Sony RIALTO 65 Expands VENICE 2 into 65mm Cinema, Bringing 9.6K Filmmaking to a New Scale
Sony has unveiled the RIALTO 65 Camera Extension System, bringing a 65mm sensor, 9.6K Open Gate recording and greater production flexibility to its VENICE 2 CineAlta cinema camera. The system is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027.
Sony is expanding the creative possibilities of its professional cinema camera range with the RIALTO 65, a new camera extension system designed for the VENICE 2. Built around a large-format 65mm sensor, the system gives cinematographers access to a wider imaging area while retaining key elements of the established VENICE 2 production workflow.
The announcement introduces another option for filmmakers working on high-end cinema, television and commercial productions, particularly those looking for greater control over image depth, subject separation and the visual scale of a scene.
At the centre of the system is a 53.75 mm × 35.83 mm sensor, with a diagonal measurement of approximately 64.60 mm. Sony says its imaging area is around 2.2 times larger than that of a conventional 35mm full-frame sensor.
Sony RIALTO 65: A larger sensor for cinematic image-making
The RIALTO 65 is designed to capture the characteristics associated with large-format cinematography, including a wider field of view, pronounced spatial depth and the ability to separate subjects from their backgrounds.
Its 65mm-format sensor supports 9.6K 1.5:1 Open Gate readout, giving cinematographers flexibility when framing footage for different production formats. It also supports a 9.6K 2.20:1 readout mode, with a smaller imaging diagonal of approximately 59.04 mm to accommodate a wider selection of lenses.
At Base ISO 2500, Sony specifies more than 15 stops of latitude. Filmmakers can also select Base ISO 2500 or 10000 depending on the shooting environment and creative requirements.
The system carries forward Sony’s CineAlta colour science, including S-Log3 tonal expression, S-Gamut3 colour reproduction and smooth skin-tone gradation.
Extension Mode and Studio Mode offer more shooting flexibility
One of the RIALTO 65’s defining features is its ability to operate in two configurations.
Extension Mode allows the camera head to be separated from the VENICE 2 body and connected using a dedicated cable. This makes it possible to position the camera head in tighter spaces, at elevated positions or closer to subjects while keeping the main camera body elsewhere on set.
Studio Mode allows the camera head to be attached directly to the VENICE 2 body, providing a more conventional camera configuration.
The camera head measures approximately 115 mm × 154 mm × 63 mm and weighs around 1.5 kg. Sony offers 4.5 m and optional 12 m cable configurations, giving production teams additional flexibility when planning camera placement.
Camera tilt and roll information can also be recorded as metadata for use in post-production.
9.6K recording and the VENICE 2 workflow
The RIALTO 65 retains important elements of the VENICE 2 production ecosystem.
The VENICE 2 body continues to handle key functions, including recording, allowing productions to use existing AXS memory cards and established workflows. The system supports internal 16-bit X-OCN recording, balancing high-resolution image capture with the data-management requirements of professional productions.
This continuity could be particularly useful for production teams already working with VENICE 2 systems, as it allows them to explore the 65mm format without replacing their entire camera workflow.
Sony says RIALTO 65 support requires dedicated VENICE 2 firmware version 6.00 or later, which is planned for the first half of 2027.
Lens compatibility, anamorphic shooting and ND filters
The RIALTO 65 does not include a built-in lens mount. Instead, it is designed to work with third-party lens-mount adapters, allowing production teams to select compatible lenses according to the requirements of each project.
With supported lenses and adapters, camera metadata can include focal length, focus position and aperture information. This can assist with editing, visual effects and virtual production workflows.
For anamorphic productions, the system offers de-squeeze display options and a Zoom to Fit function, helping cinematographers check framing and composition while working with different anamorphic lens ratios.
The system also includes 11 drop-in ND filters with electronic contacts. The VENICE 2 automatically recognises the density information of an inserted filter.
Sony RIALTO 65 price and availability
Sony expects the RIALTO 65 Camera Extension System, model CBK-6510XS, to become available in the first half of 2027.
Sony’s US announcement lists a suggested retail price of US$80,000. South African pricing and local availability should be confirmed with authorised Sony professional equipment dealers.
Two optional accessories have also been announced:
- CBK-NDK6510 ND Filter Kit: A separate set of 11 drop-in ND filters.
- CBK-12C6510 12 m Cable: An optional longer cable for positioning the camera head farther from the VENICE 2 body.
The system’s availability and pricing may vary by market.
For official product information, visit Sony Professional – RIALTO 65.
Watch Sony RIALTO 65 sample footage
Sony has released sample footage demonstrating the system’s image-making capabilities.
What the RIALTO 65 means for professional filmmaking
The RIALTO 65 extends the VENICE 2 platform into a larger sensor format while retaining much of the camera system’s established recording and production workflow.
Its combination of 65mm imaging, 9.6K readout, flexible camera positioning and compatibility with third-party lens adapters gives cinematographers another tool for productions where image scale, spatial depth and camera placement are important.
For existing VENICE 2 users, the system offers a route into large-format image-making without abandoning the broader production ecosystem they already use.
The RIALTO 65 is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027, with further details on regional pricing and availability to be confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sony RIALTO 65?
The Sony RIALTO 65 is a camera extension system designed for the VENICE 2 CineAlta cinema camera. It adds a 65mm-format image sensor and supports 9.6K recording modes.
What resolution does the RIALTO 65 support?
It supports 9.6K 1.5:1 Open Gate readout and a 9.6K 2.20:1 readout mode.
Is the RIALTO 65 a standalone camera?
No. It is designed to work with the VENICE 2 camera body, which handles key functions including recording.
When will the Sony RIALTO 65 be available?
Sony expects the system to become available in the first half of 2027.
How much does the Sony RIALTO 65 cost?
Sony’s US announcement lists an $80,000 USD suggested retail price. South African pricing has not been confirmed in the announcement.
Which lenses work with the RIALTO 65?
The system accepts third-party lens-mount adapters, allowing compatible lenses to be selected according to production requirements. Lens compatibility depends on the adapter and lens combination.
Source: Sony Electronics. Product specifications, firmware requirements and availability are subject to change. This article is based on Sony’s announcement.
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