Sony today unveiled its upcoming BURANO Version 2.0 firmware update, designed to significantly enhance the camera’s capabilities based on feedback from its user community.
New Recording Formats and High Frame Rates
BURANO Version 2.0 introduces several new recording formats, offering filmmakers more flexibility in capturing footage. A standout feature is the new 3.8K Full Frame crop mode, which utilizes almost the entire sensor and supports up to 120 fps. Additionally, a 1.9K mode is now available, enabling recording at up to 240 fps.
Other key recording formats include:
- Full Frame: 3.8K 16:9 mode, up to 120 fps (XAVC and X-OCN).
- Super 35: 4.3K 4:3 mode (Anamorphic), up to 60 fps (X-OCN only).
- Super 35: 1.9K 16:9 mode, up to 240 fps (XAVC only).
Version 2.0 also introduces a 1.8x de-squeeze setting, enhanced high frame rate (S & Q) modes with frame rates ranging from 66 fps to 110 fps, and the ability to record proxies for 24.00 fps formats.
Monitoring and Metadata Enhancements
The firmware update brings substantial improvements to monitoring and metadata. It standardizes SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVC, and adds new metadata features, including breathing compensation and image stabilization for X-OCN, as well as timecode and clip name metadata on SDI output.
Additional monitoring enhancements in Version 2.0 include:
- An upgraded on-screen display that places camera status information outside the image frame.
- View Finder Gamma Display Assist for better monitoring when using S-Log3.
- 24V output added to the PL Mount Voltage menu.
- Compatibility with Focus/Iris/Zoom control for PL Mount lenses when using the optional GP-VR100 handgrip.
Enhanced Image Output and Exposure Tools
BURANO Version 2.0 also improves image output, particularly when using preset S-Log3 looks or 3D User LUTs. The update enhances autofocus performance at frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, and 29.97.
New exposure tools derived from the VENICE camera system include High/Low Key adjustments, and white balance memory presets have expanded from 3 to 8. Active/High Image Stabilization is now supported in Full-Frame crop 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 modes.
User-Friendly Functionality and Additional Features
The update further enhances usability with the addition of media formatting directly from the status screen. It also includes settings for CAM ID and Reel Number, which are particularly useful for documentary and reality TV production. The factory default frequency setting is changed from 59.94 to 23.98p, and a “reset to factory defaults” option is now available for convenience.
BURANO Version 2.0 also includes new functionality for live events and multicam setups:
- Variable ND control via RCPs.
- Improved camera control through Camera Remote SDK.
- Tally control for devices connected via LAN.
Availability
BURANO Version 2.0 will be available in India starting in March 2025.