September 12, 2023 Sony's latest member of the CineAlta series of high-end digital movie cameras, "BURANO"
- ChungT.
- Feb 14
- 4 min read
September 12, 2023 — Sony announces the launch of the new BURANO/CineAlta B camera, which is part of the CineAlta series, Sony's top-of-the-line digital movie camera series. Equipped with sensors that match the color science of VENICE 2, the new BURANO is designed for single-machine operators and small crews. This camera combines excellent image quality with high mobility and features in-body image stabilization. In addition, the compact housing includes for the first time an electronic variable ND filter structure and optical image stabilization mechanism that are thinner than before. After removing the PL lens mount, the camera can be used with E-mount lenses and supports Fast Hybrid AF and Subject Recognition AF.
BURANO is the perfect camera for both scripted and unscripted projects, whether commercial, wildlife or documentary productions, creating content with a truly cinematic feel even when working with a minimal crew.
BURANO adopts the acclaimed VENICE camera color science, features an 8.6K full-frame sensor, and shares most of the VENICE 2 specifications, making it ideal for use with that camera on all types of productions. With dual-base ISO of 800 and 3200 and 16 stops of tolerance, the sensor produces stunning images even in the most challenging lighting conditions.
Like all cameras in Sony’s full-frame Cinema Line, BURANO will be able to shoot in full frame as well as Super 35 and feature a desqueeze function for anamorphic lenses. It can shoot up to 8K at 30 frames per second, 6K at 60 frames per second, or 4K at 120 frames per second.
BURANO is compact and lightweight, making it highly mobile. It is approximately 32 mm shorter and 1.4 kg lighter than the VENICE 2 camera. BURANO features a rugged magnesium chassis, making it suitable for shooting in the most challenging environments. As part of Sony's environmentally conscious efforts, the camera and accessory packaging bags are mainly made of plant cellulose instead of plastic. Also, molded pulp cushioning is used as the cushioning material on the camera, so no expanded polystyrene is used.
BURANO is the world's first digital movie camera with PL interface and in-body image stabilization. With a newly developed image stabilization mechanism and control algorithm, which utilizes the advanced image stabilization technology accumulated in the Alpha™ series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, unwanted camera shake can be corrected when shooting with the camera, such as movement when shooting handheld or walking.
Variable ND filters for added control and exposure optimization
BURANO is equipped with an electronic variable ND filter from 0.6 to 2.1, which can be easily adjusted in various lighting conditions. In addition, the electronic variable ND filter can control the depth of field through the aperture and adjust to the optimal exposure without changing the depth of field.
E-mount lenses offer more choices
Over 70 E-mount lenses can use the excellent image stabilization function created by Alpha™, as well as fast Hybrid AF that combines the advantages of phase detection and contrast detection methods, and are also compatible with high-precision subject recognition AF using AI. The use of E-mount lenses further reduces the weight and size of the camera.
Updated body design is more ergonomic
BURANO has also made design improvements based on feedback from the filmmaking community. For example, all menu buttons are located on the photographer's side. In addition, tally lights were placed at three locations to make it easier for surrounding staff to check the shooting status. The 3.5-inch multi-function LCD display can be used as a viewfinder, touch focus or menu control. BURANO also features an optional sturdy T-handle, a viewfinder arm, two 3-pin XLR audio inputs and a headphone terminal (stereo mini-jack) for easy individual operation.
Recording formats increase workflow flexibility
BURANO can record videos 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 captures information shot using 16-bit linear data, which gives filmmakers more freedom in post-production color grading. X-OCN LT reduces file transfer time and storage size load, making post-production workflow more efficient than the standard version of RAW data.
BURANO is also equipped with two new CF Express Type B memory card slots and supports VPG400, which supports high-bit rate writing of video data, including X-OCN LT 8K.
Multifunctional and efficient production ecosystem
BURANO supports various log recording modes, including S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut.Cine, color spaces that cover a wider gamut than BT.2020 and DCI-P3. BURANO can reproduce the same colors as all cameras in the Sony Cinema Line, including VENICE 2.
BURANO features four new film looks:
Warm, Cool, Vintage, Cyan and Orange, in addition to support for industry standard s709 and 709 (800%) Look-Up Tables (LUTs).
In addition, like the VENICE series and others, BURANO can be used for virtual production using large-screen LED displays such as Sony's Crystal LED VERONA. The camera also features genlock.
Sony will separately release the GP-VR100 Grip remote control for the BURANO main unit, which is used to control the zoom lever and recording start/stop button, which is particularly useful in a one-person shooting setting.
Cinema Line continues to enhance hardware and software
Cinema Line is a series of camera products for content creators that not only provides the coveted cinematic look cultivated through extensive digital filmmaking experience, but also offers enhanced operability and reliability to meet the various needs of discerning creators. The Cinema Line continues to grow and currently includes the high-end CineAlta cameras VENICE, VENICE 2, BURANO, as well as various FX models and the unique FR7 PTZ camera. From a software perspective, the newly launched mobile app Monitor & Control⁸ (part of Sony’s Creator Cloud) can be used with devices like the FX3, FX30, and more. Designed for visual creators, the app enables wireless video monitoring on a smartphone or tablet screen, supporting high-precision exposure determination using false color and waveform monitors, and intuitive focus operation for compatible cameras. BURANO will also be compatible with this app.
Release date Spring 2024
Retail price HKD216,990
