Sony is set to make its sixth appearance as the main official industrial sponsor at EnergaCamerimage 2024, the world-renowned film festival that celebrates the art of cinematography. With a strong legacy of supporting the film industry, Sony is showcasing its latest advancements in cinematography technology, connecting with cinematographers, professionals, and students, and offering them the opportunity to experience its cutting-edge products and innovations.
Sebastian Leske, Head of Business Development for Cinema at Sony Europe, expressed the company’s excitement about returning to EnergaCamerimage for the 20th time, emphasizing the importance of supporting the industry during a period of rapid change and challenges. “At a time when the industry is facing immense pressure, it is more important than ever for us to meet with Directors of Photography (DoPs), Assistant Cameramen (ACs), students, and other key industry players from around the globe,” said Leske. “We are thrilled to be able to assist and collaborate with them at such a pivotal event.”
Among the highlights of Sony’s participation this year are several exciting updates and upgrades to its popular Cinema Line cameras, which will be showcased at the event. These updates will further solidify Sony’s position as a leading innovator in cinematography tools.
One of the standout announcements is the introduction of VENICE 2 Version 4.0. This two-year-old camera, which has become a preferred choice for DoPs globally, will receive a major firmware update in August 2025. The Version 4.0 update includes support for the EL Zone System™, a revolutionary exposure tool created by renowned cinematographer Ed Lachman, ASC, who is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award at EnergaCamerimage this year. The EL Zone System™ simplifies exposure readings by using stops instead of the traditional IRE values, enhancing the operator’s ability to achieve precise exposure levels. This tool will be available alongside existing exposure tools in VENICE 2, offering even more flexibility for cinematographers. The update will also include a feature allowing the display of frame lines in various colors, responding to user feedback and streamlining image composition for different formats.
Looking to the future, Sony is committed to further enhancing the VENICE 2 camera. Updates planned for the coming years include Version 5.0 in 2026 and Version 6.0 in 2027, ensuring the camera continues to meet the evolving needs of professionals.
Another key product update is for the FX6 Version 6.0, which will be released in February 2026. This upgrade will introduce the “BIG6” simple UI, a new user interface designed to provide easy access to essential settings, ensuring consistent operations across Sony’s high-end CineAlta cameras like the VENICE and BURANO. Additionally, the FX6 will feature a black frame around the on-screen display (OSD) to improve visibility and clarity. Furthermore, the FX6/FX9 cameras will now support SDI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording, integrating seamlessly with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorder.
Sony is also preparing for upgrades to its smaller models. Both the FX3 Version 7.0 and FX30 Version 6.0, arriving in September 2025, will receive several notable improvements, including the introduction of the “BIG6” simple UI for consistency across the Cinema Line. Additionally, these models will support anamorphic de-squeeze 1.5x, catering to the increasing use of anamorphic lenses by cinematographers. Another important update is the addition of HDMI RAW Output for Blackmagic RAW recording, ensuring compatibility with Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist recorders.
BURANO Version 2.0: New Features and Improvements
Sony will also showcase BURANO Version 2.0, a highly anticipated update for its versatile, compact full-frame 8K camera. Version 2.0, scheduled for release in March 2025, will bring several exciting features, including new recording formats, a 1.8x anamorphic de-squeeze, and enhanced monitoring tools, all designed to improve the camera’s functionality and performance.
Exclusive Seminars and Events at EnergaCamerimage 2024
In addition to the new camera releases, Sony will host a series of insightful seminars aimed at fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among cinematography professionals. These seminars will provide valuable learning opportunities for attendees, with expert cinematographers and industry veterans leading discussions on key topics in the world of cinematography.
On Tuesday, November 19th, Sony will present a roundtable discussion with Mikhail Krichman, Veronika Tyron, and Rachel Clark, three Cinematographers nominated for the 2024 EnergaCamerimage awards. The panel will focus on their experiences of using Sony cameras to bring their creative visions to life.
On Wednesday, November 20th, cinematographers Ed Lachman, ASC, and Mark Massinger will host a masterclass titled “Illuminating Stories”, where they will delve into the art of lighting and share their expertise on using light to tell compelling cinematic stories.
On Thursday, November 21st, Sony will lead a seminar titled “Building a Sustainable Industry: Creating a Safe Working Environment and Developing Future Talent”. Industry experts including Andra Milsome (Mark Milsome Foundation), Fabian Wagner, ASC, BSC (First Steps Cinematography), and Irena Gruca-Rozbicka (Crew United) will discuss the challenges that crew members face at various stages of their careers and the importance of fostering a sustainable and supportive working environment for future talent.
Networking, Hands-On Experiences, and More at Sony’s Booth
Attendees will also have the chance to experience Sony’s solutions firsthand across multiple stages of the filmmaking process. Sony’s booth at EnergaCamerimage will feature the full CineAlta family of high-end digital cinema cameras, including the VENICE 2, VENICE Extension System 2, and BURANO: These cutting-edge tools will be accompanied by Sony’s full lineup of lenses and professional monitors, giving filmmakers and cinematographers the chance to explore the latest in imaging technology.
Sony’s presence at EnergaCamerimage 2024 highlights its ongoing dedication to supporting the cinematography community, offering state-of-the-art tools, valuable resources, and educational opportunities for professionals at all levels. Whether you’re a cinematographer looking for the latest in camera technology or a student eager to learn from industry leaders, Sony’s participation promises to be a key highlight of the festival.
For more information on Sony’s innovations for cinematography, visit pro.sony/cinematography or follow Sony on Instagram at @sonyprofilmmaking.
