Sony Middle East and Africa has announced the new BURANO camera as part of the CineAlta lineup – the company’s top line of digital cinema cameras. The new BURANO features a sensor that matches the colour science of the VENICE 2 and is specially designed for single-camera operators and small crews. This camera combines exceptional image quality with high mobility and is the world’s first digital cinema camera with a PL-Mount to feature in-body image stabilisation.

In addition, the compact housing includes for the first time a thinner-than-before electronically variable ND filter structure alongside the optical image stabilisation mechanism, a technological feat never achieved previously. When removing the PL lens mount, the camera can be used with E-mount lenses and supports fast hybrid AF and subject recognition AF, even perfect for fast-moving subjects.

Using the widely appreciated colour science of the VENICE cameras, BURANO features an 8.6K full-frame sensor that shares most of the VENICE 2 specifications enabling it to work alongside that camera in all types of productions. The sensor features dual base ISO of 800 and 3200 and 16 stops of latitude to produce stunning images even in the most challenging lighting conditions.

Like all cameras in Sony’s full-frame Cinema Line, BURANO will have the ability to shoot at full-frame, Super 35, and also features a de-squeeze function for anamorphic lenses. It can film at frame rates including up to 8K at 30 frames per second, 6K at 60 frames per second or 4K at 120 frames per second.

BURANO features a compact and lightweight body for high mobility, approximately 32mm shorter and 1.4kg lighter than the VENICE 2 camera. BURANO is housed in a rugged magnesium chassis, making it suitable for filming in the most challenging environments. The camera and accessory packaging bag materials are made primarily of plant-based cellulose instead of plastic as part of Sony’s efforts to be environmentally conscious. Moreover, a moulded pulp cushion is used on the camera as the cushioning material, thus not using expanded polystyrene.

BURANO is the world’s first digital cinema camera with a PL mount to support in-body image stabilisation. With a newly developed image stabilisation mechanism and control algorithm that leverages the advanced image stabilisation technology cultivated in the Alpha series of mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras, unwanted camera shake, such as movement from shooting handheld or walking, can be corrected when shooting with an E-mount or PL-mount lens.

BURANO is equipped with an electronic variable ND filter from 0.6 to 2.1, enabling easy adjustments in various lighting conditions. In addition, the electronic variable ND filter allows control of the depth of field with the iris and adjusts to the optimum exposure without changing the depth of field. More than 70 E-mount lenses can use the excellent image stabilisation function cultivated with Alpha, as well as Fast Hybrid AF that combines the benefits of phase detection and contrast detection method and are also compatible with high-precision Subject Recognition AF using AI. Using an E-mount lens further reduces the weight and size of the camera.

BURANO also includes design improvements based on feedback from the filmmaking community. For example, all menu buttons are positioned on the camera operator’s side. Additionally, tally lamps are placed in three locations to make it easier for the surrounding crew to check the shooting status. The 3.5-inch multi-function LCD monitor can be used as a viewfinder, for touch focus, or menu control. The BURANO also comes equipped with an optional robust T-handle, viewfinder arm, two 3-pin XLR audio inputs, and a headphone terminal (stereo minijack), convenient for solo operation.

The BURANO can record from HD to 8K depending on the resolution, aspect ratio, and codec. BURANO supports multiple internal recording formats, such as the new XAVC H for 8K, which uses the MPEG-H HEVC/H.265 high compression efficiency codec. Other recording formats include XAVC and X-OCN LT. X-OCN is Sony’s original compressed RAW format that can capture information shot with 16-bit linear data, which gives filmmakers more freedom in post for colour grading. X-OCN LT can reduce file transfer time and storage size load, making post-production workflows more efficient than standard versions of RAW data.

BURANO is also equipped with two new CF express Type B memory card slots and supports VPG400, which can sustain high bitrate writing of video data, including X-OCN LT 8K. Sony will also be releasing new compatible CFexpress Type B memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/ CEB-G960T (960 GB). BURANO supports various log recording modes including S-Gamut3 and S-Gamut.Cine, which are colour spaces that cover a colour gamut exceeding BT.2020 and DCI-P3. BURANO can reproduce the same colour as all cameras in Sony’s Cinema Line, including the VENICE 2. This allows filmmakers to match cameras within the line.

BURANO comes with four new cinematic looks: Warm, Cool, Vintage, Teal, and Orange, in addition to supporting industry standards s709 and 709 (800%) Look Up Tables (LUTs). Furthermore, like the VENICE series amongst others, BURANO can be used for virtual production using large-screen LED displays such as Sony’s Crystal LED VERONA. The camera also features a gen-lock.

Sony will be releasing separately the GP-VR100 Grip remote control for the BURANO’s main unit, to control the zoom lever and recording start / stop button, particularly useful in solo shooting setups. BURANO will support the S700 protocol over ethernet and a 1.5x de-squeeze display function when using anamorphic lens in July 2024 or later. Further updates based on user feedback and suggestions will be rolled out in the future.

Cinema Line is a series of camera products for content creators, which delivers not only the coveted cinematographic look cultivated through extensive experience in digital cinema production but also the enhanced operability and reliability that meet discerning creators’ various needs. Set to continuously evolve, Cinema Line currently includes the high-end CineAlta cameras VENICE, VENICE 2, and BURANO, as well as the various FX models and the unique FR7 PTZ camera.

From a software perspective, the newly launched mobile app, Monitor & Control, part of the Sony Creators’ Cloud can be used with the FX3, and FX30 amongst others. The app, designed with visual creators in mind, enables wireless video monitoring, support for high-precision exposure determination using false colour and waveform monitors, and intuitive focus operation of compatible cameras, on the screen of a smartphone or tablet. BURANO will also be compatible with this app.

The BURANO, CFexpress Type B memory cards, CEB-G1920T (1920 GB)/ CEB-G960T (960 GB) and the new GP-VR100 Grip remote control (sold separately) will be available in the UAE from November 2023.

Elgato, a subsidiary of CORSAIR, has announced a new line of custom hardware for content creators. Made in collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios, the line celebrates some of gaming’s most beloved franchises. For its first release, fans can collect limited-edition gear inspired by Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios’ first new universe in over 25 years. And there are more drops to come, spanning the publisher’s award-winning lineup of IPs from The Elder Scrolls to Fallout.

Officially licensed by Bethesda Game Studios, the Starfield Wave:3 microphone and Stream Deck make ideal companions for any explorer. Sporting an iconic design, Wave:3 ensures creators always sound loud and clear, whether they’re directing squad fire or chatting with their crew. Meanwhile, Stream Deck empowers them to control any workflow, from piloting their starship to managing a livestream. And with a bonus digital kit, gamers can download free icons to personalize their Stream Deck in Starfield style — no matter which device or model they have at home.

Elgato’s history of hardware collaborations includes top industry names like Discord, OpTic Gaming, and Dreamville Records. But this marks the first time Elgato has teamed up with a game developer. “It’s an exciting opportunity to merge the worlds of gaming and content creation,” said Taylor Ward, Director of Ecosystem at Elgato. “For the first time, creators can build their dream setup with gear that not only performs at the highest level — but also immerses them in the Bethesda Game Studios storytelling they love.” As with all Elgato customs, each piece is hand-finished in Germany by an expert production team.

Moving forward, Elgato and Bethesda Game Studios plan to reveal more custom releases over the coming year. Beyond Starfield, Bethesda Game Studios’ lineup includes titles like DOOM Eternal and Hi-Fi RUSH. Meanwhile, Elgato continues to grow its own product lineup — last year it released its first XLR microphone, Wave DX, and added dial and touch-strip control to the new Stream Deck +. As for creators, they’ll need to wait and see which of their favourite franchises gets featured in the next Elgato drop.

In the meantime, the Starfield Wave:3 and Stream Deck are available to purchase on Elgato’s webstore for a limited time.

Elgato, a subsidiary of CORSAIR has announced a major update to the digital version of its celebrated Stream Deck, Stream Deck Mobile. The Stream Deck Mobile app turns any smartphone into a handheld productivity interface. With today’s update, Stream Deck Mobile becomes free to use for up to six keys, for anyone with an iPhone or iPad. Other core app changes introduce more ways for users to control their favourite apps and customize their setup.

Now with its “freemium” app model, Stream Deck Mobile is more accessible than ever for millions of customers worldwide. Users can get the best of Stream Deck on their iPhone or iPad for free — including six keys, unlimited actions, and hundreds of plugins for popular apps. An optional Pro subscription or purchase unlocks advanced features like custom layouts, backgrounds, and up to 64 keys — double that of Elgato’s largest physical device, Stream Deck XL.

Stream Deck Mobile is now iPadOS native, taking full advantage of the device’s large screen. With iPad multitasking, users can run Stream Deck Mobile alongside their favourite apps and websites, or even run two Stream Deck Mobile keypads side-by-side — giving them access to as many as 128 keys at once (Pro subscription required).

Above all, customisation is at the heart of today’s update. Users can now switch between dark and light modes, control keypad rotation, and explore community plugins and profiles on Elgato Marketplace. And with Stream Deck Mobile Pro, they can even change the number and layout of their keys — plus personalize the app’s appearance with custom faceplates or images from their camera roll.

“Stream Deck is so much more than just a physical device,” said Christiane Göhring, Team Lead for Mobile Development at Elgato. “It’s a powerful ecosystem that enables millions of users across practically any workflow. With this update, we’re excited to bring that same technology to the virtual space, making it easier than ever for anyone to streamline tasks and save time using the iPhone or iPad they already know and love — all for free.”

Stream Deck Mobile is available now for download on the Apple App Store for iOS and iPadOS devices. Stream Deck Mobile Pro is available through a monthly subscription ($2.99), annual subscription ($24.99), or one-off lifetime purchase ($49.99). Prices vary by region.