Panasonic IBC press releases - 4K Varicam prioritized

B

Barry_Green

Moderator
Panasonic Announces Prioritised Development of 4K Varicam Camera Recorder4K Varicam features 4K video capture at 24p to 100/120p and will be launched with new Ultra P2 technology

Amsterdam. 13 September 2013
In response to the growing worldwide demand for 4K production, Panasonic Professional Camera Solutions is prioritising the development of the 4K VariCam camera recorder. The VariCam will be a highly practical camera, boasting features and performance suitable not only for 4K cinema, but also HDTV content production. The camera is set for launch in 2014. Panasonic has also unveiled the development of the new Ultra P2 cards at IBC.
With the 4K VariCam, Panasonic is tending to businesses that are increasingly looking for suitable, and above all affordable, equipment to create 4K production environments. By using large-scale integration chip technology (LSI) boasting AVC-Ultra, the new extension of the AVC-Intra codec format used widely in HD recording, Panasonic will speed the development of its 4K VariCam.
By integrating the latest 4K technology, the VariCam will support 4K shooting from 24p to 100/120p. To enable even better 4K video productions, Panasonic will fit the 4K VariCam with a newly developed Super35mm size high sensitivity image sensor with 4K resolution. The sensor will feature wide dynamic range, extended colour space, and support for Log.
Moreover, in order to support highly reliable recording at high bit rates, new Ultra P2 cards will start shipping in conjunction with the 4K VariCam camera recorder. The form will be the same as traditional P2 cards, with a high speed PCIe interface adopted to enable high speed data transfer. Currently, 256GB Ultra P2 cards are planned for production.
Shipment of the 4K VariCam and the new Ultra P2 cards will start in 2014. Further product details will be revealed as the launch draws nearer. Panasonic’s 4K technology and plans with the format will be presented at Panasonic’s IBC booth, #9.C45, from 13 till 17 September.
 
I know... I know... price... less than an F55 or a C500 or Epic... good way to get back into the market... always liked Panny's look...
 
No price was listed, but at least they said "and above all affordable" in the press release, and you can assume they're acutely aware of the alternatives, so ... maybe they'll come in at a competitive price. I like the idea of a "newly developed S35-size high-sensitivity 4K sensor", with claimed wide dynamic range, extended color space, and log support. But it all also sounds very F55-like, so they'll have to do something notable to compete against the established products out there, especially since it's probably at least half a year, if not a full year, away from arrival.
 
This sounds really great. S35 sensor, Log, "not only 4K but HDTV as well." I hope it is shaped like the HPX370, with those ergonomics. I'm very excited to hear more.
 
Based on the pics I've seen from IBC, it looks a lot like the 4K prototype seen at NAB 2012.
Or maybe it was the same prototype?
 
As long as it has a decent shoulder mount and a good EVF which I'm sure it will with the name Varicam, I'd be happy about the ergos. I don't think it's too late at all, at least not for me. I think that Sony is still working through their stuff with F5 and F55 and have a pretty good head start but if Panasonic can get this in at a good price, I think there will be room for it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top