Sony RIALTO 65 brings a 9.6K large-format option to VENICE 2
Cameras
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Sony has announced RIALTO 65, a detachable sensor-head system intended to bring a larger imaging area to existing VENICE 2 productions. Announced on October 29, 2026 under the model number CBK-6510XS, it is scheduled for the first half of 2027. This is an upcoming product announcement, not confirmation that the system is already on sale.
What does the 65 mm designation mean?
The number describes a cinema-format class rather than the sensor’s physical width. The actual sensor measures 53.75 × 35.83 mm, with an approximately 64.60 mm diagonal. Sony puts its imaging area at roughly 2.2 times that of a 35 mm full-frame sensor. A larger area changes the choices available for framing, lenses and camera distance; it does not automatically make every image better.
9.6K Open Gate and dual base sensitivity
RIALTO 65 supports a 9.6K Open Gate readout using a 1.5:1 aspect ratio. A separate 9.6K 2.20:1 mode has an approximately 59.04 mm diagonal and is intended to accommodate a broader selection of lenses. Sony says additional readout modes will arrive through future VENICE 2 firmware updates. Those planned additions should not be counted as features available at launch.
The two base-sensitivity choices are ISO 2500 and ISO 10000. Sony specifies more than 15 stops of latitude at ISO 2500. These are manufacturer figures, not measurements from a Fibona laboratory or hands-on test. Exposure choices and the recording workflow will remain important when assessing real-world low-light performance.
A smaller head for difficult camera positions
The head measures approximately 115 × 154 × 63 mm and weighs around 1.5 kg. In Extension Mode it can be separated from the main body, making it easier to position in vehicles, confined spaces or places where a complete camera assembly would be cumbersome. Studio Mode attaches the head directly to the VENICE 2 body.
A 4.5-metre cable is supplied, while the separately sold CBK-12C6510 option extends the connection to 12 metres. Both ends are detachable for rigging. Camera tilt and roll can also be recorded as metadata, providing additional information for post-production, visual effects and virtual-production workflows.
Keeping the established VENICE 2 workflow
Recording and the principal camera functions remain in the VENICE 2 body. The system retains 16-bit X-OCN recording, AXS media and the established S-Log3 and S-Gamut3 workflow. For production companies, the practical appeal is the possibility of moving to a larger format without replacing the entire recording infrastructure. Compatibility still needs to be checked for each lens, accessory and production setup.
Lens mounts and ND filters require planning
No lens mount is included with RIALTO 65. Productions must select an appropriate third-party adapter for their lenses. Where both the lens and adapter support communication, focal length, focus position and aperture can be stored as metadata. Anamorphic operation includes de-squeeze display at multiple ratios and a Zoom to Fit function for checking composition.
The system comes with 11 types of drop-in ND filters with electronic contacts, allowing the VENICE 2 body to recognise their density automatically. Sony will offer an equivalent replacement set as the CBK-NDK6510, but says individual densities will not be sold separately. The replacement filter kit and the 12-metre cable are also scheduled for the first half of 2027.
The announcement does not provide a Turkish price or local launch date. Sony also cautions that the announced specifications may differ from those of the final product. For now, RIALTO 65 is an expansion option worth monitoring for crews that already work with VENICE 2 and are planning future large-format productions.
Source: Sony Europe official announcement, October 29, 2026. Image: Sony press materials.
