Although it hasn’t been released yet, Sony have made it clear that the version 2 firmware update for Burano will include more additional features than previously stated. The version 2 update will be a huge update, particular adding the ability to shoot at up to 120fps in near full frame 4K.
Note: This article was posted on Alister Chapman’s blog on January 31, 2025
Here’s the information from Sony, along with some of my own thoughts:
These new recording modes allow the filmmaker to prioritize faster sensor performance depending on the needs of their application. Other new recording formats include the addition of 24.00 fps to X-OCN 16:9 imager modes and the following:
From Alister: It’s important to understand that whenever you take a sensor and optical filter system design for a higher resolution and use it at a lower resolution that you will almost always have an increase in aliasing and moiré. So, with Sony reading out almost the full the 8K sensor at 4K there will likely be a greater risk of aliasing and moiré issues in the 3.8K full frame crop mode. However, Burano likely uses the same sensor as the Sony A1’s 8K sensor. The A1 also has a near full frame 3.8K scan mode and it actually does a very good job of controlling aliasing and moiré, in general the 3.8K full frame footage from the A1 looks very good and hopeful Burano will be similar. There can be times where you will see more moiré over certain pattern or textures and aliasing can sometimes be seen on certain hard edges but it is very well controlled.
From Alister: I don’t know what these improvements are yet, it will be interesting to see how these are implemented.
In addition to the new recording formats, Version 2.0 offers various monitoring and metadata improvements, including standardized SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVCii. It adds breathing compensation and image stabilization metadata in X-OCN, time code and clip name metadata to SDI output.
Version 2.0 will add 24V output to the PL Mount Voltage menu. In addition, it adds compatibility with Focus/Iris/Zoom control for PL Mount lenses while using the BURANO’s optional GP-VR100 handgrip.
BURANO Version 2.0: Improved Image Output and Added Exposure Tools
BURANO Version 2.0 will also include several image output improvements, including enhanced image output when using the preset S-Log3 look or 3D User LUTs. Additionally, Version 2.0 will enhance Auto Focus performance when recording with the following frame rates: 23.98, 24, 25, and 29.97.
Version 2.0 also includes additional exposure tools (High/Low Key) derived from the flagship VENICE camera system. It will also expand white balance memory presets from 3 to 8 and support Active/High Image Stabilization in Full-Frame crop 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 imager modes.
From Alister: High/Low key is such a useful tool for checking what is going on in the shadows and highlights of a shot, it’s a shame more of Sony’s cameras don’t have this.
In addition, BURANO Version 2.0 will improve ease of use functionality with the ability to format media from the status screen as well as set CAM ID and Reel Number, which is standard for documentary and reality TV applications.
Version 2.0 will also change the factory default frequency setting from 59.94 to 23.98p and will add a setting to “reset to factory defaults” setting.
Finally, BURANO Version 2.0 will add live event and multicam functionality, including variable ND control from RCPs, improved camera control from Camera Remote SDK, and tally control for devices connected via LAN.
Availability
The new BURANO Version 2.0 is planned to be released in March 2025. Filmmakers can easily download the update directly to their camera using a Mac or PC. For more information, visit sonycine.com or follow us on Instagram @sonycine for more information.
