Panasonic VariCam LT
Panasonic unveiled the VariCam LT, representing the next generation of 4K cinema cameras. The VariCam LT camcorder inherits the same super 35mm sensor and imaging capabilities that distinguish the award-winning VariCam 35, but with significant reductions in size, weight and price.
The following video presents “AFRICA” The Sample Footage of Panasonic’s New Cinema VariCam LT from Cinema VariCam™ on Vimeo.
- This footage was shot by Panasonic’s new VariCam LT the super 35mm 4K cinema camera (engineering sample).
- Resolution: UHD 23.98p, Codec: AVC-Intra 4K 4:2:2, Gamma: V-Look mode (new cine-like gamma).
- DP: Sandesh Kadur – Felis Creations Pvt. Ltd – www.felis.in
- Music Credit: Al Lethbridge
- Editor: Robin Darius Conz
Key highlights of Panasonic VariCam LT include:
- Same Imager as VariCam 35: 35mm Single-Chip MOS Sensor
- Native 4K/60p Shooting
- 14+ Stops of Wide Latitude
- Dual Native ISO of 800/5000
- EF mount can be switched out by the end user to a standard PL mount (optional)
- Expansive Color Gamut
- Scene Files and V-LOOK
- Infrared Shooting (IR)
- 2K/HD 240p Slow Motion
- Detachable Control Panel with Monitor
- Standard HD SDI Interface for EVF
- In-Camera Color Grading
- Main and Proxy Recording
- Multiple Codec 4K/UHD/2K/HD Recording:the VariCam LT can record 4K (4096 x 2160) or UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. For 2K recording, the VariCam LT supports AVC-Intra 2K444/2K422/2K-LT. For HD recording, the VariCam LT supports AVC-Intra 444/422/100/LT and Apple ProRes 4444/HQ. Using the 256 GByte expressP2 card, the camera can record approximately 90 minutes of 23.98p 4K video with AVC-Intra 4K422.
* ProRes is licensed from Apple Inc. Apple ProRes codec from Atomos under license. Atomos is trademark and copyright of Atomos Global Pty. Ltd.
- Monitoring Output Terminals
Panasonic VariCam LT: Rear Side Connectors
RAW output from SDI is planned to be supported by a firmware upgrade in early summer 2016.
AU-V35LT1G VariCam LT, body only
The VariCam LT will be available at the end of March in two packages, suggested list price USD $18,000 (body only) and suggested list price USD $24,000 (body + AU-VCVF10G viewfinder).
For more info about the Varicam LT, please visit http://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/varicam/lt/index.html .
NEWS RELEASE
Panasonic Announces Compact 4K Super 35 VariCam LT Cinema Camcorder
February 10, 2016 11:00 PM Eastern Standard Time
NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Panasonic today unveiled the VariCam LT, representing the next generation of 4K cinema cameras. The VariCam LT camcorder inherits the same super 35mm sensor and superb imaging capabilities that distinguish the award-winning VariCam 35, but with significant reductions in size, weight and price.
Panasonic VariCam LT: Super 35 mm Imager and EF Lens Mount (Panasonic does not guarantee the compatibility or performance of all EF lenses). Image Courtesy of Panasonic
Incorporating this identical imaging “DNA” in a more compact rendition, the VariCam LT (model AU-V35LT1G) delivers 14+ stops of dynamic range with V-Log, and the esteemed cinematic VariCam image quality and color science, as well as the VariCam 35’s breakout innovation, dual native ISOs of 800/5000.
Panasonic VariCam LT: 14+ Stop Wide Latitude. Image Courtesy of Panasonic
Weighing just under six pounds and having superior capability to similar sized cameras, the VariCam LT will be the ideal camera for handheld, SteadiCam, jib, crane, drone, gimbal and overall cinema verité work. The VariCam LT is likewise tailor-made for owner/operators, independent filmmakers, documentary makers and corporate production creators.
Panasonic VariCam LT: V-LOOK. Image Courtesy of Panasonic
The VariCam LT delivers superb image handling in multiple formats ranging from 4K, UHD, 2K and HD, and like the VariCam 35, is fully capable of High Dynamic Range (HDR) field capture. The new 4K camcorder offers Apple ProRes 4444 (up to 30p) and ProRes 422 HQ (up to 60p) support for HD recording, as well as Panasonic’s AVC-ULTRA family of advanced video codecs.
New codecs introduced in the VariCam LT include AVC-Intra LT and AVC-Intra 2K-LT, both designed to offer capture rates up to 240fps in imager crop mode, ideal for sports and other fast motion footage.
Panasonic VariCam LT: Large Native Color Gamut (V-Gamut)
Powerful color management capabilities combined with VariCam’s extended color gamut and support for the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) workflow allow for full fidelity mastering of original source material. The VariCam LT offers in-camera color grading, with the ability to record an ungraded 4K master along with all on-set grading metadata. A new color processing feature is “V-LOOK,” which acts as a blend of V-Log and video, and allows filmic documentary acquisition without the same need for intense color grading.
Panasonic VariCam LT: Beautiful Skin Tone. Image Courtesy of Panasonic
The VariCam LT differs from the VariCam 35 in being a one-piece, short-bodied camcorder vs. a two-piece camera head plus recorder. While the VariCam LT does not feature parallel sub-recording, it does have an SD slot for high-resolution proxy recording. Proxy files can be wirelessly uploaded via FTP, which facilitates wireless color grading. Variable frame rates are available with LongG6 recording.
Panasonic “expressP2 card” (256 GB model): Memory Card AU-XP0256AG
There is one expressP2 card for all formats including high frame rate and HD/2K/UHD and 4K recording (the 256Gbyte expressP2 card can record up to 90 minutes of 4K/4:2:2/23.98p content). RAW output from SDI is planned to be supported by a firmware upgrade in early summer 2016.
Panasonic VariCam LT: Detachable Control Panel with Monitor. The supplied control panel has a built-in 3.5 type LCD display panel. It can be used for menu operation or as a live/preview monitor. The keys and dials are laid out around the display for quick and accurate operation. Frequently used settings can be accessed directly. The detachable structure allows the camera to be operated from a distance of up to 90 cm.
The VariCam LT features an EF mount (vs. the VariCam 35’s PL mount), suitable for the wide array of lenses available for smaller cameras.* The EF mount can be switched out to a robust standard PL mount, expanding the range of compatible lenses that can be used. The control panel can be separated from the camera body to facilitate real-time control and easy menu access. The camcorder has a production-tough magnesium body to assure durability and reliability in challenging shooting locations.
Panasonic VariCam LT: Infrared (IR) Shooting in Daylight. The Cinema VariCam LT has an integrated, detachable IR cut filter. User can do the IR shooting to record 4K images in dark unlit nightscapes. This is ideal for capturing nocturnal wildlife and other scenes with no illumination. Also, the IR filter can be used in daylight as a creative tool for achieving a unique look. Image Courtesy of Panasonic
Other features new to the VariCam LT are power hot swap, IR shooting (further enhancing the camcorder’s extreme low-light capture at ISO 5000), 23.98 PsF output, and image presets as scene files.
Panasonic VariCam LT: Dual Native ISO of 5000. Image Courtesy of Panasonic
Among the camcorder’s top-level production assets are ND filters (CLEAR, 0.6, 1.2, 1.8), an optional OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with optical zoom functionality, 24-bit LPCM audio for in-camera audio master recording, Focus Assist, anamorphic lens de-squeeze, special REC functions (PreRec, interval, one-shot), IP control via Panasonic’s AK-HRP200 camera remote controller, and built-in GPS.
Professional interfaces include: 3G-HD-SDI x 3 (SDI-OUT X 2 and VF), LAN, genlock in, timecode in/out, USB2.0 Host and USB2.0 Device (mini B), and three XLR inputs (one 5-pin, two 3-pin) to record four channels of 24-bit, 48KHz audio. In addition, its flexible interfaces allow use of the Panasonic AU-VCVF10G viewfinder, as well as 3rd party viewfinder solutions.
Center, middle row: AU-V35LT1G VariCam LT, body only. Right, middle row: AU-VCVF10G viewfinder
The VariCam LT will be available at the end of March in two packages, suggested list price $18,000 (body only) and suggested list price $24,000 (body + AU-VCVF10G viewfinder).
For more information about the VariCam LT, visit www.us.panasonic.com/varicam, or contact Panasonic at 877-803-8492.
* Panasonic does not guarantee the compatibility or performance of all EF lenses. Specifics will be updated on the Panasonic web site, www.us.panasonic.com/varicam.
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You can pre-order / buy the Panasonic 4K Super 35 VariCam LT Cinema Camcorder at B&H:
