Two forthcoming BURANO firmware updates will include new recording modes, support for live event production and de-squeeze options, planned for release over the next year.

Sony BURANO Application

The next two firmware updates for Sony’s BURANO CineAlta digital cinema camera, BURANO Version 1.1 and Version 2.0, will include further recording formats, new de-squeeze options and monitoring updates, among other improvements. Both are due for release over the coming year.

BURANO Version 1.1

BURANO Version 1.1 includes new features for live event production and a new 1.5x de-squeeze display for anamorphic lenses. This update, expected to release in late June 2024, will also add S700 Protocol over Ethernet, which allows users to remotely control the BURANO using an RCP (remote control panel). Controllable settings include exposure, white balance, paint and others depending on the RCP model being used. Version 1.1 also enables support for Multi Matrix Area Indication. With this feature, users can adjust the targeted colours when using Multi Matrix, an option that allows you to modify specific colour areas without affecting other colours.

Elsewhere, BURANO Version 1.1 also allows support for Sony's Monitor & Control app version 2.0.0. This software includes features such as Multi-Camera Monitoring for iPadOS and allows feeds to up to four cameras, precise exposure monitoring including such as waveform, histogram, false colour and zebra.

Sony burano ZEISS Panel1

BURANO with Zeiss Prime lens

Some of the app’s other features are manual focus control, and control over frequently used functions. It addresses operations similar to those that CineAlta users currently control using a mobile device, such as frame rate, ND Filter, sensitivity, look shutter speed and white balance. The's Monitor & Control app is free and available for iOS and Android devices.

BURANO Version 2.0

Planned for release in March 2025 or later, BURANO Version 2.0 will bring new recording formats including a 3.8K Full Frame crop that uses nearly the entire sensor and can shoot up to 120 fps. This recording mode allows the filmmaker to prioritise faster sensor performance depending on the application. Other new recording formats include the addition of 24 fps to X-OCN 16:9 imager modes and another 3.8K Full Frame crop, with 16:9 aspect ratio, also shooting up to 120 fps.

Two Super 35 formats are included, one at 4.3K with 4:3 aspect ratio for anamorphic lenses, shooting at up to 60 fps, and one at 1.9K with 16:9 aspect ratio recording at up to 240 fps.

BURANO Firmware Version 2.0 will also add a 1.8x de-squeeze setting as well as extra high frame rate modes (S & Q - recording video to be played back as either slow motion or quick motion footage) including 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96 and 110 fps.

SOny burano 3 inside Large

Version 2.0 improves monitoring by including standardized SDI video output for monitoring across X-OCN and XAVC and an improved on-screen display output that places camera status information outside of the image. Version 2.0 will also include View Finder Gamma Display Assist while using S-Log for monitoring. This display assist is a guide to users to help achieve appropriate brightness – while they are shooting. When the function is used with Target Display set to HDR in Custom mode, the subject is displayed while shooting with the appropriate brightness.

BURANO Version 2.0 adds further exposure tools (High/Low Key) derived from the VENICE camera system, expands white balance memory presets from 3 to 8 and supports Active/High Image Stabilization in Full-Frame 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 (see above) imager modes.

Finally, Version 2.0 will add lens breathing compensation and image stabilization metadata in X-OCN.

Version 1.1 is planned for release in late June 2024. BURANO Version 2.0 will be available in March 2025 or later. Users can download the update directly to their camera using a PC or Mac. www.sony.com.au