Sony VENICE Extension System Mini: A Compact Powerhouse for Cinematic Innovation
March 31, 2025Sony has officially announced the latest addition to its renowned CineAlta lineup—the VENICE Extension System Mini (CBK-3621XS). This cutting-edge accessory is designed exclusively for the award-winning VENICE 2 digital cinema camera, offering unparalleled flexibility and creative freedom for filmmakers.
Compact Design, Maximum Creativity
The VENICE Extension System Mini comes equipped with the VENICE 2’s powerful 8K sensor but in a significantly smaller form factor. Approximately 70% smaller than the existing VENICE Extension System 2, the Mini is about the size of an average smartphone. Its ultra-compact yet durable design makes it ideal for handheld shots and capturing extreme action sequences without compromising cinematic quality.
“I love the size of the VENICE Extension System Mini,” says Claudio Miranda, ASC, a celebrated Director of Photography and an early adopter of the system. “You can put it anywhere—like inside a Formula One race car while it’s speeding. You get the full resolution of a real cinema camera, maintaining complete flexibility without sacrificing image quality.”
Uncompromised Image Quality and Flexibility
Building upon the success of the VENICE Extension System 2, the new Mini introduces key enhancements, including a custom drop-in ND cartridge system. This system features nine glass Neutral Density (ND) filters, including a clear ND, ensuring a perfect match with Sony’s VENICE 2 while maintaining its compact form.
Additionally, the VENICE Extension System Mini incorporates refined rigging and mounting features. The connection cable between the Mini and the VENICE 2 body is now thinner and more flexible, with a detachable option for greater ease of use. Multiple mounting points also allow for seamless attachment of accessories, offering enhanced versatility for filmmakers.
Expanding Creative Possibilities
One of the standout capabilities of the VENICE Extension System Mini is its ability to support stereoscopic imaging. Multiple units can be placed side by side to recreate the way the human eye perceives depth, utilizing a 64mm inter-axial distance that matches the average human interpupillary distance. This makes it a game-changer for VR content creation and VFX plate production.
A Legacy of Excellence in Filmmaking
Sony’s VENICE series has been widely adopted by top-tier filmmakers and has played a crucial role in major productions such as Top Gun: Maverick, Avatar: The Way of Water, and more recently, Nickel Boys, The Fire Inside, and A Complete Unknown.
With the introduction of the VENICE Extension System Mini, Sony continues to push the boundaries of digital cinematography, providing filmmakers with innovative tools to capture stunning visuals with ease and precision.
For filmmakers seeking maximum flexibility in their storytelling without compromising on image quality, the VENICE Extension System Mini is set to become an essential addition to their creative arsenal.
