The Panasonic VariCam is once again in use at the BBC Natural History Unit, which has ordered both the 4K and high speed (HS) versions of the flagship Panasonic camera. The decision was made following a three month test shoot, supported directly by Panasonic. The Varicam 35 offer significant advantages such as pristine image quality, 4K on board recording with simultaneous proxy files for a more flexible workflow, 120 frames per second slow motion in 4K, in addition to the HS head which can do 240fps in Full HD. The unique Dual ISO feature allows for noise-free images at two native ISO's of 800 and 5000, which will enable cinematographers to capture stunning images in low-light. Panasonic-VariCam-35-4KThe VariCam has a rich heritage with the Bristol based NHU, with nearly 30 of the second generation HD camcorders used on productions including Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and Africa. Nigel Wilkes, UK Group Manager for Panasonic, said Panasonic has been waiting for this moment.
We are very proud to be involved with the next major production being produced by the NHU,” Nigel said. “For many years, VariCam was the defacto standard NHU camcorder, it set the standard that was required to capture the natural world at its best. The new camera includes a new true 4K head recording 120fps, an HD head recording 240fps, the ability to record multiple formats simultaneously (4K/1080/Proxy) and the famous dual ISO at both 800 and 5000.”
Panasonic-VariCam-35 VariCam 35 Key Features: • Super 35mm 4096 X 2160 Advanced MOS Imager (17:9) • 14+ Stops of Latitude • Variable Frame Rates 1 to 120 fps in 4K • Records simultaneous 4K/ 2K/Proxy, or UHD/HD/Proxy + Raw out to Codex Recorder • 4K Raw up to 60fps (via external Codex Raw recorder only) • Apple ProRes 4:4:4:4 and ProRes HQ Built-in • AVC-Intra Codecs - Class 100 / Class 200 / Class 4:4:4 • 2-piece Modular Design (docks to AU-VREC1G recording module) • 3G-HD-SDI (4x) for Quad 4K Raw output • Stainless steel, heat-resistant Sensor Housing • Solid metal construction to withstand the rigours of field work • Modular Design – camera module can be separated from recording module up to 30 feet via cable • V-Log cine gamma • In-camera LUT support • Dual Recording System – Main and Sub • Main recording onto expressP2 cards x 2 bays for 4K/UHD or P2 cards for 2K/1080p recording • Sub recording onto microP2 cards x 2 bays for HD/Proxy recording • Detachable Monitor interface (via cable) for 1st AC • OLED Viewfinder (1280 x 720p) with optical zoom & diopter adjustment • Built-in ND filters (2, 4, 6 stops) • External monitor, Time Code, GenLock SDI connections, in addition to a Viewfinder SDI connection. • XLR inputs to record 4 channels of 24-bit, 48KHz audio. Visual Impact is a proud reseller for the new Panasonic Varicam 35 and HS; we have units for sale and also for rent through out 24/7 Drama sister company. For all your Varicam needs give us a call at 0208 977 1222 and we'll ensure you get the right package for your production.