Sony Rialto 65: large format for Venice 2

Sony will release Rialto 65 in the first half of 2027: an extension system for Venice 2 featuring a 65 mm sensor and 9.6K recording, priced at $80,000. A Venice 2 camera is required to use it.

Sony Rialto 65: an $80,000 extension system for Venice 2

Sony plans to release the Rialto 65 Camera Extension System (CBK-6510XS) for the Venice 2 CineAlta digital cinema camera in the first half of 2027. The system will cost $80,000. For comparison, that’s about the price of a new luxury BMW M3 or more than sixteen Sony FX5 cameras.

Large sensor and 9.6K recording

The Rialto 65’s key feature is its 65 mm-format sensor. It measures 53.75 × 35.83 mm, with an image area approximately 2.2 times that of a full-frame sensor.

The camera supports 9.6K readout in Open Gate mode with a 1.5:1 aspect ratio. It also offers a 9.6K mode in 2.20:1 format, with an image diagonal of about 59 mm. According to Sony, this mode works with a wide selection of lenses.

Two base ISO settings are available: 2500 and 10,000. At base ISO 2500, the dynamic range exceeds 15 stops, according to the company.

The sensor’s large area provides high resolution and helps separate the subject from the background more strongly, all else being equal. Sony expects this to help cinematographers make the main subject stand out more clearly and create more immersive images.

Two configuration options

Rialto 65 can be used in two modes. In Extension Mode, the camera head detaches from the Venice 2 body, making it easier to shoot in situations that are challenging for large-format cinema cameras. The system works with 4.5 m (14.8 ft) and 12 m (39.4 ft) cables.

Studio Mode uses a more conventional configuration, with the extension unit mounted directly on the camera body. A 4.5 m cable is included, while the 12 m cable is sold separately for $9,000.

Optional filters and compatibility

Sony offers the CBK-NDK6510 ND filter set as a separate accessory for $8,000. It includes 11 drop-in neutral density filters that correspond to the filters provided for the Rialto 65. Electronic contacts on the filters enable direct communication with the camera.

The extension system itself measures approximately 115 × 154 × 63 mm (4.5 × 6.1 × 2.5 inches) and weighs about 1.5 kg (3.3 lb).

Rialto 65 connects to the Venice 2 body and uses the camera’s capabilities, including Venice color science and internal 16-bit X-OCN recording.

Yang Cheng, senior vice president of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics Inc., said the company hopes to explore the possibilities of the 65 mm visual format in new ways with Rialto 65. He said Sony continues to expand its lineup of extension systems to give cinematographers greater freedom and flexibility, and intends to demonstrate its commitment to the scale and expressive power of large-format filmmaking by offering Venice 2 owners additional sensor options.

Price and availability

Rialto 65 will go on sale in the first half of 2027 for $80,000. A Sony Venice 2 digital cinema camera, which costs around $60,000, is required to use the system. Cameras in this class are not usually purchased outright for one-off projects: professional crews more often rent equipment for specific shoots.