A Comprehensive Sony Burano Review: Is It Worth The Hype?

Wondering if the Sony Burano cinema camera is worth the investment?

As a new addition to Sony’s CineAlta line, it boasts full-frame image sensors and 8K recording capabilities.

This guide provides an in-depth review of its features, performance, and price point to help you make an informed decision.

Ready to dive headfirst into the world of digital cinematography?

Let’s get started!

Unveiling the Sony Burano: A New Addition to the CineAlta Family

Sony has recently expanded its CineAlta line of digital cinema cameras with the addition of a new star, the Sony Burano. This cutting-edge digital cinema camera features a full-frame image sensor and impressive 8K recording capabilities, propelling it into league with some of the top-tier industry offerings.

The Sony Burano also stands as the first PL-mount video camera to include in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This innovative feature enhances shooting flexibility by minimizing vibrations and shakes, especially crucial for single-camera operators or smaller production crews who need flawless performance from their gear.

The newcomer doesn’t shy away when compared to higher-end models like Venice 2 either. With similar imaging specs between them, match-ups on set are seamless and effortless.

Furthermore, weighing less and being more compact than its brethren makes the Sony Burano an ideal choice for those looking at portability without compromising on quality or performance.

Key Features of the Sony Burano

The Sony Burano offers impressive features such as 8K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, variable electronic ND, autofocus functionality, various frame rates and resolutions, recording codecs, and recording media options.

8K video capabilities

The Sony Burano goes big on resolution with impressive 8K video capabilities, putting it in a league of its own among digital cinematography cameras. It can flawlessly capture footage at 8K up to 30fps which means you get ultra-high-definition images that stay sharp and vibrant even when blown up on a big screen.

These flagship features signal new heights in the world of filmmaking, making the Sony Burano a game-changer for both single-camera operators and smaller production crews.

Diverse internal recording formats enhance the camera’s functionality. High-resolution XAVC H format for 8K filming ensures your content quality withstands rigorous post-production processes.

Furthermore, the camera boasts an extraordinary dynamic range of sixteen stops allowing more details to be captured from shadows and highlights alike leading to richer visuals that excel in capturing real-world scenes top-to-bottom.

An absolute beast at handling high resolutions, this full-frame image sensor movie-making device is gunning straight for Hollywood!

In-body image stabilization

One of the standout features of the Sony Burano cinema camera is its in-body image stabilization. This innovative technology significantly reduces camera shake, providing unparalleled stability for footage shot on this pioneering PL-mount video camera.

Filmmakers can capture smooth, steady shots with greater ease and without the need for external stabilizers.

Plus, it’s worth noting that when paired with a Sony E-mount lens, users gain access to 5-axis image stabilization — another first in digital cinematography!

It’s clear – Sony Burano enhances shooting freedom by maximizing portability and maintaining high-quality output by reducing blur caused by camera movements.

Variable Electronic ND

Sony Burano shines in its implementation of the variable electronic ND feature. This powerful tool provides strengths ranging from 0.6 to 2.1, offering cinematographers a broad array of exposure options to fine-tune their shots.

Unlike typical physical ND filters, Sony’s version is entirely electronically controlled – you can adjust it seamlessly for different lighting situations without fidgeting with your gear! It’s an integral part of the camera that ensures optimal light control while filming, promoting overall image quality and consistency across various conditions.

With Sony Burano’s Variable Electronic ND, harnessing precise light control becomes effortlessly simple.

Autofocus functionality

The Sony Burano camera is equipped with advanced autofocus functionality, making it a valuable tool for professional filmmakers. With its Fast Hybrid AF and Subject-detection AF (Human) capabilities, the camera can quickly and accurately focus on subjects.

It offers autofocus tracking of objects, prioritizing humans and focusing on faces and eyes. When paired with Sony E-mount lenses, the Burano utilizes Fast Hybrid AF, combining phase detection and contrast detection to ensure precise autofocus.

This feature enhances the overall versatility of the Burano camera, allowing filmmakers to capture sharp and well-focused footage effortlessly.

Frame Rates & Resolutions

The Sony Burano camera offers impressive frame rates and resolutions to cater to a variety of shooting styles. With the ability to shoot in 8K at up to 30fps, 6K at up to 60fps, and 4K at up to 120fps, filmmakers have the flexibility they need for different types of footage.

Whether you’re capturing slow-motion scenes or real-time action, this camera has you covered. The high-resolution options ensure that your projects have exceptional detail and clarity, elevating the overall quality of your work.

With the Sony Burano, you can achieve stunning visuals with smooth motion that will captivate your audience.

Sony has designed this camera with professional cinematographers in mind who value both resolution and frame rate capabilities. By offering a range of options from high-quality 8K all the way down to standard 4K, filmmakers have full control over their creative vision.

This versatility makes the Sony Burano suitable for various production needs, whether it’s a cinematic masterpiece or a documentary-style project. No matter what type of content you’re creating, this camera provides the tools needed to capture breathtaking footage with exceptional frame rates and resolutions.

Recording Codecs

The Sony Burano camera offers a range of internal recording formats, making it versatile for different production needs. It supports three codecs: 16-bit X-OCN, 10-bit XAVC-H, and XAVC-I.

These codecs ensure high-quality image capture and provide flexibility in post-production. With the ability to record in resolutions up to 8K, the Sony Burano allows filmmakers to preserve every detail of their footage.

Whether you’re shooting for cinema or broadcast, this camera’s recording codecs deliver exceptional results.

Recording Media

The Sony Burano camera makes use of CFexpress Type B cards for recording media. These industry-standard cards provide fast and reliable performance, ensuring that you can capture your footage without any issues.

With dual card slots, you have the option to record simultaneously or use one card as a backup. The Burano camera supports various codecs, including X-OCN LT, XAVC H, and XAVC, giving you flexibility in choosing the format that suits your needs.

Whether you’re shooting in high-resolution 8K or other formats, the Burano camera has got you covered with its versatile recording capabilities.

Unique Aspects of the Sony Burano

The Sony Burano stands out from other cameras with its innovative features such as being the first PL-mount camera with built-in IBIS, dual native ISO capabilities, anamorphic de-squeeze modes, and the use of CF Express Type B as the recording medium.

First PL-mount camera with built-in IBIS

The Sony Burano is making waves as the first PL-mount camera on the market to feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This groundbreaking technology allows for steady footage, even when shooting handheld or in challenging conditions.

Whether you’re a single-camera operator or part of a smaller production crew, the built-in IBIS of the Sony Burano provides added stability and flexibility, enhancing your ability to capture stunning shots with ease.

Say goodbye to shaky footage and hello to smooth, professional-looking videos with this innovative feature from Sony’s latest addition to their CineAlta family.

Dual native ISO

The Sony Burano camera stands out from the competition with its dual native ISO feature. With a dual base ISO of 800 and 3200, this camera offers enhanced sensitivity and low light performance.

This means that even in challenging lighting conditions, you can expect better image quality with reduced noise and improved detail in both highlights and shadows. The ability to switch between two native ISO settings gives filmmakers greater flexibility in capturing stunning visuals regardless of the shooting environment.

Anamorphic de-squeeze modes

The Sony Burano camera comes with anamorphic de-squeeze modes, which are essential for filmmakers shooting with anamorphic lenses. These modes ensure that the aspect ratio of the footage is correctly displayed and not distorted.

With this feature, filmmakers can properly view their anamorphic footage on a monitor or screen, enhancing their creative options and allowing for more precise composition. The anamorphic de-squeeze modes on the Sony Burano camera provide unique aspects to its functionality and contribute to its overall appeal in the world of cinematography.

CF Express Type B as the recording medium

The Sony Burano camera utilizes CF Express Type B memory cards as its recording medium. These high-performance cards provide the necessary speed and capacity to handle the camera’s 8K video capabilities and other advanced features.

With CF Express Type B cards, users can expect reliable and efficient recording, ensuring that they capture every detail with ease. Whether shooting in high resolutions or utilizing the camera’s robust codecs, CF Express Type B cards deliver exceptional performance for an optimal shooting experience.

The Design and Build of the Sony Burano

The Sony Burano boasts a small, lightweight, and flexible design that makes it perfect for single-camera operators and smaller production crews.

But there’s more to discover about its design features – read on to find out!

Small, lightweight, and flexible

The Sony Burano camera stands out for its small size, lightweight construction, and impressive flexibility. This compact camera is designed to be easily portable and maneuverable, making it ideal for single-camera operators and smaller production crews.

Despite its smaller form factor, the Burano doesn’t compromise on features or performance. With in-body image stabilization (IBIS), it ensures steady shots even without additional stabilizing equipment.

The removable PL-mount flange allows you to use a wide range of Sony E-mount lenses, giving you more options for capturing different types of shots.

Whether you’re shooting handheld or setting up complex rigs, the small size, lightweight, and flexible design of the Sony Burano makes it a versatile tool for professional filmmakers.

Well-balanced form factor

The Sony Burano camera boasts a well-balanced form factor, making it comfortable and easy to handle for filmmakers. Its compact design and lightweight build contribute to its portability, allowing single-camera operators and smaller production crews to work with greater flexibility.

The camera’s ergonomic layout and strategically positioned menu buttons provide convenient access during shoots, enhancing the user experience based on feedback from professionals in the industry.

With its well-balanced form factor, the Sony Burano offers both comfort and practicality for filmmakers on the go.

Monitor/viewfinder and optional handle

The Sony Burano camera comes equipped with a monitor/viewfinder and an optional handle. The monitor/viewfinder provides a clear and accurate display of the camera’s image and settings, allowing cinematographers to easily monitor their shot composition and make necessary adjustments.

The optional handle enhances ergonomics and stability while operating the camera, offering better control and maneuverability. Designed for comfort during extended shooting sessions, the handle can be attached to the camera, ensuring a secure grip.

Exploring the Sony Burano’s Sensor and Lens Mount

The Sony Burano camera is equipped with a full-frame image sensor, providing exceptional image quality and capturing rich details. This 8.6K Exmor RS CMOS sensor offers a wide dynamic range of 16 stops, allowing filmmakers to capture scenes with incredible depth and contrast.

With its dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 (Log), the Burano excels in low-light conditions, ensuring clean and noise-free footage even in challenging environments.

In terms of lens compatibility, the Burano features a PL-mount lens mount which can be removed to accommodate E-mount lenses. This flexibility allows cinematographers to work with a wide range of high-quality lenses, making it easier for them to achieve their desired creative vision.

Whether opting for traditional PL-mount cine lenses or using Sony’s vast selection of E-mount lenses, the Burano provides versatile options for capturing stunning imagery on any production.

Understanding the Sony Burano’s Recording Modes and Media

The Sony Burano camera offers a range of recording modes and media options for versatile filmmaking. With its full-frame image sensor, it has the capability to record in 8K resolution at 30fps, as well as 6K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps.

This flexibility allows cinematographers to capture stunning visuals in different formats depending on their creative vision. Additionally, the camera supports various recording codecs such as XAVC-H-I-HQ, XAVC-H-I-SQ, XAVC-H-L, and X-OCN-LT.

These codecs ensure high-quality footage with excellent dynamic range and picture quality. When it comes to storage media, the Burano camera is compatible with CFexpress Type B memory cards, which provide fast data transfer speeds for efficient workflow.

Overall, filmmakers can rely on the Sony Burano’s diverse recording modes and media capabilities to deliver professional-grade results for their projects without compromising on quality or performance.

The Sony Burano’s AF & IBIS: A Game Changer

The Sony Burano introduces a groundbreaking feature in the world of video cameras. It is the first PL-mount camera to offer in-body image stabilization (IBIS), providing filmmakers with enhanced stability and smoother footage.

When paired with Sony E-mount lenses, the Burano also supports Fast Hybrid AF, Subject-detection AF (Human), and 5-axis image stabilization, ensuring precise focus and minimizing camera shake.

These advancements make the Burano a game changer in terms of camera stabilization and autofocus capabilities, giving filmmakers more flexibility and creative freedom in their work.

Additionally, the Burano’s electronic variable ND filter allows for easy adjustments to match different lighting conditions on set. This feature eliminates the need for external filters or time-consuming manual adjustments, saving valuable time during shoots.

With its innovative IBIS system and advanced autofocus capabilities, the Sony Burano sets a new standard in camera technology that will undoubtedly benefit single-camera operators and smaller production crews who require uncompromised performance in their filmmaking endeavors.

Delving Deeper: The ND System of the Sony Burano

The ND (Neutral Density) System of the Sony Burano is a crucial feature that allows filmmakers to control the amount of light entering the camera without affecting other exposure settings.

The electronic variable ND filter on the Burano camera provides a wide range of strengths, from 0.6 to 2.1, allowing for precise adjustments in different shooting situations. This means that cinematographers can easily adapt to changing lighting conditions while maintaining consistent exposure levels.

With this advanced ND system, filmmakers have greater flexibility and creative control over their shots. They can achieve desired depth-of-field effects by adjusting the strength of the filter, allowing them to create stunning visuals and capture scenes with varying levels of brightness.

Whether shooting in bright daylight or low-light environments, the Sony Burano’s ND system ensures that every frame is perfectly exposed.

Furthermore, the electronic variable ND filter on the Burano camera avoids color shifts commonly associated with traditional physical filters. This means that filmmakers can maintain accurate color reproduction throughout their footage without any unwanted color biases caused by stacking multiple filters or using lower-quality filters.

Overall, the ND system of the Sony Burano empowers cinematographers by offering precise exposure control and maintaining optimal image quality under different lighting conditions. It is one of many standout features that make this cinema camera worth considering for professional filmmaking needs.

The Power and Other Features of the Sony Burano

The Sony Burano packs a punch with its powerful features, making it a versatile tool for filmmakers. This full-frame digital cinema camera boasts 8K video capabilities, allowing for stunningly detailed footage.

With its in-body image stabilization (IBIS), the Burano offers smooth and steady shots without the need for additional stabilizing equipment. Its dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 (Log) provides flexibility in various lighting conditions, while its impressive dynamic range of 16 stops ensures rich and vibrant colors in every frame.

In addition to its technical prowess, the Sony Burano comes equipped with other noteworthy features. It can shoot in resolutions up to 8K at 30fps, 6K at 60fps, and even slow-motion footage in 4K at an impressive speed of 120fps.

This camera is designed to handle any production demands and deliver exceptional results. Whether you’re capturing high-resolution landscapes or fast-paced action sequences, the Sony Burano provides the power and reliability needed to bring your vision to life on the big screen.

The Color Science of the Sony Burano

The color science of the Sony Burano is one of its standout features. With a dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 (Log) and an impressive dynamic range of 16 stops, this camera delivers exceptional image quality with accurate colors and smooth gradations.

The color reproduction is on par with the higher-end Venice 2 camera, ensuring that filmmakers and cinematographers can achieve the desired look for their projects.

What sets the Burano apart is its advanced electronic variable ND filter system, which allows for seamless adjustments in different lighting conditions. This feature not only simplifies the workflow but also ensures consistent exposure throughout the shooting process.

The combination of precise color science and versatile ND control makes the Sony Burano a valuable tool for capturing stunning visuals with rich colors and tonal depth.

Sony Burano’s Heritage: A Nod to the Venice Line

The Sony Burano camera pays homage to its predecessor, the Venice 2, with its heritage and design. Sharing similar imaging specifications, these two cameras can seamlessly work together in a production environment.

The Burano embraces the legacy of the Venice line while adding new features like in-body image stabilization (IBIS) and a smaller, more portable form factor. It offers filmmakers versatility and flexibility while maintaining the exceptional image quality that the Venice line is known for.

With this nod to its heritage, the Sony Burano aims to provide cinematographers with even more creative possibilities on set.

Is there a need for the Sony Burano?

The Sony Burano fills a crucial gap in the market for filmmakers who require a high-quality digital cinema camera with advanced features but in a smaller and more portable form factor.

With its full-frame image sensor and 8K recording capabilities, the Burano offers exceptional image quality and resolution. What sets it apart is its built-in in-body image stabilization (IBIS), making it the first PL-mount camera to offer this feature.

This means that single-camera operators and smaller production crews can capture smooth, stable footage without the need for additional stabilizing equipment.

Additionally, the Sony Burano shares many imaging specifications with its higher-end counterpart, the Venice 2 camera. This compatibility makes it easy for filmmakers to pair these cameras together in production situations when they require multiple angles or different focal lengths.

Whether you’re shooting documentaries, commercials, or indie films on a limited budget or with a limited crew size, the Sony Burano provides an excellent solution by offering professional-grade features in a compact package.

How the Sony Burano Stands Against the Venice 2

The Sony Burano and Venice 2, both being part of the CineAlta lineup, share several similarities. However, it’s the unique features and performance of the Burano that sets it apart from the Venice 2.

Features	Sony Burano	Venice 2
Size	The Burano is smaller and lighter, providing greater portability and flexibility in filming.	The Venice 2 is larger and heavier, having a more traditional digital cinema camera form.
Image Stabilization	The Burano is the first PL-mount camera with in-body image stabilization, allowing for smoother shooting.	The Venice 2 lacks in-body image stabilization.
Resolution and Frame Rates	The Burano can shoot in resolutions including 8K at up to 30fps, 6K at up to 60fps, and 4K at up to 120fps.	While the Venice 2 also has 8K capabilities, the max frame rates may differ.
Autofocus	The Burano supports Fast Hybrid AF, Subject-detection AF (Human), providing more advanced autofocus capabilities.	The Venice 2 may not offer these advanced autofocus features.
ISO	The Burano has a dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 (Log), offering flexibility in different lighting conditions.	The Venice 2 has a dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 as well.
Portability	The Burano, being smaller and lighter, would be an excellent choice for filmmakers requiring mobility and flexibility.	Due to its size, the Venice 2 may be more suitable for static and controlled environments.

While the Burano and Venice 2 share a common lineage and similar imaging specs, the Burano’s unique features make it a standout option for creators seeking flexibility, advanced functionality, and portability in their filming endeavors.

Sony Burano: Pricing & Availability

The Sony Burano camera is priced at $25,000 USD, making it an investment for serious cinematographers and production teams. This price reflects the advanced features and capabilities that the Burano offers.

For those interested in purchasing this powerful cinema camera, it is scheduled to start shipping in the spring of 2024. The wait may be worth it for filmmakers looking to elevate their craft with cutting-edge technology and exceptional image quality.

Final Thoughts: Is Sony Burano Worth the Hype?

The Sony Burano camera is definitely worth the hype. With its 8K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and advanced autofocus functionality, it offers professional-grade features in a smaller and more portable package.

Whether you’re a single-camera operator or part of a smaller production crew, the Sony Burano delivers outstanding image quality and performance that lives up to its reputation. Don’t miss out on this game-changing addition to the CineAlta family.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Sony Burano is a powerful and versatile cinema camera that offers impressive features for its price point. With 8K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and a variable electronic ND filter, it provides filmmakers with the tools they need to capture stunning footage in any situation.

Whether you’re a single-camera operator or part of a smaller production crew, the Sony Burano is definitely worth considering for your filmmaking needs.

FAQs: Sony Burano