Stop by the Panasonic booth (C3607) at the 2015 NAB Show for news about the VariCam ® 35 4K and VariCam ® HS. The announcements will feature improved workflow and increased functionality.
The latest announcement is the availability of a free firmware upgrade for both models that incorporates ProRes 422 HQ support for HD recording.
The VariCam 35 4K will add AVC-Intra 4:4:4 12-bit recording, AVC-Intra 100 and AVC-Intra 4K-LT (4:2:2) variable frame rate recording support up to 120fps. AVC-Intra is a professional intra-frame codec with bit rates of 50 and 100Mb/s. AVC-Intra 100 offers mastering quality video for the highest level of HD production.
The firmware upgrade will enable an Ethernet cable connection for both cameras with Panasonic’s AK-HRP200 camera remote controller. This feature will facilitate camera matching during staging and live production. The new firmware also enables LAN and WiFi connections to allow in-camera color grading using tools like Pomfort’s LiveGrade color grading (CDL/LUT) software.
Both VariCam models will now have a Multi-Home Page system for easier set up. A new user clip name function adopts industry-standard film-style nomenclature. Skin Tone Detail control is added, and workflow enhancement Window Burn improves identification and secures content.
The VariCam 35 update adds 24.00p system frequency support in DCI 4K/2K mode, which is important for cinema production. A Dual Native ISO menu function is added to allow Directors of Photography to select either the display of VariCam 35s native ISOs (800 and 5000) or a display of all available ISOs.
Panasonic will be featuring the VariCam 35 4K and the VariCam HS at the 2015 NAB Show.
Released last fall, the VariCam has a unique modular design; the camera is really two sensor head units with a single recording unit that can be attached to either sensor head. VariCam 35 has a 35mm 4K sensor with a PL mount. The VariCam HS is a 2/3” HD sensor with a B4 mount. The recording unit can be separated from the head; the umbilical cable between the camera and recorder allows the camera to be used on jibs, cranes and other mounts. The control panel can also be removed from the body of the camera and attached with a second cable.
The VariCam 35 Dual Native setup allows the camera to have two native ISO settings. The camera has two analog circuits immediately after each pixel before the gain amp, one dedicated to 800 ISO and the other dedicated to 5000 ISO. This allows the signal-to-noise ratio to stay the same and allows clean images in low light conditions.
The VariCam has been chosen by director of photography Theo van de Sande, who has used the camera for the pilot of CBS’ Evil Men, Amazon Studios’ Salem Rogers and now for CW’s Cheerleader Death Squad.
Be sure to stop by Panasonic’s booth (C3607 – Central Hall) to see these unique cameras and hear the announcements at the 2051 NAB Show.
