The power of 16 bits
The world of digital cinematography is changing. Distribution channels are increasingly calling for 4K resolution, high frame rates, wide colour gamut and high dynamic range – all of which are data intensive. Yet productions still require reasonable transfer times and affordable storage, not to mention long camera loads.
Since its introduction in 2016, X-OCN (extended tonal range Original Camera Negative) has reset the standard for high end cinematography workflows.
By combining superlative 16-bit precision with surprisingly moderate bit rates, X-OCN opens up powerful new production possibilities. X-OCN produces file sizes much smaller than typical camera RAW, but unlike conventional codecs, X-OCN offers 16-bit scene linear encoding. So, you get the ultimate in tonal expression, longer record times, faster file transfers and more economical post-production.
The X-OCN format is a game changer, achieving up to 8K resolution and High Dynamic Range while maintaining reasonable bitrates. In this way, X-OCN is ideal for the most advanced workflows, including ACES, Rec. 2020, SMPTE ST 2084, the extended colour space of Sony’s S-Gamut3 colour and High Dynamic Range tone mapping.
VENICE 2 and BURANO build upon X-OCN’s proven success by offering internal 16-bit X-OCN recording without need for an external recorder, dramatically shrinking the form factor while still offering the full dynamic range and colour reproduction of the sensor.
To add further flexibility and capability, new C1 and C2 Compact modes are being offered from 2026, for easier handling and even smaller file sizes. Combined with the ultra compact FX5 camera, 16-bit X-OCN has workflow options to appeal to a wide range of users.
Far exceeding 10 and 12-bit formats, 16-bit X-OCN records 65,536 tonal gradations per colour component, or over 280 trillion individual shades of colour. This is the ultimate in grayscale expression, creating an enormous palette for extreme subtleties in grading and far greater flexibility for colorists and editors alike.
Smaller files, longer recording times
X-OCN combines the quality and versatility of RAW with the easy playback and smaller files of traditional codecs. You get longer recording times, faster file transfers and more cost-effective post-production.
| Mode | Major Applications* | Description |
|---|---|---|
X-OCN XT | • Giant Screen | • Even higher picture quality than X-OCN ST, exceeding Sony RAW quality |
X-OCN ST | • Feature Film | • Best balance between picture quality and file transfer time / storage size, providing best efficiency in post-production |
X-OCN LT | • Indy Feature | • Smaller file size than X-OCN ST (with 60% smaller than Sony RAW), benefiting from smaller storage requirements and faster download times |
X-OCN C1 | • Web Adverting | • Similar level of bit rate to XAVC-I / XAVC S-I while retaining X-OCN post flexibility |
X-OCN C2 | • Web Adverting | • Suitable for High Frame Rate shooting, allowing up to 4K/240p |
*Actual examples, not meaning each mode is appropriate only for these applications
Bitrate comparison at 4096 x 2160 24p
*Theoretical values, as X-OCN C1/C2 compatible models do not support 4096 x 2160 / 24p
Bitrate comparison at 8192 x 4320 24p
High Frame Rates
As distribution channels increasingly demand High Frame Rates, X-OCN is prepared. Within Sony’s X‑OCN‑capable cinema cameras, you can achieve both high‑frame‑rate capture with uncompromised resolution or extreme frame rates enabled by more data‑efficient modes.
Non-destructive recording
Instead of baking in your settings for exposure index, colour space, LUTs, gamma, log and others, X-OCN captures these parameters as monitoring settings. This process is completely non-destructive, delivering the full potential of the original sensor data into post-production but with the added advantage of efficient file sizes. As a result, your colourist and editor are empowered with far greater decision-making flexibility than is possible with conventional video.
X-OCN Test Files
Easy to work with full third-party support
X-OCN is as easy to work with as Sony RAW, with files that play back in real time on most laptop computers. You get a choice of tools for viewing, editing, grading and file management. For additional simplicity, X-OCN uses the same industry-standard OP1a MXF wrapper as Sony RAW, XAVC, SR File and MPEG2 formats. Picture, Sound and Metadata are contained within one file wrapper for easy file management.
X-OCN is supported by leading non-linear editing software and colour grading tools.
