Sony announces the VENICE Extension System Mini
The new system with a footprint the size of an average smartphone enables greater creative freedom for filmmakers and also opens the door to the creation of Spatial content
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Weybridge, March 26, 2025 – Sony announces the latest addition to the CineAlta line up, the VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS) - a new accessory dedicated to the award-winning VENICE 2 digital cinema camera.
The new VENICE Extension System Mini comes equipped with the VENICE 2 8K sensor at a substantially reduced size than the existing VENICE Extension System 2. With a footprint the size of an average smartphone and approximately 70% smaller than the current system,[1] the VENICE Extension System Mini is designed to provide additional creative freedom for filmmakers. The ultra-compact yet durable design has made the VENICE Extension System Mini perfect for handheld shots and extreme action.
"I love the size of the VENICE Extension System Mini,” says Director of Photography Claudio Miranda ASC who was one of the first people in the world to use the system.
He continues, “I love that you can put it anywhere, like a Formula One race car when you’re racing. You have the full resolution of a real cinema camera. It’s nice to have that flexibility without compromising image quality.”
DP Kate Reid BSC enjoyed using the new camera system. “The day that I saw the camera at One Stop where we were prepping, I felt really comfortable,” she attests. “This camera, you can operate it like a medium format stills camera, and so shoot from the waist.”
Building on the success of the current Extension System[2], the new VENICE Extension System Mini allows greater flexibility with no compromise on image quality. The Extension System Mini features a custom drop-in ND cartridge system with nine (9) glass Neutral Density (ND) filters, including a clear ND specially developed to perfectly match the Sony VENICE 2 systems while maintaining a compact size.
The VENICE Extension System Mini also offers design improvements for easy mounting and rigging. For example, the connection cable between the VENICE Extension System Mini and the VENICE 2 camera body features a thinner, flexible cable that can be detached when rigging. It also features mounting points to attach accessories easily.
For example, multiple units of the new VENICE Extension System Mini can be used side by side for Stereoscopic imaging that recreates the way the human eye sees with a 64mm inter-axial distance which matches the distance between eyes (average human interpupillary distance). The VENICE Extension System Mini can also be used to create VR content and VFX plates in arrays.
Since its release, VENICE, Sony's flagship digital cinema camera series, has been widely adopted by filmmakers around the world, including blockbusters Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar: The Way of Water, and more recently, Nickel Boys, The Fire Inside, and A Complete Unknown.
"Through Cinema Line, Sony is committed to continue to expand a line of powerful creative tools designed to capture emotion in every frame and unleash the true power of visual storytelling from every corner of content creation," says Sebastian Leske, Head of Business Development, Cinema Line
Pricing and Availability
The VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS) will be showcased at NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) Show 2025 in Las Vegas, opening April 6, 2025.
The VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS), 12m Cable for VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-12C3621) and ND Filter Kit (CBK-ND1K) will be available from July 2025. For more information, visit pro.sony/mini and https://www.instagram.com/sonyprofilmmaking/?hl=en
VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS) Features
1. High-quality imaging with built-in 8.6K Full-Frame CMOS sensor and drop-in ND filter
- Same 8.6K full-frame CMOS sensor as VENICE 2 8K is already inside eliminating the need to swap sensor blocks.
- Compatible with both VENICE 2 6K and 8K models.
- VENICE 2 6K users can capture in 8K resolution with this system[3].
- Includes 9 drop-in ND filters, including a clear ND, with individual density recognized automatically by the VENICE 2 camera.
2. Enhanced Mobility with Compact, Lightweight Camera Head Block and Flexible Detachable Cable
- A compact design with approximately 70 % less volume than existing models[4].
- Head unit dimensions: 63.9 mm × 103.2 mm × 60.2 mm (W × H × D).
- Weight: Approximately. 0.54 kg with E-mount*4, 1.05 kg with PL mount adapter[5].
- When two units are placed side by side, the distance between 2 sensors is approximately 64mm[6], matching average human interpupillary distance.
- New 4.5m cable with 7.6mm diameter (3.3mm thinner than existing model's 10.9mm cable).
- Optional 12m cable "CBK-12C3621" for further distance between VENICE 2 and Head Unit available.
- Detachable cable design for easier installation of camera head in confined spaces.
3. Expandability through interchangeable lens mounts, mounting points, and assignable buttons
- The new system is compatible with E-mount lenses and PL mount lenses via included adapter. This adapter includes also a Lens Metadata Input port.
- 15 mounting points strategically placed.
- Two assignable buttons for customizable functions such as recording start and False Color display toggle.
- The system will come with a 3pin Fischer Output for easy connection to accessories.
Optional Accessories:
- Camera Extension System ND Filter Kit "CBK-ND1K"
- Set of 9 drop-in ND filters, including a clear ND, identical to those included with the system.
- Individual filters not available for separate purchase.
- Camera Extension System Cable 12m " CBK-12C3621"
- Extended-length option to replace the included 4.5m cable.
- Enables greater distance between head unit and VENICE 2 body.
- Expands shooting possibilities in various scenarios.
*Final specifications may differ
About Cinema Line
Cinema Line is a series of cameras that have a cinematic look – cultivated from Sony’s long experience in digital cinema production – plus enhanced operability and reliability that respond to the wide variety of creators’ high demands.
Cinema Line includes the high end CineAlta cameras VENICE, VENICE 2 and BURANO, as well as the various FX models and the unique FR7 PTZ camera. Sony’s flagship digital cinema camera VENICE has been used on over 500 feature films, television and commercials, including three of the top grossing feature films in the world in 2022. The Cinema Line includes the professional camera FX9, which is popular for documentary and drama production and the FX6, for grab and shoot action and content creation. With the addition of the FX3 and FX30, the most compact cameras in the series, Sony offers a true line up of versatile creative tools for all types of visual storytellers.
About Sony Corporation
Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With the mission to “create the future of entertainment through the power of technology together with creators,” we aim to continue to deliver Kando* to people around the world.
For more information, visit: http://www.sony.net/
*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates to the sense of awe and emotion you feel when experiencing something beautiful and amazing for the first time.
[1] VENICE Extension System Mini is approximately 64mm x 60mm x 103mm
[2] VENICE Extension System 2 "CBK-3620XS"
[3] Requires VENICE 2 system software update (free of charge)
[4] VENICE Extension System 2 "CBK-3620XS"
[5] Excluding cable section
[6] E-mount configuration only
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