Bob Loblaw
Active member
Wow, a lot of drama over a video that was instantly debunked by several sources including the makers of the video.
EVA1: Panasonic AU-EVA1! Announcement and latest updates
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filmguy123
Veteran
Welcome to the internet!! :grin:
Colinelves
Well-known member
New information from Mitch Gross:
240 fps slow mo is only 8bit 420.
So no 10bit 422 option for 240fps slow mo. Unless this is set to change with firmware updates.
240 fps slow mo is only 8bit 420.
So no 10bit 422 option for 240fps slow mo. Unless this is set to change with firmware updates.
so i got my grubby little hands on the engineering model last week. here's a few observations:
keep in mind that it's the hand-built engineering model - with an un-finished firmware, so there'll be some changes, and some mechanical play that's going to get better on the assembly line.
first the not-so-good:
- the ef-mount is not very sturdy yet, there's a lot of play if you plan to use a follow focus. i'm sure that'll improve in the production model (but, by how much?).
- so is the side handle, but that's also due to change.
- the touch-screen is not very responsive yet, it definitely does not feel like a state of the art-capacitive touch screen, like we're used from smartphones.
- looks like you can't remove the sun-shade from the monitor. (but i didn't dare try it with some force, and maybe that's also just in the engineering-model)
- the cable on the monitor is also non-removable, no word about an extension (so you probably won't be able to mount the monitor on a gimbal, but it seems long enough for any relocation of the monitor on the camera)
- due to the way the monitor is mounted, it's a bit fiddly to mount it any way you want - e.g. you have to reverse it to have it look to the side - and due to the non-removeable sunshade, you had to move it even more than a usual monitor.
- no phantom power on-/off from the quick menu (maybe i just didn't see it).
- dual-iso is nice, but 2500 is only 1 1/2 stops over the native 800. it's still a panasonic, so there's already some noise visible at the base setting - i guess it'll be usable up to 10.000 iso, 5000 for people who are picky. so, for a killer feature, it's slightly underwhelming.
- the nd-switch does not go "around" - if you're on the 4th setting, you have to hit "down" three times to go back to no ND. i'd much have preferred a mechanical wheel, but maybe that's something to do with the removable ir-filter.
- the EIS looked like it didn't do anything yet, besides cropping into the image.
- card door- and audio-wheel covers looked very flimsy
- fan noise is audible if you hold your ear to the cam, but there's some fan-option in the menu. maybe it's possible to turn it off. it's pretty low, though.
- the waveform display is tiny - maybe it's customizable, but i didn't see a lot in terms of advanced assistant/software - features
- some people remarked that they didn't like the plasticky built - i thought it was fine, just like other cams in this price range.
now the good:
- pictures looked great on the internal and on an external monitor - definitely better colors and less moiré than on the gh-cameras.
- highlight-rolloff looked nice
- rolling shutter was already pretty good, but i've heard that that's still not finalized (so it'll probably get even better)
- the lcd is a bit taller than 16:9, lots of information is displayed on the black bars above and below - which results in a very uncluttered view of the image.
- green focus rectangles work as expected
- feels like it's well balanced
- the quick-menu is nice - maybe it could use more options or be a little customizable, but maybe it is anyway.
- not sure if you can "focus-by-wire" on af-lenses from the wheel on the side-grip. i hope so.
nice little camera, though i'm in two minds whether it's really a worthy investment as an a-cam if that's all the budget you've got. aside from the distinct panasonic-look of the images it doesn't bring a lot to the table that the already industry-established competition hasn't got for the same price. but the pana-look is what we're all after, right? still, i think it's not as important as it used to be in times of log-curves and LUTs. i guess, if you need a camera now, and dig the panasonic-look, then it's the best option for the money, but only just. again, it's nice, but to me it doesn't have the "wow"-"everything but the kitchen sink" effect the fs7 had a few years back. i hope, panasonic has already plans for the eva-2, for when the competition hits back in 1-2 years. looking forward to the footage next week - i think, we're in for a treat.
keep in mind that it's the hand-built engineering model - with an un-finished firmware, so there'll be some changes, and some mechanical play that's going to get better on the assembly line.
first the not-so-good:
- the ef-mount is not very sturdy yet, there's a lot of play if you plan to use a follow focus. i'm sure that'll improve in the production model (but, by how much?).
- so is the side handle, but that's also due to change.
- the touch-screen is not very responsive yet, it definitely does not feel like a state of the art-capacitive touch screen, like we're used from smartphones.
- looks like you can't remove the sun-shade from the monitor. (but i didn't dare try it with some force, and maybe that's also just in the engineering-model)
- the cable on the monitor is also non-removable, no word about an extension (so you probably won't be able to mount the monitor on a gimbal, but it seems long enough for any relocation of the monitor on the camera)
- due to the way the monitor is mounted, it's a bit fiddly to mount it any way you want - e.g. you have to reverse it to have it look to the side - and due to the non-removeable sunshade, you had to move it even more than a usual monitor.
- no phantom power on-/off from the quick menu (maybe i just didn't see it).
- dual-iso is nice, but 2500 is only 1 1/2 stops over the native 800. it's still a panasonic, so there's already some noise visible at the base setting - i guess it'll be usable up to 10.000 iso, 5000 for people who are picky. so, for a killer feature, it's slightly underwhelming.
- the nd-switch does not go "around" - if you're on the 4th setting, you have to hit "down" three times to go back to no ND. i'd much have preferred a mechanical wheel, but maybe that's something to do with the removable ir-filter.
- the EIS looked like it didn't do anything yet, besides cropping into the image.
- card door- and audio-wheel covers looked very flimsy
- fan noise is audible if you hold your ear to the cam, but there's some fan-option in the menu. maybe it's possible to turn it off. it's pretty low, though.
- the waveform display is tiny - maybe it's customizable, but i didn't see a lot in terms of advanced assistant/software - features
- some people remarked that they didn't like the plasticky built - i thought it was fine, just like other cams in this price range.
now the good:
- pictures looked great on the internal and on an external monitor - definitely better colors and less moiré than on the gh-cameras.
- highlight-rolloff looked nice
- rolling shutter was already pretty good, but i've heard that that's still not finalized (so it'll probably get even better)
- the lcd is a bit taller than 16:9, lots of information is displayed on the black bars above and below - which results in a very uncluttered view of the image.
- green focus rectangles work as expected
- feels like it's well balanced
- the quick-menu is nice - maybe it could use more options or be a little customizable, but maybe it is anyway.
- not sure if you can "focus-by-wire" on af-lenses from the wheel on the side-grip. i hope so.
nice little camera, though i'm in two minds whether it's really a worthy investment as an a-cam if that's all the budget you've got. aside from the distinct panasonic-look of the images it doesn't bring a lot to the table that the already industry-established competition hasn't got for the same price. but the pana-look is what we're all after, right? still, i think it's not as important as it used to be in times of log-curves and LUTs. i guess, if you need a camera now, and dig the panasonic-look, then it's the best option for the money, but only just. again, it's nice, but to me it doesn't have the "wow"-"everything but the kitchen sink" effect the fs7 had a few years back. i hope, panasonic has already plans for the eva-2, for when the competition hits back in 1-2 years. looking forward to the footage next week - i think, we're in for a treat.
Last edited:
Mitch Gross
Veteran
Lots of interesting observations. I'm not going to pick apart anything as you're entitled to your opinion. Just going to clarify a couple points here and there.
- LCD sunshade is indeed removable. Glad you didn't want to abuse the camera, but it pops off with just a bit of effort.
- No extension to the LCD cable. I just checked with a tape measure -- it's 16" long.
- Audio phantom power is in the Audio menu. Three steps in to find it. How often do you need to switch this during a shooting day?
- I guess the fan noise is technically audible if you shove your ear against the battery. It's really, really quiet. Yes, there are settings in the menu.
Just wondering will the one touch AF work on all EF Lenses ?
Also any thoughts on what would be the best budget run and gun EF lens with IS and AF ?
First second and third choices would be welcomed. Also does the EVA1 have the same Tele Convert /digital zoom function as the GH5 ?
this might prove handy in run and gun situations.
Thanks
Also any thoughts on what would be the best budget run and gun EF lens with IS and AF ?
First second and third choices would be welcomed. Also does the EVA1 have the same Tele Convert /digital zoom function as the GH5 ?
this might prove handy in run and gun situations.
Thanks
Danilo Del Tufo
Well-known member
Matt Gottshalk
Resident Preditor
Nice
puredrifting
Major Contributor
The few EVA 1 shots in this piece look good but they almost seem too quick and mostly wide framed to really tell what I am seeing, other than great sharpness and nice colors. Looking forward to seeing this on the big screen.
morgan_moore
Major Contributor
Mitch FYI this can be bad news. IMO
The length of that cable defines if you can balance the camera on your shoulder.
On the FS7 it is too short (Im not saying it is on the EVA)
Result.. need to buy an external monitor/EVF $1000/, need to power the external monitor $60 jumper, Need second power source, 2nd batt on camera $ and mass, not to mention trailing cables and loss of an output that could be feeding something else loss of any focus punch on assisgned button. etc.
On the FS7 the cable length significantly downgrades the camera!
filmguy123
Veteran
Thank you for the thorough, balanced, and detailed impressions unami. Much appreciated.
Jason R. Johnston
Well-known member
Regarding the LCD cable length: couldn't someone simply make an extension cables or cables of varying lengths? I don't know what the type of connection is, but if it's something weird then a third party could make an extension, but if it's, say, a BNC connection then it wouldn't be too much trouble to just buy some sdi cables. I mean having to buy another evf or lcd and the juice needed for it, and blaming the length of the cable for the in-the-box lcd sounds like a weak arguement.
Mitch Gross
Veteran
One Touch AF works with all supported EF lenses. The list on the VariCam website will also apply to the EVA1, and most if not all others will also work.
Panasonic US will offer a bundle of the EVA1 and the Sigma 24-70 Art.
EVA1 does not have a zoom function but in 2K/HD mode there is the option for shooting in the 4/3rd image area. But this is not a run & gun solution.
Mitch Gross
Veteran
The EVA1 camera body is quite small, and the LCD can extend quite far in front of the camera. Shape and other 3rd party manufacturers are making top plates with extension arms for the LCD to be placed far forward. The mount is a 15mm rod or at a different point a 1/4"x20 threaded bolt. Common stuff for mounting. I don't know how farsighted you might be, but certainly for balance you should be able to get the LCD where you need it. You'd be surprised how far out that 16" will get you.
icarusfilm
Veteran
"EVA1 does not have a zoom function but in 2K/HD mode there is the option for shooting in the 4/3rd image area. But this is not a run & gun solution."
Mitch can you elaborate?
Mitch can you elaborate?
Danilo Del Tufo
Well-known member
Ehy Mitch, but if the camera weights 2.1 kg and the Sigma lens 1,020g, you will have a 3,0kg camera to work with. How could be used handled?
Run&Gun
Veteran
I'm presuming he means that activating the sensor crop(4/3 image area mode) is a dive into the menu and not a simple one or two button process that can be done super fast on-the-fly in a run & gun situation. In other words, you're gonna have to stop what you're doing to activate it.
Mitch Gross
Veteran
The cable cannot be extended. To do so would compromise the signal (RF interference), the touchscreen communication and importantly an extension would introduce a voltage drop. The LCD is a low power device and the camera is doing all sorts of power efficiency management because we're running the entire system on low power 7.2v small batteries. Without getting into further detail please just understand that an extension for the LCD is not in the cards.
However, the SDI output can be set to mirror what the LCD sees. This means all heads-up displays such as the horizon level and focus assists that are normally never sent to the video outputs. So if you do choose to have a separate LCD or viewfinder it can receive all the info available on the camera's LCD.
Mitch Gross
Veteran
There is a shooting mode for 2K/HD resolution. It uses the 4/3rd image area of the sensor (about 80% of Super-35). This mode allows shooting in 2K or HD up to 240p.
Mitch Gross
Veteran
Attendees did just that at last night's EVA1 event in NYC where we screened the short films, had a Q&A with one of the filmmakers and offered lots of hands-on time with the camera in multiple setups. One of the EVA1 demo setups was with a Sigma 24-70 Art and people commented how comfortable it was to use. In the Q&A, filmmaker Elle Schneider noted how she as a petite woman especially valued the light weight, ergonomic adjustable hand grip and well-balanced overall design of the EVA1. One part of her film was a crew of just one, where she went out with two actors to capture a scene handheld.
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