Panasonic 4K discussion at InterBee 2013

It will have to be cheaper than an f55 to get any traction in the market, and have a global shutter.
It might be a little cheaper, but I expect that it will have a rolling shutter. I also expect that even if there is raw, it will be limited to 12-bit, whereas the F55 outputs 16-bit linear raw.
 
It might be relevant to remember what niche the previous Varicams thrived in: Higher-end ENG-style applications, documentary and wildlife cinematography and lower-end commercial work.
Seems to me Panasonic could reestablish share in that market with an ENG-style S35 camera that windows down to a 2/3" image. Especially if they come in around or below the F55 price point.
Simply producing another F55 or RED clone (like the mockup they showed last year) isn't going to give them the sales they need and will be doomed from the get-go, IMHO.

The rugged Varicam was known for producing a very good image in-camera with a robust broadcast codec, and that's what they need to do again with a bigger chip.
That could totally take the wind out of the new Arri Amira if they can do 4K at a reasonable price point.
 
It's also good to remember how the Varicam kicked the crap out of the Sony F900 in performance and price back in the day. That's what Panasonic was very good at.
We shall see....
 
Seems to me Panasonic could reestablish share in that market with an ENG-style S35 camera that windows down to a 2/3" image. Especially if they come in around or below the F55 price point. .
There's little point in 2/3" windowing now - far more satisfactory overall to use a B4-S35 optical adapter, which is being widely done now with current s35 cameras. If we're talking about a 3840x2160 sensor, a 2/3" window out of s35 will be about 1420x800 - which will give well under 720p spec after deBayering. That holds true for any s35 camera, from any manufacturer. The adaptor doesn't add much in size or weight, though yes, there's the cost of it.
 
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