Sony has just unveiled its latest addition to the CineAlta lineup, the BURANO cinema camera. Positioned strategically between the FX9 and the VENICE 2, the BURANO caters to solo filmmakers seeking a high-end, versatile cinema camera. Boasting an impressive set of features, this camera promises to be a game-changer.
The BURANO, often referred to as the “Mini VENICE,” is notably more compact than its larger sibling, the VENICE, making it an ideal choice for indie filmmakers. Sony has designed this camera with the needs of solo operators in mind, offering sophisticated specs that can be effectively harnessed by a single filmmaker.
One of the standout features of the BURANO is its 8.6K full-frame sensor, delivering exceptional image quality with 16 stops of dynamic range. Sony touts the camera’s color science, borrowed from the VENICE series, as a key contributor to its stunning image quality. This sensor allows for shooting in full-frame, Super 35, and even supports anamorphic lenses up to 8K at 30 frames per second, 6K at 60 frames per second, or 4K at 120 frames per second.
The BURANO distinguishes itself by being the world’s first digital cinema camera with a PL-Mount that features in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Additionally, it incorporates an electronically variable ND filter, a technological achievement that enhances its mobility and adaptability. The camera can also be used with E-mount lenses, offering fast hybrid autofocus and subject recognition, a valuable feature for fast-paced photography.
In terms of recording formats, the BURANO offers flexibility, capable of recording from HD to 8K, depending on the resolution, aspect ratio, and codec selected. It supports various internal recording formats, including the new XAVC H for 8K, which employs the high compression efficiency MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 codec. Filmmakers can also leverage Sony’s original compressed RAW format, X-OCN, or its lighter version, X-OCN LT, for post-production flexibility.
To ensure compatibility with the Cinema Line, particularly the VENICE 2, the BURANO supports various log recording modes and offers the same color science, allowing seamless integration with other cameras in the lineup. It also includes gen-lock and introduces four new cinematic looks for added creative options.
The BURANO’s appeal extends to a wide range of projects, from scripted to unscripted content, including commercial, wildlife, and documentary productions. Its design incorporates improvements based on feedback from filmmakers, such as strategically positioned menu buttons, multiple tally lamps, and a versatile 3.5-inch LCD monitor that serves as a viewfinder, touch focus interface, and menu controller. Additionally, the camera offers optional accessories like a T-handle, viewfinder arm, audio inputs, and a headphone terminal, enhancing its usability for solo operators.
Sony envisions the BURANO as the ultimate cinema camera for small crews and solo operators. Its compact and lightweight build, along with its high-readout sensor, makes it suitable for action shots, minimizing rolling shutter artifacts. The camera’s advanced autofocus capabilities, optimized for E-mount lenses, enable efficient focus control through a touch interface.
Flexibility is a key theme with the BURANO, catering to multi-crew productions, indie-style shooting, and even mega-budget Hollywood productions. Its magnesium alloy body ensures durability, while a sealed ventilation system allows it to withstand challenging conditions, including rain, skydiving, and desert environments. Despite its rugged build, the camera offers a user-friendly experience through its touch LCD interface.
In summary, Sony’s BURANO cinema camera fills a unique niche in the CineAlta lineup, targeting solo filmmakers and small crews with its powerful features, exceptional image quality, and versatility. With its compact design, advanced autofocus, and flexible recording options, the BURANO is poised to make waves in the world of high-end cinema cameras. Expect it to sell like hotcakes among filmmakers looking to elevate their craft.
