As a documentary photographer and filmmaker, I’ve had the privilege of working with a range of cameras over the years. Each project comes with its own set of demands, and the tools I choose to use often play a significant role in the final outcome. My journey recently led me to two Sony cameras that have caught the attention of both independent filmmakers and high-end professionals: the Sony F55 and the newly released Burano. This article will walk you through my experience with these two powerful pieces of technology, comparing them in terms of image quality, ease of use, and performance to see which might be the best fit for various types of production work.
The story of how I came to test the F55 and the Burano began during an independent project I was shooting in the rugged terrains of the Himalayas. I had already planned for a month-long expedition that would involve both documentary work and landscape photography. In these remote locations, I needed a camera that could handle extreme conditions, provide stunning image quality, and maintain its reliability even in harsh weather.
While I had access to my primary tool, the Sony FX9, I wanted to try something new that could offer a distinct cinematic look—something that would give the project a unique visual flavor. My curiosity was piqued by the release of the Burano, Sony’s new, compact cinema camera that promised cutting-edge features while retaining the company’s reputation for quality.
On the flip side, the Sony F55 had always been on my radar. Despite being several years old, it was a camera that had garnered widespread acclaim in the industry, particularly for its beautiful image rendering and versatile performance in a wide range of conditions. I had heard countless filmmakers speak about its smooth workflow and iconic look, and I was eager to see for myself how it compared to the more modern Burano.
I rented both cameras from a trusted gear rental company to ensure that I could compare them side-by-side on location in the mountains. This gave me the chance to put both cameras to the test under real-world conditions and see how they performed in a variety of scenarios, from the unpredictable lighting conditions of sunrise over snow-capped peaks to capturing intimate moments in remote villages.
The F55 is a workhorse that has stood the test of time in the cinematic world. Even though it was released several years ago, the camera is still regarded as one of the best choices for filmmakers who need reliable performance combined with stunning image quality. The camera features a 4K Super 35mm CMOS sensor that captures incredibly sharp images with excellent detail, offering a clean, organic feel.
One of the standout features of the F55 is its global shutter, which eliminates the “rolling shutter” effect that can distort moving objects or create unwanted artifacts when capturing fast action scenes. This was particularly useful when I was shooting fast-moving elements, such as trekking through fast winds or the lively activities in the villages, where the global shutter ensured everything remained smooth and natural.
While the F55’s sensor offers beautiful color reproduction and depth, it’s important to note that the camera’s form factor is relatively bulky by modern standards, especially compared to the Burano. The F55 requires additional accessories, such as a viewfinder and external monitors, to reach its full potential, which can be cumbersome for those used to more streamlined setups.
In terms of codecs, the F55 offers a range of options, including XAVC, Sony RAW, and X-OCN, but it does not offer the same level of efficiency or the modern features found in more recent models like the Burano. The camera’s file sizes can be large, and its workflow is not as fast as more recent Sony cameras, particularly when working with higher-resolution footage or when performing extensive color grading.
Despite its age, the F55 has a timeless look that many filmmakers still love. It delivers a cinematic texture and smooth skin tones that are hard to replicate with other cameras. For my project in the Himalayas, I found the F55 to be a reliable companion for capturing the rugged landscape and intimate, raw moments in the villages.
The Burano is Sony’s new offering in the world of compact, high-end cinema cameras. What sets it apart from the F55 and other competitors in the market is its 6K Super 35mm sensor, combined with modern features like autofocus, built-in ND filters, and IBIS (In-Body Image Stabilization). The Burano is designed for filmmakers who want top-tier image quality but don’t want the size and complexity of a traditional cinema camera.
One of the key features that immediately stood out to me when testing the Burano was its small form factor. Unlike the F55, which can require a range of accessories for full functionality, the Burano is ready to go straight out of the box. The built-in ND filters, combined with the camera’s smaller size, made it ideal for capturing spontaneous moments, particularly when I was shooting handheld footage in the villages. I could seamlessly move from wide shots of the mountains to tight, handheld close-ups without missing a beat.
The Burano’s 6K sensor offers stunning image resolution, and the color rendition is beautifully rich. The camera’s dynamic range is far superior to the F55, especially in high-contrast situations like shooting at sunrise or sunset, where the Burano held incredible detail in both the highlights and shadows. This was particularly useful when filming in the harsh, ever-changing light of the Himalayas, as I could trust the Burano to capture every subtle detail in the landscape.
The Burano’s autofocus system also made a significant difference in the workflow, particularly when I was filming in fast-moving, unpredictable environments. In the villages, where subjects were constantly moving, the autofocus system allowed me to focus on composition and storytelling, rather than manually adjusting focus for each shot. This was a huge time-saver, particularly on solo shoots or when working with a small crew.
Putting both cameras to the test in the Himalayas, I found that the Burano truly excelled in fast-paced environments. The autofocus worked seamlessly, allowing me to concentrate on framing shots rather than worrying about manual focus. The IBIS also played a key role in stabilizing handheld footage, particularly when hiking through narrow mountain trails with the camera on my shoulder.
On the other hand, the F55, though larger and more cumbersome, produced images that were simply stunning. The global shutter ensured smooth motion, and the organic feel of the images added a level of texture and depth that I didn’t find in the Burano, especially when working with natural light. For my documentary shots, where I was capturing the ruggedness of the terrain and the authenticity of everyday life in the villages, the F55 provided a cinematic quality that the Burano, despite its many strengths, couldn’t quite replicate.
The challenge with the F55, however, came when it was time to manage the footage. The large file sizes and the need for additional accessories slowed me down. The Burano’s smaller size and more efficient codec made it a breeze to manage in the field. It was faster to transfer footage, quicker to set up, and overall, much more efficient in fast-paced situations.
Conclusion: Which Camera Wins?
After testing both the F55 and Burano in the challenging conditions of the Himalayas, it’s clear that both cameras have their strengths, but the Burano takes the lead when it comes to overall versatility, ease of use, and modern features. Its 6K sensor, autofocus, IBIS, and compact design make it an ideal choice for dynamic shoots that require flexibility and efficiency. The F55, while still a classic workhorse with exceptional image quality, is more suited for controlled environments where its larger size and older workflow can be better accommodated.
For those looking for the most up-to-date technology, the Burano is a clear winner. However, if you’re after that timeless cinematic look, and you don’t mind the additional bulk and slightly more complicated workflow, the F55 still holds up as a powerhouse in the world of professional cinema cameras.
Ultimately, the choice between the F55 and Burano comes down to your specific needs and the type of production you’re working on. Both cameras are fantastic in their own right, but if you value speed, flexibility, and cutting-edge technology, the Burano is the camera of the future.
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