Sony has released a firmware update for its Sony BURANO cinema camera. Firmware update version 2.01 gives the camera several new recording formats and frame rates, as well as a new anamorphic de-squeeze setting.
Sony BURANO
Sony released its BURANO cinema camera back in September 2023. The BURANO features an 8.6K full-frame sensor with an image that closely matches the company’s flagship Venice 2 camera. Additionally, it was the world’s first digital cinema camera with PL mount to support in-body image stabilization.
The BURANO offers Fast Hybrid autofocus and a built-in electronic variable ND (neutral density) filter. Since its release, the Sony BURANO has only had a single firmware update back in June 2024. However, Sony is making up for lost time with the release of firmware version 2.01.
New recording formats
Firmware update 2.10 for the Sony BURANO adds a new full frame crop 3.8K 16:9 recording option with frame rates up to 120fps. You also get a Super 35 4.3K 4:3 aspect imager scan mode. This is intended for anamorphic shooting up to 60fps. Additionally, the BURANO can now shoot Super 35 1.9K 16:9 up to 240fps. However, when you select 240fps in this mode, the SDI output and HDMI outputs are not available.
Additional frame rates
The update adds true 24.00p recording to X-OCN 16:9 imager scan modes on the Sony BURANO. In S& Q (slow and quick) modes, you can now select new incremental frame rates of 66, 72, 75, 88, 90, 96, 110fps. Plus, the BURANO now supports 23.98PsF for SDI output.
1.8x de-squeeze
Prior to this update, the BURANO offered anamorphic de-squeeze ratios of 1.3x, 1.5x, and 2.0x. However, the update adds the useful 1.8x ratio as well. You can also now use Active/High Image stabilization when shooting in full frame crop 6K and Super 35 1.9K 16:9 formats.
Sony says that it has improved the autofocus performance when recording at 29.97fps, 25fps, 24fps, and 23.98fps.
Other changes
Firmware update 2.10 for the Sony BURANO expands the number of white balance memory positions from 3 to 8, and adds High and Low key exposure tools. Sony says that it has also improved image quality when applying user 3D LUTs. Image quality is improved in S-Log3 external output in Base Look, and 709tone has been added as a preset Base Look as well. And, you can now record proxies at 24P, and the metadata in X-OCN now includes both breathing compensation and image stabilization. Check out the firmware update 2.01 webpage for a full list of new features and improvements.
What we think
The Sony BURANO has been very popular with solo shooters and smaller crews since its launch. However, with the release of firmware update 2.01, Sony has added a host of new features that make the camera an even more attractive prospect. There are new recording formats and frame rates, as well as additional support for 1.8x anamorphic shooting. In addition, the promised improvements in image quality and 3D LUT support are a huge boost. If you own a BURANO, you should update your camera’s firmware as soon as possible.
Pricing and availability
Firmware update 2.01 for the BURANO cinema camera is available now as a free download from the Sony website.
