Sony has developed a new IR cut filter for its Sony BURANO cinema line camera. The company has also launched a free replacement program for existing users to get their cameras upgraded.
What’s an IR cut filter?
Digital camera sensors detect light in the visible spectrum to produce images. The sensors are also sensitive to infra-red (IR) and ultraviolet (UV) light from the non-visible spectrum. Most of the time this isn’t an issue. However, when you use neutral density (ND) filters to control exposure, only the visible spectrum is reduced. As a result, the relative proportion of IR light reaching the sensor increases. This can cause a red or magenta color cast across your image, especially with some black fabrics. It’s an effect known as IR pollution. IR cut filters block IR light to counter the issue and ensure that your colors remain true when you use ND filters.
What has Sony announced?
The Sony BURANO cinema line camera features an electronic ND filter. This uses a liquid crystal display panel which can be lightened or darkened to reduce your exposure. The camera did already have an IR cut filter built-in, but some users have reported color shifts caused by IR pollution. So, Sony has developed a new IR cut filter for the camera. The company says that the new filter will improve color reproduction when using the BURANO under strong lighting conditions, including sunlight.
How do I get the new IR cut filter?
Sony is providing the new IR cut filter to BURANO owners with no charge for parts and labor. The filter replacement service is in operation now and will run until May 31, 2026. Sony also says that the work will be carried out on a first come, first served basis. To get your camera booked in for an update, you need to contact your regional Sony service center. New BURANO cameras will come with the new filter in place. You can tell if your camera has the new filter by looking inside the lens mount. BURANOs with the new IR cut filter have a protrusion on the upper part of the front optical filter component.
What we think
The Sony BURANO cinema line camera has been very popular since its launch. It delivers an image that closely matches the company’s flagship Venice camera at a much lower cost. It also offers great run and gun features like image stabilization and an electronic ND filter.
However, IR pollution has been an issue for some users. Unfortunately, it’s very difficult to remove the color cast from IR pollution with color grading, as it’s not consistent across your image. This is because different colored objects and fabrics reflect IR light to different levels. It’s therefore good to see that Sony has acknowledged the problem with the BURANO and responded quickly. If you use a BURANO, you should get your camera upgraded with the new IR cut filter as soon as possible.
