Sony BURANO Firmware 2.0: The Features You Can’t Afford to Miss
Sony BURANO Firmware 2.0: Worth the Wait?
Since its launch in 2023, the Sony BURANO 8K Cinema Camera has carved a niche as a versatile hybrid tool for filmmakers balancing high-end cinema and run-and-gun agility. Now, with the announcement of Sony BURANO Firmware Version 2.0, the camera evolves further, addressing user feedback and expanding creative possibilities. But after months of anticipation, will this update meet the expectations? Let’s dive into the enhancements, real-world applications, and why this firmware might be a game-changer for cinematographers.
A Look Back: What Did Sony BURANO Offer Before?
Before diving into the Sony BURANO firmware update, it’s crucial to understand the camera’s foundational strengths and where gaps exist.
Core Features of the Original Sony BURANO
8.6K Full-Frame Sensor: The BURANO’s 8.6K (8640 x 5760) sensor delivered 16-bit X-OCN RAW capture, rivaling Sony’s flagship Venice in dynamic range and color science.
Built-In ND Filters: A standout feature for solo operators, offering seamless exposure adjustments without external matte boxes.
Hybrid Mount System: Compatibility with both PL and native E-mount lenses, enabling quick swaps between cinema glass and lightweight autofocus lenses.
In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): A rarity in cinema cameras, providing up to 5.5 stops of stabilization for handheld or gimbal work.
Dual Codec Workflow: Simultaneous recording of X-OCN LT/ST and XAVC proxies catered to high-end and fast-turnaround projects.
What’s New in Sony BURANO Firmware 2.0?
Sony firmware update introduces a suite of features designed to refine workflows, unlock new shooting modes, and enhance usability. From high-frame-rate recording to improved monitoring, here’s a breakdown of the standout upgrades.
Enhanced Recording Capabilities
The headline feature of Sony BURANO Version 2 is its expanded recording formats, catering to both high-resolution purists and slow-motion enthusiasts:
UHD 120fps in 16-bit X-OCN: Dubbed the “money maker” by filmmakers, this mode combines full-frame 3.8K capture with 120fps slow motion, retaining 16-bit color depth for exceptional dynamic range. Ideal for action sequences, water details, or capturing fleeting moments in documentaries.
Super 35 HD 240fps: A new 1.9K Super 35 crop mode enables 240fps recording (in XAVC), perfect for extreme slow-motion shots like sports or nature close-ups.
4.3K 4:3 Anamorphic Support: Filmmakers can now shoot 60fps in a Super 35 4.3K 4:3 mode, paired with 1.8x de-squeeze for anamorphic workflows. Combined with existing 1.3x, 1.5x, and 2x options, the BURANO now supports four anamorphic modes.
These additions make the BURANO one of the most flexible cameras in Sony’s lineup, balancing data efficiency with cinematic quality.
User Interface and Monitoring Overhaul
A common gripe with earlier firmware was inconsistent monitoring outputs. Sony firmware update addresses this with:
Standardized SDI Video Output: Whether shooting X-OCN or XAVC, SDI outputs now maintain a consistent signal, simplifying integration with external recorders or live production setups.
Surround OSD: On-screen displays (like exposure tools or frame guides) now appear outside the image border, mimicking the Venice series’ workflow. This prevents critical data from obscuring the frame.
Viewfinder Gamma Assist: When using S-Log3, a new gamma display assist boosts visibility for focus pullers, which is crucial in low-light scenarios.
These tweaks streamline on-set workflows, reducing setup time and technical hiccups.
Advanced Exposure and Stabilization Tools
Sony firmware update 2.0 borrows proven tools from Sony’s Venice and FX series to enhance creative control:
High/Low Key Exposure Check: With a single button press, users can toggle between highlight and shadow priority modes, ensuring no details are clipped or crushed. Cinematographer Jake Bane praised this feature during documentary shoots, where quick exposure validation is vital.
Active Image Stabilization Modes: The BURANO’s IBIS system now supports “Active” and “High” stabilization in more resolutions, including full-frame 3.8K and Super 35 HD. This is a boon for handheld or drone-mounted shoots.
Breathing Compensation Metadata: X-OCN files now include stabilization metadata, enabling post-production correction in tools like DaVinci Resolve.
Anamorphic and Workflow Enhancements
Beyond new recording modes, Sony BURANO Version 2 strengthens the BURANO’s position as a modular tool:
8 White Balance Presets: Up from three, users can save custom settings (A–H) for rapid adjustments in shifting lighting conditions.
PL Lens Compatibility Upgrades: Improved power delivery supports demanding lenses like Fujinon Premista or ARRI Signature Primes without external cables. Remote focus/zoom control via LAN further aids large-scale productions.
24.0fps Proxy Support: Filmmakers shooting 24.0fps projects can now generate MP4 proxies alongside X-OCN files, simplifying workflows.
Real-World Applications: Filmmakers Put Firmware 2.0 to the Test
To gauge the update’s impact, Sony collaborated with filmmakers like Renan Ozturk (National Geographic) and Jake Bane (documentary DP), who tested pre-release versions in extreme conditions.
Adventure Filmmaking Meets Versatility
Renan Ozturk, known for Arctic expeditions and climbing documentaries, highlighted the BURANO’s dual role:
Lightweight Run-and-Gun: Stripped down with a Sony G Master lens, the camera delivered autofocus reliability during a -40°F shoot. Built-in NDs and 16-bit color ensured consistent quality despite harsh environments.
High-Frame-Rate Storytelling: The UHD 120fps mode captured ice climbers’ nuanced movements, while 240fps HD revealed details like spinning car wheels in commercials.
“The BURANO’s versatility lets us switch from anamorphic drama to action docs without missing a beat,” Ozturk noted.
Documentary Agility
Jake Bane tested Sony BURANO firmware update while documenting San Francisco’s opioid crisis. For him, the update’s High/Low Key tool and 3.8K 120fps were game-changers:
“In unpredictable street scenarios, checking exposure on the fly saved shots we’d have otherwise lost.”
Slowing down 120fps footage added emotional weight to fleeting interactions, transforming B-roll into narrative anchors.
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Technical Deep Dive: Compatibility and Performance
RAW Workflow Readiness
Sony prioritized post-production readiness with Firmware 2.0:
Updated RAW SDK: Partners like DaVinci Resolve already support new formats, ensuring seamless workflows post-launch.
Metadata Integration: Stabilization and breathing compensation data embedded in X-OCN files allow for smoother post corrections.
Limitations and Future Updates
While Sony firmware update is robust, a few caveats remain:
240fps HD Output Muting: At 240fps, SDI outputs drop to 200fps temporarily, a fix promised in a future update.
Pre-Record Durations: Though pre-record buffers are generous (up to two minutes), some users requested longer durations for wildlife applications.
How to Prepare for the Sony BURANO Firmware Update
Before installing Sony BURANO Version 2, follow these steps to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Check Current Firmware Version
Navigate to Main Menu > Version to confirm your Sony BURANO 8k cinema camera is running at least Firmware 1.1. The update requires a clean install, so older versions may need incremental upgrades first.
2. Back Up Camera Settings
Use Sony’s Content Browser Mobile app or export settings to an SD card via Main Menu > Setup > Data Export. Custom LUTs, white balance presets, and frame rate profiles can be restored post-update.
3. Format Media and Clear Caches
Format CFexpress Type B cards in-camera to avoid file corruption. Clear cached proxies and RAW files from previous shoots to free up space.
4. Download Firmware from Sony’s Support Site
Visit Sony’s official portal and download the Sony BURANO Version 2 package, which includes detailed installation instructions.
5. Update via SD Card or Ethernet
Transfer the firmware file to an SD card, insert it into Slot 3, and follow on-screen prompts. For large studios, Sony’s Ethernet update tool allows batch installations across multiple cameras.
6. Verify Post-Update Functionality
After updating:
Test new modes like UHD 120fps and anamorphic 4.3K.
Confirm SDI output consistency across X-OCN and XAVC.
Reimport custom settings and LUTs.
7. Update Post-Production Software
Ensure compatibility with new RAW formats by updating DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, or other NLEs to the latest versions.
Conclusion: Is Sony BURANO Firmware 2.0 Worth the Wait?
Absolutely, especially for professionals who rely on high-frame-rate workflows, anamorphic versatility, or streamlined monitoring. Here’s a breakdown of who benefits most:
| User Type | Why Sony BURANO Firmware 2.0 Matters |
|---|---|
| DPs & Cinematographers | 16-bit 3.8K 120fps, 1.8x anamorphic de-squeeze, and High/Low Key exposure tools refine creative control. |
| Solo Operators | Built-in ND filters, Active IBIS modes, and simplified UI/OSD speed up run-and-gun workflows. |
| Commercial Filmmakers | Standardized SDI outputs, 240fps HD slow-motion, and 8 white balance presets enhance multi-cam setups. |
| Documentary/Adventure | 16-bit color in extreme conditions, PL lens power upgrades, and metadata stabilization for rugged shoots. |
| Post-Production Teams | X-OCN metadata (breathing compensation) and updated RAW SDK ensure seamless editing in Resolve/Premiere. |
| Virtual Production Teams | Ethernet control for RCP integration and tally support streamline live workflows; 24.0fps proxy sync simplifies real-time rendering. |
| Wildlife/Event Filmmakers | Extended pre-record buffer (up to 2 minutes), and 240fps HD capture fleeting moments like animal movements or sports action. |
| PL Lens Users | Enhanced power delivery for Fujinon Premista/ARRI Signature Primes; remote focus/zoom via LAN eliminates external cabling. |