Sony is to release new firmware updates for the FX6 full-frame camera and the Venice 2 digital cinema camera.
FX6 Version 4.0 and Venice 2 Version 2.1 will be released this summer and a major new upgrade for the Venice 2, Version 3.0, will be available in early 2024.
Launched in November 2020, the FX6 is a compact, full-frame, with variable NDs and can shoot high frame rates. FX6 Version 4.0 expands on the cinematic capability of this camera by adding new features including a desqueeze function for anamorphic lenses and autofocus in S&Q mode. The desqueeze enables filmmakers to select the desqueeze ratio for the HDMI output image and the image displayed in the View Finder.
FX6 Version 4.0 also adds autofocus support in S&Q mode. Autofocus is available for 7 fps or higher in S&Q (Slow & Quick) mode. The new version also includes Cine EI Quick support, offering the same production workflow as Cinema Line cameras, including the FX30, and FX3. File naming is now the same as Sony’s CineAlta cameras such as the FX9, Venice and Venice 2, to ensure an easier workflow, especially in a multi-camera setup.
Venice 2 Version 2.1 improves the zoom to fit function when the imager is in 3:2 aspect ratio. The current zoom to fit function cuts off the side of the 17:9 viewing angle, resulting in a narrower angle than expected. Version 2.1 will now crop 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 added.
While Venice 2 Version 3.0, to be available in early 2024, includes a new frame line generator, enhanced high frame rate anamorphic modes, and improved functionality for live events.
Version 3.0 will also support a new external frame line generator tool. Sony’s new frame line generator will enable import/export capability for frame line generation. In addition, Version 3.0 will improve high frame rate modes, allowing filmmakers to shoot 90 fps with 2x anamorphic lenses[3], while a new 33.333 variable FPS has been added for anti-flicker at 50Hz. Version 3.0 will also include features to help improve the color fidelity of in-camera VFX when mixing standard production lighting and LED volumes.
Version 3.0 will also add new functionality for the growing live cinematic multicam market. It improve the paint menu and RM/RCP Control for live content production, including added adjustments for saturation, skin detail, white balance, and shutter – including when RCP/RM paint control is off. Version 3.0 will also enable 3D-LUT selection when RCP/RM paint control is on.
The new FX6 Version 4.0 and Venice 2 Version 2.1 updates will be available in the Summer 2023, while Venice 2 Version 3.0 will be available in early 2024. Filmmakers can download the update directly to their camera using a PC or Mac.
Pippa Considine
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