Sony has officially announced the RIALTO 65, a new medium format cinema camera priced at $80,000, now listed at B&H Photo with availability expected in the first half of 2027. Positioned as Sony’s first true “IMAX” sensor camera, the RIALTO 65 features an imaging area 123% larger than full-frame and 33.5% larger than the sensors used in competing systems like the Fujifilm GFX and Hasselblad X2 series. This significant sensor size advantage positions the camera for high-resolution, large-format production workflows.

While specific technical details beyond sensor dimensions were not disclosed in the announcement, Sony’s reputation for professional-grade autofocus and sensor technology suggests the RIALTO 65 will leverage its latest innovations in these areas. The company’s Alpha and Cinema Line cameras have consistently set benchmarks for real-time tracking, eye AF, and low-light performance—features likely to carry over into this flagship medium format system.

The camera targets elite creators, rental houses, and production studios working on premium content where image fidelity and scalability are critical. Its IMAX-class sensor implies suitability for large-screen exhibition, virtual production, and archival-grade mastering. At $80,000 body-only, the RIALTO 65 enters a niche but growing segment of high-end digital cinematography tools.

Sony’s move underscores its commitment to expanding beyond stills and hybrid formats into dedicated cinema solutions that compete with established players in the medium format space. By emphasizing sensor scale and building on its proven AF and imaging pipelines, Sony aims to attract professionals seeking uncompromising quality.

Availability remains tentative for H1 2027, giving interested parties time to evaluate compatibility with existing lenses, workflows, and accessories. As more details emerge closer to release, the RIALTO 65 could redefine expectations for what a medium format cinema camera can deliver in terms of resolution, dynamic range, and autofocus precision—hallmarks of Sony’s current flagship offerings.