Sony VENICE Extension System Mini, 70% Smaller Than Rialto – Hands-On

by Nino Leitner4 days ago

Sony invited us to Pinewood Studios in London to take a look at the newly announced Sony VENICE Extension System Mini, a significantly shrunk version of their Rialto extension system for the VENICE digital cinema camera line. The Mini seems like a substantial advancement in camera miniaturization for high-end cinema cameras.

The VENICE Extension System Mini is approximately 70% smaller than the current extension system and weighs just half a kilogram. This dramatic size reduction required Sony to redesign the ND filter system. Rather than incorporating the traditional internal ND filter wheel found in the VENICE camera body and previous extension system, the Mini features a slot on top that accepts individual ND filters. Each Mini comes with a complete set of filters ranging from clear to 2.4 ND.

VENICE Extension System Mini comes with 8.6K sensor unlike Rialto

Unlike the previous extension system where users removed the sensor from their VENICE camera and installed it in the extension unit, the Mini comes with its own built-in 8.6K full-frame sensor. Additionally, VENICE 2 owners with the 6K sensor variant effectively gain an 8K sensor option when purchasing the Mini. The system maintains 100% compatibility with the VENICE 2 body, regardless of whether the camera contains a 6K or 8K sensor.

Thinner, more flexible and detachable cable

The Mini also features significant cable improvements with a thinner, more flexible cable that’s now detachable from the sensor unit. The standard cable length has been increased to 4.5 meters, which exceeds the previous system’s 3-meter cable, and users have the option to extend this to 12 meters if needed.

The detachable cable design directly addresses user feedback, allowing easier rigging and cable routing in complex shooting scenarios. This seemingly simple improvement solves real production challenges where operators previously struggled to thread the permanently attached cable through tight spaces during setup.

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Mount options and example applications: stereo and POV rigs, gimbal, 360 capture

The Mini comes with an E-mount by default and includes a PL mount adapter in the box. Sony has confirmed they are working with third-party manufacturers to develop additional mounting options and accessories for various production needs.

Due to its compact size, the Mini enables several specialized shooting configurations that were difficult or impossible with larger systems. Two units can be placed approximately 65mm apart—roughly the distance between human eyes—creating an ideal stereo 3D rig without excessive bulk. This capability makes the Mini particularly valuable for creating content for platforms like Apple Vision Pro, as the combined resolution of multiple units easily exceeds the 16K resolution required for that headset.

The Mini also works perfectly for the “Cyclops” point-of-view helmet setup, and can easily be balanced on a “prosumer” gimbal like the DJI RS 4 Pro.

The small size of the VENICE Extension System Mini also allows for using it in camera arrays used in 360° or volumetric capture. The compact size allows for multiple units to be arranged closely together, creating more seamless immersive content.

Why not bundle VENICE Extension System Mini with a “sensorless” VENICE 2?

I was surprised to hear they haven’t considered bundling the VENICE Extension System Mini with a “sensorless” VENICE 2 yet, because essentially, that would make a fully-blown cinema camera as well, with the added flexibility of the Mini sensor block, and minus the extra cost of the “default” sensor block on a VENICE 2. If bundled with an even shorter cable, it could be easily built into a “standard” shoulder or tripod camera as well, and a setup like that would potentially attract new groups of rental houses and productions that might already be invested in ARRI or RED ecosystems for more traditional productions.

Availability and pricing

According to Sony, the VENICE Extension System Mini is scheduled to ship by the end of July. Pricing is expected to be slightly below $/€25,000, which includes the Mini unit itself, the PL mount adapter, a complete set of ND filters, and the 4.5-meter cable. The optional 12-meter extension cable will be available as a separate accessory.

The significant size reduction combined with the full feature set of the VENICE 2’s 8K sensor represents a notable advancement for filmmakers requiring high-end image quality in extremely space-constrained shooting environments. As productions continue to demand impossible camera positions with uncompromised image quality, Sony’s Mini extension system appears to directly address these evolving industry needs.

What do you think about the Sony VENICE Extension System Mini? Let us know in the comments below!