Sony launches Burano CineAlta camera

Sony has unveiled the Burano camera as part of its CineAlta lineup – the company’s top line of digital cinema cameras. It features a sensor that matches the colour 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 stabilisation.

In addition, the compact housing includes for the first time both a thinner-than-before electronically variable ND filter structure alongside the optical image stabilisation mechanism. When removing the PL lens mount, the camera can be used with E-mount lenses and supports fast hybrid AF and subject recognition AF, even perfect for fast-moving subjects.

Using the colour 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 also features a desqueeze function for anamorphic lenses. It can film at frame rates including up to 8K at 30 frames per second, 6K at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 frames per second.

Burano features a compact and lightweight body for high mobility, approximately 32mm shorter and 1.4kg lighter than the Venice 2 camera. It is housed in a rugged magnesium chassis, making it suitable for filming in the most challenging environments. The camera and accessory packaging bags materials are made primarily of plant-based cellulose instead of plastic as part of Sony’s efforts to be environmentally conscious. Moreover, a moulded 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 PL-mount to support in-body image stabilisation. With a newly developed image stabilisation mechanism and control algorithm that leverages the advanced image stabilisation 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.

The camera is equipped with 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 stabilisation function cultivated with Alpha, as well as 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. 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 3.5in multi-function LCD monitor can be used as a viewfinder, for touch focus, or menu control. The Burano also comes equipped with an optional T-handle, viewfinder arm, two 3-pin XLR audio inputs, and a headphone terminal (stereo minijack), convenient for solo operation.

It 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 colour 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).

Like the Venice series amongst others, Burano  can be used for virtual production using large screen LED displays such as Sony’s Crystal LED Verona. The camera also features gen-lock.