Sony’s Venice Extension System Mini is a versatile, compact system solution for filmmakers and production teams, increasing flexibility and ease of use in various shooting scenarios.
The new Sony VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS) is an accessory designed for the VENICE 2 digital cinema camera that gives filmmakers a more portable, flexible option without sacrificing the VENICE image quality. Similar to a smartphone in size and substantially smaller than its predecessor, the VENICE Extension System Mini especially suits scenarios requiring compact equipment for handheld or high-action shots.
The VENICE Extension System Mini integrates the 8K sensor from the VENICE 2, delivering high-resolution footage in a smaller, more mobile form. This allows filmmakers to capture cinematic images in shooting conditions where space is limited, such as mounting the camera inside a vehicle during chase sequences or on a race track. Director of Photography Claudio Miranda ASC, who was one of the first to use the system, said he appreciates keeping the full resolution of a real cinema camera, while gaining the flexibility of a compact size
DP Kate Reid BSC also commented on the system’s ease of use. “You can operate it like a medium format stills camera, shooting from the waist,” she noted.
The system includes a custom ND cartridge that houses nine drop-in glass Neutral Density (ND) filters, including a specially developed clear ND filter. These filters are a major factor in maintaining the image quality of the VENICE 2. The extension system also improves on its predecessor with a thinner, more flexible connection cable that simplifies rigging. The system can be mounted in tight spaces and allows users to rig multiple units side by side for stereoscopic video, making it suitable for VR content creation and VFX work.
Since the launch of the original VENICE camera series, Sony’s CineAlta line has been adopted by filmmakers for high-profile projects like Top Gun: Maverick and Avatar: The Way of Water, as well as other notable films. The new VENICE Extension System Mini builds on that legacy, offering filmmakers more options for creative control.
The VENICE Extension System Mini will be at the NAB Show 2025 in Las Vegas April 6 - 10. It is expected to be available for purchase in July 2025, alongside the 12-meter cable and ND filter kit.
This system centres on the 8.6K Full-Frame CMOS sensor, the same sensor used in the Venice 2 8K model. This means it is compatible with both Venice 2 6K and 8K models, without swapping sensor blocks. This feature also gives 6K users a simple upgrade path to 8K resolution, while the built-in drop-in ND filter mechanism - a set of 9 filters, including a clear ND - are automatically recognised by the Venice 2 camera.
The compact, lightweight design of the camera head block makes the new unit about 70% smaller than previous models, with dimensions of 63.9 mm x 103.2 mm x 60.2 mm (W x H x D) weighing only 0.54 kg when used with an E-mount lens. The addition of a flexible detachable cable, measuring just 4.5m with a smaller diameter, makes installation easier, especially in tight spaces. For users needing more distance between the head unit and the camera body, an optional 12m cable is available.
An important feature is the system's expandability. With interchangeable lens mounts (E-mount and PL mount) and 15 strategically placed mounting points, users have considerable flexibility in their camera setups. Two assignable buttons support customisation, enabling functions like start/stop recording or toggling the False Colour display. The inclusion of a 3-pin Fischer output makes it easy to connect a variety of accessories, enhancing the system's adaptability for different production needs.
To extend setups further, optional accessories include a Camera Extension System ND Filter Kit (CBK-ND1K), which includes a set of 9 drop-in ND filters identical to the ones provided with the system. An extended-length cable, the CBK-12C3621, offers greater shooting flexibility by allowing a longer distance between the head unit and the Venice 2 body.
In summary, the Venice Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS) offers a versatile, compact, and high-quality solution for filmmakers and production teams, enhancing both flexibility and ease of use in various shooting scenarios.
