It's safe to say Panasonic's VariCams are quite the hot ticket item for production pros, find out exactly what it is that has these cams creating industry buzz. ****
**Q: What has been the feedback on the camera so far? **
I think it’s fair to say our new VariCams (the VariCam 35 and Varicam HS (HS for high speed)) were top attractions at the recent NAB show, and a focus of interest among filmmakers, documentarians and sports producers.
**Q: Where did the idea for the VariCam come from? **
Combining native 4K 4096 x 2160 acquisition with the VariCam’s legacy of gorgeous, cinematic image production seemed like an ideal pairing. It inspired our engineers to develop a newly-developed super 35mm MOS image sensor and incorporate Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA family of video codecs. We want to emphasize that the VariCam 35 is not only a remarkable 4K camera, but also capable of superb image handling in multiple formats including UHD, 2K and HD as well as native 4K.
**Q: What type of production professionals do you expect will use the camera most? **
We envision the VariCam 35 as a versatile tool for high-end filmmaking, commercials and episodic production, as well as live 4K events.
**Q: What are a few of the VariCam’s main features? **
a. The VariCam 35 features an innovative design approach whereby the 4K camera module is separate but dockable to the recording module unit, which is also interchangeable with Panasonic’s new 2/3” camera module (the VariCam HS); this enables professionals to switch between s35mm and 2/3” camera heads to best suit their creative needs.
b. Apple ProRes 4444 and ProRes HQ support for HD recording, which positions the VariCam 35 solidly within a well-established and widely accepted HD workflow.
c. Panasonic is working closely with Codex Digital to develop a dedicated recorder that will capture uncompressed 4K VariCam RAW (V-RAW) at up to 120fps, bolstering the VariCam 35’s suitability for high-end cinema applications.
d. System flexibility can be expanded with an umbilical cable between the s35mm 4K camera and the AVC-ULTRA recorder, providing “box” camera functionality for jibs, cranes and other “remote” camera needs
e. Real-time, high frame rate, variable speed 4K recording up to 120fps.
f. 14+ stops of latitude
**Q: What sets this camera apart from others being used in the industry right now? **
Native 4K recording, modular design, expanse of formats ranging from flawless 4K RAW output to more practical 4K, UHD, 2K and HD capture.
**Q: What trends in production and broadcast do you see on the horizon? **
The production and broadcast communities have to manage different sets of criteria as they transition to 4K and beyond, but what they have in common is a need for practical and versatile solutions. Do I need to record pristine 4K for present and/or archival use? Do I need to record in multiple formats simultaneously? Does the production entail high-speed file exchange? With our new VariCam products, we’re in an excellent position to address these issues.
*Content courtesy of Steve Cooperman, Senior Product Manager, Panasonic System Communications Company of North America. *
