Today, Sony is introducing an innovative new cinema camera that’s as powerful as it is functional: the Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera. This workhorse of a camera contains all of today’s most coveted filmmaking specs—8K resolution, an electronic variable ND filter, and speedy autofocus—but it does so with the solo filmmaker in mind. It’s compact, lightweight, and easy to use during any situation, from in-studio to run-and-gun days. Here’s what we know about the new Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera.
Key Features of the Sony BURANO
- Full-frame 8.6K CMOS sensor with 16 stop total latitude
- In-body image stabilization
- Dual base ISO of 800/3200
- 5-axis stabilization with Sony E-mount; 3-axis with PL lenses
- Built-in electronic variable ND filter from 0.6 to 2.1
- Fast hybrid autofocus with touch operation
- 627 points of phase-detection autofocus
- Up to 30fps at 8.6K, 60fps at FF crop 6K, S35 at 5.8K, and 120fps at S35 crop 4K
- Offers S-Log3, S-Gamut3, S-Log3, S-Gamut3.Cine
What’s New About the Sony BURANO?
The Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera was built for speed and ease of use—without skimping on quality or power. Highlights of the camera include:
Fast Hybrid AF
This camera was designed for speed and ease of use, and the quick hybrid AF delivers on that promise. The camera includes phase-detection AF and contrast-detection AF, as well as human-eye AF, which all work together to help you nail a sharp shot each time. It boasts a maximum of 627 points of phase detection, as well as touch operation support and subject recognition via AI (when used with an E-mount lens).
Electronic Variable ND Filter
A built-in electronic variable ND filter helps filmmakers perfect the lighting in each and every scene. The Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera’s electronic variable ND filter has a range of 0.6 to 2.1. It’s easily adjustable based on light conditions and perfect for independent filmmakers who need to act quickly on set.
BURANO 8.6K Sensor
Filmmakers will love the camera’s robust BURANO 8.6K sensor. It syncs with VENICE images, and also delivers Sony’s lauded AF technology. Additionally, the Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera boasts a whopping 16 stops of latitude. That means content has little to no noise, whether you’re shooting in midday sun or at dim evening events—think weddings, events, or dusk settings.
Dual Base ISO
The camera’s dual base ISO is another crowd favorite. The 8K sensor has a base ISO of 800, as well as a base of ISO 3200. This means the camera’s perfect for lowlight with an impressive high dynamic range that ensures your content shines and sells.
In-Body Image Stabilization
In case the Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera’s myriad features haven’t wowed you, here’s another exciting offering…. This camera is the first digital camera in the world to have interchangeable E and PL lens mounts. These support built-in image stabilization with 3-axis when using PL lenses and 5-axis with Sony E-mount lenses. Additionally, the PL lens mount works with all Super 35 and full-frame PL lenses. E-mount lens metadata works with Sony E-mount lenses, too.
Frame Rates
The Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera may be functional, but it’s equally designed to deliver stunning imagery—starting with its professional frame rates. You can shoot up to 30fps at FF 8.6K, 60fps at FF crop 6K, Super 35 at 5.8K, and 120fps at Super 35 crop/ 4K. You’ll receive footage that is highly future-proofed. When it comes to recording formats, this new camera supports the new XAVC H (H.265 high compression efficiency codec), as well as XAVC-I, XAVC-L, and X-OCN LT.
Compact and Durable
Even with the features of the Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera, you don’t have to break your back to use it. This six-pound camera is impressively portable and easy to use. It’s also built to last, with testing conducted in some of the most rigorous settings. The camera is dust, sand, and splash-proof. It also has a silent fan that you can swap out on set in seconds if needed.
Who Should Use the Sony BURANO?
With a robust lineup of features, the Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera is ideal for all sorts of filmmaking situations including wedding videographers, documentary filmmakers, brand creators, documentary filmmakers, event videographers, corporate shooters, and the like.
Its speedy autofocus and low-lit capabilities make it perfect for wedding and event filmmakers, who need to be ready to shoot no matter how the day unfolds.
Documentary filmmakers will love the product’s compact build and action-proof design, as well as its quick autofocus and low-light capabilities. It’s ready to go from zero to perfect shot in no time, which is music to any run-and-gun filmmaker’s ears.
Given the camera’s 8K functionality, as well as its S-Log3/ S-Gamut 3, S-Log3/ S-Gamut3.Cine inclusion, commercial videographers will reap numerous benefits—and delight even more clients—via this powerful camera, too.
But there is one specific filmmaker that will especially enjoy the new BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera: Solo shooters. A solo filming day can be daunting since there are countless features and settings to keep track of, while simultaneously fielding sources or managing clients. With speedy autofocus, an easily adjustable electronic variable ND filter, and a compact design, solo videographers will have more resources at their fingertips than ever to make the shoot day go off without a hitch.
Comparable Products
| Sony BURANO | Sony FX3 | Sony Venice | |
| Sensor Resolution | 41.9MP | 12.1MP | 24.7MP |
| Built-in ND filters | Electronic variable ND filters from 0.6 to 2.1 | N/A | 8-step mechanical ND filter from 0.3 to 2.4 |
| ISO Sensitivity | Dual Base ISO: 800/3200 | 80 to 102,400 in manual | Dual Base ISO: 500/2500 |
| Lens Mount | Sony E-mount, PL mount | Sony E-mount | Sony E-mount, PL mount |
| FPS | 30fps at FF 8.6K;60fps at FF crop 6K;Super 35 5.8K;120fps at Super 35 crop 4K | 4K up to 120fps;Full HD up to 240 fps | Up to 120fps at 4K 2.39:1; 60fps at 6K 3:2; 110fps at 4K 17:9; 90fps at 6K 2.39:1; 72fps at 6K 17:9; 72fps at 6K 1.85:1; 75fps at 4K 4:3 |
Conclusion
Whether you’re a commercial, documentary, or wedding filmmaker, the Sony BURANO 8K Digital Motion Picture Camera can very well be your next primary camera. It’s ideal for solo shooters as well as studios, with pro-quality results that won’t weigh you down.
