or mount the Extension System 2 on gimbals and cranes.
A good person to tap for a comment here would be Oscar award-winning cinematographer Claudio Miranda ASC who used the cameras on Top Gun: Maverick, and Sony duly obliges.
"The original Venice Rialto System has been such a great resource to give me added flexibility for feature films. On Top Gun: Maverick, the small form factor of three Venice Extension System, paired with three cameras, allowed us to place 6 Venice cameras, in the cockpit of an F-18 fighter jet to capture the excitement of flying in-camera. The extension system has given me the flexibility to be as creative as I want to be,” he says.
The Extension System 2 is very close to the same size of the original system, measuring 158 x 147 x 126 mm, and weighing around 2.21kg. For added capabilities, such as when shooting for Visual FX, the Extension System 2 is equipped with a tilt/roll sensor on the camera head that detects motion. It records this information in the metadata and outputs the data through the camera's SDI.
For added functionality, the Extension System 2 also has four assignable buttons to assist handheld configurations. This feature allows buttons to be assigned for functions, such as changing ND filters, REC Start/Stop, etc.
Availability is early 2023 for approximately $18,999.99 and €18,500. Have a look below.
Meanwhile, Venice 2 Version 2.00 adds new features and capabilities specifically requested by production professionals, including new imager modes, higher recording speeds, and sync functions for working with LED walls and volumes.
Version 2.00 will also allow users to embed LUT (Look Up Table) and CDL (Color Decision Lists) data in clips. It also offers new monitor-out functions such as zoom to fit for anamorphic lenses and the ability to change the position of the recording status indicator and playback status indicator up to 8 positions to the center of the screen – a needed function when in zoom to fit anamorphic modes.
Additionally, it comes with added functionality to assist with focus. Version 2.00 allows one of nine positions on the viewfinder to be magnified to assist with focus and shooting. New functions also allow users to output the same image as the viewfinder with settings, such as peaking and zebra from monitor-out. Playback functions have also been improved. Playback position in the clip is now displayed and allows frame-by-frame playback. Now, EI metadata is also applied during playback.
New functionality has also been added for virtual production. Version 2.00 firmware update adds sync functions, including phase shifting of Genlock, which enables you to shift on-camera artifacts until they minimized. Additionally, Genlock is now available when shooting at high frame rates. *11
Venice 2 Version 2.00 will be released in early 2023.