Sony has announced the latest addition to their CineAlta lineup, the VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS). This new accessory, designed specifically for the VENICE 2 digital cinema camera, offers significant size reductions while maintaining the imaging capabilities of its larger counterpart.
   

The new Sony VENICE Extension System Mini features the VENICE 2 8K sensor in a substantially smaller form factor. The unit measures 63.9×103.2×60.2mm (W×H×D), which Sony states is approximately 70% smaller than the existing VENICE Extension System 2 (CBK-3620XS). The head unit weighs approximately 0.54kg with the E-mount and 1.05kg with the PL mount adapter.

The system includes a custom drop-in ND cartridge system with nine glass Neutral Density filters, including a clear ND option. This filter system has been designed to match the VENICE 2 camera’s specifications.

A notable improvement is the connection cable between the Extension System Mini and the VENICE 2 camera body. The new 4.5m cable measures 7.6mm in diameter—3.3mm thinner than the existing model’s 10.9mm — and can be detached for easier rigging in confined spaces. An optional 12m cable (CBK-12C3621) will be available for situations requiring greater distance between the camera body and head unit.

The system is compatible with both the VENICE 2 6K and 8K models. Importantly, VENICE 2 6K users will be able to capture in 8K resolution with this system, though this will require a system software update.

The Extension System Mini includes 15 mounting points for accessories and two assignable buttons for customizable functions such as recording start and False Color display toggle. It also features a 3-pin Fischer Output for connecting to accessories.

For lenses, the system is compatible with E-mount lenses and PL mount lenses via an included adapter. The adapter also includes a Lens Metadata Input port.

“I love that you can put it anywhere, like a Formula One race car when you’re racing. You have the full resolution of a real cinema camera. It’s nice to have that flexibility without compromising image quality.” Claudio Miranda, ASC

Stereoscopic and VR applications

One of the technical advantages of the compact size is that when two units are placed side by side in E-mount configuration, the distance between the two sensors is approximately 64mm, which matches the average human interpupillary distance. This makes the system potentially valuable for stereoscopic imaging and VR content creation.

Optional accessories include the Camera Extension System ND Filter Kit (CBK-ND1K), which provides a set of nine drop-in ND filters identical to those included with the system, and the Camera Extension System Cable 12m (CBK-12C3621).

While the VENICE Extension System Mini represents a significant size reduction for cinema cameras with full-frame sensors, it remains to be seen how it will compare to other compact cinema camera options in the market when it becomes available in July 2025.