Sony Announces Major Firmware Updates for VENICE 2, BURANO, FX6, and FR7 Cameras

By BlockReel Editorial Team Gear, Cinematography
Sony Announces Major Firmware Updates for VENICE 2, BURANO, FX6, and FR7 Cameras

Sony Announces Major Firmware Updates for VENICE 2, BURANO, FX6, and FR7 Cameras

Today at BSC Expo 2026, Sony unveiled a suite of significant firmware updates across its professional camera lines, bringing new features and functionality to the VENICE 2, BURANO, FX6, and FR7. These updates, ranging from new sensor modes and user interface enhancements to advanced technical integrations, underscore Sony's continued commitment to supporting its camera platforms through ongoing development. Beta demonstrations were reportedly shown live at the expo, with official releases scheduled throughout early to mid-2026.

Key Firmware Updates

VENICE 2 V4.1

Shipping in February 2026, the VENICE 2 V4.1 firmware introduces several creature comforts for high-end productions.

- Moiré alert max level in metadata: This addition helps DITs and post-production teams quickly identify potential moiré patterns in shots.

  • VENICE Extension System Mini horizontal adjustment storage: A practical improvement for operators using the popular Rialto extension system, allowing for streamlined setup recalled from metadata.
  • Redesigned EL Zone System screen: This promises a more intuitive and integrated exposure assistance tool, building on the system introduced in previous updates.

    Sony also confirmed further VENICE 2 updates are in the pipeline, with V5.0 slated for later in 2026 and V6.0 for 2027, signaling a multi-year development roadmap for their flagship cinema camera.

    BURANO V3.0

    • The BURANO V3.0 update, expected in May 2026, focuses on expanded creative control and integration.

    - New sensor modes: - Full Frame 5.8K 6:5 anamorphic, opening up more options for widescreen cinematic aspect ratios. - S35c 3.8K 16:9 up to 120p, providing higher frame rate capabilities for super 35 productions.

  • S700P remote control: This allows for remote adjustment of key parameters such as frame rate, shutter, and saturation, enhancing flexibility in multi-camera or inaccessible setups.
  • Improved color peaking: Fine-tuning for more accurate focus assist.
  • HLG Mild in custom modes: Offering a more subtle Hybrid Log-Gamma option for specific HDR workflows.

    This update clearly expands the BURANO's utility for both narrative and documentary work, particularly with the new anamorphic and high-speed S35 modes.

    FX6 V6.0

    • The FX6 V6.0 update, arriving in March 2026, introduces significant user interface and workflow improvements.

    - BIG6 interface: A consolidated view displaying FPS, ISO, shutter, iris/ND, look, and white balance on a single screen, a welcome change for operators needing quick access to critical settings.

  • Updated shooting UI with black borders: A cosmetic yet functional change, improving visual clarity under various lighting conditions.
  • Blackmagic RAW over HDMI: This is a major announcement, allowing direct Blackmagic RAW output via HDMI, expanding codec options for external recording beyond options like the Atomos Ninja V or Shogun Connect. This is a direct shot at ProRes RAW's HDMI dominance and will likely be welcomed by users already integrated into a Blackmagic Design post-production pipeline.
  • Paint/Look in one scene file: Consolidating color and aesthetic settings for easier recall and sharing.
  • HLG Mild support: Similar to the BURANO, enhancing HDR flexibility.

    The Blackmagic RAW over HDMI feature specifically makes the FX6 even more versatile, particularly for those looking to bypass internal XAVC codecs for a more robust RAW workflow without needing a higher-end camera like the VENICE or BURANO.

    FR7 V4.0

    • The FR7 V4.0 update, slated for February 2026, targets advanced production environments, specifically virtual production.

    - OpenTrackIO support: Implementing the OpenTrackIO SMPTE standard for 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, timecode, and lens metadata directly to Unreal Engine via Ethernet. This eliminates the need for additional plugins or complex intermediaries, streamlining workflow for virtual production stages leveraging the FR7's PTZ capabilities.

    This is a niche but powerful update, further cementing the FR7's position in advanced broadcast and virtual production landscapes.

    Price and Availability

    As these are firmware updates, there is no additional cost to existing camera owners. The updates will be available for download on specified dates:

    - VENICE 2 V4.1: February 2026

  • FR7 V4.0: February 2026
  • FX6 V6.0: March 2026
  • BURANO V3.0: May 2026

    Competitive Context

    These updates arrive at a time of intense competition in the digital cinema and broadcast camera market.

    - The VENICE 2's ongoing development plan, with explicit confirmation of V5.0 and V6.0, signals a long-term commitment reminiscent of ARRI's iterative ALEV sensor and software updates, providing confidence to high-end productions making significant investments.

  • The BURANO's expanded anamorphic and high-speed S35 modes directly address capabilities found in competitors like the ARRI Mini LF and RED V-Raptor, offering more creative tools at its price point.
  • The FX6's integration of Blackmagic RAW over HDMI puts it in a stronger position against cameras that only support ProRes RAW via HDMI, such as the Canon C70 or Fujifilm GFX100 II, providing users with a wider array of RAW recording options without incurring additional hardware costs for recording modules like the Atomos Ninja series. This could significantly impact the decision-making process for owner-operators looking for a versatile production camera with flexible post-production options.
  • The FR7's OpenTrackIO support for virtual production is a direct response to the growing demand for seamless integration into real-time 3D environments, a competitive advantage against other PTZ cameras that may require more complex third-party interfacing.

    Who It's For

    These firmware updates cater to a broad spectrum of filmmakers and broadcasters:

    - High-end cinematic productions will benefit from VENICE 2's workflow enhancements and improved metadata handling.

  • Independent filmmakers and high-end doc crews utilizing the BURANO will appreciate the new sensor modes and expanded remote control options, offering more creative flexibility especially for projects requiring specific aspect ratios or slow-motion.
  • Owner-operators, event videographers, and smaller production houses relying on the FX6 gain substantial value from the UI improvements and, most notably, the Blackmagic RAW output, which offers a powerful, production-grade codec alternative for their projects. For those already in an ecosystem like DaVinci Resolve, this is a significant workflow advantage.
  • Broadcast, live event, and virtual production teams employing the FR7 will find the streamlined OpenTrackIO integration invaluable for complex real-time graphics and motion tracking.

    Expert Take

    It's always good to see manufacturers continue to develop their existing platforms, and Sony is pushing the boundaries here efficiently. The promise of Blackmagic RAW over HDMI for the FX6 is arguably the most impactful announcement for the broadest user base. Having a choice between ProRes RAW and Blackmagic RAW natively from HDMI is a significant win for flexible workflows, especially given the popularity of DaVinci Resolve. It offers a powerful alternative to ProRes RAW, which has been the dominant RAW codec over HDMI for other mirrorless and cinema hybrid cameras.

    The BURANO's new sensor modes, particularly the anamorphic options, further solidify its position as a highly capable cinema tool right out of the box, making it a stronger contender against more established options for certain narrative styles. And for the FR7, a camera designed for specific, advanced applications, the seamless integration with Unreal Engine via OpenTrackIO demonstrates Sony's understanding of emerging production methodologies in virtual environments. These are not minor bug fixes; these are genuine feature additions that enhance the capabilities and competitive standing of each camera.

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