Sony just debuted the BURANO camera as part of the CineAlta lineup — the company’s top line of digital cinema cameras. The new BURANO features a sensor that matches the color science of the VENICE 2 and is specially designed for single-camera operators and small crews. This camera combines “exceptional” image quality with high mobility and is the “world’s first” digital cinema camera with a PL-Mount to feature in-body image stabilization. In addition, the compact housing includes a “thinner-than-before” electronically variable ND filter structure alongside the optical image stabilization mechanism, a technological feat never achieved previously, according to Sony. When removing the PL lens mount, the camera can be used with E-mount lenses and supports fast hybrid AF and subject recognition AF, perfect for fast-moving photography.
Here’s the first look at the camera in detail:
- 8.6K Full-Frame Sensor – Using the color science of the VENICE cameras, BURANO features an 8.6K full-frame sensor that shares most of the VENICE 2 specifications, enabling it to work alongside that camera in all types of productions. The sensor features dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 and 16 stops of latitude to produce “stunning” images even in the most challenging lighting conditions. Like all cameras in Sony’s full-frame Cinema Line, BURANO will have the ability to shoot at full-frame, Super 35, and inherits a desqueeze function for anamorphic lenses with up to 8K @ 30 frames per second, 6K @ 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 frames per second.
- BURANO features a compact and lightweight body for mobility, approximately 32mm shorter and 1.4kg lighter than the VENICE 2 camera. BURANO is housed in a rugged magnesium chassis, making it suitable for filming in the most challenging environments. The camera and accessory bags are made primarily of plant-based cellulose[iii] instead of plastic as part of Sony’s efforts to be environmentally conscious. Moreover, a molded pulp cushion is used on the camera as the cushioning material, thus not using expanded polystyrene.
- BURANO is the world’s first digital cinema camera with a PL-mount to support in-body image stabilization. With a newly developed image stabilization mechanism and control algorithm that leverages the advanced image stabilization technology cultivated in the Alpha series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, unwanted camera shake, such as movement from shooting handheld or walking, can be corrected when shooting with an E-mount or PL-mount lens.
- BURANO has an electronic variable ND filter from 0.6 to 2.1, enabling easy adjustments in various lighting conditions. In addition, the electronic variable ND filter allows control of the depth of field with the iris and adjusts to the optimum exposure without changing the depth of field.
- More than 70 E-mount lenses can use the image stabilization function cultivated with Alpha and Fast Hybrid AF that combines the benefits of phase detection and contrast detection method and are also compatible with high-precision Subject Recognition AF using AI. Using an E-mount lens further reduces the weight and size of the camera.
- BURANO also includes design improvements based on feedback from the filmmaking community. For example, all menu buttons are positioned on the camera operator’s side. Additionally, tally lamps are placed in three locations to make it easier for the surrounding crew to check the shooting status. The 3.5-inch multi-function LCD monitor can be used as a viewfinder, for touch focus or menu control. The BURANO also comes equipped with an optional robust T-handle, viewfinder arm, two 3-pin XLR audio inputs and a headphone terminal (stereo minijack), convenient for solo operation.
- The BURANO can record from HD to 8K depending on the resolution, aspect ratio and codec. BURANO supports multiple internal recording formats, such as the new XAVC H for 8K, which uses the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 high compression efficiency codec. Other recording formats include XAVC and X-OCN LT. X-OCN is Sony’s original compressed RAW format that can capture information shot with 16-bit linear data, which gives filmmakers more freedom in post for color grading. X-OCN LT can reduce file transfer time and storage size load, making post-production workflows more efficient than standard versions of RAW data.
BURANO is also equipped with two new CF express Type B memory card slots and supports VPG400, which can sustain high bitrate writing of video data, including X-OCN LT 8K. Sony will also be releasing in early 2024 new compatible CFexpress Type B memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/ CEB-G960T (960 GB).
BURANO supports various log recording modes, including S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut. Cine are color spaces covering a color gamut exceeding BT.2020 and DCI-P3. BURANO can reproduce the same color as all cameras in Sony’s Cinema Line, including the VENICE 2. This allows filmmakers to match cameras within the line. The camera also features a gen-lock.
BURANO comes with four new cinematic looks: Warm, Cool, Vintage, Teal and Orange, in addition to supporting industry standard s709 and 709 (800%) Look Up Tables (LUTs).