VENICE Extension System Mini Features

Smaller camera head and easier to use

The main features of this product are the miniaturization of the camera head and improved ease of use. Compared to the conventional extension system, the new camera head is about 2/3 the height, about 1/2 the thickness and width. This new camera head features a volume reduction of about 70% and a size reduction of about 30%. The weight has also been reduced by about 60%, which indicates the success of the miniaturization.

 

In addition to being compact, another feature of this product is that it is easier to use. In previous models, the camera head and cable were integrated and could not be detached. This model employs a new mechanism for attaching and detaching the cable. Attaching and detaching a cable with a large amount of data transfer was technically difficult, but the mechanism was successfully developed. The cable itself has also been improved, becoming thinner and more flexible, making it easier to handle.

Previous models were available in two lengths, 3.5m and 12m, but this model comes with a 4.5m cable, with the 12m cable sold separately.

Compact size and high image quality

One shooting method that takes advantage of the compact size is 3D/VR shooting. By arranging two cameras side by side, shooting is possible with a distance of 64mm, which is the human interpupillary distance, and natural 3D images can be recorded. The sensor is the same high-performance sensor as the VENICE 2, enabling high-quality 3D/VR shooting.

However, when using large lenses, it may not be possible to ensure a 64mm interpupillary distance, so care must be taken when selecting lenses. The camera body itself is designed to accommodate a 64mm interpupillary distance.

It also supports stitching, which involves placing small cameras in multiple directions to record footage. This makes it possible to record the surrounding environment in high quality. A large body size can make compositing difficult, but the compact size of this product is advantageous for stitching. When combined with a VFX plate rig, it can also be used for 360° VFX plate shooting.

Camera Head Sensor and ND Filters:

The compact camera head has a built-in 8K sensor and the ND filter is a manual drop-in type.

The VENICE Extension System Mini is equipped with a sensor equivalent to the VENICE 2 8K. With conventional extension systems, it was necessary to separate the VENICE body from the sensor and connect a cable between them, but with the new Extension System Mini, the sensor is built into the camera head. By connecting the extension system to the main body, the camera head’s sensor can be used.

The ND filter is not built-in, but is a manual drop-in type. The ND filter is included with the product and can be used in the range of 0.3 to 2.4. The biggest change from the previous model is that the ND filter specifications have been changed to prioritize compactness.

The sensor installed in the new Extension System Mini has the same performance as the 8K sensor of the VENICE 2. While the VENICE 2 offers two types of sensors, 6K and 8K, the Extension System Mini only offers the 8K sensor. However, although the new Extension System Mini only offers the 8K sensor, it can also be used with the VENICE 2 body equipped with a 6K sensor.

Features inherited from previous models

The new model also retains the functions that were well received in previous models. The camera head is equipped with a spirit level, which allows users to accurately grasp the tilt and roll angles. Since angle information is important in VFX compositing, it is expected that this will be used on location. Spirit level information is recorded in metadata, and can also be used in post-production.

The camera still has assignable buttons. The number of assignable buttons has been reduced from four in the previous model to two in the new model. However, since the ND filter is now manual, the impact of the reduction in the number of buttons is expected to be minimal. The two assignable buttons can be assigned functions such as REC start/stop or false color.

Equipped with two assignable buttons.
One is installed on the bottom right of the front of the main unit.

One installed on the bottom right of the back of the main unit.

PL and E Mounts Available

Two types of lens mounts are available: PL mount and E mount, which are the same as those on the VENICE body. Using an E mount lens allows you to take advantage of the compact size, while using a PL mount lens allows you to create high-quality images using your existing lens assets.

E-mount model

PL mount model
Click the images to enlarge

Changes to the Extension System Mini and compatibility with VENICE 2

The main changes from the previous model include a built-in 8K sensor, a 4.5m cable included (a 12m cable sold separately), and two assignable buttons.

One thing to note is that the new Extension System Mini is not compatible with the original VENICE. This is because the new Extension System Mini is equipped with an 8K sensor, while the original VENICE body does not support 8K sensors. It is only compatible with the VENICE 2, and the VENICE 2 can be used with both the 6K and 8K models.

VENICE Extension System Comparison