GTC Patron Sony returns to BSC Expo this year to showcase its extensive and ever-growing range of solutions for digital cinematography, content creation and distribution. To coincide with the show, Sony is unveiling new camera firmware updates that will become available in the first half of 2026 – the VENICE2 V4.1 and BURANO V3.0 – as well as previewing the already announced FX6 V6.0 and FR7 V4.0.
Sony will exhibit its technology in four distinct areas on the stand: Drama Movie Commercial Production, Cinematic Live and Documentary, New Content Creation, and Podcasting. Within these respective zones, the Cinema Line camera range will be showcased, previewing beta versions of the latest firmware updates. Visitors can experience the VENICE Extension System Mini in different configurations, a Crystal LED VERONA LED wall, the OCELLUS camera tracking system that has just started shipping, as well as a 3D Spatial Reality Display showing footage shot by two VENICE Extension System Minis side by side.
Engaging audiences, at any scale
For the first time at BSC Expo, Sony’s Digital Imaging team will host a podcast studio showcasing professional audio, video, and workflow solutions – reflecting strong demand for high-quality and affordable filmmaking and broadcast technologies from the burgeoning online content creation community. Whether for corporate communications, social media influencers or news organisations, producing podcasts efficiently with professional-quality images and sound can strengthen audience engagement, elevate the brand and reduce costs.
Sony’s range of cinematography workflow tools including Ci Media Cloud, in conjunction with the PDT-FP1 portable data transmitter, will feature prominently across all solution areas.
Sebastian Leske, Head of Cinema Business Development, commented:
“We are committed to continually enhancing our user experience and these latest firmware updates, based on customer feedback, bring significant new features and enhancements to our community. In particular, new FF & S35 sensor modes and remote capabilities via the S700 protocol for Cinematic Live applications for the BURANO will further strengthen the camera’s versatility, performance and workflow capabilities which have already established it as one of the first choices for solo operators, small crews and filmmakers around the world.
“The New Content Creation zone of our stand this year, along with a fully equipped podcast studio, illustrates how the concept of live production is evolving, and how we as a company are at the forefront of this shifting market. Drawing upon our heritage in both cinematography and large-scale live productions, we are uniquely positioned to help content creators of all sizes capture and deliver professional-quality images and sound to produce richly immersive, spatial and engaging live video content.
“The whole Sony team is really looking forward to reconnecting with contacts at BSC Expo, providing demonstrations, sharing expertise, and of course listening and learning from our customers, prospects and partners.”
Firmware updates – full details
VENICE 2 V4.1 – Expected from Feb 2026
- Moiré alert maximum level recording in metadata
- Horizontal adjustment value storage in VENICE Extension System Mini
- Redesign of EL Zone System™ screen
As previously announced, VENICE 2 firmware update V5.0 will also be available in 2026 and V6.0 in 2027.
BURANO V3.0 – Expected from May 2026
- Imager scan mode
In addition to the scan modes for cinematic and OTT productions, V3.0 supports the following formats for documentaries, sports, and live events, giving users more flexibility and shooting options:
- FF 5.8
- S35c 3.8K 16:9 up to 120p
- Improved visibility for colour peaking display
- S700P command compatibility (adds FPS, shutter, saturation)
- Support for HLG Mild in custom shooting mode
FX6 V6.0 – Expected from March 2026
- Quick access to frequently used functions during shooting (BIG6) – Inherited from Sony’s CineAlta cameras, such as the VENICE, the BIG6 interface displays six essential parameters – FPS, ISO, Shutter, Iris or ND Filter, Look, and White Balance – all in one view.
- Updated shooting screen layout – black borders
- Support for Blackmagic RAW recording – video output via HDMI
- Support for HLG mild in custom shooting mode
- Paint and Look in one scene file to easily share
FR7 V4.0 – Expected from Feb 2026
- Support for OpenTrackIO – the new standard for Virtual Production camera tracking designed by SMPTE RIS OSVP group.
This is an open and new format established by SMPTE that allows real-time synchronisation (timecode) and output of tracker, lens information, camera capture data, and positional data (6DoF information from the CG origin to the camera). It is a protocol (camera tracking data) that connects to the Unreal Engine via a single ethernet cable, without requiring the installation or configuration of third-party plug-ins. It brings four key benefits:
- Tracker-less solution
- Lens calibration-less solution
- Timecode synchronization
- One-shot spatial calibration solution
