Panasonic recently unveiled a new 4K camera / recorder, VariCam® 35, that
incorporates a newly-developed super 35mm MOS image sensor and the
company’s AVC-ULTRA family of video codecs.
The new camera’s superb image handling in multiple formats including 4K, UHD,
2K and HD make it an unparalleled tool for high-end filmmaking, commercials and
episodic production as well as live events.
The 4K camera module unit (AU-V35C1) is separate but dockable to the
recording module unit (AU-VREC1). This system flexibility can be expanded with
an umbilical cable between the 35mm 4K camera and the AVC-ULTRA recorder,
providing “box’ camera functionality for jibs, cranes and other “remote’ camera
needs. This common recorder module is also interchangeable with Panasonic’s
new 2/3′ 1080p camera, enabling professionals to switch between 35mm and
2/3′ camera heads to best suit their creative needs.
“Evoking the VariCam heritage of gorgeous, cinematic image rendition, this
VariCam 35 establishes new standards for 4K production,’ said Steve
Cooperman, product manager, Panasonic System Communications Company of
North America. “With its expanse of formats ranging from flawless 4K RAW
output to more practical 4K, UHD, 2K and HD capture, the VariCam 35 represents
a matchless option for premier digital capture.’
The VariCam 35 utilises a new Panasonic super 35mm MOS sensor for 4096 x
2160 (17:9) 4K image capture. This imager, when combined with the AVC-ULTRA
codecs for 4K, enables very manageable and practical 4K production file sizes.
The new imager boasts 14+ stops of latitude, and faithfully captures high-
contrast, wide dynamic range imagery without compromise. Powerful colour
management capabilities provide a much extended colour gamut for impeccable
image fidelity, and permit support for an Academy Colour Encoding System
(ACES) workflow for full fidelity mastering of original source material.
The VariCam 35 will deliver an unprecedented breadth of recording formats,
including 4K and UHD in AVC-ULTRA 4K, and 2K and FHD in AVC-Intra 100/200.
Addressing the need for high-speed file exchange, the camera encodes high-
resolution proxy files in parallel with 4K and 2K production formats, enabling
fast, efficient offline editing, at bit rates from 6Mbps down to 1.5Mbps. Wireless
workflows for proxy streaming and metadata management will also be available.
The VariCam 35 will use Panasonic’s new expressP2 card for high frame rate and
4K recording. The camera is equipped with a total of four memory card slots, two
for expressP2 cards and two for microP2 cards. The new expressP2 card can
record up to 130 minutes of 4K/24p content. The microP2 card is designed for
recording HD or 2K at more typical production frame rates.
Professional interfaces include: 3G-HD-SDI x4 for 4K QUAD output; 3G-HD-SDI
x2 for RAW output; an HD-SDI out for monitoring (down-converting from 4K);
and two XLR inputs to record four channels of 24-bit, 48kHz audio. A multi-
connector facilitates docking the camera head to the recording module. In
another striking design innovation, the VariCam 35 boasts a removable control
panel to facilitate real-time control and easy access when the camera is in a
fixed position. The VariCam 35 features a standard 35mm PL mount.
The VariCam 35 will launch in autumn 2014, with pricing to be announced. For
more information about Panasonic professional video products, visit
www.panasonic.com/broadcast.
