Sony expands VENICE 2 ecosystem with 9.6K 65mm RIALTO extension system

This move signals a strategic pivot toward the premium large-format theater and IMAX market, where ultra-high resolution and shallow depth-of-field are becoming standard for event cinema. By making the 65mm format an add-on rather than a new standalone body, Sony protects existing hardware investments made by rental houses and studios. It positions the VENICE 2 platform to compete directly with high-end large-format rivals like the ARRI Alexa 65 and Blackmagic URSA Cine 17K. Watch for initial production adoption and the availability of 65mm-compatible lenses at the 2026 Cine Gear Expo.

The RIALTO 65 represents a significant hardware leap over the current VENICE Extension System 2, which is limited to the camera's original 8.6K full-frame sensor. Per Sony's technical specifications from June 2026, the new sensor block measures 53.75 mm by 35.83 mm. This development follows a period of heavy adoption for the VENICE 2, which has been utilized on major productions such as "Top Gun: Maverick" and "Avatar: The Way of Water," according to British Cinematographer (January 2025). The ability to separate the sensor from the processing body is a key differentiator for Sony; the previous Rialto systems were pivotal for filming in the cramped cockpits and underwater rigs used in those titles.

Industry competition in the large-format space is accelerating. Per IndieWire (October 2024), while ARRI cameras like the Alexa 35 continue to dominate the volume of festival premieres at TIFF and Cannes, Sony has secured a firm foothold in the blockbuster segment. Blackmagic Design also disrupted the space in early 2026 with its own URSA Cine 17K 65, priced at approximately $25,295, as noted by B&H Photo. Sony’s modular approach with the RIALTO 65 allows it to offer similar 65mm capabilities to its established user base without forcing the purchase of an entirely new camera system, a move seen as vital for maintaining loyalty among high-end rental houses.

Technically, the RIALTO 65 is optimized for the movie theater experience, offering what Sony describes as the industry’s largest image sensor in a commercially available cinema camera as of June 2026. The 9.6K recording capability provides a significant resolution headroom for VFX and large-screen exhibition, catering to premium large-format (PLF) theater chains. According to reports from Newsshooter in June 2026, the unit is expected to be exhibited at the Cine Gear Expo in Los Angeles to demonstrate its compatibility with specialized 65mm glass, including the Leitz THALIA 65 series.