Sony announces new firmware for Venice 2, FX6, FX3 and FX30

[10:26 Fri,8.November 2024 by Thomas Richter]

Sony announced firmware updates for its Cinema Line cameras—Venice 2, FX6, FX3, and FX30—at the 2024 EnergaCamerimage, the international film festival dedicated to the art of cinematography. These updates will introduce the new "BIG6" user interface, support for the EL Zone System, and the capability to record Blackmagic RAW via Blackmagic Design&s Video Assist Recorder. Below is an overview of the upcoming firmware updates for Sony’s Cinema Line cameras:

Sony Venice 2 Firmware Version 4.0

The firmware update Version 4.0 will be available starting August 2025 and will bring the following features to the Venice 2:
- Support for the EL Zone System, developed by Ed Lachman, ASC. This system displays exposure values using stops instead of IRE values, as in the standard false color tool, to simplify exposure reading for users. The EL Zone System complements the existing tools on the Venice 2.
- Display of frame lines in different colors, based on user feedback, making it easier to capture images for various purposes or formats.

Sony will continue to enhance the camera in the coming years to extend its lifespan for users and owners. Firmware Version 5.0 will be available in 2026, and Version 6.0 in 2027.

Sony Venice 2

Here are our tests of the Sony Venice 2

8K sensor quality, debayering, and rolling shutter and

Venice 2 image quality at half the price? Sony Burano sensor test.

Sony FX6 Firmware Version 6.0

The next upgrade for the FX6 will be released in February 2026 and will include the following new features:
- The FX6 will feature the new, simplified "BIG6" user interface, allowing filmmakers to check and adjust important settings, similar to CineAlta cameras like the Burano or Venice, to ensure consistent operation across cameras.
- Addition of a black frame on the output monitor to make OSD information more visible.
- The FX6 now supports SDI RAW output for Blackmagic RAW recording with Blackmagic Design&s Video Assist Recorder (Sony recommends users check the update timing on Blackmagic Design’s Video Assist Recorder).

Sony FX6

Here’s our

Sony Cinema Line FX6 test: 4K sensor quality incl. dynamic range and rolling shutter.

Sony FX3 Firmware Version 7.0 and Sony FX30 Firmware Version 6.0

The FX3 and FX30 will also receive updates in September 2025, based on user feedback and with the goal of standardizing usability and operation for all Cinema Line users. The new firmware versions for both cameras will bring:
- The new, simplified "BIG6" user interface, allowing filmmakers to check and adjust key elements, just like the FX6.
- Addition of the 1.5x anamorphic de-squeeze ratio, addressing the growing use of anamorphic lenses by cinematographers. This new ratio provides added flexibility in lens selection.
- HDMI RAW output for Blackmagic RAW recording with Blackmagic Design&s Video Assist Recorders.

Sony FX30

Here are our tests:

The dynamics of the Sony FX30 in closer inspection, and

Sony FX30 with APS-C/S35 sensor in first hands-on: handling, skin tones, AF, etc. and

All cine? Sony FX30 sensor test - rolling shutter and 4K debayering as well as

Sony FX3 in practice: The “CINE - A7S III”: autofocus, ergonomics, skin tones, slow motion.

In addition, Sony will showcase Firmware Version 2.0 for the Burano, previously announced for March 2025, which introduces new recording formats, a new 1.8x de-squeeze, and monitoring improvements.

Here’s our article on the Burano:

Sony Burano in practice: Unique 8K raw cine/doc camera with AF, variable ND, and IBIS and

Sony Burano: Hands-on and first recordings with the new CineAlta flagship – RAW, AF, IBIS, variable ND.

Sony Burano

more infos at bei www.sony.de

deutsche Version dieser Seite: Sony kündigt neue Firmware für Venice 2, FX6, FX3 und FX30 an