Sony CBK3610XS Rialto Camera Extension System for Sony VENICE

VENICE Extension System 2 | CBK-3620XS

Designed by Cinematographers

Shooting a scene handheld with an impossible sense of freedom comparable to a stills camera. Revolutionising aerial photography with an array of three cameras inside a jet fighter’s cockpit. The original VENICE Extension was created out of a partnership with a director demanding impossible flexibility for a 3D shoot where there could be no compromise in image quality.

The innovative cabled separation of the image sensor and camera body meant cinematographers no longer needed to compromise their vision. Its compact size allowed DoPs to fit truly cinematic lenses and achieve their preferred look in every scene.

Second Generation Enhancements

Incorporating customer feedback and developed alongside VENICE 2, the VENICE Extension System 2 (CBK-3620XS) offers a wider bandwidth to support the VENICE 2 with 8K sensor, over twice as much cable distance (up to 12m) without a repeater box, additional control buttons and a built-in gyro sensor. It once again expands the realms of possibility for cinematography.

The new Extension System is fully compatible with VENICE 2 using the 8K or 6K sensors, while also supporting the original VENICE camera with extended 12m cable length. It also comes with HD-SDI output and a 24V output for powering accessories such as lens servo motors and monitoring. Multiple screw holes on all surfaces make it easy to accessorise and fit on to a wide variety of rigs while the main weight of the camera can be supported elsewhere.

There’s no need for a smaller, lighter B-camera for extreme shooting scenarios. You can shoot everything with one modular camera system.

Ideal for shooting in tight spaces and with gimbals

The Extension System camera head measures 158 × 147 × 126 mm (H × W × D)*, weighing around 2.2 kg* with a PL mount adapter and 1.7 kg* with E mount when used with the VENICE 2 8K sensor block. The separated sensor block with lens is so small and light it allows for an easy handheld mode, enabling you to locate it in tiny spaces, keeps stabilization systems lightweight, allows use of larger lenses while maintaining a smaller profile, facilitates faster operation for motion-control rigs, use of body mounts, and other situations that you wouldn’t expect possible for a full-frame cinema camera. The creative freedom without any image compromise is boundless.

* Excluding cable section. Weight is preliminary information and may change.

Extends up to 12 meters without a repeater

The original VENICE Extension System could reach a maximum extension of 5.5 m between the camera head and body. The VENICE Extension System 2 more than doubles that with transmission distance up to 12 m. The original also needed a repeater to connect the middle of the cable between the head and body to reach 5.5 m. The CBK-3620XS extends to 12 m without a repeater. This enables greater freedom of movement and expands the range of shooting possibilities, particularly when used with a crane. The CBK-3620XS also offers both 3 m and 12 m cables. Simply choose the best one for your needs.

4 assignable (ASSIGN) buttons on camera head for easy operation

The camera head has four ASSIGN buttons that can be set to functions such as change ND filter settings, REC Start/Stop and more for easier operation with VENICE 2. Choose a custom set-up that suits your preference for any scene.

Please note the original VENICE is limited to one button operation with CBK-3620XS.

Gyroscopic support with recording to metadata*

While shooting with the original Extension System did not accommodate use of a spirit level indicator (gyroscope sensor), the CBK-3620XS is equipped with a sensor on the camera head side that detects horizontal and vertical tilt. This allows use of a spirit level indicator and spirit level gauge graphical indicator on the camera's main monitor, even when shooting with the CBK-3620XS. Camera head tilt information can be checked when shooting at different head and tilt angles – ideal for VFX applications. Naturally, the horizontal and vertical tilt are also recorded in the metadata and output through the camera’s SDI.

* Requires VENICE 2 with latest firmware.

Compatible with VENICE* and VENICE 2**

The CBK-3620XS was developed alongside VENICE 2 to support both 8K and 6K sensors. It is also compatible with the original VENICE using firmware V6.3 or higher, however due to that camera’s existing functionality some CBK-3620XS features may not be available. VENICE does not support spirit level display and recording to metadata, while only one assignable button is functional rather than four. However, VENICE fully benefits from greater cabling length.

* VENICE requires latest firmware.
** VENICE 2 requires latest firmware.