Sony FX6 Version 4.0 and VENICE 2 Version 2.1 Firmware Updates Announced

Firmware Update

by Jeff LochJune 2^nd, 2023

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Sony has just announced two firmware updates for their FX6 version 4.0 and VENICE 2 version 2.1. The FX6 will benefit from new 1.3x and 2.0x anamorphic de-squeezes, the addition of the Cine EI Quick mode that was available on the FX3/FX30, autofocus in Slow&Quick mode starting at 7fps and higher, and a new file naming system similar to high-end Sony CineAlta cameras such as the FX9 and VENICE 2. The VENICE 2 version 2.1 firmware update is minor and focuses on aspect ratios and crop modes. So let’s take a closer look at all these firmware updates!

The Sony FX6 was released in November 2020, and the latest major V3.0 firmware update was introduced in August 2022. However, it seems like, Sony isn’t planning on replacing its FX6 cinema camera anytime soon since they just announced a new firmware update, Version 4.0, that should be available later this summer. Also, Sony’s flagship cinema camera, the VENICE 2, will receive a new Version 2.1 firmware update. Therefore, if you are attending Cine Gear Expo LA, which is on until June 4th, you can preview both FX6 and VENICE 2 firmware updates at Sony’s booth.

Sony FX6 Firmware Update Version 4.0

The newest firmware update Version 4.0 for the Sony FX6 will bring a couple of long-awaited features:

• Anamorphic de-squeeze: if you often shoot with anamorphic lenses, the FX6 will now have two 1.3x and 2.0x anamorphic de-squeeze modes. The de-squeezed image can be appropriately viewed in the viewfinder and the HDMI output. However, I still have difficulty understanding why Sony did not include more de-squeeze ratios like 1.33x, 1.5x, 1.6x, etc.
• Autofocus support in S&Q mode: the Sony FX6 Version 4.0 firmware update will add autofocus capabilities in S&Q (Slow & Quick) mode starting at seven frames per second and higher.
• Cine EI Quick support: the Cine EI Quick mode, already available on the Sony FX30 and FX3, will now be available on the FX6.
• File naming: the FX6 will now benefit from a similar file naming to the FX9, VENICE, and VENICE 2 cinema cameras. This new file naming can be helpful if you often shoot in multi-camera configurations.

As you can tell, this Version 4.0 firmware update for the Sony FX6 is interesting as the camera gets features and functions from both lower and higher models in the CineAlta lineup.

Sony VENICE 2 Firmware Update Version 2.1

Next, Sony announced a firmware update Version 2.1 for the VENICE 2.
Here are all the improvements this new firmware will bring:

• Improves the zoom-to-fit function when the image is in a 3:2 aspect ratio. The current zoom-to-fit function cuts off the side of the 17:9 viewing angle, resulting in a narrower angle than expected. The newest firmware update, Version 2.1, will now crop 16:9 from the entire full-frame 3:2 area.
• The addition of a zoom-to-fit 2:39:1 for 3:2 image modes.

This firmware update for the VENICE 2 is relatively minor, but Sony has more plans for the future.

Sony VENICE 2 – What’s next?

Next year, Sony will launch a firmware update, Version 3.0, for the VENICE 2. According to the company, this update should include “a new frame line generator, enhanced high frame rate anamorphic modes up to 90 fps with 2x anamorphic lenses, a new 33.333 variable FPS for anti-flicker at 50Hz, and improved functionality for live events.”

Price & availability

The Sony FX6 Version 4.0 and VENICE 2 Version 2.1 firmware updates should be available this summer free of charge. The Sony VENICE 2 Version 3.0 firmware update will be available in early 2024.

For more information, please visit Sony’s website here.

What do you think about these firmware updates? What feature do you still wish the FX6 had? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments down below!