Sony BURANO Full Frame 8k cinema Cameras
Sony’s commitment to cinematic innovation remains unwavering, and the Sony BURANO is a testament to the company’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of cinematography.
Versatile Lens Mount Options
The Sony BURANO camera arrives with a flexible range of lens mount options, offering filmmakers unparalleled adaptability. It boasts the industry-standard PL lens mount, compatible with both Super 3.5 cm and full-frame PL lenses in spherical and anamorphic configurations. This lens mount is equipped with contacts that support the Cooke/i Technology, ensuring that lens information is meticulously recorded for every frame.
Additionally, the Lever Lock Type E-mount provides even more versatility. When the PL mount adapter is removed, E-mount lenses can be seamlessly attached. The E-mount, known for its quick and efficient lens changes through a rotating locking collar, is perfectly suited for scenarios where you need to swap lenses swiftly. Sony’s extensive lineup of E-mount lenses, spanning from ultra-wide to ultra-telephoto, pairs seamlessly with BURANO’s advanced image stabilization and autofocus capabilities, making it an ideal choice for mobile and single-operator productions.
Anamorphic Brilliance
Sony BURANO also comes with a built-in anamorphic de-squeeze function, offering filmmakers the creative freedom to capture the unique visual characteristics of anamorphic lenses. The monitoring menu provides options for 1.3x and 2.0x de-squeeze ratios, based on the anamorphic lens being used. This feature ensures that filmmakers can accurately frame their shots and achieve the desired cinematic look. The de-squeezed image can be viewed on the LCD monitor and external monitors in stunning FHD resolution. BURANO supports both SDI and HDMI outputs for X-OCN shooting, as well as HDMI for non-X-OCN content.
Innovative In-Body Stabilization
One of Sony BURANO’s groundbreaking features is its in-body optical image stabilization (IBIS) system, compatible with a wide range of lenses, including PL lenses. Originally developed for Sony’s Alpha mirrorless cameras, this compact stabilization system utilizes a gyroscopic sensor and advanced control algorithms to counteract camera shake, even during handheld shooting. This level of stabilization eliminates the need for additional equipment in many shooting scenarios.
For E-mount lenses, the stabilization is even more effective, allowing filmmakers to capture challenging shots without introducing blurriness. The camera shake data can also be integrated into post-production workflows, ensuring precise alignment with CGI and volumetric stages.
Electronic Variable ND Filter
Sony’s electronic Variable ND Filter, a unique feature of BURANO, has been redesigned to be more compact and compatible with the built-in image stabilization system. This innovative ND filter can smoothly and continuously adjust its density from 0.6 (1/4) to 2.1 (1/128), eliminating the need for physical ND filters. Operators can effortlessly control the electronic ND filter density by rotating the ND dial, maintaining a consistent depth of field by synchronizing it with the iris control. The ND STEP/VARIABLE switch offers the flexibility to choose between continuous or stepped changes, depending on the shooting requirements. The [Auto ND] function automatically adjusts the filter density to ensure correct exposure, providing an alternative to traditional Auto IRIS.
Effortless and Precise Autofocus
Sony BURANO features an enhanced Fast Hybrid AF system, originally developed by Sony’s Alpha camera engineers. This advanced autofocus system combines phase detection AF for rapid and accurate subject tracking with contrast AF for exceptional focus precision. Additionally, the Face Detection feature intelligently identifies and locks onto human faces, ensuring sharp focus even in challenging shooting conditions.
The dedicated 627-point phase detection AF sensor covers approximately 88.7% of the entire image area, providing consistent and responsive AF tracking, even when working with shallow depth-of-field.
AI Subject Recognition AF takes autofocus capabilities to the next level by not only recognizing eye positions but also accurately detecting human torso and head positions. When people are detected, Subject Recognition AF automatically frames their faces, and it can even track subjects facing away from the camera or wearing masks. Simply touch a person on the screen, and the camera will precisely track that individual, even in complex situations.
Elevating Virtual Production
With the ability to record in up to 8K resolution, 16-bit color depth, and rapid sensor readout speed, BURANO empowers cinematographers to focus on the art of shooting virtual sets without being encumbered by technical limitations. Its seamless integration with advanced Crystal LED controllers sets a new industry standard for virtual production.
Dual CFexpress Type B Slots
Sony’s CFexpress card VPG400 ensures reliable data capture at exceptionally high data rates, including X-OCN LT recording in full 8K resolution. BURANO’s dual media slots support both relay and simultaneous recording, while the versatile CFexpress Type B media facilitates data backup and transfer in the field. An additional SD card slot is provided for storing proxy files and camera settings, adding an extra layer of flexibility to your workflow.
Compact, Lightweight, and Durable
Weighing in at just 6.39 pounds, including the PL adapter, BURANO is approximately 33% lighter than Sony’s top-of-the-line VENICE 2 digital cinema camera. This significant reduction in weight makes it an ideal choice for handheld or shoulder-mounted shooting, as well as for use with gimbals, drones, cranes, and jibs. The camera’s button and control layout has been meticulously designed to suit its compact size, with illuminated controls on the Operator Switch Side for easy operation in low-light environments. Tally lights are positioned in three different locations for status checks from multiple angles. The camera’s robust construction, crafted from sturdy magnesium alloy and aluminum, ensures durability in even the harshest shooting conditions. A highly efficient cooling system, isolated from sensitive components, allows for extended recording sessions without overheating.
Intuitive Touch Control
BURANO’s LCD Monitor features a user-friendly control menu that provides quick access to commonly used features. With a simple touch, users can adjust codec settings, imager scan modes, picture size and frequency, base ISO/sensitivity, shooting mode, and audio levels.
Adaptable Monitor
The camera boasts a versatile 3.5-inch LCD monitor that can be adjusted to suit various shooting styles. A viewfinder loupe can be attached for precise framing, and the touchscreen functionality allows for effortless autofocus control. The display can be mounted in multiple configurations to accommodate the unique requirements of each project.
Enhanced Grip Control
The GP-VR100* accessory enhances grip control for operators on the move. The telescoping arm and grip control system allow for easy adjustments in length and angle, ensuring comfortable and efficient shooting. The Grip Remote Control provides easy access to essential camera controls, including zoom, start/stop, and iris adjustment, allowing operators to maintain a firm grip on the camera while capturing the perfect shot.
*Optional accessory.
Camera Menu Simulation
Sony offers a BURANO Camera Simulator, an interactive training tool that simulates the camera’s menu-driven user interface, allowing users to become familiar with its functions and settings.
Advanced Cloud Services*
As expected, BURANO supports Sony’s latest generation of online services, offering filmmakers powerful tools for monitoring, control, and data management.
Monitor and Control App
This feature enables wireless sharing of live images to smartphones and tablets, along with control over key functions such as false color, waveform, histogram, focus control, and picture profile settings. It streamlines the monitoring and control process, ensuring precision during shooting.
Creators’ App for Enterprise
This app simplifies file transfer from the camera to Sony’s C3 Portal cloud service, facilitating efficient data management. It supports the import of 3D LUT files from the C3 Portal cloud and enables comprehensive setting file management.
*The availability of these services may vary by region.
Sony’s BURANO is a pioneering force in the world of cinema cameras, offering unparalleled technical advancements and creative possibilities for filmmakers. With its versatile lens mount options, in-body image stabilization, electronic variable ND filter, and advanced autofocus features, it sets a new standard for cinematic excellence. Whether you’re shooting in 8K or exploring the world of virtual production, BURANO empowers you to bring your cinematic vision to life with unprecedented precision and flexibility. As Sony continues to evolve and expand its capabilities, BURANO remains at the forefront of cinematic innovation, ready to elevate your storytelling to new heights.
Related sony Camera Products:
Sony ILME-FX3 4K Full-frame Cinema Line Camera
Sony ILME-FX30 Digital Cinema Camera
Sony ILME-FX6 Full Frame Camcorder
ADd-R-SS-4Dec23
Angela V –
The Sony BURANO is a groundbreaking camera that combines Hollywood-grade image quality with robust features in a compact body. Designed by Sony Engineers, it features an 8.6K full-frame sensor akin to the renowned VENICE 2, boasting impressive color science and numerous advanced functionalities.
Named after the picturesque Italian island of Burano, this camera embodies a smaller yet equally powerful version of the VENICE 2. Its compact design doesn’t compromise on durability, housed in a tough magnesium chassis capable of excelling in various shooting environments, be it in studios or challenging outdoor settings.
Key highlights of the Sony BURANO:
Compact and Lightweight: Smaller and lighter than the VENICE 2, the BURANO offers high mobility without sacrificing ruggedness. Its compact design, an inch shorter and over three pounds lighter, makes it highly portable while maintaining sturdiness.
8.6K Full-Frame Sensor: The camera boasts a modified sensor with Dual Base ISO 800/3200 and a dynamic range of 16 stops. Though distinct from the VENICE 2’s sensor, it aligns seamlessly with its color science, allowing smooth interchangeability between the two cameras while retaining exceptional image quality.
Advanced Features: Equipped with autofocus, IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization), cache recording, and electronic variable ND, the BURANO provides filmmakers with a wide array of cutting-edge capabilities in a compact form factor.
Compatibility with VENICE 2: Award-winning Director of Photography Dion Beebe ACS, ASC, validated the BURANO’s compatibility with the VENICE 2 in the creation of “Original.” The seamless blending of both cameras’ footage, showcasing similar dynamic range and color interpretation, highlights their synergy in filmmaking.
Freedom and Creativity: Director Unjoo Moon emphasizes the camera’s spirit of originality and freedom, attributing it to the BURANO’s capability in empowering creators with diverse possibilities.
The BURANO’s release marks a milestone in the cinematography realm, offering filmmakers unparalleled image quality, versatility, and mobility within a compact and rugged package. Its fusion of Hollywood-standard features in a smaller form factor opens up new creative horizons for content creators seeking uncompromising performance in a portable setup.