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Sony VENICE Extension System Mini
Often referred to on set as the Rialto Mini, the Sony VENICE Extension System Mini is a compact extension system designed to redefine how and where a cinema camera can operate. Built as an extension of the VENICE 2 platform, it separates the sensor block from the camera body—allowing filmmakers to place the lens and sensor in positions that would otherwise be physically impossible, while maintaining full cinema-grade image quality.
At the core of the system is the same 8.6K full-frame sensor found in the VENICE 2, ensuring there is no compromise in image fidelity. Despite this, the Rialto Mini dramatically reduces the physical footprint of the camera head—approximately 70% smaller than previous systems and comparable in size to a smartphone. This shift in scale fundamentally changes how the camera can be used, opening up new possibilities for both technical setups and visual storytelling.
The separation between the sensor block and camera body is enabled through a lightweight, flexible detachable cable system, allowing the camera to be rigged in tight spaces, mounted on lightweight gimbals, or integrated into vehicles, rigs, and handheld configurations with far greater ease. This makes the Rialto Mini particularly effective in environments where space, weight, or movement would limit a traditional cinema camera build.
From a creative perspective, the Rialto Mini excels in scenarios that demand proximity and immersion. It allows the camera to move closer to subjects, follow action more freely, and exist within environments rather than observing them from a distance. Whether used for handheld work, action sequences, or complex rigging setups, it enables a more intimate and dynamic camera language without sacrificing the visual depth and resolution expected from large-format cinema systems.
The system also introduces a drop-in ND filter design, maintaining exposure control while preserving the compact form factor. With multiple ND options and seamless integration with the VENICE 2 body, it supports fast-paced production workflows without adding complexity.
In addition to standard production use, the Rialto Mini can be configured for stereoscopic and VR capture, with the ability to position multiple sensor units side by side at human eye distance. This expands its application beyond traditional cinematography into emerging formats and specialized production environments.
It is particularly suited for:
- Tight spaces and confined environments
- Vehicle rigs and action sequences
- Handheld and lightweight gimbal setups
- POV and immersive camera placements
- VR and stereoscopic capture
The Rialto Mini is not simply a smaller camera—it is a reconfiguration of the camera system itself, enabling cinematographers to rethink positioning, movement, and perspective while maintaining the full visual integrity of the VENICE platform.
