Panasonic Press

Panasonic has introduced a third-generation VariCam® camera, the VariCam HS,
that incorporates the company’s AVC-ULTRA family of video codecs and high
speed 1080p image capture of up to 240fps to produce high-definition imagery
for the most demanding documentary, sports or SFX slow-motion applications. It
also includes Apple ProRes 4444 and ProRes 422 HQ* support for HD recording.
(The ProRes codec component is licensed from ATOMOS Global Pty. Ltd., which
has shipped ProRes recorders for years.)

Featuring an innovative modular design, the VariCam HS 2/3″ camera head
docks with the AVC-ULTRA recording module to provide the full functionality and
ergonomics of a conventional production camera/recorder. This system flexibility
can be expanded with an umbilical cable between the 2/3″ camera module (AU-
V23HS1) and the recording module (AU-VREC1), providing “box” camera
functionality for jibs, cranes and other “remote” camera needs. This common
recorder module is also interchangeable with Panasonic’s new s35mm 4K
camera module (AU-V35C1) (see separate news release), enabling professionals
to switch between 2/3″ and s35mm camera heads to best suit their creative
needs.

The VariCam HS utilises three newly-developed, 1920 × 1080p MOS imagers
with an extraordinary 14 stops of latitude, providing full control over a wide
range of lighting conditions for unparalleled 1080p native recording/operation.

The camera/recorder boasts a classical RGB imager/prism system that provides
equi-band full resolution color processing for critical applications. Among the
camcorder’s key features are real-time high frame rate and off-speed recording
to 240fps in 1080p (using AVC-Intra Class100), plus the ability to ramp / change
frame rates during record. To complement the impressive video quality, the new
VariCam HS boasts 24-bit LPCM audio capabilities. Powerful yet creative image
controls such as matrix, detail, gammas and a new Log recording capability allow
precise, powerful creative control over image parameters.

The VariCam HS will feature a range of high-quality recording formats including
AVC-Intra Class100 (recording as 1080/24p, 30p or 60p format with VFR (up to
240p), AVC-Intra Class200 (up to 30p/60i) and AVC-Intra Class4:4:4 (up to
30p). Both AVC-Intra Class200 and AVC-Intra Class4:4:4 deliver spectacular
performance in applications where image quality is the utmost consideration.

The VariCam HS adds “V-Log” to the well-respected FilmRec and Dynamic Range
Stretch (DRS) image contrast management controls. The VariCam HS will feature
Panasonic’s Emmy® Award-winning Chromatic Aberration Compensation (CAC)
technology to minimize lateral chromatic aberrations and dramatically improve
the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF) of the optical system. VariCam HS also
affords in-camera color grading.

AVC-Intra Class4:4:4 supports 12-bit recording for 1080p content, allowing file-
based 4:4:4 workflows with the unparalleled ability to handle the finer tonal
graduations and color fidelity that the 12-bit format provides. AVC-Intra
Class200, at twice the bit rate per frame of AVC-Intra Class100, is visually
lossless, delivering studio master quality for recording network-level
programming and archiving. AVC-Intra Class200 is ideal for field capture of
content for film-outs; the higher quality greatly enhances color correction
processes, as well as green screen and compositing applications.

The VariCam HS will use Panasonic’s new expressP2 card for high frame rate
recording (frame rates above 60fps: see separate news release). The camera
recording module unit is equipped with a total of four memory card slots, two for
expressP2 cards and two for microP2 cards. The new 256Gbyte expressP2 card
can record about 32 minutes of 240p 1080 HD video. The microP2 card is
designed for recording HD at more typical production frame rates.

Addressing the need for high-speed file exchange, the VariCam HS encodes
high-resolution proxy files in parallel with higher bandwidth production formats,
enabling fast, efficient offline editing, at bit rates from 6 Mbps down to 1.5Mbps.

Professional interfaces include: RGB4:4:4; a 3G-HD-SDI out to support
1080/60p, an HD-SDI out for monitoring; 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 innovative design addition, the
VariCam HS boasts a removable control panel to facilitate real-time control and
easy menu access when the camera is in a fixed or remote position. The
camera’s 2/3″ B4 lens mount enables use of a remarkable variety of prime
lenses and servo zooms, lensing possibilities simply not available on larger
formats.

The VariCam HS has suggested list price under $55,000, including EVF and
shoulder mount module. For further information about Panasonic professional
video products, visit www.panasonic.com/broadcast.

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.

Released concurrently with Panasonic’s Varicam 35 cinema camera, the Varicam
HS is well-suited to the production of documentary and sport programmes.
This third-generation VariCam® camera incorporates the company’s AVC-ULTRA
family of video codecs and high speed 1080p image capture of up to 240fps to
produce extraordinary high-definition imagery for the most demanding
documentary, sports or SFX slow-motion applications.

Features:
• Innovative modular design. The VariCam HS 2/3′ camera head docks with the
AVC-ULTRA recording module to provide the full functionality and ergonomics of a
conventional production camera / recorder.
• This system flexibility can be expanded with an umbilical cable between the
2/3′ camera module unit (AU-V23HS1) and the recording module unit (AU-
VREC1), providing “box’ camera functionality for jibs, cranes and other “remote’
camera needs.
• A range of high-quality recording formats including AVC-Intra Class100
(recording as 1080/24p, 30p or 60p format with VFR (up to 240p), AVC-Intra
Class200 (up to 30p/60i) and AVC-Intra Class4:4:4 (up to 30p).
• Four memory card slots, two for expressP2 cards and two for microP2 cards.

• Professional interfaces include: RGB4:4:4; a 3G-HD-SDI out to support
1080/60p, an HD-SDI out for monitoring; and two XLR inputs to record four
channels of 24-bit, 48kHz audio.
• Removable control panel to facilitate real-time control and easy menu access
when the camera is in a fixed or remote position.
• B4 lens mount enabling use of a variety of prime lenses and servo zooms.