Earlier this year, Sony unveiled the Rialto 65, an impressive module designed to transform its Venice 2 cinema camera. With the integration of the sensor, this substantial upgrade swaps out the standard full-frame sensor for a massive 53.75 × 35.83mm one, increasing the imaging area by around 2.2 times. Now, Sony has fully disclosed its specifications and price: $80,000, excluding the camera body and lens mount.
The Sensor Advancements
Pairing the Rialto 65 with a Venice 2 allows for recording 9.6K 3:2/1.5:1 open gate footage at up to 30p, and 9.6K 2.20:1 at up to 50p. However, the highest frame rates are unavailable in the premium Raw X-OCN XT format. Planned updates include 9.6K 17:9 at up to 40p, 6.4K 3:2 at up to 60p from a full-frame crop, and 4.3K 17:9 at up to 100p from an APS-C crop. This innovation truly enhances the recording capabilities for professional filmmakers and digital filmmaking.
This sensor is hailed as the “industry’s largest image sensor” in digital technology, with a diagonal just short of 65mm. While not quite hitting the full 70mm mark used in IMAX film, it marks a significant milestone. Filmmakers will need large image circle lenses, which are not included, requiring third-party mounts that fit their chosen lenses. The cinema camera sensor provided pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in digital cinema production.
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The Rialto 65 comes with an innovative design, allowing it to be used attached to the camera or extended up to 4.5m away, with an optional 12m cable available for $9,000. Additional accessories include drop-in ND filters that communicate with the camera body for seamless operation, further complementing its capabilities.
To showcase its capabilities, Sony collaborated with filmmakers to produce shorts using the Rialto 65. Despite YouTube’s limitations on compression, the demonstrations highlight the technology’s vast potential. Aimed at high-end Hollywood productions, the system is primarily expected to be rented through specialized houses.
Sony’s Rialto 65, positioned against high-end competitors like the Arri Alexa 65, is slated for release in the first half of 2027. This development is poised to revolutionize the market for high-end cinema cameras.
Source: dpreview.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of the Sony Rialto 65?
The Sony Rialto 65 is priced at $80,000, excluding the camera body and lens mount.
What frame rates can the Rialto 65 achieve?
The Rialto 65 allows for recording 9.6K 3:2/1.5:1 open gate footage at up to 30p, and 9.6K 2.20:1 at up to 50p. Planned updates include 9.6K 17:9 at up to 40p, 6.4K 3:2 at up to 60p from a full-frame crop, and 4.3K 17:9 at up to 100p from an APS-C crop.
How does the Rialto 65 connect to the camera?
The Rialto 65 can be used attached to the camera or extended up to 4.5 meters away, with an optional 12-meter cable available for $9,000.
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